Baquedano Railway Yard
Explore a forgotten world of vintage locomotives and train carts in the stark beauty of the Atacama Desert. A free, open-air museum for history and tr...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the desert heat
Baquedano Railway Yard
Best Time
Beat the desert heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a forgotten world of vintage locomotives and train carts in the stark beauty of the Atacama Desert. A free, open-air museum for history and transport lovers.
"It's like the childhood dream of every boy (and many girls). You can jump on any machine, see all mechanical details..."
💧 Stay Hydrated!
The desert sun is intense. Bring ample water and wear sunscreen.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven terrain. Sturdy footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vintage Locomotive Park
Main yard area
Wander through a collection of resting locomotives and train carts, a dream for any transport enthusiast.
Historic Rotating Platform
Central yard
Witness the impressive rotating platform used to orient locomotives, a marvel of old engineering.
Oregon Pine Wagons
Various wagons
Admire the precision and craftsmanship of wagons made almost entirely of Oregon pine.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Desert Heat
Explore Freely, Respectfully
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Stay Hydrated!
The desert sun is intense. Bring ample water and wear sunscreen.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven terrain. Sturdy footwear is a must.
🚂 Train Enthusiast's Paradise
Perfect for anyone fascinated by railway history and old machinery.
🚫 No Services Available
Be prepared: there are no facilities or accessibility services.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Stay Hydrated!
The desert sun is intense. Bring ample water and wear sunscreen.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven terrain. Sturdy footwear is a must.
🚂 Train Enthusiast's Paradise
Perfect for anyone fascinated by railway history and old machinery.
🚫 No Services Available
Be prepared: there are no facilities or accessibility services.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Baquedano Railway Yard's magical, dream-like atmosphere, offering a unique chance to explore vintage locomotives freely in a desert setting. Its free admission and historical significance are major draws, though the lack of services and intense desert heat require preparation.
"This place is magic. There is no formal entrance, you just walk in. You have a park of locomotives and train carts all for yourself. It's like the childhood dream of every boy (and many girls). You can jump on any machine, see all mechanical details, see the rotating platform to orient locomotors (I tried to turn it, they must have blocked it because the working ones can be rotated by 1 person only) and just make "tchoo tchoo" all around, there is no one around"
Jacopo Seccatore
"Seeing these Titans resting in an environment that halts their natural degradation left me with a pleasant taste and a nostalgia for what they once were and how many people they helped. A separate note is those wagons made almost entirely of Oregon pine, very, very well made with millimeter precision."
pablo César
"A good train station for train lovers. It's abandoned, free admission, and its walls speak for themselves. A nice place to experience the history. Bring water and sunscreen, as it's very hot in this desert, even though we came in July.
A good train station for train lovers. It's abandoned, free admission, and its walls speak for themselves. A nice place to experience the history. Bring water and sunscreen, as it's very hot in this desert, even though we came in July."
Melisa CarpeDiem
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Baquedano Railway Yard is located in the Atacama Desert. Access is generally via road, often as part of a tour or by private vehicle. It's recommended to check local tour operators or use GPS coordinates for navigation.
Public transportation directly to the yard is limited due to its remote desert location. Most visitors arrive via organized tours or private transport.
Many visitors combine a trip to the Baquedano Railway Yard with other attractions in the Sierra Gorda region, like waterfalls and viewpoints, often through guided tours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Baquedano Railway Yard is free. You can walk in and explore the grounds without purchasing a ticket.
As there is no formal entrance, the yard is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, it's best to visit during reasonable hours to avoid any issues.
There is no entrance fee. The Baquedano Railway Yard offers free admission for all visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore a park of vintage locomotives and train carts, see the historic rotating platform, and admire the craftsmanship of old wagons. It's a great spot for photography and experiencing railway history.
Yes, children, especially those interested in trains, will likely find it fascinating. However, adult supervision is crucial due to the nature of the site.
While you can get close and see the mechanical details, it's advisable to be cautious and respectful. Some parts might be blocked for safety or preservation.
The trains are in a resting state, preserved in the desert environment. They showcase their historical grandeur, though they are not operational.
Absolutely! The unique setting and vintage machinery make it a fantastic location for photographers, especially those interested in industrial or historical subjects.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no food services or restaurants directly at the Baquedano Railway Yard. It's a remote, historic site.
It's best to eat before you arrive or pack your own snacks and drinks, as there are no dining facilities nearby.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the scale of the locomotives, the intricate details of the machinery, the historic rotating platform, and the unique desert landscape surrounding the yard.
Early morning or late afternoon light offers softer shadows and a more dramatic atmosphere for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🚂 Train Enthusiasts & History Buffs
As an abandoned site with free admission, it’s a photographer's dream and a historian's playground. Just remember to be respectful of the machinery and the historical significance of the location. The raw, uncurated nature of the yard adds to its authentic charm.
📸 Photographers
Look for details like the intricate machinery, the weathered paint, the massive wheels, and the historic rotating platform. The absence of crowds, especially on weekdays, allows for unhindered access to frame your shots. Be sure to bring wide-angle lenses for the grand scale and telephoto lenses for capturing specific details.
🚗 Adventurous Road-Trippers
Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for desert travel, and always carry plenty of water and snacks. The journey itself, through the vast Atacama Desert, is part of the experience. The reward is a unique historical site that feels like a hidden gem.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Railway History
One of the most striking features is the historic rotating platform, a complex piece of machinery designed to reorient locomotives. While some visitors have noted it might be blocked, its presence alone is impressive. You'll also find wagons constructed with remarkable precision, some made almost entirely of Oregon pine, showcasing the quality of craftsmanship from that period. The desert environment, while harsh, has also acted as a natural preserver, leaving these machines in a state that evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia.
It's important to note that the Baquedano Railway Yard is an unmaintained historical site. There are no formal services, accessibility features, or safety barriers. Visitors are encouraged to explore with caution, respect the machinery, and be prepared for the desert conditions. The experience is raw and authentic, offering a profound connection to the history of transportation in the region.
Navigating the Desert Landscape
While the yard itself is the main attraction, the journey there often involves traversing remote desert roads. Many visitors opt for organized tours that handle transportation and provide local insights. These tours can also incorporate visits to other nearby natural and historical sites, offering a more comprehensive experience of the Sierra Gorda region.
For those traveling independently, it's crucial to have a reliable vehicle, a good map or GPS, and to inform someone of your travel plans. The remoteness means that assistance can be far away. However, the stark, otherworldly beauty of the desert, combined with the historical significance of the railway yard, makes the effort worthwhile for many adventurers.
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