Devil's Nose Train Ride

That´s not a train, its a lovely giant bug. They were all over the town of Alausi.
Of course, we didn't travel to Alausi to spot bugs, we were there with lots of tourists (some of them incredibly pushy and rude- we are glad to be avoiding the gringo trail for most of our travelling) to take a train ride along the famous section of track passing by the 'Devil's Nose'. The line originally went from the capital city, Quito, to the largest city, Guayaquil, but now only a short tourist section remains. Only recently has the train ride made any money and it was originally built not from necessity but as a display of engineering prowess. The railway is of a fairly narrow gauge; unfortunately the steam train is no longer running so we climbed aboard a diesel cart; more like a bus on rails really.

There were rumours of being allowed to ride on the roof but this was not an option for us apparently.

A stop to admire the views.

The major feat of engineering is the descent of the Nariz del Diablo. To get down the steep hillside into the valley the train had to change direction twice on two switch backs. In places the side of the tracks were supported by sheer concrete walls which made for a spectacular journey through the landscape of steep hills with a river below.

That there tiny orange blob is a train in the valley. There are no homes or roads which adds to the experience.
End of the line. The train approached this before reversing to turn round on a little triangular junction.
Choo choo. Well, brumm brum really. This would be the best way to ride but alas the train was not moving at the time.
The great views and the apparent inaccessability of the valley, overcome by bloody-minded engineers, made for a great Andean excursion.