La Nariz del Diablo | Beautiful Alausi Ecuador Day Hike

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  • Author: Megan Anderson
  • Created: March 2, 2022 2:00 pm
  • Updated: June 9, 2023 4:21 pm
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Route type: Day Trip Hike
Difficulty grade: Adventure Hike

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  • Distance Instructions
Label
  • Distance 9 miles
  • Time 3 h 24 min
  • Speed 2 mph
  • Min altitude 6516 ft
  • Peak 7618 ft
  • Climb 2753 ft
  • Descent 2854 ft

This is a basic overview of la Nariz del Diablo Hike from Alausi Ecuador. While most travelers visit the "magic village" of Alausi to take the famous train ride past the "Devil's Nose," it can be rather expensive. The tickets for the Alausi train that cuts through the steep valley to the Devil's Nose start at around $40 per ticket. However, the Nariz del Diablo can can be done as a lovely and scenic day hike.

The Nariz del Diablo hike has a couple route options from Alausi.

  • Out & Back Trail from Alausi

  • Alausi to Nizag Community (This Nariz del Diablo map follows this lovely route)

This is Nariz del Diablo route follows the Alausi to Nizag hiking route.

⁉️ If downloading the map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes, there are daily updates to the site, map platforms, and other external issues that may cause a bug in downloading. Be mindful that this map is solely for entertainment purposes. See my full disclosure here. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by following a no-trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, be conscious of the weather and personal limitations, and do not stray from the visible trail

La Nariz del Diable Day Hike Logistics

  • Point to Point Trail

    • This Nariz del Diablo Hiking Route Begins in Alausi and finishes on the main road to the Nizag Community

  • Difficulty: Moderate, but the altitude of this area in the Andes Mountains sits around 7,000 ft. in elevation

  • Distance: close to 9 miles

  • Excursion Duration:+/ - 6 hours, depending how long you stay at Condor Puñuna and how far you hike on the ridge of the "Devil's Nose"

    • On Saturdays the local community of Nizag offers a traditional dancing display and typical food at the mirador

  • The condor viewpoint does not open until 9 am, the earlier you arrive the better. Clouds usually roll in the valley below by midday

  • The trail doesn't really have official trail markers, but the path is pretty apparent

  • This hike can be complete anytime of the year

    • Remember, during the rainy season trails can be muddy

  • Day Hiking Essentials
    • First-Aid Kit
    • Plenty of Water
    • Trekking Poles if you love them
    • Hiking shoes or trail runners

    • Layered clothing, long sleeves best for sun and a rain jacket for the afternoon

    • Small bills for the entrance fee and /or food & beverages

Alausi to Condor Puñuna

Leave Alausi village and pass by the Old Bull Ring. Continue along the gravel road until the trail becomes more of a foot path. To the right you will see the valley below with the river and the famous train tracks. About 2.5 miles into the Nariz del Diablo trail, see a fork in the trail marked by a stick. Head to the right to walk to the distinct cliff. You should be able to see the small speckle that is the condor statue along the ridge line.

Follow the path up to the entrance booth and pay the $2 entrance fee that helps support the Nizag Community.

🥾 Alausi to Condor Puñuna Entrance Booth | Distance: 3.5 miles | Duration: +/- 1.5 hours | Entrance Fee: $2, opens at 9:00

Condor Puñuna Mirador

Take the trail out to the condor statue of Condor Puñuna. Here there is a mirador, bathrooms, a restaurant, and a small stand that sells beverages.

This mirador is actually the top the "Devil's head." It's possible to follow a steep and narrow trail down to the nose and beyond. After the first hundred yards or so there are no handrails, be mindful on this optional portion of this trail.

Personally, I hiked less than a mile down or so and had incredible views to myself. Just remember, you have to hike back up and it's steep!

Condor Puñuna to Nizag Community

Leave the mirador and follow the trail back past the entrance booth. Instead of following the trail back to Alausi (however you can out and back to the village if you wish), take the trail to the right to walk through the tiny hamlet of Nizag.

The path is scenic and mostly flat. The highlight is that it passes through an authentic Ecuador village that rarely sees tourists. Follow the road out of town to the main road where you cross the street and wait for a bus back to Alausi.

🥾 Condor Puñuna - Nizag Community | Distance: 4.5 miles | Duration: +/- 1.5 hours

How to Return to Alausi Ecuador

Arrive at the main road and wait for a bus to pass. The people here are friendly and I got offered a few rides from locals. Always trust your gut if hitching a ride back to Alausi.

🚌 Bus Logistics | Nizag Community to Alausi Ecuador | Cost: $1 USD | Duration: 30 minutes | Multiple bus companies pass by this road, but I caught Patria Bus Company

More Details About la Nariz del Diablo Hike

Find more information on the Nariz del Diablo hike, helpful tips, photo inspiration, and the complete hiking guide for the Devil's nose, visit this complementing blog post:

Nariz del Diablo, Hike the Devil's Nose from Alausi Ecuador

➯ Detailed Travel Guide | 10+ Things to Do in Alausi Ecuador & Beyond

More Travel Resources Near Alausi Ecuador

More Hiking Ecuador Inspiration

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