From the closest point to the Sun to the world's most difficult railway.
Experience two of Ecuador’s most iconic Andean highlights in one unforgettable journey — the majestic Chimborazo Volcano and the legendary Devil’s Nose Train in Alausí.
This full-day adventure blends extreme high-altitude landscapes with one of the most famous railway feats in South America. It is the perfect experience for travelers who want dramatic scenery, authentic culture, and a touch of historic engineering in a single trip.
From snow-capped peaks to dramatic canyon railways, this tour showcases the raw power and heritage of the Ecuadorian Andes.
Why Travelers Love This Experience
This tour delivers one of the most complete highland adventures in mainland Ecuador. Travelers especially value:
- Visit to Ecuador’s highest volcano
- Extreme high-altitude landscapes
- Legendary Devil’s Nose train ride
- Unique mix of nature and history
- One of the most scenic routes in the Andes
It is ideal for adventure seekers, photographers, and travelers wanting to experience the dramatic heart of the Ecuadorian Sierra.
Recommended to Bring
Due to the extreme altitude and changing weather, we strongly recommend bringing:
- Warm layered clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Gloves and hat for high altitude
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Camera or smartphone
Temperatures near Chimborazo can drop quickly, and proper clothing is essential for comfort.
An epic Andean journey where the towering Chimborazo Volcano and the legendary Devil’s Nose Train combine to create one of Ecuador’s most dramatic and unforgettable adventures.
Details
Your adventure begins early with a scenic drive south from Quito through the heart of the Andean highlands.
As the journey progresses, the landscapes become increasingly dramatic — wide páramo plains, rural communities, and towering volcanic horizons accompany you along the way. This region represents the geographic core of Ecuador’s Sierra.
The route itself is part of the experience, offering constant photo opportunities and a deeper appreciation of the country’s mountainous terrain.
Standing at 6,310 meters (20,702 ft), Chimborazo is Ecuador’s highest mountain and famously considered the point on Earth closest to the sun due to the planet’s equatorial bulge.
Inside the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, visitors typically reach high-altitude viewpoints near the Carrel Refuge (around 4,800 m), where the air is thin and the landscape feels almost otherworldly.
Here you may experience:
- Panoramic views of the snow-capped volcano
- High-altitude páramo ecosystems
- Possible sightings of wild vicuñas
- Short acclimatization walks
Few places in Ecuador allow travelers to safely reach such extreme elevations in a single day
The journey continues to Alausí, home of the famous Devil’s Nose railway — widely regarded as one of the most daring train routes ever built.
To overcome near-vertical mountain walls, engineers created a zigzag railway that descends hundreds of meters through steep Andean terrain, making it one of the most remarkable rail achievements of the early 20th century.
During the train experience, travelers typically enjoy:
- Scenic ride through dramatic mountain cliffs
- The famous zigzag descent
- Panoramic canyon views
- Cultural encounters in Sibambe
- Unique railway photo opportunities
The short but spectacular ride is often the emotional highlight of the day.
Beyond the train itself, the charming town of Alausí offers a glimpse into traditional Andean life. Recognized as a cultural destination, the area combines mountain scenery with living Indigenous heritage.
Nearby communities preserve weaving traditions, local gastronomy, and rural lifestyles that enrich the overall experience of the tour.
