Riobamba Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

By Bus There are connections to most major destinations in Ecuador. By Train Riobamba is the terminus for the only train route running in the whole of Ecuador, and that almost exclusively as a tourist attraction. The passengers ride on the roof of the train from Riobamba to the Nariz del Diablo (Devil's nose). The scenery along the way is amazing; the best views are supposed to be at the right side. Some people have complained of the soot from the engine and so perhaps the best carriage to be on is the one in the middle, as the engine is moved from the front to the rear for the return journey. As the passengers are almost entirely tourists, expect children begging for candies along the track, and correspondingly a candyseller on the train. The train will make a stop in Alausi before heading down the switchbacks to Sibambe. There will be a small break to take some photos before heading back to Alausi and Riobamba. Most people choose to get off at Alausi and take a bus to Cuenca or back to Riobamba. The price is $11 far a ride from Riobamba down the Devil's nose and back to Alausi and $3.50 more to go all the way back to Riobamba. The train departs Riobamba at 0700 hours on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Tickets go on sale on the day prior to departure and the ticket office hours are "usually" between 1600 and 1900.