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Monument · Uyuni, Potosí
Cementerio de Trenes
Dozens of steam locomotives and rusted wagons, from the early 20th century, abandoned in the desert 3 km from Uyuni, beside the old line that carried ores to the Pacific.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Cementerio de Trenes
The Cementerio de Trenes is about 3 km from Uyuni's center, beside the railway that heads southwest. There are dozens of steam locomotives and wagons there, most from the early 20th century, brought from Grã-Bretanha and the Estados Unidos for the railway that connected the Altiplano mines to the Pacific ports.
Uyuni was founded in 1890 as a junction for that railway, through which silver and, later, tin passed. With the decline of mining from the 1940s onward, and the replacement of steam locomotives by diesel ones, the old machines were left in the desert. Salt and wind rusted the iron, and many parts were taken over the years.
Today the locomotives form a landscape of red iron against the blue sky and the dirt ground, and visitors can walk among them and climb on some. Graffiti and sculptures made from metal parts appear along the way, together with swings and makeshift benches.
The cemetery is usually the first stop on the one-day tour to the salar. It is an open area, without shade and with strong wind: bring a hat and a coat.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
Early in the morning, as the first stop on the salar tour, or in the late afternoon, with low light on the iron. The wind is usually stronger in the afternoon.
How to get there
It is about 3 km from Uyuni's center, following the railway. Go by taxi or as part of the agency's salar tour; on foot, the walk takes about 40 minutes.
Tip
Arrive before the agency groups, early in the morning, or after they leave for the salar. Wear closed shoes to walk among the metal pieces.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cementerio de Trenes
Why are there abandoned trains in Uyuni?
Uyuni was a junction of the mining railway. With the decline of mining from the 1940s and the arrival of diesel locomotives, the steam engines were left abandoned in the desert.
Can you climb on the locomotives?
On some yes. Wear closed shoes to walk among the parts.
Is the Cemitério de Trens included in the salar tour?
Generally yes, as the first stop on a one-day tour. You can also go there by taxi on your own.