“Salar de Uyuni” is the best tourist attraction in Bolivia and one of the most popular in South America. The white and transparent salt fields extend over 10,000 kilometers, they can even be seen from space! These salt fields hold more than 10 billion tons of salt, an incredible number of salt reserves.
However, beneath all the vast salt fields is lithium, which is the main resource for the Bolivian people. This light metal powers laptops, electric cars, and others. The “Uyuni Salar” is located in Potosi, Daniel Campos Province, around 3,600 meters above sea level.
These salt fields resemble a gigantic mirror that reflects the sky, the stars, and the sun, which makes an otherworldly scenario, propitious for great pictures. Keep on reading to learn more about Uyuni!
How to Get There
We’ll show you three ways to get Uyuni:
From Peru: This option is useful for you, especially for those in Puno or Lake Titicaca. Cross the border into Bolivia at Copacabana. After that, you have a couple of great options: hop on a bus or a van to La Paz. Once you arrive in La Paz, you can either take a quick flight to Uyuni or save some money by taking a night bus.
Just a little heads up, the bus ride will take about 10 to 12 hours, so be prepared for a bit of travel time. This route is a favorite among tourists, as it lets you experience the best of both Peru and Bolivia, with plenty of exciting attractions to explore along the way!
From La Paz: If you plan to visit Uyuni, a direct flight from La Paz is a great option! It takes just about 40 minutes and makes for a comfortable trip, though it may be a bit pricier. For those on a budget, consider taking a bus instead. The journey lasts around 10 to 12 hours. It's more economical, but keep in mind it can be less comfortable, especially during nighttime travel.
From Potosí: If you're exploring other lovely cities in Bolivia, like Potosí, why not take a bus or a shared taxi to Uyuni? The journey takes about 6 to 8 hours, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy more of the beautiful scenery in the country!
Uyuni Town: Uyuni is a great starting point for exploring the stunning salt flats. While the town has its quiet charm with cozy streets, souvenir shops, and places to stay, you might find even more joy in the amazing natural sights just outside of town. Enjoy your adventures in the beautiful surroundings!
Dakar Monument: Commemorating the Dakar Rally, this monument serves as a popular photo spot against the expansive salt flats
Incahuasi Island: This island in the salt flats is home to giant cacti and fossilized coral, offering panoramic views and a fascinating history.
Colchani Village: Discover traditional salt harvesting techniques in Colchani and purchase unique salt souvenirs from local artisans. With its unique landscapes and experiences, Uyuni and the Salar de Uyuni promise an unforgettable adventure in Bolivia.
Train Cemetery: Just 10 minutes from Uyuni, the Train Cemetery features abandoned steam locomotives from the 19th and 20th centuries, creating a hauntingly beautiful site perfect for exploration
When to Go
Like other South American countries, Bolivia has just two seasons: Rainy and Dry season. The rainy season extends from December to March, while the dry season is from April to November. June through August is the high season.
Keep in mind that the rainy season makes a mirror-like scenario. However, in the dry season, some guides or companies know places where you can find puddles, so try to inform yourself well before you decide which season to visit.
Tour Types
You’ll find two types of tours:
The One-day Tour
If you're looking for fun and memorable adventures, why not consider a one-day tour in a 4x4 jeep around the breathtaking Salar de Uyuni? This option is also very budget-friendly for experiencing the stunning Salt Flats. After a scenic overnight bus ride from La Paz to Uyuni, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast in Uyuni around 10 a.m.
The tour ends around 5 p.m., giving you plenty of time to catch an overnight bus back to La Paz or head to another exciting place. Your journey will kick off with a visit to the intriguing train cemetery, followed by a stop in Colchani. Soon, you'll find yourself at the incredible Salt Flats, where the beauty of the landscape will truly amaze you.
Throughout the day, you'll have the chance to enjoy lunch, explore unique "islands" covered in cacti, and admire the sparkling salt mounds. Remember to take lots of pictures to capture these special moments before heading back to Uyuni around 5 p.m. Have a fantastic adventure!
You can begin your adventure in Uyuni and finish there, or you can choose to end your trip in San Pedro de Atacama. If you start in San Pedro, you will enjoy an exciting 3-day tour that concludes in Uyuni.
The 3-Day Tour
On your first day, get ready for an amazing experience, just like the one-day tour! You’ll spend the night in a unique Salt Hotel on the Salar, built mostly from dried salt bricks. It's a special place to stay! On the second and third days, you'll see incredible sights like colorful lakes, hot springs, and flocks of flamingos.
Don't miss the hot geysers and the fascinating rock formations, including the beautiful “Arbol de Piedra” (Rock Tree). You’ll also get to admire stunning painted volcanoes. At night, you’ll sleep in tents, giving you a chance to connect with the rugged landscape around you. The stars in this pristine area are truly breathtaking.
If you’d like to end your 3-day adventure in San Pedro de Atacama, that’s no problem! You can easily cross the border after your tour and still enjoy all the amazing attractions. Leaving at the Chilean border won’t make you miss anything special.
For those starting from San Pedro de Atacama, you can begin your Salt Flat tour there and finish in Uyuni, or return to San Pedro the next day. While tours from San Pedro might cost a little more than those from Uyuni, they offer a fantastic way to travel from Chile to Bolivia. The itineraries are the same, just in reverse, with the last day focused on exploring the stunning Salt Flats. Have a wonderful adventure!
Uyuni is waiting for you! Trust in Viagens Machu Picchu to make your Uyuni trip Unforgettable!
