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$55 per person | From Quito

Chimborazo & The Devil's Nose

2 Beautiful Places
From Riobamba
Moderate
195 USD p.p.
Overnight stay
departures every week:
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday

These are group tours. We guarantee departures, even with one person.

Our itinerary

2-Day Riobamba – Chimborazo – The Devil’s Nose Tour

From the Giant of the Andes to Ecuador’s Most Famous Train

Day 1 – Chimborazo & Riobamba City Tour (Start and Pick Up)
Today we’ll visit two of Ecuador’s most breathtaking natural wonders: Chimborazo Volcano and The Devil’s Nose.

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Riobamba in the early morning. We recommend a flexible but early start, around 8:00 AM, for the best experience.

Journey to Chimborazo Volcano
We’ll head out from Riobamba toward Chimborazo, the highest volcano in Ecuador and the closest point on Earth to the sun. Along the way, we’ll stop for photos in the páramo, where you might spot wild vicuñas and alpacas.

We’ll then visit the first refuge at 4,850 m (15,912 ft). If the weather is clear and you feel up for it, you can continue with a short hike up to the second refuge at 5,100 m (16,732 ft).

Lunch and Riobamba City Tour
We’ll return to Riobamba for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can taste traditional Ecuadorian food.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore the historic center, visiting landmarks like Maldonado Park, the cathedral, and the colonial streets. You’ll also have time to browse local handicrafts and enjoy a relaxed evening in town.

Overnight Stay

 After a day full of adventure and discovery, you’ll spend the night at your hotel in Riobamba, resting and getting ready for another exciting day.

In the morning after breakfast, you’ll be picked up between 08:00 AM directly from your accommodation to begin the next tour.

Day 2 – Devil’s Nose Train & Palmira Desert
We’ll drive south to Alausí, a beautiful mountain village famous for its colorful houses and railway history. Here, you’ll board the famous Devil’s Nose train a thrilling ride through steep cliffs and dramatic switchbacks, one of the most impressive train routes in South America.

The Devil’s Nose Train Ride
Get ready for one of the world’s most unique railway journeys. The train zigzags down steep switchbacks known as “La Nariz del Diablo” an incredible feat of engineering.

At the bottom, we’ll reach Sibambe, where you’ll enjoy traditional dances and spend time with local communities such as Nizag, Tolte, and Sibambe.

After some free time, we return by train to Alausí and then drive back to Riobamba in the afternoon.

Lunch and Visit to the Palmira Desert

We’ll return to Riobamba for lunch before continuing our journey to the Palmira Desert. This hidden gem is known as Ecuador’s “mini Sahara,” with rolling sand dunes surrounded by Andean landscapes. Take a short walk, enjoy the unique scenery, and capture some great photos before heading back to Riobamba.

Return and Drop off

After visiting Palmira, we’ll return to your hotel in Riobamba, the perfect end to your two-day adventure.

195 USD per person with a minimum of 2 participants.

Guaranteed departures every week on: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, in accordance with the official schedule of the Devil’s Nose Train, which operates from Wednesday to Sunday. This way, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the train ride on the second day of the tour.

Important:

For the Alausí train, tickets must be purchased only through the official website. We recommend buying them on the same day of the trip and checking availability in advance, as spaces are limited and tend to sell out quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.

Please be advised that the itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to external factors and at the discretion of the guide.

Activity times are approximate and may be adjusted if necessary.

Although we recommend participants have moderate fitness for the hike’s physical demands, please note that our experienced guide will always be there to provide support.

Overnight stay at accommodation (private room) in Robamba.

Lunch on the first day

Breakfast on the second day.

Bilingual guide Spanish / English.

Authorized tourist transport.

Menu-type meals (lunch on both days).

Permits to enter protected areas.

Dinner.

Ticket of Devil’s Nose Train

Extra food, snacks and drinks.

Tips.

Taxes: Only applicable to Ecuadorian citizens and companies.

Get ready for your day tour with this packing list:

Stay warm with gloves, scarf, and hat.

Shield your eyes with sunglasses.

Stay hydrated with water.

Wear sturdy shoes or boots.

Capture memories with your camera.

Stay dry with a waterproof jacket.

Keep your feet cozy with warm socks.

Protect your skin with sunscreen.

Pack snacks for energy.

195 USD per person with a minimum of 2 participants.

Guaranteed departures every week on: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, in accordance with the official schedule of the Devil’s Nose Train, which operates from Wednesday to Sunday. This way, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the train ride on the second day of the tour.

Important:

For the Alausí train, tickets must be purchased only through the official website. We recommend buying them on the same day of the trip and checking availability in advance, as spaces are limited and tend to sell out quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.

Please be advised that the itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to external factors and at the discretion of the guide.

Activity times are approximate and may be adjusted if necessary.

Although we recommend participants have moderate fitness for the hike’s physical demands, please note that our experienced guide will always be there to provide support.

Overnight stay at accommodation (private room) in Robamba.

Lunch on the first day

Breakfast on the second day.

Bilingual guide Spanish / English.

Authorized tourist transport.

Menu-type meals (lunch on both days).

Permits to enter protected areas.

Dinner.

Ticket of Devil’s Nose Train

Extra food, snacks and drinks.

Tips.

Taxes: Only applicable to Ecuadorian citizens and companies.

Get ready for your day tour with this packing list:

Stay warm with gloves, scarf, and hat.

Shield your eyes with sunglasses.

Stay hydrated with water.

Wear sturdy shoes or boots.

Capture memories with your camera.

Stay dry with a waterproof jacket.

Keep your feet cozy with warm socks.

Protect your skin with sunscreen.

Pack snacks for energy.

Frequently Asked questions

Riobamba & Chimborazo

Q: What time does the Chimborazo + Riobamba tour start?
Our tour starts early in the morning with hotel pick-up in Riobamba around 8:00 AM. Exact times may vary slightly depending on your location and weather conditions.
Q: Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, lunch is included during the Chimborazo visit. Breakfast and dinner are not included unless specified in your selected package (for 2-day tours, one night of accommodation and breakfast are usually included).
Q: How difficult is the hike at Chimborazo?
The walk to the first refuge (Carrell Refuge at 4,850 m / 15,912 ft) is moderate, and continuing to the Whymper Refuge (5,000 m / 16,404 ft) requires good physical condition. No technical climbing equipment is needed.
Q: What if I feel altitude sickness or get tired during the hike?
Our guides are trained in first aid and will help you adjust your pace. You can stay safely at the refuge if needed — your safety and comfort come first.
Q: What should I bring for the Chimborazo + Riobamba tour?
We recommend bringing warm layered clothing, a windproof jacket, gloves, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. Good hiking shoes are essential.
Q: Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes! This tour is suitable for travelers with basic hiking experience and good health. The itinerary includes time for breaks and acclimatization.

Q: What safety measures are in place?

Our professional guides are certified in mountain rescue and first aid. We provide a support vehicle, radio communication, and carry emergency oxygen during the tour.

Q: What places are visited in Riobamba?

Depending on the itinerary, the tour includes a city tour of Riobamba, visiting highlights such as Parque Maldonado, La Merced Church, Loma de Quito viewpoint, and local markets.

Frequently Asked questions

The Devil’s Nose

Q: Is the Devil’s Nose Train operating again?
Yes, the train resumed operations in July 2025, reopening the iconic Alausí – Sibambe – Alausí route.
It now runs Wednesday through Sunday and on holidays, with three daily departures (8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 2:00 PM).
Q: What are the days and operating hours of the train?

The route operates from Wednesday to Sunday and on public holidays, with three daily departures at 08:00, 11:00, and 14:00.
It is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure time for check-in and boarding.

Q: How long does the train ride take?

The full round trip lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including scenic stops and cultural activities at Sibambe station.

Q: What places are visited along the route?

The train descends the legendary Devil’s Nose zigzag, one of the steepest railway sections in the world.
Stops include the Devil’s Nose viewpoint and Sibambe Station, featuring traditional dance performances, local music, and craft markets.

Q: How can I buy the tickets?

Tickets are now available on the TicketExito platform for the 08:00, 11:00, and 14:00 departures.

Q: What should I bring for the train ride?

We recommend:

  • Comfortable, warm clothing

  • Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

  • Camera or phone for photos

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Cash for local crafts or snacks

Q: Is the ride safe?

Yes. Before reopening, the line underwent safety inspections, maintenance, and infrastructure improvements.
Trained staff and guides accompany passengers throughout the journey.