The otherworldly landscape of Bolivia’s Salt Flats is one of the highlights of any trip through South America. Known locally as Salar de Uyuni, the salt flats are part of the Altiplano, a vast plateau that extends for 965 km from southern Peru to the southwestern corner of Bolivia.
Salar de Uyuni is the remains of an enormous prehistoric lake. The fields of salt, extending as far as the eye can see and backed by distant mountains, create one of the most dramatic and unique vistas on Earth.
Many first-time visitors to the area (including me!) are surprised to discover how much there is to see beyond the salt flat itself. Here’s all you need to know about this unique experience.
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Contents
A Guide to the Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia 🧂
When to Visit Salar de Uyuni ❄️
Salar de Uyuni has two seasons: wet and dry. The great news is there is no bad time to visit the salt flats in Bolivia and each season has its advantages.
The dry season runs from May to November. At this time of year you will enjoy the quintessential views of the salt flats, with vast expanses of white landscape extending to the horizon. The clear night skies offer great star-gazing opportunities and you’ll also be able to visit some places that aren’t accessible during the wet season. June to August is peak season.
The rainy season (December to April) brings its own beauty. Some would argue the vistas during the wet season are even more mesmerising than in the dry season. During this time the salt is covered by a layer of water that provides a dramatic mirror effect and creates unique conditions for fabulous photos. The reflection also makes for spectacular sunrises and sunsets. These months are also less cold than the dry season.
Be aware that December and January are the wettest months and sometimes excessive rain can lead to tour cancellations.
How to Get to Salar de Uyuni 🚌
From Bolivia
As you may have deduced by the name, the salt flats are near Uyuni in Bolivia, the starting point of most tours. Although technically a city, Uyuni has more the feel of a small, nondescript town. There is nothing really of interest in Uyuni itself so it’s not worth spending much time here. Most people time their arrival for the morning of the start of their tour.
Night buses run from La Paz (approx. 9 hours) and Sucre (approx. 8 hours) direct to Uyuni. (There are no day buses for some reason.) Local buses can be booked on busbud.com. Todo Tourismo is also a safe and reliable option for La Paz–Uyuni journeys. Tickets are more expensive than local buses but the seats are very comfortable and they even offer a service that includes dinner and breakfast.
From Argentina
If you are coming from Argentina it is possible to book tours that begin in Tupiza. Direct buses run from the border town of Villazon to Tupiza (approx. 3 hours).
From Chile
There are tours that run directly from the Chilean town of San Pedro de Atacama, which is close to the Bolivian border. San Pedro is just an hour from Calama which is well connected with long-distance bus routes and an airport.
Things to See and Do on a Salar de Uyuni Tour 🌵
World’s Largest Salt Flat
The focal point of any Salar de Uyuni tour is, of course, the world’s largest salt flat. Salar de Uyuni sits at an altitude of 3,650 metres and covers a staggering 10,000 sq km. It is estimated to contain around 10 billion tonnes of salt! The area was once covered by a huge saltwater lake, which dried up some 30,000–40,000 years ago. As the water evaporated the salt crystalised and formed a crust, which is up to 10 m thick in some places.
The great expanse of the white stuff, divided into hexagonal salt tiles, creates an otherworldly landscape. Sense of distance and perspective become skewed as the salty surface goes on mile after endless mile. The deserted plain is the perfect canvas for taking perspective photographs and when covered in a layer of water it becomes the world’s largest mirror, which makes for stunning reflective images.
For more fun facts about Bolivia read this article.
Train Graveyard
The first stop on most tours is the Train Graveyard (El Cementerio de Trenes) on the dusty outskirts of Uyuni. Remnants of a former era, the disused trains lie abandoned and rusting in the salty winds.
Uyuni’s location makes it an important transportation hub that connects major cities. In the 19th century there were plans to extend the existing rail network using trains imported from Britain. The decline of the mining industry and tensions with neighbouring countries ground the project to a halt and the locomotives were left to the elements. Today they create an eerie environment and stand as a testament to the corrosive power of salt!
Colchani
Colchani is a small salt-processing village 20 km south of Uyuni. Now one of the key stops on Salar de Uyuni tours, it’s become something of a tourist trap. After a short but interesting education in salt extraction, refinement and making salt bricks, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase some salty souvenirs at the plethora of artisan shops and stalls.
Incahuasi Island
Isla Incahuasi (also known as Isla del Pescado) is the remains of the top of an ancient volcano. It was once a place of ceremony in Inca times (hausi means house in Quechua). In the middle of the salt wilderness, this tiny oasis is covered in towering cacti. The spiky green succulents create a stark contrast against the endless white backdrop. (Note that Incahausi can become inaccessible in the wet season due to flooding.)
Salt Hotels
If taking a multi-day tour of the salt flats, it’s likely you’ll spend the night at one of the area’s unique salt hotels. Utilising the abundant material to hand, the innovative locals created entire buildings out of salt bricks. In these hotels everything, from the walls and floors to the beds and tables, is constructed from salt!
Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve 🦙
The Bolivian Salt Flats are part of a larger area known as the Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa. This vast protected area covers 7,000 sq km in the far southwest of Bolivia, stretching from the border of Chile to the border of Argentina. A multi-day Salar de Uyuni tour is essentially a tour of the reserve. Aside from Incahausi, which sits at the centre of the salt flats (and the Train Graveyard and Colchani which are at the very edge), the points of interest visited on a Salar de Uyuni tour are outside of the salt flat but within the national reserve.
The Lagoons
There are several lagoons to explore within the national reserve, each with its own beauty. The most well-known are Laguna Hedionda (Stinky Lagoon), Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon), Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon) and Laguna Blanca (White Lagoon). Laguna Hedionda is one of the best places to observe white and pink flamingos. Its unappealing name is a nod to the aroma of sulphur but you’ll be pleased to hear that the smell is not very strong. There’s no prizes for guessing the reason behind the names of the other lagoons(!), each of which dazzle with their respective colours and stunning volcanic backdrops.
Sol de Mañana
Spanish for ‘morning sun’, Sol de Mañana is an area alive with geothermal activity. The landscape is dotted with geysers and boiling pools of mud. Most tours will visit the geysers at sunrise when the dawn light and rising steam combine to create an ethereal atmosphere. Walking through the steam is a pleasant way to warm up in the frigid Andean air and you can peer over the edges of the mud pools to see the gloopy liquid bubbling away, heated from the depths below.
Aguas Termales de Polques
The hot springs of Polques are the perfect place to take a break and relax. While you might not fancy stripping off when it’s -10°C, you absolutely won’t regret it if you do – trust me! The thermal waters are delightfully warm and while you’re bathing you can soak up the beautiful scenery.
Arbol de Piedra
The Valle de Rocas is a landscape peppered with interesting and unusual rock formations that have been sculpted by the wind and sand. The most famous and picturesque is Arbol de Piedra (Rock Tree), which resembles, you’ve guessed it, a huge stone tree.
“One of my favourite things about the Salar De Uyuni tour was simply driving from location to location. The desert and volcanic scenery was spectacular and like nothing I’ve ever seen before! It was also a great way to spot wildlife, including vicuñas, Andean foxes and viscachas.”
Lisa Barham, Writer at South America Backpacker
Types of Tours to Salar de Uyuni 🚙
As you’d probably expect with one of the most popular attractions in South America, there are endless choices when it comes to booking a tour. Here are some of the key differences between the plethora of tours on offer.
Starting Point
The majority of travellers begin their Salar de Uyuni tour from Uyuni itself. It’s possible to book ahead or choose a tour company on arrival. If travelling to Uyuni by bus you will arrive early in the morning (around 6 or 7 am) and most tours begin at around 10 am, giving you time to scout around for a tour you like. It’s also possible to take a tour from La Paz with transport to Uyuni included as part of the package.
Another popular option for travellers heading north from Chile is to take a tour from the border town of San Pedro de Atacama. Note that Chile is a much more expensive country to travel than Bolivia and as such tours booked and beginning in San Pedro tend to be more expensive than those in Bolivia.
It’s also possible to take a tour starting in Tupiza – a great option for those coming from Argentina.
Number of Days
There are options for one, two or three-day tours to Salar de Uyuni (some companies also have four-day options). If you’re only interested in seeing the salt flat itself and snapping some awesome perspective photos, then the one-day option may be for you.
One-day tours generally visit the Train Graveyard, Colchani, salt flats and Incahausi Island. If you’d like to explore further afield and get out into the surrounding landscape then opt for a two- or three-day tour.
“I took a three-day tour and am so glad I did! There was so much more to see than I expected and the locations on days two and three were far less crowded because there were no daytrippers at these sites. If you have time, take a longer tour – you won’t regret it.”
Lisa Barham, Writer at South America Backpacker
Basic or Bougie
Plenty of travellers opt for the most basic Salar de Uyuni tour and have a fantastic time. These are shared tours with five or six people per jeep and often with a Spanish-speaking guide. Be warned that the accommodation on the budget tours is likely to be very basic. If you’d like a little more comfort then more expensive tours provide accommodation with private rooms and hot showers, English-speaking guides and often some extras, such as wine with dinner (yes please!). It’s also possible to take private tours for the ultimate customised experience.
Onward Travel ➡️
When booking a tour you’ll have the option of taking a round trip or including onward travel at the end of the tour. Many travellers begin their tour in Uyuni and then continue on to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. Expect to pay around $20USD to add on this transfer.
Tips for Visiting Salar de Uyuni 🤓
1. Check If the Tour Includes an English-Speaking Guide
Unless you’re confident in your Spanish skills, you’ll likely get more out of a tour with a guide who speaks English. English-speaking guides aren’t standard so check with the tour company if one is included. If you’re booking a budget tour, expect there to be an additional cost. If you don’t speak Spanish and still decide to take a tour with a Spanish-speaking guide, don’t worry – this tour is mainly about enjoying the glorious landscapes and Bolivia’s beauty can be appreciated in any language.
2. Be Prepared for the Cold
Salar de Uyuni sits at 3,656 m.a.s.l. and some parts of the tour reach altitudes of above 4,500 m. This means it can get extremely cold, especially at night! Daytime can often feel pleasantly warm in the sun, but after it sets temperatures can easily plummet to around -10°C. You’ll need a warm sleeping bag (tour companies provide these, often at an additional charge), and don’t forget to pack warm clothing.
3. Begin Your Tour the Day You Arrive in Uyuni
Uyuni itself offers little of interest and so it’s best to avoid spending more time here than necessary. Buses from La Paz and Sucre only run at night meaning you will arrive in the city early in the morning. Aim to begin your tour the same day, otherwise you’ll have a whole day to waste.
4. Research the Tour Company and Tour
Not all tour companies are created equal. Even if you decide to book a tour on arrival in Uyuni, try to do a little research on the company you choose and check reviews. Also make sure you know exactly what the tour you are booking includes in terms of duration, accommodation options, guide and itinerary. Red Planet and Andes Salt Expeditions are two tried and trusted companies.
5. Be Aware of the Season
Make sure you know what the weather will be like before you book a tour and therefore what the landscape will look like. Some people are keen to observe the mirror effect on the salt flat. This is produced by a water layer that sits on top of the salt in the wet season (December to April). In the dry season there is no water layer, instead you can observe the hexagonal salt tiles that form on the surface. Note also that Incahausi island is sometimes inaccessible during the rainy season.
6. Bring Some Cash with You
There are ATMs in Uyuni but these are not always reliable so it’s best to bring some extra cash from wherever you are travelling.
Packing List for Salar de Uyuni 🧤
- Warm jacket
- Warm hat
- Sleeping bag (usually available to rent from tour company)
- Waterproof clothing (if visiting in wet season)
- Hiking shoes and comfortable socks
- Long pants
- T-shirt
- Towel
- Swimwear
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Water/water filter and snacks
- Personal toiletries and medication
- Hand sanitiser
- Cash (around 200BOB to pay for entry to sites and extra snacks, tips etc.)
- Torch or headlamp
- Powerbank
- Camera/phone
- Props for perspective photos (tour guides will often have some)
- Copy of your passport
FAQs ❓
How much does a Salar de Uyuni tour cost?
Basic three-day tours begin around $150USD. These are shared tours with usually five or six people per jeep. Accommodation and food is likely to be basic and the guide may only speak Spanish. For a group tour that includes an English-speaking guide and more comfortable accommodation with private rooms, you will be looking at around $250USD. For private tours expect to pay significantly more.
Can I visit Salar de Uyuni independently?
It is possible to visit the salt flats independently and while I was there I saw people camping with bikes! You can also rent a 4WD and drive yourself. Read more about visiting Salar de Uyuni independently here.
Can I get altitude sickness in Salar de Uyuni?
The salt flats are at 3,656 m.a.s.l. Some people can suffer from altitude sickness at this elevation. However, if you are travelling from La Paz (which is at a similar altitude) or Cusco (just 250 m lower) then you will likely be fine as you should have acclimatised. San Pedro de Atacama is significantly lower at 2,400 m.a.s.l. If coming from San Pedro, take things easy, drink plenty of water, avoid drinking alcohol, and try drinking coca tea to stave off any altitude sickness symptoms.
Will there be phone signal?
In a word, no. This is a very remote area and there is no phone signal or 4G. Some of the accommodation has WiFi but there is usually a fee to use this (around 20BOB, approx $3USD).
Bolivia’s Salt Flats are a breathtaking natural wonder. A mesmerising and dazzling landscape, this vast salt plain is like nowhere else in the world!
The wider Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve is just as stunning. From mountains to geysers, lagoons to hot springs, a tour of Salar de Uyuni is a varied and thrilling experience that showcases Bolivia’s diverse and enchanting scenery and should be on everyone’s South American itinerary!
Have you visited Salar de Uyuni? Tell us about your experience in the comments.
Lisa Barham
Lisa is a writer and traveller who left her nine-to-five in London for life on the road. Today, she spends her time solo backpacking, navigating through life and unfamiliar streets. After eating, hiking and surfing her way through Southeast Asia, she headed for a new adventure in South America, to travel through the continent learning Spanish, and a few other valuable lessons along the way!
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