Train ride down the Devil´s Nose

Trip Start Jul 27, 2008
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Trip End Mar 05, 2009


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Flag of Ecuador  ,
Wednesday, September 17, 2008

I got the bus from Quito and travelled about 5 hours to this place in the mountains and it cost  me about 2 pounds. I was really frightened that I might not see my bag again. Its a fear that is there whenever they put the bag in the hold.

I am staying in a really nice hotel  El Liberatdor which is right opposite the  from where the dreaded train leaves. There are not many trains in Ecuador and this one is the pride to the tourist ministry. Very old cargo wagons which have railings on the roof and you are encouraged to sit on the roof. There are a couple of coaches with seats but most people are on the corrigated rof. Very uncomfortable but a cushion only costs 50p for the day.

The whole area is surrounded by mountains and extinct volcanoes and the train picks its way up valley. The scenery is stunning. After a couple of stops we came to a sudden stop as there was a mud slide across the track. There followed half of confusion then the crew found pieces of hardboard and began to shift the mud. After an hour and pushing with the engine the track was clear, just a some men arrived wiht shovels.

After a few hours of weaving our way through the mountains and passing through villages we climbed to a point   a couple of thousnand metres up above a river then after of series of switchbacks we got down to the river. This was the Devilīs Nose! 

A very different experience to travel by British Rail.  Arrived back at the hotel with a very sore bum!!!!!!!!! 


FOOTNOTE : I stayed at Hotel El Liberator which is opposite the train station. English is spoken. It  has been recently redocorated and at $ 15 a night for a single with TV ensuite is very good value. www.hotelliberador.com  phone 032947393     
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