Pulacayo is a former silver-mining town about twenty kilometers from Uyuni, in a quiet valley on the edge of the Andes. In the nineteenth century it was one of the richest mines in Bolivia, and the railway that ran from the town to the coast helped to make Uyuni an important junction. Today the mine is closed and the town is half empty, but the old locomotives, rusted wagons and workshop buildings remain, and the mine tunnels can be visited with a guide. It is a more atmospheric and less crowded experience than the main train cemetery, with the same sense of industrial history and the high plateau as a backdrop.
The town is also important in political history. In 1946 the miners' union meeting at Pulacayo adopted a radical document, the Thesis of Pulacayo, which became a landmark in the labor movement in Bolivia and shaped debates for decades. Guides often mention this, along with the harsh working conditions in the mines and the role of the railway in moving the ore.
Local legend adds another story
The American outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid are said to have robbed a payroll near here in the early twentieth century, and an old locomotive in the town is often linked to the tale. Treat the legend as a good story rather than established fact.
A visit normally forms part of a private day trip from Uyuni, often combined with the Salar and the town's own train cemetery. The road runs from Uyuni through open desert, and the drive takes under an hour. In the town you walk among old engines and wagons, step into some of the workshops and, depending on the arrangements, enter a short section of the mine.
Tunnels are dark, low and damp, so wear sturdy shoes and bring a torch if your operator does not provide lights. Anyone with claustrophobia or mobility problems should tell the guide beforehand, and children should be supervised closely.
Safety and respect are important. Old mines and abandoned machinery can be unstable, and you should stay with the guide, avoid climbing on the locomotives and follow instructions at all times. Some buildings are in poor condition, and the area is exposed, so wear layers and a hat. Much of the town is still home to local families, so ask before taking photographs of people or their houses. A few small shops and a museum may be open depending on the day, but services are minimal, so bring water and cash.
Pulacayo suits travelers with an interest in history, railways or photography who have already seen the main sights of the Salar and want something less visited. It works best as a half-day extension on a day when the weather is clear, and it is a good alternative if the salt flat is flooded or tours have changed route. Take a camera with a wide lens for the long rows of engines.
Check with your operator what is included, whether the mine visit is available that day and how long the stop lasts. If you are short on time, the main train cemetery on the edge of Uyuni gives a similar experience with less travel, but Pulacayo adds a stronger story and more space.
What to expect
The experience
A guided visit to a former silver-mining town, with old locomotives, workshops and, depending on arrangements, a short section of mine tunnel.
Best time
A clear, dry day; the town is exposed and cold in the shade.
How long
Two to three hours including the drive from Uyuni, as part of a longer day.
Tips
Wear sturdy shoes, bring a torch if lights are not provided, stay with the guide, avoid climbing on machinery and carry water and cash.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History and railway fans who want a quieter alternative to the main train cemetery.
- Families
- Interesting for older children, but tunnels and old machinery need close supervision.
- Couples
- A moody photography stop with big skies and few people.
- Pair with
- The Uyuni train cemetery and the Salar day tour.
- Time needed
- Half a day, usually combined with the salt flat.
Good questions
Where is Pulacayo?+
It is a former mining town roughly twenty kilometers from Uyuni, reached by a drive of under an hour across the desert.
What can I see there?+
Old locomotives and wagons, workshop buildings, mining remains and, on some tours, a short section of the mine.
Is the Butch Cassidy story true?+
Local tradition links the outlaws to a payroll robbery in the area, but the details are uncertain. Enjoy it as a legend.
Is it safe to go into the mine?+
Only with a guide. Tunnels are dark and damp, and abandoned machinery can be unstable. Tell the guide about any health or mobility concerns.
How does it compare with the train cemetery?+
Pulacayo is farther away, quieter and richer in history, while the train cemetery is closer to Uyuni and easier to fit into a short tour.
