1. Train Cemetery, also known as Cementerio de Trenes, is located about three kilometers outside the town of Uyuni, Bolivia. It is a popular tourist attraction that draws visitors with its eerie and surreal landscape of rusted and abandoned trains.
The Train Cemetery is a result of Bolivia’s once-thriving mining industry, which collapsed in the 1940s. The trains were brought to Uyuni by the British in the late 19th century as part of a failed attempt to build a railroad network across Bolivia. When the project was abandoned, the trains were left behind to rust in the harsh desert conditions.
Today, the site is a fascinating example of industrial decay, with over 100 trains of different sizes and shapes scattered across the desert. The trains have been stripped of their valuable parts, leaving behind skeletons of rusted metal. The landscape is often described as hauntingly beautiful, especially during sunset when the trains cast long shadows across the desert.
2. The Train Cemetery is open to visitors all year-round, with no specific working hours. As it is an outdoor attraction, visitors can explore the site at their own leisure and take as much time as they want to explore the trains. There is no entrance fee, and no official staff or guides on-site.
If you have any questions or need information about the Train Cemetery, you can contact the local tourist office in Uyuni. Their phone number is +591 2693160.
3. To reach the Train Cemetery, you can hire a taxi or take a tour from Uyuni town. Many tour operators offer guided tours that include a visit to the Train Cemetery as part of a larger tour of the salt flats. The tour usually includes transportation to and from the site. The prices and availability vary depending on the tour operator and the length of the tour.
If you prefer to explore the Train Cemetery independently, you can hire a taxi in Uyuni to take you to the site. It is recommended to negotiate the price and duration of the visit with the taxi driver beforehand.
Overall, the Train Cemetery in Uyuni offers a unique and fascinating glimpse into Bolivia’s industrial past and is a must-visit for travelers interested in history and offbeat attractions.
