Ride the Devil's Nose Photo Gallery
Called the "Most Difficult Train in the World", the train trip between Riobamba and Alausí
is one of Ecuador's most famous attractions. The railroad was originally built to connect
the Andes with the coast, and the route goes up and down steep slopes, along river valleys
and has to negotiate a wall of rock called Nariz del Diablo, the Devil's Nose.
Travelers today can choose to sit inside, or ride the roof for a better view.
A Visit to Hacienda Alegria, Ecuador
Like many of Ecuador's famous haciendas, Hacienda Alegria is a family-owned and operated
working ranch and organic farm. The owners, Gabriel Espinosa and his wife Paty, continue
the traditions of his ancestors, where horses are paramount.
The hacienda specializes in horseback riding adventures, some only a day in length and
requiring a minimun of skill. Others involve advanced horsemanship and days in the saddle.
Baños, Ecuador - Volcanos, Miracles and Tourists
In spite of an active volcano overhead, Baños draws visitors to the hot springs, the
basilica, for ecology and sports. It's beautiful, too!
Cuenca Ecuador
Cuenca, the third largest city of Ecuador, offers a mix of modern and colonial,
green spaces, pleasant parks, a relaxed lifestyle, wildlife preserves and access
to Ecuador's Inca ruins at Ingapirca. Called both the Athens of the Andes and the
cultural capital of Ecuador, Cuenca has much to offer the visitor.
Ecuador for Visitors
The three regions of Ecuador, coast, mountains and Amazonia, offer the visitor a
multitude of choices, including the heritage capital, Quito, lush seaside resorts,
Volcano Alley, rainforests, verdant mountain plains and a relaxed lifestyle.
Esmeraldas, Ecuador
Esmeraldas, long accessible only by sea, is now a commercial and
tourism destination with white sand beaches, ecological reserves, and direct access to
Quito, Cuenca and other inland Ecuadorian cities.
Explore Ecuador's El Oriente
Ecuador's eastern region offers rainforests, many rivers, birding, adventure and ecological
research.
Quayaquil, Ecuador - La Perla del Pacífico
Many travelers zip through Guayaquil on their way to the Galapagos. Those who take
the time to explore the city and southern coastal Ecuador might be pleasantly surprised.
The Haciendas of Ecuador
Enjoy Ecuadorian hospitality, history, cuisine and attractions at one of these haciendas,
also called hosterías. Some are rustic, some are three, four and five star
luxury establishments.
Galapagos Archipelago - Ecuador
The Galápagos archipelago, first discovered uninhabited by the Spaniards in 1535, and later made famous
by Charles Darwin in 1835, is both a province and a national park of Ecuador, 600 mi
(1000 km) west on the mainland. It is a premiere wildlife observation, protection and
research center visited annually by thousands of tourists.
Otavalo, Ecuador
Home of one of the most famous markets in South America, Otavalo is also the site of the
Fiesta del Yamor, a two-week celebration of thanksgiving at the second
annual equinox.
Quito, Ecuador
Ecuador's capital is a mix of colonial history and modern enterprise, a city at the middle of the world, and
a delight to visitors. Tour the city, then venture out on the PanAmerican Highway, north and south.
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