Nariz del Diablo ('Devil's Nose') in Ecuador

The Nariz del Diablo or Devil’s Nose is one of the most famous train journeys in Ecuador. Known as one of the most difficult railways to construct in the world, the tracks switchback through the steep slopes of the Andes. The construction hit particular difficulty when builders reached the vertical Devil’s Nose rock, which was zig-zagged around so the train could pass. The train now only operates as a tourist service - while the organised nature of entertainment and souvenir shops may not be to everyone’s tastes, it cannot be denied that it is a great feat of engineering.