Salar de Uyuni

The basics

The can’t-miss Salar de Uyuni is one of Bolivia’s most famous attractions. Though the site is technically remote, located high in the rural Altiplano, guided Salar de Uyuni tours provide an easy way to visit without the hassle of arranging transportation.

Tours to the flats typically include a hike to Fish Island (Incahuasi Island) in the middle of the salt expanse, a visit to the world’s first salt hotel (Palacio de Sal), and plenty of time to take photos, as playful optical illusions using the endless white horizon are popular among travelers. Specialty tours, such as nighttime visits under the stars, sunrise tours, private tours, and 4x4 excursions, offer additional memorable experiences. If you have time, bundle Salar de Uyuni into a multi-day tour for visits to hot springs, Laguna Colorada, and Laguna Verde as well.

Things to know before you go

• Salar de Uyuni is a must-see attraction in Bolivia.

• Bring sunscreen, layers, sturdy shoes, and your camera.

• The giant salt flat is at 12,000 feet (3,660 meters) above sea level. Avoid altitude sickness by giving yourself plenty of water, rest, and time to adjust.

How to get there

Most Uyuni tours start at the towns of Tupiza and Uyuni. Flights from La Paz to Uyuni make it possible to visit as a day tour from Bolivia’s capital, and you can also visit from San Pedro de Atacama, across the border in Chile. Guided tours typically include hotel pickup and drop-off in Uyuni.

When to get there

Salar de Uyuni is remarkable no matter the season. The dry season gives the flat a cracked, desert-like appearance, while a trickle of water from nearby streams causes an otherworldly, mirror-like reflectivity during the rainy season (December to March). Visit in November for a chance to see pink flamingos flocking at their mating ground.

Prehistoric origins of the flat

Salar de Uyuni was once covered by prehistoric lakes, including the massive Lago Minchin. Their slow evaporation left behind the salt that composes the flat today.

What types of tours can you do of Salar de Uyuni?

The types of tours you can do of Salar de Uyuni range from 1-day visits that begin at sunrise to 3-day adventures across the Atacama Desert, during which you'll visit geysers and lagoons and go stargazing. Day trips typically include ample time for taking perspective-bending photos and a visit to the Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes).

Are the Uyuni Salt Flats worth it?

As the world’s largest salt flat—covering an area of 4,086 square miles (10,582 square kilometers)—Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni is definitely worth it. The otherworldly landscapes create visual illusions that make for excellent photographs. The natural wonder is Bolivia’s top sight and attracts more than 70,000 visitors each year.

What is the best month to visit Salar de Uyuni?

The best month to visit the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia depends on what you want to see. For the mirror-like effect that reflects the sky, visit during the rainy season from December through April. To see honeycomb-shaped patterns, visit in the dry season from May to November, the end of which sees the most flamingos feeding in the nearby lagoons.

How much does it cost to go to Salar de Uyuni?

You do not need to purchase Salar de Uyuni tickets to visit the salt flats. prices for tours range from around US$50 for a day trip to US$500 for private multi-day tours that take you across the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on earth. You can bring costs down by opting for shared tours that include budget-friendly accommodation in hostels.

Can you walk on Salar de Uyuni?

Yes, you can walk on the Salar de Uyuni. It’s easiest during the dry season when the salt crystallizes, but can be wet and slushy in the wet season, so make sure you’re wearing waterproof footwear. Remember that the salt flats are 3,656 meters (11,995 feet) above sea level, so you might feel a little short of breath.

What do you wear to Uyuni Salt Flats?

The high altitude of the Uyuni Salt Flats means they get cold, particularly during the early morning before the sun rises, so make sure you wrap up warm in socks, thermals, and a jacket. Once the sun has reached its peak, it gets extremely bright, so take sunglasses and wear plenty of sunscreen on your face.