Train Cemetery Uyuni
Explore a haunting graveyard of vintage trains, a surreal testament to Bolivia's industrial past, set against a stark desert backdrop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Train Cemetery Uyuni
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a haunting graveyard of vintage trains, a surreal testament to Bolivia's industrial past, set against a stark desert backdrop.
"Imagine Mad Max and Thomas the Tank Engine had a really weird breakup. That’s the Train Graveyard in Uyuni."
Beat the Crowds
Arrive early or stay late. Tour groups often coincide; waiting a bit can grant you solitude. :camerawithflash:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
You'll be climbing on and around rusty metal. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rusting Locomotives
Main train graveyard area
Explore dozens of vintage trains, climb aboard, and imagine their past journeys. A photographer's dream!
Transformer Sculptures
Separate area near the main site
Discover unique art installations crafted from salvaged train parts, adding a quirky, modern twist.
Surreal Desert Landscape
Adjacent to Salar de Uyuni
The stark contrast between the decaying trains and the vast, arid surroundings creates an unforgettable, post-apocalyptic scene.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Prepare for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beat the Crowds
Arrive early or stay late. Tour groups often coincide; waiting a bit can grant you solitude. :camerawithflash:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
You'll be climbing on and around rusty metal. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Sun Protection is Key
High altitude means intense sun. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. :sunglasses:
Hydrate Constantly
The dry, high-altitude air can be dehydrating. Carry plenty of water. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
Beat the Crowds
Arrive early or stay late. Tour groups often coincide; waiting a bit can grant you solitude. :camerawithflash:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
You'll be climbing on and around rusty metal. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Sun Protection is Key
High altitude means intense sun. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. :sunglasses:
Hydrate Constantly
The dry, high-altitude air can be dehydrating. Carry plenty of water. :droplet:
Embrace the Rust
The trains are old and decaying. Be mindful of sharp edges and tetanus risks. :warning:
Drone Photography
Capture epic aerial shots of the graveyard and surrounding salt flats. Check local regulations. :drone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Train Cemetery a unique and visually striking stop, offering a glimpse into Bolivia's industrial past. While it can get crowded with tour groups, the surreal landscape and opportunity for creative photography make it a memorable experience. Some note the potential for tetanus due to the decaying metal, and advise caution when climbing.
"Cool place to visit. Went as part of a tour through to the Salt Flats, this was a neat start.
Super busy though as every other tour arrives, imagine at sunrise or sunset it’d produce stunning photography.
Time it right and you can pull off some pretty epic poses though :)"
NZ Wild Rose
"A must visit when in Uyuni - a collection of old, rusting locomotives that you can walk around, climb up and down, and inspect - really interesting to see. Some of the locomotives have also been converted to swings! The main region has several locomotives, but beyond this there is another area at least as big (if not bigger) that has dumped train carriages (although not technically part of the “train cemetery” attraction. As this is a popular spot with many tour companies including this as a stop before/after visiting the salt flats, it can be very busy, but their timetables seem to coincide so if you wait a little bit you can have the whole place to yourself!"
Mert Korkusuz
"Imagine Mad Max and Thomas the Tank Engine had a really weird breakup. That’s the Train Graveyard in Uyuni. Located just 3 km outside town, this post-apocalyptic playground of rusted locomotives is the final resting place of Bolivia’s railway dreams… and Instagram’s gritty best friend.
Historical stat break:
- Trains date back to the late 1800s, imported from Britain during Bolivia’s short-lived railway boom.
- The dream? Connect Uyuni to the Pacific.
- The reality? Mining collapse in the 1940s left these metal beasts to rot in the salt and wind.
- Altitude: 3,656 m above sea level
- Entry fee: Free, because nothing says “abandoned dream” like open access.
The site stretches across a vast salt-flat edge, where iron giants lie dismembered, tattooed with graffiti, and slowly dissolving into dust. Some carriages are welded into makeshift jungle gyms. Health and safety? Never heard of her.
Tour groups roll in daily, snapping “edgy” photos on top of train roofs while dodging tetanus. Meanwhile, local kids treat it like a desert skate park.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
+1 for post-industrial vibes
+1 for raw, surreal scenery
–1 if you hate sand, rust, or the smell of historical abandonment
+1 if you’re into ghost towns, steampunk dreams, or locomotives that gave up"
The Compass Guy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Train Cemetery is located just 3 km outside Uyuni town, making it easily accessible. Most tours to the Salar de Uyuni include a stop here. You can also hire a taxi from Uyuni town for a short trip.
No, the Train Cemetery is very close to the Salar de Uyuni, often visited as the first or last stop on tours of the salt flats.
Yes, it's a short walk of about 3 km from Uyuni town. However, consider the high altitude and the dusty conditions. A taxi is a quicker and more comfortable option.
Uyuni is typically reached by bus or flight from major Bolivian cities like La Paz or Sucre. The journey can be long, so factor that into your travel plans.
Taxis are readily available in Uyuni town and are a convenient way to get to the Train Cemetery or other local attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Train Cemetery in Uyuni is free to enter. This makes it an accessible attraction for all visitors.
The Train Cemetery is an open-air site and can be visited at any time. However, for the best experience and photography, aim for daylight hours.
While you can visit independently by taxi, most visitors experience the Train Cemetery as part of a guided tour of the Salar de Uyuni. Tours offer context and transportation.
While there are no strict rules, be mindful of the fragile nature of the old trains and the safety risks involved in climbing. Respect the site and avoid vandalism.
Yes, numerous tour agencies in Uyuni town offer day trips and multi-day tours that include the Train Cemetery and the Salar de Uyuni.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
The rusting trains, unique sculptures, and the vast desert landscape offer endless photo ops. Sunrise and sunset provide dramatic lighting. +1
Climbing on the trains is common for photos, but be cautious. The metal is old and can be unstable or have sharp edges. Assess each train before climbing.
Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes. A camera or smartphone is essential for capturing the unique scenery.
There are a few souvenir shops and a paid bathroom available at the site.
These trains date back to the late 1800s and were imported from Britain during Bolivia's railway boom. They were abandoned in the mid-20th century due to the collapse of the mining industry.
🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining
No, there are no restaurants directly at the Train Cemetery. You can find food options in Uyuni town before or after your visit.
Yes, it's recommended to bring your own snacks and water, especially if you're on a tour that doesn't include meals.
Uyuni town offers basic Bolivian cuisine. Look for local eateries serving dishes like llama steak or salteñas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Ensure children wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes for safety. Keep a close eye on them as they climb, as the trains are old and can have sharp edges. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited. The proximity to the Salar de Uyuni also means you can combine this visit with other family-friendly activities on the salt flats.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Recommendations: Visit during the golden hours for dramatic lighting. Experiment with different angles and compositions, focusing on the textures of rust and decay. Consider using a drone for unique aerial perspectives. Be prepared for crowds during peak times; arriving early or staying late can offer more solitude for capturing the perfect shot.
🎒 Budget Travelers
Tips for budget travelers: While tours are popular, you can visit the Train Cemetery independently by hiring a taxi from Uyuni town for a short trip, which can be more economical if you're traveling in a small group. Pack your own snacks and water to save money on purchasing them at the site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Bolivia's Industrial Past
However, the mid-20th century saw a significant collapse in the mining sector, rendering the railway network obsolete. The trains were left to rust in the arid, high-altitude desert, creating the surreal landscape we see today. This abandonment transformed a symbol of progress into a haunting monument to lost ambitions.
+1Today, the train graveyard Uyuni serves as an open-air museum, attracting visitors with its stark beauty and historical narrative. It's a place where industrial decay meets artistic interpretation, with some train parts repurposed into unique sculptures.
Photography Tips for the Train Cemetery
+1Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) is your best friend here. The low-angled sun casts long shadows and bathes the rusting metal in a warm, ethereal glow, creating dramatic contrasts.
Many visitors also enjoy incorporating themselves into the photos, climbing on the trains or using props to create dynamic compositions. The Salar de Uyuni train cemetery is also known for its quirky transformer sculptures, which offer a different photographic subject. Remember to be mindful of safety when climbing on the trains, as they are old and can be unstable.
Navigating Uyuni and its Surroundings
Getting to Uyuni typically involves long bus journeys or flights from major Bolivian cities. Once in Uyuni, most visitors opt for 3-day or 4-day tours that cover the salt flats, colorful lagoons, geysers, and hot springs. The train graveyard Uyuni Bolivia is almost always included as a stop on these tours, usually at the beginning or end.
For those venturing independently, taxis are available in Uyuni town for short trips to the Train Cemetery. However, exploring the vast Salar de Uyuni without a tour can be challenging due to its size and remoteness. It's advisable to book tours in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and ensure a well-organized experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit