Varied landscapes and rich cultures are what make tours of South America so appealing, and both are on display in the city of Riobamba, Ecuador. Located in the center of the country, Riobamba has become a popular destination for a variety of reasons, but travelers making the trip should certainly make a point to ride the breathtaking Devil's Nose Railway.
The famous railway dates back to the turn of the 20th century and is a testament to the engineers who designed it. Though it ran a much longer route in its earlier days, making trips to the capital city of Quito, today's journey up Devil's Nose is one of the most unique and awe-inspiring railway routes you can take.
The ride takes about four hours and winds through many local villages and towns where you can get a feel for daily life in Ecuador. The trip also brings you face to face with beautiful scenery as you climb more than 3,000 feet to the small town of Alausi.
Though the trip on the Devil's Nose Railway is a highlight of Riobamba, you should be sure to explore some of the town before you board the train, as it is densely populated with sites that pay tribute to the city's lengthy past.
The city's main cathedral is among its most famous buildings. While it had to be partially rebuilt in the 1830s due to a devastating earthquake, the Catedral de Riobamba still maintains many of the baroque elements that have made it an icon of the city.
