Nariz del Diablo (Devil's Nose)

EFE (Empresa de Ferrocarriles Ecuatorianos)

Ecuador

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Navigate from Alausí Station to Sibambe Station across a span of 12km.

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Engine / Locomotive

Diesel locomotive

Track Gauge

1,067 mm (Cape gauge)

Braking Technology

Air brakes on locomotive; heritage rolling stock

Route Engineering Challenges

Curva del Diablo Z-switchback: drops 500m over 12km through near-vertical canyon walls
Steep gradients up to 5–6% on the descent
Narrow gorge approach requiring tight curves
Hand-excavated section carved 1899–1902 through the Andes

Elevation drop

~500m over 12km

Maximum gradient

~5–6%

Round trip duration

~2 hours 30 minutes

Construction period

1899–1902 (Belgrano Railway era)