Train Graveyard

The Train Graveyard outside Uyuni, Bolivia, contains the remnants of hundreds of steam engines that were abandoned after South America's railways were decommissioned. It it's right at number two on the list of most beautiful historical sites in Bolivia.

Uyuni, located high on the Andean plains, served as an important colonial transportation hub in South America, linking numerous major towns as part of the grandiose European attempt to connect east and west South America. Imperial expansion entailed intentions to expand the network of railroads passing through, but they were eventually abandoned as relations deteriorated.

Because of Uyuni's isolated location, trains and railway building equipment were simply abandoned and left to rust, as it was easier than hauling them back to transit hubs. The majority of the locomotives are British trains from the early twentieth century. Abandoned trains aren't unusual in and of themselves, but the salt winds that rage across the plains of Uyuni rusted the steel, creating a more unsettling appearance.

The Train Graveyard is roughly 10 minutes outside of Uyuni; taxis or local buses may easily take you there if you don't have your own transportation. If you want to stretch your legs, it's around a half-hour walk from the center of town, however you might want to avoid this if you're going early or late, i.e. not in daylight.

Location: Uyuni