What to do and see in Chimborazo Province, Ecuador: The Best Scenic Railroads

January 1, 2022 Milan Banda

Chimborazo (Spanish pronunciation: [tʃimboˈɾaso]) is a province in the central Ecuadorian Andes. It is a home to a section of Sangay National Park. The capital is Riobamba. The province contains Chimborazo (6,267 m), Ecuador's highest mountain.
Restaurants in Chimborazo Province

1. Nariz del Diablo Alausí - Sibambe - Alausí from Guayaquil

BM Tours
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SOUTHERN ANDES Devil’s Nose Alausí – Sibambe – Alausí The biggest complication faced by the construction of the Trans-Andean railroad was the Devil’s Nose, a mountain with almost perpendicular walls. To overcome this obstacle a zigzag railroad was bulit that climbs more than 500 meters in less than 12 km with steep ascents and descents. It today remains an impressive piece of engineering.   While recovering from the mind-blowing descent you will enjoy the views of the narrow gorge of river Chanchán and will have the chance to learn a bit about the traditions and worldview of the Puruhuas in Sibambe.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Professional guide on the train, Cultural performance, Snacks, Fuel surcharge, Landing and facility fees

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Additional expenses at the Train Cafe, Personal expenses

Reviewed By robcantrell2

This was a great way to see the city in air conditioned comfort. Our tour guide is a retired airline pilot with perfect English and a great deal of knowledge regarding the city. We opted for the breakfast/lunch tour. We toured spots outside of the usual “tourists traps”. Lunch was perfection! We ate local cuisine at a corner cafe and the owner explained each dish in great detail. Don’t leave Guayaquil without taking this tour.

2. 4 Days Train Of Wonder Across The Highlands

Chimbacalle, Quito, Ecuador BLUE SPIRIT LLC
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A magnificent travel from the Andes to the coast, passing by the Chimbrazo, the Chanchan river canyon and the tropical plantations. Riding through the diverse landscapes of Ecuador in two luxury cars, designed in two different styles: one Colonial and the other Republican. Equipped with a car bar, an open air terrace, lounges and a gift shop you won`t miss anything out. For the night you will be accommodated in the best hotels. Meals will be served in the train as well as in our excursion, when you will have the chance to explore the stunning nature.

Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, non-alcoholic drinks & snacks, Bilingual guide, Accommodation, Luggage service

Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages, Taxes, Flights, Tips, Personal expense

Reviewed By bfexcell

After many phone call and a email confirmation sent by Pierre that Blue Spirit will refund our travel agency ... nothing was sent . Pierre is a real danger !!! I can send emails received from Pierre. After a cancellation of the cruise by Blue Spirit ... only one month before departure and during peak season ... our VIP clients could not cruise on the boat ... Pierre after many e-mails and Phone calls organized a “land cruise” he agreed to send us send us back a refund of 5.000USD : difference between the initial cruise booked and the hotel and day cruises on a regular and crowded boat. We are a very well known Travel agency dealing with upscale clientele... we won’t let him doing business without taking care of his clients!! Bernard

3. 3-Day Private Tour to Cotopaxi, Baños & The Devil's Nose Train from Quito

Latin Adventures

Live an adventure and discover beautiful sceneries of the Andes: Cotopaxi Volcano, Quilotoa Lagoon, Baños Village, Chimborazo Volcano and the Devil´s Nose Train Explore the Volcanoes Avenue in a private tour. Brilliant green mountaintops, capped by white snow in winter months, line this stunning 185-mile stretch of the nation’s countryside. If you are short of time, this is the best option to discover the Andes in a  personalized private tour. Take a 2-hour train ride towards the famed Devil’s Nose. Take in the incredible views of Ecuador’s truly breathtaking scenery as your travel through Alausi.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, 2 night accommodation in selected hotels, Certified English/Spanish speaking guide, Hotel pick up / drop off, Private transportation

Exclusions: Cost of extra activities like canopy, massages, bikes, horses etc., Tips

Reviewed By Bretekiel

We had a great day trip from Quito to Cotopaxi with our guide Daniel. He picked us up from our hotel on time at 8am and drove expertly to Cotopaxi taking a scenery road which allowed us to appreciate the geography of the inter-valley region. The drive took about 1.5 hours. His approach takes you around the volcanoes from all angles. Daniel was truly passionate about Ecuador and very knowledgeable about wildlife and vegetation of the region. He stopped plenty of times for awesome picture opportunities. We hiked from the parking lot (15K ft) to the refuge (16K ft) doing the zig-zag approach and experienced no issues with altitude sickness whatsoever (he stopped by a kiosko where we could buy coca candy and leaves if needed before entering the park). The weather was awful as we ascended, with small hail and dust from the strong winds, but he was patient and set the pace perfectly for us to successfully reach the refuge. We grabbed hot chocolate up in the refuge (2.5 per cup, bring change) and warmed up before going back down. On our way back to Quito, we stopped by an authentic local restaurant around 3pm where we had a soup, a pork dish, and an ice cream. Back to the hotel by 5pm promptly. This is a great experience for a Quito escapade which you should consider if you're looking to do something based off the city.

4. 'Tren del Hielo I' Experience: Riobamba - Urbina - La Moya - Riobamba

Guayaquil, Ecuador Bm Tours Quito

Departure from Guayaquil to enjoy a tour of the highest volcano in Ecuador, where you have the opportunity to get to know the paramo of Urbina, the tradition of the Hieleros del Chimborazo and learn about the ice extraction process in the glacier.  In addition, several options of agrotourism activities are offered in natural and cultural environments of this area.  Undoubtedly, the route in the Ice Train I is a magnificent option to know the Ecuadorian Andes and especially the Chimborazo Volcano perpetual snow colossus.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Professional guide, Cultural performance, Snacks

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Additional expenses at the Train Cafe, Personal expenses

Reviewed By SkiDocEdzell

Local guide with good English. Good factual information on main sites of interest. Had driver in private car, which, given the horrendous traffic gridlock and lack of parking in Quito old town, was essential! Felt rushed though, with request for coffee stop after 2 hours, dismissed.

5. Ecuador in 9 Days

Bm Tours Quito

Discover Ecuador in 9 days, you will visit interesting places, and enjoy the de Ecuadorian history, fauna and flora. Program includes: • transfers • Accommodation in first class hotels. • Private Land Transportation • daily breakfast • Detailed supply in the itinerary • Tickets per itinerary • Service and personal assistance • Taxes

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch

Exclusions:

Reviewed By SkiDocEdzell

Local guide with good English. Good factual information on main sites of interest. Had driver in private car, which, given the horrendous traffic gridlock and lack of parking in Quito old town, was essential! Felt rushed though, with request for coffee stop after 2 hours, dismissed.

6. 5 Days Cotopaxi, Devil´s Nose - Cuenca & Guayaquil ( Devil´s Nose Route 12km)

Quito, Ecuador BLUE SPIRIT LLC

Travel from the Andes Mountains to the coast in just five days, stop by amazing historical buildings, inca ruins, national park, get on board of the magical train to drive along the devils nose. A full package of everything that is a must see in Ecuador.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Private transportation, English speaking guide

Exclusions: Drinks, Gratuities, Personal and health insurance

Reviewed By bfexcell

After many phone call and a email confirmation sent by Pierre that Blue Spirit will refund our travel agency ... nothing was sent . Pierre is a real danger !!! I can send emails received from Pierre. After a cancellation of the cruise by Blue Spirit ... only one month before departure and during peak season ... our VIP clients could not cruise on the boat ... Pierre after many e-mails and Phone calls organized a “land cruise” he agreed to send us send us back a refund of 5.000USD : difference between the initial cruise booked and the hotel and day cruises on a regular and crowded boat. We are a very well known Travel agency dealing with upscale clientele... we won’t let him doing business without taking care of his clients!! Bernard

7. Private Service: 2-Day trip Cotopaxi National Park & the Devil´s Nose Train

Francisco Salazar 59, Quito 170143, Ecuador Latin Adventures

Live an adventure and discover beautiful sceneries of the Andes: Cotopaxi Volcano, Chimborazo Volcano, and the Devil´s Nose Train Explore the Volcanoes Avenue in a private tour. Brilliant green mountaintops, capped by white snow in winter months, line this stunning 185-mile stretch of the nation’s countryside. If you are short of time, this is the best option to discover the Andes in a personalized private tour. Take a 2-hour train ride towards the famed Devil’s Nose. Take in the incredible views of Ecuador’s truly breathtaking scenery as you travel through Alausi.

Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Accommodation at selected hotels in Riobamba, Private transportation, Certified English/Spanish speaking guide, Train ticket

Exclusions: Lunch day 2, Personal expenses, Tips

Reviewed By Bretekiel

We had a great day trip from Quito to Cotopaxi with our guide Daniel. He picked us up from our hotel on time at 8am and drove expertly to Cotopaxi taking a scenery road which allowed us to appreciate the geography of the inter-valley region. The drive took about 1.5 hours. His approach takes you around the volcanoes from all angles. Daniel was truly passionate about Ecuador and very knowledgeable about wildlife and vegetation of the region. He stopped plenty of times for awesome picture opportunities. We hiked from the parking lot (15K ft) to the refuge (16K ft) doing the zig-zag approach and experienced no issues with altitude sickness whatsoever (he stopped by a kiosko where we could buy coca candy and leaves if needed before entering the park). The weather was awful as we ascended, with small hail and dust from the strong winds, but he was patient and set the pace perfectly for us to successfully reach the refuge. We grabbed hot chocolate up in the refuge (2.5 per cup, bring change) and warmed up before going back down. On our way back to Quito, we stopped by an authentic local restaurant around 3pm where we had a soup, a pork dish, and an ice cream. Back to the hotel by 5pm promptly. This is a great experience for a Quito escapade which you should consider if you're looking to do something based off the city.

8. 4-day Avenida de los volcanes Quito - Alausi and Cuenca Train

Quito

This is a magnific route through ecuatorian Andes, which will offer you inspiring and hypnotic landscapes along this route. On the second day, you will take the train towards the so praised route Alausi-Sibambe-Alausi, we will visit the worldwide known Evil´s Nouse (Nariz del Diablo). We will continue our adventure at Ingapirca Ruins, the most important precolombin archeological site in Ecuador. We will end our tour visiting the wonderful city of Cuenca, one of the charmest cities in the country, formed by stoned streets, antique cathedrals and a lot of history. Our service is based on superior cathegory hotels

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Accommodation, Train tickets, transport and touristic guide.

Exclusions: Lunches and dinners, entrance to Ingapirca, air ticket Cuenca - Quito, tips, personal expenses, No additional expenses not specified as included

9. 10 days True Ecuador Experience

Ecuatraveling

Discover the TRUE ECUADOR EXPERIENCE traveling through the Avenue of Volcanoes in the high Andes Mountains towards the best tropical Amazon destinations and explore the outdoor town of Baños, the UNESCO classified city of Cuenca and the local indigenous market in Otavalo. On your journey, you will learn about all the different local tribes and their cultures. The True Ecuador Experience trip is the perfect combination of cultural experiences, wildlife spotting, adventurous activities and natural wonders that make Ecuador one of the most mega-diverse countries on earth. Discover the beauty of Ecuador!

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Activties: Hiking, Trekking, Bird watching, Canoeing, Chocolate making, Private certified national guide and local guides., Transportation: Private and comfortable 4WD or van, train, and canoe.

Exclusions: Travel insurance (mandatory), Extra meals, Tips for guide, Additional beverages

Reviewed By coenh805

I had an amazing time in Ecuador. From the bus tours with Wilson, to the adventures in the jungle and the beautiful city Quito. All of this was amazing especially since the employees of Ecuatraveling are very nice people! And are capable to give you the opportunity to enjoy such a beautiful country as Ecuador to the fullest! Hopefully I get invited to Pablo’s wedding to meet these people again! :)

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