Devil's Nose Train & Ingapirca Ruins Expedition
Day trips from Cuenca Ecuador
Meeting point:
Complimentary Accommodation Pick-Up Service
Departures:
7:00 am
Free cancellation:
up to 24 in advance
About this trip
Ride the legendary Devil’s Nose Train and witness one of South America’s most remarkable railway journeys. Navigate sharp switchbacks and steep mountainsides with spectacular Andean scenery at every turn. After the ride, explore the fascinating Ingapirca Ruins, the largest and best-preserved archaeological complex in Ecuador. This tour blends dramatic landscapes with rich cultural history—ideal for adventurers and history lovers alike.
Highlights:
Ride the iconic Devil’s Nose Train, a feat of Andean engineering.
Take in dramatic views of mountains, valleys, and rural highlands.
Explore Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most important pre-Columbian archaeological site.
Itinerary
7:00 AM – Departure from Cuenca. We’ll make a brief stop along the way to stretch, use the restroom, and enjoy a coffee or snack. A second scenic stop will give you the chance to admire the breathtaking Andean landscapes as we descend into the southern highlands.
11:00 AM – Board the Devil’s Nose Train in Alausí. Once considered the most difficult railway in the world, this trail was carved into near-vertical mountain cliffs using a series of daring switchbacks. Originally completed in 1899 to connect Guayaquil with Quito, it became a symbol of Ecuador’s engineering ambition. After being closed for several years due to the pandemic, this iconic train is back in operation—offering once again the chance to experience its dramatic descent and sweeping views of the Chanchán River valley.
1:30 PM – Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Alausí, where you’ll sample traditional Ecuadorian dishes in a relaxed setting.
2:30 PM – Continue along the scenic Pan-American Highway to Ingapirca, Ecuador’s largest and most important archaeological site. Explore the mystical Temple of the Sun, an elliptical structure believed to have been used for ceremonial and astronomical purposes. Walk through ancient courtyards, stone walls, and terraces that reflect the fusion of Inca and Cañari cultures.
6:30 PM – After a day rich in history, culture, and unforgettable landscapes, we arrive in Cuenca, arriving in the evening.
What’s included
✓ Hotel pick-up
✓ Licensed tour guide in English/Spanish
✓ Private transport
✓ Lunch
Not included
✘ Tickets
- Train ticket: USD 30 adult / USD 15 senior
- Ingapirca: USD 2
✘ Personal Expenses
Please Note:
Bookings within 24 hours of departure are subject to availability.
Shared tours require a minimum of two participants. If not met, we may suggest an alternative, reschedule, or provide a full refund.
Ingapirca Ruins are closed on Monday and Tuesday.
For groups of 1 to 6 passengers, a bilingual guide will also serve as the driver.
Cancellation Policy:
You can cancel up to 24 hours before your experience for a full refund. Cancellation within 24 hours of the experience, will not be eligible for refund.
Changes made less than 24 hours before the experience will be subject to availability.
This experience requires a minimum of 2 participants. If conditions are not met, we reserve the right to cancel. We will offer you an alternative date/experience or a full refund.
