Welcome to the Railroad Museum, where you can learn about the history of railroad construction in Ecuador.

The audio commentary you are listening to now explains the exhibits in the Railroad Museum in one take. So, do please use the play and pause functions to pace yourself.

Now, let's go back to 1872 when the first tracks were established in Ecuador. 

In 1872, President Gabriel García Moreno initiated the construction of a railroad in southern Ecuador.

In 1873, Ecuador's first locomotive left Yaguachi station. The following year, regular trains began operating on the 41-kilometer stretch between Yaguachi and Milagro stations.

In 1895, with the inauguration of President Eloy Alfaro, railroad construction in Ecuador began to accelerate. Alfaro emphasized that railroad construction was key to the country's development.

In 1897, the Guayaquil and Quito Railroad Company was founded, marking the next step in the construction of the Southern Railway.

In 1902, the Nariz del Diablo, or “Devil's Nose” railroad line was built, known as “the most difficult railroad line in the world” because it ran along winding, rugged mountains.

In 1905, a railroad line was built in the Riobamba region to provide public transportation, and the line was extended to the Ambato region the following year.

In 1908, the Quito-Guayaquil line was completed by the Harman brothers, key figures in the construction of Ecuador's railroads during the presidency of Eloy Alfaro, and trains began running to the Chimbacalle region.

In 2007, President Rafael Correa decided to rebuild the railroad to restore Ecuador's cultural heritage.

In 2008, Ecuador's National Institute of Cultural Heritage declared Ecuador's railroads and trains as a “folk heritage, historical and symbolic heritage,” and the 98-kilometer Quito-Latacunga line was inaugurated.

In 2011, the Alausi-Sibambé line reopened, the Chimbacalle (Chimbacaye) station was rebuilt, and several rail lines were inaugurated, including the Quito-Durán line in 2012.

In 2013, the Tren Crucero, a tourist train, began operating on the Quito-Durán line. 

In 2014, the 'Naranjito' and 'Milagro' stations were built.

In 2015, the 'Otavalo-Ibarra' section was inaugurated and integrated into the 'Tren del Libertad' (Train of Freedom) route.


Trivia facts about the train

One. Did you know about the longest train in the world? It runs with up to four locomotives and 200 carriages. Passing through several cities, it travels 700 kilometers per day over several days. 

Two. The Ecuadorian railroad is rated as the 'world's toughest railroad' due to factors such as rugged mountain ranges and deep cliffs.

Three. In 2011, the ' Chimbacalle ' station was named one of the Seven Wonders of Quito.

And finally, the tourist train 'Tren Crucero' was voted the best train in Latin America by the World Travel Award in 2014.

Thank you for visiting the Railroad Museum.


IV. Beer Museum