Around twenty kilometers northeast of Uyuni, the Pulacayo mining site preserves the remnants of an industrial complex founded in 1833, in the Potosí department. Centered on the Huanchaca silver mine, once presented as one of the most important in the world, the village today contains a train cemetery, abandoned factories and Bolivia's first steam locomotive. Its industrial heritage is protected as part of Bolivia's national patrimony.

Why visit the Pulacayo mining site

Pulacayo offers a historical counterpoint to the natural landscapes of the Uyuni region. The site reveals the other side of Bolivian silver wealth: century-old machinery, rusted locomotives, metallurgical workshops and workers' dwellings frozen since mining activity declined.

• An immersion into Bolivia's industrial history of the 19th century.
• The Pulacayo train cemetery, distinct from that of Uyuni, more authentic as it receives fewer visitors.
• The locomotive attacked by Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid in 1908, displayed on-site.
• A complementary stop between the salt flat and the colonial mines of Potosí.

History of the Huanchaca mine

Founded in 1833, the Pulacayo mine, also called the Huanchaca mine, exploited four main veins: Veta San Tomas, Veta Corpus, Veta Pacamayo and Veta Animas, divided into dacite parcels 4 km wide. At the height of activity, nearly 20,000 workers lived in the complex, compared to around 300 inhabitants today.

Extraction conditions grew more difficult over the decades, due in particular to the spread of carbon dioxide and the presence of boiling water reaching 60°C in underground deposits. Silver production declined in the 20th century, and by the 1990s, minimal activity was limited to gypsum extraction before the near-total abandonment of the site.

Pulacayo also marked the country's railway and political history. The village preserves the ruins of the residence of Aniceto Arce Ruiz, President of Bolivia in the late 19th century and a key figure in Bolivian mining and railway development. It was here that the Maestranza operated, considered Bolivia's first steam locomotive.

What to see on the site

The train cemetery and the Maestranza

The railway sector concentrates the site's most striking features. You'll find the Maestranza, the country's first steam locomotive, as well as the railway car attributed to the attack carried out by Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid during a convoy transporting miners' wages. Also remaining are old cinema facilities for workers and a partially dilapidated railway turntable.

The metallurgical plant and galleries

The plant preserves century-old machinery still in place, testimony to the silver ore processing chain. Part of the galleries can be visited via an arranged tunnel, accompanied by a local guide. The visit provides explanations on extraction techniques and the daily life of miners.

The museum and Aniceto Arce's residence

A small museum traces the history of the industrial and railway complex. The ruins of Aniceto Arce Ruiz's house, nearby, complete the tour and recall Pulacayo's role in building modern Bolivia.

Practical information

• Duration of visit: allow 2 to 3 hours to explore the village, the train cemetery and the plant.
• Guide: access to the galleries and certain installations is with a local guide, recommended for safety and historical context.
• Price: moderate entrance fee, payable on-site in bolivianos.
• Equipment: closed-toe shoes, warm clothing (altitude over 4,000 m), water and headlamp for the galleries.
• Best time: dry season, April to October, for trail accessibility.

How to get there

Pulacayo is located approximately 25 km northeast of Uyuni, toward Potosí. The road is paved for most of the journey. Several options are available:

• Private vehicle or taxi: approximately 30 to 40 minutes from Uyuni, the most flexible option.
• Regional bus: Uyuni–Potosí connections stop near the village.
• Organized tour: some Uyuni agencies include Pulacayo in half-day historical circuits.

Nearby

Pulacayo fits into a historical and mining itinerary that can be extended to other major sites in the region.

• The Cerro Rico mines in Potosí, a silver-bearing mountain peaking at nearly 4,800 m, approximately 3 hours drive away. The Casa de la Moneda, opened in 1574 and closed to production in 1953, complements a visit to the city.
• El Sillar, geological formations sculpted by erosion.
• Chapare Valley, for a complete change of scenery toward the tropical zone.

Frequently asked questions

Include Pulacayo in your Bolivia trip

The Pulacayo mining site fits naturally into an itinerary combining the Uyuni salt flat, Potosí and the Andean altiplano. To build a tailor-made circuit including this heritage stop, consult our Bolivia travel suggestions.