A three-day passage through the Ecuadorian Andes that pairs volcanic landscapes with historic rail engineering and Inca ruins. Expect high-altitude panoramas, the Devil’s Nose train switchbacks, and colonial Cuenca’s stone streets.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out before dawn in Quito and the air snaps cold; peaks puncture the sky and the Andes seem to shift as you drive toward Cotopaxi. The ridgelines push and fold around the bus like pages in motion, and by midmorning the national park’s high grass and volcanic shoulders have a presence that feels alive—winds that prod you onward.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Basic to moderate fitness; able to handle short walks on uneven ground and several hours of seated travel each day
Wildlife
History
Ingapirca is Ecuador’s largest Inca-era complex, built where Cañari and Inca cultures intersected; the Devil’s Nose railway is 19th-century engineering designed to descend steep terrain via switchbacks.
Conservation
The páramo is ecologically fragile—stay on roads and trails, minimize plastic waste, and respect archaeological preservation rules at Ingapirca.
Reserve your spot on the The Volcanoe rute: Quito, Riobamba, Cuenca + Train ride today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize slowly
Spend time in Quito before departure and drink extra water to reduce symptoms of altitude sickness at 2,800–3,800 m.
Reserve train seats early
Devil’s Nose train capacity is limited—book your rail ticket as part of the tour to guarantee a window seat on the switchbacks.
Layer for large temperature swings
Mornings and evenings are cold while daytime near lower valleys can be warm—bring a lightweight insulated layer.
Protect archaeological sites
Follow marked paths at Ingapirca, don’t climb on ancient walls, and leave artifacts in place to preserve the site.
Sturdy walking shoes
Grip and ankle support help on gravel, cobbles and short uneven trails.
Layered jacket (windproof)
Wind and sun combine at altitude—a lightweight insulated shell keeps you comfortable.
Daypack with water reservoir
Carry water, snacks, and a rain layer for on-route walks and train platform waits.
Sun protection (hat, SPF 30+)
High-elevation sun intensity makes sunscreen and a brimmed hat essential.