A Race to the Devil’s Nose: Capturing the Spirit of Alausí
Ruta del Tren | Photographing an epic race in the Andes
Earlier this year, I joined a friend and travel writer to photograph the first-ever Ruta del Tren, a trail race weaving through the dramatic landscapes of Alausí, Ecuador. A peaceful town nestled high in the Andes, Alausí has endured a string of setbacks—pandemic tourism loss, the closure of its famed “Nariz del Diablo” railway, and most recently, a devastating landslide that changed its landscape and community forever. As we arrived after a winding road trip, I was struck by how the raw scars of the landslide had already started healing. Though still grieving losses, Alausí showed signs of life returning: green growth, revived energy, and people coming together once again.
Despite a chaotic start—with partygoers lingering from a town celebration and delayed race times—the event unfolded with heart and grit. Runners took on the challenging high-altitude course, weaving through steep ascents and descents, including the legendary Devil’s Nose. From photographers’ viewpoints to trail checkpoints, it was clear that this wasn’t just a race; it was a celebration of endurance, spirit, and recovery. As the final runners returned and awards were handed out in the lively town square, Alausí felt vibrant again. For a town rebuilding from tragedy, the Ruta del Tren wasn’t just about kilometers—it was about community, courage, and the beginning of a hopeful new chapter.
