From Wikitravel

Riobamba is a city in the Andean highlands of Ecuador. It's the starting point of the train ride to Nariz del Diablo. Most tourists flock in the evening before the train departure.

Contents 1 Get in 1.1 By Bus 1.2 By Train 2 Get around 3 See 4 Do 5 Buy 6 Eat 7 Drink 8 Sleep 9 Get out

Get in

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.

Get around

See

On a clear day don't miss the view of the surrounding mountains. The best views in the city are from parque 21 de abril, close to the train station.

Do

Riobamba is the nearest city to Mount Chimborazo. Even if you're not a mountain climber, it could still be worth a visit: take a coach to the Whymper Lodge, stretch your legs, and boast that you've been further from the Earth's centre than the summit of Everest.

• Tours in Chiva Express Train to Devil's Nose. Metropolitan Touring's Chiva Express is a typical, old-fashioned Latin American bus, with plenty of room on the roof for bags of grain, bananas and the odd chicken. In Quito, these buses have taken on a new lease of life as party vehicles with adapted, high-sided roofs. The Chiva idea had been adapted to the historic train ride from Quito to Guayaquil. Passengers will enjoy an exclusive and unique trip through the Andean countryside and the coastal lowlands visiting the Devil's Nose track on board of Chiva Express.

Buy

On Saturdays there is a small artesan market. It seems to be mainly aimed at locals rather than tourists, and is certainly more authentic than Otavalo.

Eat

Cake at the Cafeteria Londres on García Moreno between 10 de Agosto and Primera Constituyente.

Drink

Sleep

• Hotel Metro, Av. León Borja y Lavalle, 03-961-714. Conveniently located next to the train station. Basic rooms have a tiny private bathroom. The shower takes ages to warm up, if at all. Rooms at the front are noisy, especially in weekends. Price: $5 per person.

Get out

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