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Before you go
Your trip to Alausí.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Alausí – Chimborazo Destination Riobamba and Chimborazo about 95 km from Riobamba
How to get there
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Aeropuerto Mariscal Lamar (CUE) Cuenca · 170 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
Alausí sits along the Pan-American (E35), about 95 km south of Riobamba, a one-and-a-half to two-hour bus ride. Buses between Riobamba and Cuenca and some that depart from Quito’s Quitumbe terminal pass through the town. The nearest airport with commercial flights is Cuenca (CUE), about 170 km away.
How many days
One day is enough for the Devil’s Nose train, the Monument to San Pedro and a walk around the town center. Spending the night in Alausí saves the round trip on the day of the tour.
When to go
All year round. Trains run Thursday to Sunday and on holidays; confirm operations before you go. From June to September it usually rains less. The festival of San Pedro, from June 22 to July 2, fills the town with music and dances.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No: the station, the town center and the climb to the Monument to San Pedro are done on foot, with slopes. A car only helps if you want to combine Alausí with Laguna de Colta and Riobamba on the same day. In Ecuador you drive on the right.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Alausí
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Morning
Devil’s Nose Train
Arrive at the station early for boarding and take the round trip to Sibambe, stopping at the overlook and watching the community dance performances at the station.
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Afternoon
Monument to San Pedro and town center
Climb Loma de Lluglli to see the Monument to San Pedro up close and the valley view. On the way back, stroll through Parque 13 de Noviembre, the main church (iglesia Matriz) and the streets of manor houses around the station.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
How do I buy a ticket for the Devil’s Nose train?
Tickets are sold in advance, online and at Alausí station, which has few places available on the day, especially on holidays. Buy before traveling and confirm whether the train is operating.
How far is Riobamba from Alausí?
About 95 km along the Pan-American Highway, one and a half to two hours by bus or car.
Is it worth sleeping in Alausí?
For those who want to do the train at a relaxed pace, yes: staying in town avoids the road trip the same day and leaves time for the Monument to San Pedro and the streets of the center.
What is the altitude of Alausí?
About 2,300 meters, lower than Riobamba. Sibambe station, at the end of the train route, sits at about 1,800 meters.