Alausi Day Trips: 5 Top Spots for Adventure

So, Alausi, a cozy little town high up in the Ecuadorian Andes, is that perfect base for seeing a part of the country. Like your basecamp for a great experience. You know, most folks visit so they can hop on the famous Nariz del Diablo—that’s the Devil’s Nose train—but guess what? There is a bunch more to see around these parts, too! It’s almost more fun that it seems. So we made a list of amazing day trips from Alausi that, you know, will totally make your Ecuadorian trip more amazing. So, ready to discover some real hidden treasures?

1. The Devil’s Nose Train Ride (Nariz del Diablo)

The Devil’s Nose train is very well known, probably one of the big tourist destinations you will find, in Ecuador. As a matter of fact, the Nariz del Diablo is a train journey so awesome it is practically legendary. Way back when, they needed a train route between the coast and Quito, so they built this crazy railway that zigzags down a seriously steep mountain. People often refer to it by it’s spanish name: Nariz del Diablo, by the way! You see, building it, well, it was a seriously huge undertaking, costing loads of lives. Now that the story is set, the ride isn’t just something you see, but experience something profound, you know? This is quite a feat of human will! Today, so it is a comfortable ride where you will take some excellent pictures.

You know, the trip usually starts in Alausi. So the train winds down the mountainside offering just ridiculously beautiful views of the Andes. Very pretty! Apparently, along the way, you see the amazing rock formations and feel that real rush when the train goes down steep sections. As you reach the bottom, there is a stop where, in fact, you can check out some local culture. It’s definitely the kind of experience to soak it up.

Oh, by the way! Getting tickets beforehand is something you definitely want to do. Especially during high season. Very packed! So, the early train runs are very good since it is cooler and less crowded.

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2. Ingapirca: Ecuador’s Largest Inca Ruins

Ingapirca is like a treasure trove. This site is Ecuador’s biggest set of Inca ruins and a very cool day trip not so far from Alausi. The location used to be very important for the Cañari people way before the Inca came. In fact, the Inca arrived and built on what was previously built which shows in some of the architecture and the location, basically! What I’m trying to get at is, like, you see a combination of both cultures—that’s cool. So what remains are temples, residences and all types of buildings you can explore.

The Temple of the Sun is that highlight you will find here. The Sun Temple. This large, oval building which tells that Inca architecture had some serious engineering to it, pretty awesome if you like history! It is all super interesting stuff! Around the location there are trails. It is a neat way of experiencing the Andean landscape and see how those ruins stand today.

The tour guides there are seriously well informed; you know, they share the history and what it meant. Seriously worth it to help you connect with that significance this had back in those times. As a matter of fact, try checking how to get from Alausi to Ingapirca—it’s really straightforward by bus or taking a tour. Also, keep in mind, the area is a bit cooler than Alausi, it might be a good idea to carry some warm layers with you.

Read our full review: Ingapirca Inca Ruins Ecuador Full Review and Details

3. Laguna de Colta: A Picturesque Andean Lake

The Laguna de Colta, a picturesque Andean lake just, like, a stone’s throw away from Alausi, so is this tranquil escape that totally brings a special beauty. Apparently, surrounded by all these farmlands and mountains—it’s, like, picture-postcard stuff! The lake’s reflection looks absolutely perfect on those calm days, which makes your pictures just amazing.

As a matter of fact, it’s awesome to, so, chill around and do bird-watching. In that case, many types of birds migrate here. Actually pretty stunning when the place just springs to life, you know? If you dig experiencing a local vibe, well, try exploring near the lakeside communities where they have traditional crafts.

Very close by is that Balbanera Church. As a matter of fact, it’s that old colonial church. Rumor has it, this might be the very first church way up in Ecuador! Very history! Visiting there, that connection of the local history with that beautiful Andean nature. As a matter of fact, so many tour options exist from Alausi. Transportation might be available or it may not, so give it a shot!

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4. Achupallas: Hiking in Sangay National Park

You know, for those who have that thirst to travel, Achupallas can provide some access to Sangay National Park. The thing is that Sangay National Park, a very beautiful and kind of undiscovered world heritage. In fact, Achupallas used to be on the Inca trail so this has something neat to see here, something important about connecting with nature and walking these amazing lands.

Very adventurous trails! What’s cool about here is, it feels as if you got yourself something awesome that most tourists aren’t even experiencing. If that sounds good, then come around here! In some respects you’ll see these awesome views, that local animal life is that cool touch which, apparently, add a thing to look forward to!

Remember that, by the way, because the park has that unpredictable vibe you know, get a guide who is quite experienced when exploring the terrain. Because, you know, being equipped very well and having good physical prep is very significant as that can seriously impact that journey you do! Any hiking trips out there require lots of stamina! Make preparations when you come to enjoy all this nature and beauty!

Read our full review: Sangay National Park tour Full Review and Details

5. Guamote: Authentic Andean Market

The Guamote market might be that vibrant thing you are seeking, like some sort of cultural snapshot of how markets in the Andes have traditionally been. The marketplace teems with all the local sellers and, of course, customers doing all their weekly purchases.

If you plan it out properly, the Guamote market usually springs to life on Thursdays. You know, every stall is full of textiles, food items, local snacks, and so many crafts—you won’t know where to look! And you are trying new Ecuadorian cuisine then this market does that too!

Taking that time at the market provides so much that is so rich regarding learning about what goes on everyday for these local groups of people in the Andes, so that local connection with how their way of life operates, in some respects, something quite eye-opening, anyway. In reality, a local bus is what I advise—that would seriously immerse yourself among how all locals travel to Guamote.

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