Train Cemetery
Potosí
Located approximately 3 kilometers outside the city of Uyuni, the Train Cemetery is a unique tourist attraction featuring a collection of rusting steam locomotives and rail cars abandoned in the early to mid-20th century. These trains were originally part of a railway network constructed between 1888 and 1892 by British engineers under the Antofagasta and Bolivia Railway Companies to transport minerals from Bolivia's rich mining regions to Pacific Ocean ports. The railway was a key element in Bolivia's economic development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, the collapse of the mining industry in the 1940s, due in part to mineral depletion, led to the abandonment of these trains. The site offers visitors a striking glimpse into industrial history amid the arid high-altitude landscape of the Bolivian Altiplano. Plans have been discussed to establish a museum at the site to preserve and interpret its historical significance. The Train Cemetery's evocative atmosphere and photogenic ruins make it a compelling stop for travelers exploring Uyuni and the surrounding salt flats.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Train Cemetery is during the dry season, from May to October, when weather conditions are more favorable for outdoor exploration and photography. Visitors should consider purchasing tickets or booking tours in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure access. The site is accessible by local tours departing from Uyuni, often combined with trips to the nearby Salar de Uyuni. While there are no official discounts, some tour operators may offer reduced rates for students or groups. Visitors are advised to bring sun protection and water, as facilities at the site are limited.
Interesting facts
- •The Train Cemetery contains several locomotives and rail cars dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- •British engineers formed a sizable community in Uyuni during the railway construction period from 1888 to 1892.
- •The railway was sabotaged by local indigenous groups who viewed it as an intrusion into their traditional lands.
- •The site is connected to Uyuni by the original train tracks, now largely unused.
- •Plans have been proposed to convert the Train Cemetery into a museum to preserve its historical value.
History
The Train Cemetery originated from the railway development efforts between 1888 and 1892 led by British engineers working for the Antofagasta and Bolivia Railway Companies.
This railway network was intended to facilitate the transport of minerals from Bolivia’s mines to Pacific ports, promoting economic growth.
The town of Uyuni served as a major railway junction and distribution hub.
However, by the 1940s, the mining industry declined sharply due to mineral depletion, leading to the abandonment of many trains.
The rusting locomotives and rail cars were left in the desert near Uyuni, gradually becoming the Train Cemetery known today.
Place Guide
Main Locomotive Ruins1888-1892
This area features the largest collection of rusted steam locomotives and freight cars, showcasing the industrial heritage of the region and the decline of mining transport in the mid-20th century.
