Train Cemetery Uyuni

Quick answer: The Train Cemetery in Uyuni is a field of rusting, early 20th-century locomotives on the edge of town. It is walkable from the centre or about 15 Bolivianos by taxi, and it is quietest early in the morning or in the evening.

On the outskirts of Uyuni, a small trading town high on the Andean plain, “The Great Train Graveyard” attracts thousands of visitors every week. It’s a cemetery of trains: a massive ground filled with the hollowed-out bodies of locomotives left to rust since the 20th century.

History of the Uyuni Train Cemetery

Uyuni is the jumping-off point for the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni. In the late 19th century, then-president Aniceto Arce set out to give Bolivia a state-of-the-art rail system, with Uyuni as its major hub. The Bolivian Railway Company invited engineers from England to construct rail lines between 1888 and 1892.

Until the late 1940s, these trains carried minerals from the Andes to ports on the Pacific Ocean. But as the minerals ran out, the mining industry collapsed. The mighty locomotives were abandoned and left to slowly succumb to the ever-creeping hand of rust.

Most of the trains in the graveyard date back to the early 20th century and were imported from Britain.

Visiting the Train Cemetery in Uyuni

The train cemetery is the first stop on the itinerary of every tour operator in Uyuni, so it usually gets flooded with people from 11 in the morning until late afternoon.

• When to go: If you are visiting by yourself, go early in the morning or in the evening.
• Getting there: It’s within walking distance of the centre of Uyuni, or you can take a taxi for around 15 Bolivianos.
• Guided tours: If you are planning to go on a guided tour, Juakil De Los Andes offers daily tours at an affordable price.

Photo tour of the train graveyard

Both eerie and beautiful, this rail graveyard offers a glimpse into the past and conveys a sense of adventurous nostalgia.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to the Train Cemetery from Uyuni?

It’s within walking distance of the town centre, or a taxi costs around 15 Bolivianos. It is also the first stop on most Uyuni tours.

What is the best time to visit the Train Cemetery?

Early morning or evening. Between 11 am and late afternoon it fills up with tour groups.

Where do the trains come from?

Most date back to the early 20th century and were imported from Britain. They carried minerals to Pacific ports until the mining industry collapsed.

Conclusion

The Train Cemetery in Uyuni is a quick, fascinating stop before or after the salt flats. Time your visit to avoid the tour crowds and you’ll have these rusting giants almost to yourself.