Attraction: Train Cemetery (Cemeterio de Trenes)
Where: Uyuni, Bolivia
Day trip from: Uyuni
Trip length: Half a day or less
Ever wondered where tonnes of British trains constructed in the early 1900s ended up? The Bolivian desert, of course.
Southern Bolivia is home to quite possibly the most surreal landscapes on the planet and the town of Uyuni is their frontier. However, you don't have to travel far from town to explore the distinctly odd playground that is the Train Cemetery. Steel beasts creaking in the desert winds and slowly rusting more and more by each sun-drenched day have sat stoically in the sands for over a hundred years and show no signs of making any moves. Atmospheric or creepy, whatever you want to call the Train Cemetery it is definitely well worth making the long and turbulent journey south to see it for yourself.
Recommendations
This really is in the middle of the desert so if you're travelling here in the heat of the day then don't skimp on the water supplies or underestimate the intensity of the UV rays. Some shade can be found but don't rely on being able to find a patch that isn't already occupied.
If you're not on an organised tour that is making a stop here then visiting for sunset would be fantastic and you'll probably have a bit more of the place to yourself. You'll at least not have to dodge out of other travellers' photos or risk the temptation to photobomb.
I visited on the first stop on a locally booked multi-day tour so, in my opinion, this is the most practical way to visit but it is more feasible to visit the Train Cemetery solo than the national parks beyond.
There's no entry fee and it is open 24 hours a day but there weren't any facilities when I visited in early 2016 so keep this in mind.
Caution: Needless to say, these trains are quite old so if you are climbing on them be wary that falling and getting injured isn't exactly impossible.
Directions
The majority of 4x4 tours that take in the likes of the Salar de Uyuni, Eduardo Avaroa National Park, and Dali Desert will make a stop here but if you're wanting to save some money or are short on time then you'll likely be able to find a local taxi driver willing to take you to the Train Cemetery. If you're driving then just follow the unmissable signpost pointing you in the right direction out of town.
Thanks for making it to the end! For more obscure and bizarre spots worth the trek check out more from the Gems Worth the Journey series.
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