Categories
Places of Natural Beauty
Tunupa Volcano
The multi-hued cone of Tunupa Volcano rises 17,457 feet (5,321 meters) above an expanse of white salt. Though reaching the frigid summit requires some mountaineering, a more accessible viewpoint at 15,500 feet (4,724 meters) offers sweeping views of Uyuni Salt Flat (Salar de Uyuni). The BasicsSet in the Bolivian highlands, Tunupa Volcano is a dormant and often snow-covered peak on the northern side of Uyuni Salt Flat. In addition to lofty viewpoints, the colorful mountain boasts a rich geological and archaeological history, including a cave full of ancient mummies.Day trips and multi-day excursions to the salt pans often include an ascent of the volcano, along with visits to nearby attractions such as the Train Cemetery and Incahuasi Island. While most guided trips leave from Uyuni-area hotels, some options include transportation from accommodations in La Paz. Multi-day tours typically offer an an overnight stay in the town of Coqueza, at the base of the volcano. Things to Know Before You GoClimbing Tunupa Volcano is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts.Give yourself time to acclimate to the high altitude, and take it slow when hiking.Pack sun protection and plenty of water, and bring warm layers of clothing.The best time to photograph the volcano is just before sunset, when the colors are often most vibrant.How to Get ThereGuided excursions to Uyuni Salt Flats typically include round-trip transportation and hotel pickup, whether you opt for a single- or multi-day tour. If you prefer to travel independently, there’s public bus service from Uyuni to Coqueza. When to Get ThereTunupa Volcano is safe to climb year-round and is rarely crowded. The best time to visit is from May to November, when the weather is generally dry, clear, and mild with average temperatures around 50°F (12°C). Get an early start, as it can take several hours to hike up to the viewpoint. Uyuni Salt FlatBolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flat is the world’s largest salt plain. Here, everything you think you know about landscapes is completely turned upside down, as the massive salt flat plays tricks on your eyes. A haven for pink flamingos, the area’s surreal terrain includes bubbling geysers, hot springs, high plateau mountains, and multicolored lagoons. Towering above it all is Tunupa Volcano.
View AttractionCultural/Heritage Places
Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes)
At the Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes) on the outskirts of Uyuni, hollowed out locomotive shells from Bolivia’s Gilded Age sit out in the open, many heavily corroded from the salt of the nearby Salar de Uyuni—the world’s largest salt flat. The train bodies are climbable, and one has even been converted into a swing.The BasicsIn the 19th century, Uyuni was an important transportation hub with plans for expanding Bolivia’s existing rail network. When the mining industry collapsed in the 1940s, numerous steam trains and rail equipment were abandoned, leading to the creation of the Train Cemetery. Today, this open-air museum of graffiti-covered, rusted-out railway cars scattered haphazardly around the desert adds to the surreal landscape of the Salar. Nearly all tours of the Uyuni Salt Flats from Uyuni and La Paz include a visit to the Train Cemetery as well as round-trip transportation.Things to Know Before You GoThe Train Cemetery is a must for railfans and first-time visitors to the Salar.Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, suitable for climbing on and off the trains. Bring sun protection and plenty of water, as there is little shade.At 11,995 feet (3,656 meters) above sea level, the altitude can be a problem for many people. Take it easy until you’re properly acclimated.How to Get ThereThere are several ways to reach the Train Cemetery, located 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) outside of Uyuni. Most visitors arrive as part of a salt flats tour, but you can also walk from the city center or take a taxi.When to Get ThereYou can visit the Train Cemetery year-round. The best time to go is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the tour groups either haven’t arrived yet or are already long gone. The best time to travel in Bolivia is during the winter dry season, from May to October. Uyuni Salt FlatsThe town of Uyuni, in southwest Bolivia, is the most popular jumping-off point for tours to the largest salt flat on earth. You can choose between day trips and multi-day tours of the Salar that include the Train Cemetery, Incahuasi Island, and the Tunupa Volcano. The vast salt plain is home to geysers, hot springs, high plateau mountains, and multicolored lagoons filled with flamingos.
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