Uyuni Salt Flat is hands-down one of the most surreal places I’ve ever visited. I went during the dry season and didn’t see the famous infinite mirror effect. Still, even without them, it was one of the most incredible experiences in South America. Whether you’re planning to visit in the rainy or dry season, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.
Best Time to Visit
Salar de Uyuni is a year-round attraction, but you should plan your visit during the season that fascinates you the most.
Dry Season
From May to November, the salt flat is cracked and dry, perfect for creative perspective pictures. You can also visit Isla Incahuasi, a cactus-covered island in the middle of the salt flat.
Rainy Season
From December to April, the salt flat becomes a giant mirror after rain, reflecting the sky so perfectly that it creates the illusion of walking on clouds. I haven’t been there during this season, but everyone says it is a magical experience, ideal for stunning photography. However, some areas, such as Isla Incahuasi, are inaccessible due to flooding.
How to Get There
The closest town is Uyuni, a small but well-connected hub. Uyuni has a local airport, making it accessible by air from major cities in Bolivia. Alternatively, buses run from La Paz, Sucre, and other cities.
I took an overnight bus from La Paz to Uyuni, and it was a great trip. The bus was good quality, and I slept through the entire journey, arriving rested and ready.
Choosing a Tour Company
There are several options for exploring Salar de Uyuni, ranging from single-day trips to multi-day adventures. While day tours are suitable if you’re short on time and want a quick view of the Salar, I strongly recommend going for at least a 3-day tour. These extended tours allow you to fully immerse yourself in the incredible landscapes of the salt flats and the stunning desert nearby. Private tours are also available if you prefer a more personalized experience or are traveling with a group.
I decided to go with Al Extremo Tours for my trip to Salar de Uyuni. I liked my experience with them, but it’s worth noting that this tour company is very popular among Brazilians. This means there’s a high chance of having non-English speakers in your group. If this is an issue for you, you can always ask them about the group composition beforehand. That said, Brazilians are incredibly friendly, and I met many people who only spoke English or Spanish and still had a great time in their group.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of a tour to Salar de Uyuni can vary significantly depending on the company and the level of comfort you choose. With Al Extremo Tours, I paid 850 BOB for a 3-day tour. This company is on the lower end of the budget spectrum compared to other options, so keep that in mind when planning. More expensive tours might offer additional amenities or more luxurious accommodations. Still, this budget option worked well for me, and I couldn’t wish for a better experience.
Tips for a Great Experience
As I mentioned before, it’s essential to acclimatize to the altitude by spending a day or two in a high-altitude city before arriving in Uyuni. Adjusting to the altitude will help you avoid common issues like shortness of breath or fatigue, ensuring you can fully enjoy your trip. It’s also a good idea to book your tour in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.
Also, many travelers use this opportunity to continue to the Atacama Desert in Chile. The proximity of attractions in both regions makes it a convenient and popular route for exploring the deserts on both sides of the border. Tour companies often offer options to drop travelers off at the border, making it a seamless transition to explore another stunning desert landscape. It’s a popular route, so if you’re interested, coordinate with your tour provider in advance.
What to Bring
Here is my recommendation of what to bring to ensure you’re prepared for Salar de Uyuni.
- Layers of Clothing: Even though it might feel warmer during the day, The salt flats is at a high altitude. During my visit, I was comfortable in short sleeves during the day, but the temperatures were still a bit chill. I always kept a windbreaker and an insulation layer nearby because it could get cold quickly.
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses: The reflection of the salt can be intense, no matter the season. Both the dry and rainy seasons amplify the sunlight, making it essential to have these items for protection.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated. The altitude can hit hard. Check if your tour company provides water, as once you leave town, there is nowhere to find it. It’s a good idea to bring a reusable bottle to fill up from the large bottles or gallons that tour operators typically bring along.
- Snacks: I didn’t bring snacks and don’t regret it. However, having these extra comforts with you is a good ideagood idea, especially if you have a sweet tooth. Instead, I brought some bottles of wine to share with the group, which turned out to be a great idea.
- Medicine: Bring any necessary medicine with you. When I was there, one friend had diarrhea, likely due to the high altitude, and spent the whole day struggling instead of enjoying. It’s better to be prepared for such situations to ensure your trip isn’t disrupted.
While a sleeping bag is unnecessary, some of my friends struggled with the cold at night as they were not used to sleeping in basic accommodation. Having a sleeping bag can add extra comfort to your sleep.
My Experience at Salar de Uyuni
This is a summary of my three-day experience visiting Salar de Uyuni, shared from my perspective.
Day 1: Salt Wonders and Cactus Giants
We started the day by being picked up from the bus station and went to the agency to make the payment and meet the other travelers. We were divided into several vehicles, each 4x4 holding six passengers plus the driver. After that, we went to the Train Cemetery around Uyuni. While I didn’t find it impressive, we didn’t spend much time there, which I appreciated.
From there, we went to Colchani, a small village. Some people took the opportunity to buy souvenirs, while others explored the museums to learn about salt extraction. It was a nice stop to go to the restroom and get some explanation about the salt flats.
We entered Salar De Uyuni and had lunch in a salt hotel near the entrance. Initially, I wasn’t impressed with the vastness and thought the day would be long and repetitive. After lunch, we started driving deeper into the Salar. I finally saw the iconic hexagonal shapes of the salt crust and couldn’t see the horizon anymore. At that moment, I thought, “Okay, This is super cool”. We stopped to take the famous perspective photos, where you can create playful optical illusions using the vastness of the salt flats. Everyone got creative, playing with angles and props to craft those mind-bending images you only see from Salar de Uyuni. It was a moment of pure fun, surrounded by the endless beauty of this unique place.
Later in the afternoon, we visited Isla Incahuasi, a cactus-covered island in the middle of the salt flat. We arrived there toward the end of the day, but not quite at sunset. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the island. The scenery was stunning, and the short hike provided an excellent opportunity to take in the sweeping 360-degree views of the salt flats.
After leaving the island, we drove to another spot to watch the sunset from a different angle. The view was beautiful, and although it was very windy, I loved it. The wind made me feel alive and added a sense of adventure to the moment.
After the sunset, we drove to our salt hotel for the night. Honestly, I wasn’t impressed with the salt hotel. It’s one of those things that sounds nice but doesn’t add much to the experience.
Day 2: Lakes and Flamingos
We woke up early and started driving to the Siloli Desert. Seeing the landscape transition from the vast salt flats to deserts and volcanoes was nice. We visited a series of colorful lagoons: Cañapa, Hedionda, and Onda, driving from one to the next. These lagoons, filled with flamingos, brought vibrant life to the otherwise barren landscapes. We stopped in one of these to enjoy lunch.
The day continued with a visit to the breathtaking Laguna Colorada, a red-colored lagoon that was my favorite attraction of the day. The strong wind there was unforgettable. It made me realize how resilient flamingos are as they stood gracefully in such conditions.
The day ended at a simple lodge in Huayllajara, where we spent the night. That evening, we opened all the bottles of wine we hadn’t finished the previous night and threw a massive party with everyone at the lodge. It was an incredible way to bond with fellow travelers and end the day on a high note.
Day 3: The Geysers and Hot Springs
We woke up super early to visit the geyser Sol de Mañana just as the sun rose. This was my favorite attraction of the trip. Geysers are such a rare natural event, and seeing the bubbling mud pots and steaming vents in the early light was an unforgettable experience. It was freezing cold, but I didn’t care one bit.
Next, we relaxed in the thermal waters of Polques. Soaking in the warm pools while surrounded by cold air was rejuvenating. Our guide asked if we wanted to visit Laguna Verde or change the itinerary to see other attractions, as he believed the lagoon wasn’t as the pictures we had seen. We decided to trust him, and it was well worth it. We stopped at a fascinating volcanic rock formation. Then, we visited a small canyon with an anaconda-shaped river and finally explored a charming small town called San Cristóbal, which was all on the way back to Uyuni.
Is Salar de Uyuni Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Salar de Uyuni is entirely worth it. It’s such a unique place, unlike anything you can find elsewhere. That said, it’s not for everyone. You must be ready to face cold showers, peeing outdoors during trips, simple accommodations, and other basic conditions. If you’re okay with these challenges, the experience will reward you with an adventure that stays with you forever.
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