This railroad is an engineering feat like non other. It took 40 years and 3000 men to build. Completed in 1901 it connected Quito to Guayaquil ... 2800 meter drop in elevation. The most difficult section to built was the twelve meters involving a 500 meter drop in elevation skirting around the tip of what is called the Devils Nose. The drop is so sheer, it is impossible for a train to make this journey. That is until an engineer designed a switch back. This section has 2. The train goes forward to the end of the track and then backs to where the track switches to the lower rail. Confused? Maybe the pictures will help make sense.
Before our post trip highlight, in true OAT fashion, there are always interesting stops, and treasures to be potentially purchased. Our first stop as to visit the city of Riobamba town square and its markets. No shopping opportunities there... 😉
Post train ride, we headed for Cuenca, where we will spend 3 nights. But wait! There's a place to visit before we get to our hotel -- the genuine Panama hat factory. A few of the hats will be coming to the USA. ☺️
Here are some visual memories...
Note the 2 RR track lines just above the white train depot building.
Tomorrow we visit an orchid farm, (probably will not be buying one of these to take home...) and must more Ecuadorean skilled handicraft to enrich our shopping opportunities ...
Read on !
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