The Uyuni Salt Flats, or Salar de Uyuni, located in Bolivia, South America, is the world’s largest salt desert. Known as the “sea of salt,” this incredible place boasts vast white plains surrounded by stunning mountains, lagoons, and unique natural landscapes.
In this travel guide, based on our own experience, we’ll explain how to reach the Uyuni Salt Flats from United States and some South American countries. We’ll also share the best time to visit, the must-see spots, and details on the best tours based on our firsthand insights.
Let’s start planning your trip:
Where is the Uyuni Salt Flats?
The Uyuni Salt Flats are located in Bolivia, in the Andean highlands in the southwest of the country, nestled between the mountains of the Andes and the regions of Potosí, Oruro, and Cochabamba. The salt flats are at an average altitude of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level.
The nearest town to the Uyuni Salt Flats is Uyuni, a small village about 10 kilometers away. This town is typically the starting point for most tours visiting Bolivia’s salt flats. However, as you’ll see below, it’s also easy to reach the flats from Chile.
You might also like: What to Do in La Paz and Nearby
How to Get to Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
To reach the Uyuni Salt Flats, you first need to get to the town of Uyuni. However, there are currently no international flights to Uyuni. Therefore, from countries like the United States, Colombia, Chile, or Peru, you will need to take a flight to La Paz, Bolivia.
From La Paz, you can take a flight or a buswhich takes about 8 hours, to reach the town of Uyuni. You can also book this tour to the salt flats, which includes round-trip bus transportation. If you have several days available, consider this 5-day itinerary that also includes a visit to the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve.
From the town of Uyuni, the most comfortable and secure way to visit the salt flats is by taking a shared tour. You have two options: you can choose this full-day tour, which focuses solely on Salar de Uyuni, or this 3-days tour, which, in addition to exploring the salt flats, visits the colored lagoons of the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve.
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Now that you know how to get to Salar de Uyuni from La Paz and some of the main capitals in the region, such as Bogotá, Lima, and Santiago, we should mention that it is also possible to arrive by land from Chile, specifically from San Pedro de Atacama.
How to get to Salar de Uyuni from San Pedro de Atacama? The first option is to take a bus that takes approximately 7 hours to reach the town of Uyuni. Depending on your arrival time, you can either spend the night in town or start exploring the tourist attractions of Bolivia’s salt desert.
Another option is to take a 3- or 4-day tour from San Pedro de Atacama. This is the most complete option, as it includes a visit to the Uyuni Salt Flats and the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve. The length of the tour depends on where you choose to finish: if you want to return to San Pedro, you’ll need to take this 4-day tour; if you prefer to end in Uyuni, book this 3-day excursion.
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This is the tour to Salar de Uyuni and Eduardo Avaroa Reserve:
Day 1: Salar de Uyuni, Incahuasi Island, and Train Cemetery
If you start your Salar de Uyuni tour from the town of Uyuni, the itinerary begins around 10:00 a.m. when a 4×4 vehicle picks you up at your accommodation. The first stops are the Train Cemetery and then the town of Colchani, where you can learn about the region’s mining history and buy handicrafts.
Next, you’ll venture into the salt flat, visit the Salt Museum, and see the Dakar Rally Monument before heading to Incahuasi Island, one of the main attractions of the Uyuni salt desert. Here, you can walk among giant cacti and find fossilized marine corals while enjoying a panoramic view.
After exploring Incahuasi Island, you’ll have plenty of time to immerse yourself in the vast, breathtaking landscape of Salar de Uyuni and take creative perspective photos. Finally, the tour will end at a beautiful spot where you can admire the sunset, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
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When can you see the mirror effect at Salar de Uyuni? This natural phenomenon occurs only during the rainy season, usually from December to April. During these months, the surface of the salt flat is covered with water, creating a natural mirror that reflects the sky and clouds.
However, keep in mind that heavy rains may affect access to Incahuasi Island, as accumulated water on the surface makes transportation difficult. For safety reasons, the island may be temporarily closed.
By the way, if you need accommodation in the town of Uyuni, here are some options for all budgets: Casa de Sal – Salt Hotel, Rummy Hostal, Hotel Jardines, Tonito Hotel, Eucalyptus, Hostal Jerian, Hotel Cristales de Sal, Hostal La Roca.
Tips for booking good, affordable accommodation: The first recommendation is to book your accommodation in advance. If you wait until the last minute, it’s very likely that the best or most affordable places will be fully booked, and you’ll have to settle for the remaining options.
Our favorite website for finding the best accommodation deals is Booking.com. Click here and save up to 15% on your stay. Plus, in many cases, you can book without a credit card, pay directly at the accommodation, and enjoy free cancellation.
If you book frequently on Booking.com, you can access exclusive discounts, free breakfasts, and complimentary room upgrades. This allows you to enjoy lower rates and extra perks to save on your trip.
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Uyuni Salt Flats Tour – Day 2: Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve
On the second day of the Uyuni Salt Flats tour, you’ll have the chance to explore breathtaking landscapes. You’ll start by visiting the Chiguana Salt Flat and unique rock formations, including the famous Stone Tree. Then, you’ll venture into the Siloli Desert and the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve.
Within the reserve, you’ll be amazed by Laguna Colorada, a spectacular reddish-colored lake. Its striking hue is caused by algae, creating an unparalleled landscape. You’ll have free time to walk along the trails, take as many pictures as you like, and observe countless pink flamingos.
Besides its natural beauty, the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve is home to a wide variety of species, including pink flamingos, vicuñas, and foxes. It is one of the most stunning destinations in Bolivia and a must-visit for photography enthusiasts and wildlife watchers. Visiting this place was an experience we will always cherish.
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Also explore: Lake Titicaca, Bolivia & Peru
How to book a tour to the Uyuni Salt Flats? First, choose the tour that best suits your needs, as there are several options available: If you want the full 3-day tour from the town of Uyuni, click here. If you prefer a one-day tour, select this option. If you need to include transportation from La Paz, click here.
After selecting your option, you will find a detailed description of the itinerary, prices, what is included, the cancellation policy, and reviews from other travelers. Choose the date and the number of people, then click the "add to cart" button to proceed with payment.
Once payment is made, you will receive a confirmation email. Additionally, if your plans change, you can manage cancellations and, in some cases, receive a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour starts.
See details of the tour from La Paz
Day 3: Sol de Mañana Geysers, Polques Hot Springs, and Green Lagoon
On the third day of your Salar de Uyuni tour in Bolivia, you’ll experience sunrise at the stunning Sol de Mañana Geysers. This geothermal field features a series of fumaroles emitting steam at temperatures close to 90°C (194°F), creating an awe-inspiring natural spectacle.
Afterward, you’ll have the chance to take a dip in the Polques Hot Springs, natural thermal pools located in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. Soaking in hot springs at an altitude of 4,300 meters (14,100 feet) above sea level is one of the best experiences you can have while visiting the Salar de Uyuni.
You’ll continue exploring the vast Bolivian desert, including the surreal Salvador Dalí Desert, as well as the Green and White Lagoons, located at the foot of the Licancabur Volcano, which marks the natural border between Bolivia and Chile. These breathtaking locations are among the most beautiful spots along the Salar de Uyuni route. Finally, you’ll begin the return journey to the town of Uyuni, where the tour concludes.
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On these platforms, you can book at very competitive prices, sometimes even better than at the destination! Plus, they offer a great variety of payment methods and, in many cases, have flexible cancellation policies that allow you to get a refund up to 24 hours before the activity starts.
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This Is What the Salar de Uyuni Tour from San Pedro de Atacama Looks Like:
Now that you know what the 3-day Salar de Uyuni tour is like, starting and ending in the town of Uyuni, keep in mind that it is also possible to visit the salt flats from the Chilean city of San Pedro de Atacama. Regardless of your starting point, you will visit the same places.
The Salar de Uyuni tour from San Pedro de Atacama begins early in the morning with a transfer from your accommodation to the Chile-Bolivia border. Then, you will visit the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, where you will see White Lagoon, Green Lagoon, the Salvador Dalí Desert, the Polques Hot Springs, the Sol de Mañana geysers, and flamingos at Red Lagoon.
On the second day, you will visit a set of pre-Inca rock paintings, followed by a stop at Lost Italy to admire its volcanic rock formations and see the World Cup Rock. Later, you’ll hike to Catal Lagoon and observe the native wildlife of the Bolivian Altiplano.
The third day begins with sunrise at the Salar de Uyuni, giving you plenty of time to take perspective-bending photos. After that, you’ll visit Incahuasi Island, the Salt Museum, the Dakar Rally Monument, Colchani, and the Train Cemetery. The tour concludes in the town of Uyuni. If you’ve booked the 4-day tour, you’ll return to San Pedro de Atacama the following day.
Book the tour starting and ending in San Pedro de Atacama
See the tour starting in San Pedro and ending in Uyuni
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When is the Best Time to Visit the Uyuni Salt Flats?
Choosing the best time to visit the Uyuni Salt Flats depends on personal preferences. The most important thing to consider is that the salt flats have two distinct seasons: the rainy season, which typically lasts from January to April, and the dry season, which extends from May to November.
From December to April, the Uyuni Salt Flats experience the Altiplano winter. This season has a unique charm, as rain floods the flats, creating a stunning mirror effect. However, keep in mind that heavy rains between December and January can sometimes disrupt tour operations.
From May to November, the salt flats transform into a vast, white desert due to the lack of rain. Although temperatures are colder, the sunny days provide excellent opportunities for creative photography and playing with the optical illusions of the landscape.
Since you’re traveling or planning a trip through Latin America, here are some other travel guides that might be useful. We hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed writing them!
👉 Things to Do in Santiago de Chile
👉 10 Must-Visit Places in Peru
👉 What to Do in Buenos Aires: 4-Day Itinerary
Tips for Visiting the Uyuni Salt Flats
Now that you know how to travel to the Uyuni Salt Flats, remember to pack appropriately, as the climate in the Altiplano is quite cold and dry, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to -3°C. Make sure to bring warm and comfortable clothing, as well as sunscreen and UV-filtered sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Additionally, keep in mind that you will be at an altitude of over 3,650 meters (12,000 feet) above sea level throughout your trip, which can cause altitude sickness if you’re not accustomed to it. Symptoms include nausea, headaches, and insomnia, so staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol is essential.
Lastly, it’s important to book your desired tour in advance, preferably at least a week ahead. We hope you have an amazing trip and take home unforgettable memories from one of the most spectacular places in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do at the Uyuni Salt Flats? Uyuni offers a wide range of activities, including walking across the world’s largest salt flats, witnessing breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, taking creative perspective photos, and admiring landscapes featuring colorful lagoons, geological formations, geysers, and deserts.
When is the best time to visit the Uyuni Salt Flats? To see the stunning mirror effect on the salt flats, it is best to visit during the rainy season, from December to April. However, if you prefer visiting during the dry season, plan your trip between May and November.
What can you see in Uyuni in one day? In just one day, you can explore Incahuasi Island, also known as Fish Island, located in the heart of the salt flats. You can also visit the Salt Museum, the Train Cemetery, and the village of Colchani.
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