The trickiest bit along this stretch comes right at the beginning, the incline between Alausí and the Sibambe stations, rising 2,945 metres (9,662 feet) over just 56 kilometres (34 miles). The only practical way to get a train up this steep slope was a zigzagging series of switchbacks, making for an impressive sight and experience indeed.

Read more in our post The Devilish Delights of Ecuador´s "Devil´s Nose Train."

Jens Otte