The Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia is an otherworldly stretch of salty white plains bound to mesmerize you. The largest salt flat in the world, it covers more than 10,000 square kilometers and is an unreal landscape that must be seen to be believed. During the dry season, the ground crystallizes into hexagonal patterns, while during the rainy season, a thin layer of water transforms it into a giant mirror reflecting the sky above. With a backdrop of colorful lagoons, volcanic mountains, and an endemic species of pink flamingo, a trip to Salar de Uyuni is an unforgettable journey into the surreal.

Good to Know:

• Getting There: The city of Uyuni is the most common starting point for trips to the Salar de Uyuni and can be reached by plane, bus or train from various cities in Bolivia. The Joya Andina airport in Uyuni has regular flights from La Paz. Multi-day tours with a stop at Salar de Uyuni are also available from other cities in Bolivia, such as La Paz or Tupiza, and even from San Pedro de Atacama across the border in Chile.
• Getting Around: Exploring Salar de Uyuni can be done on tours or independently, both of which have advantages and challenges. Continue reading to find out which is best for you.
• Where to Stay: In Uyuni, you will find a range of accommodations, from budget to luxury hotels. For a unique experience, consider staying in a hotel built entirely of salt blocks or glamping directly in the plains.
• How Long to Visit: Tours to the Salt Flats typically last one to four days. A one-day tour covers the main attractions, while multi-day tours offer a more in-depth exploration of the area, including the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. If you are visiting independently, plan to stay around three days.
• When to Visit: The dry season (May to November) offers clear skies and easy travel, while the rainy season (December to April) transforms the plains into a giant mirror. Either season promises a unique experience.
• Similar Destinations: If you are fascinated by Salar de Uyuni, you may be interested in other geographically unique destinations, such as the Atacama Desert in Chile, the White Desert in Egypt, or the Bonneville Salt Flats in the United States.

How to Explore Salar de Uyuni:

With a Tour:

Choosing a tour is the most common and reliable way to explore the Salar de Uyuni. Guided tours provide transportation and the knowledge and experience of local guides who can enrich the experience with insights into the region's geology, flora, fauna and history. Most tours include meals, accommodations, and visits to points of interest in the salt flat. Some tours also offer unique experiences, such as watching the sunrise or sunset over the salt flats or stargazing at night.

Without a Tour using Public Transport:

Exploring Salar de Uyuni by public transportation is cheaper than a tour and can be a great way to explore the plains. There are regular buses from Uyuni to other towns around the salt flats, such as Llica and Colchani. For example, the bus to Llica crosses the salt flat and can even drop you off at Isla Incahuasi! By using public transportation, you'll see a lot of Salar de Uyuni, although you may only be able to visit some of the major attractions a tour would take you to. Also, ensure you have the bus schedules handy and learn some basic Spanish to ensure you do not find yourself stranded away from your accommodation.

Without a Tour with a Rental Car:

Navigating Salar de Uyuni with a rental car is possible but comes with unique challenges. The lack of roads and landmarks can make navigation difficult, and sudden weather changes can make the terrain challenging. The easiest access to the salt flats is in Colchani, where you turn right off Route 30. From there, you can start exploring the salt flats. By touring the salt lake by yourself, you'll get the opportunity to stay as long as you want and experience sunrise, sunset and everything in between at your leisure.

Highlights:

Isla Incahuasi:

Isla Incahuasi, also known as Cactus Island, is a great spot that cuts through the white vastness of Salar de Uyuni. Rising from the salt flat, this island is densely populated with giant cacti, some over a thousand years old. Despite its remote location, Isla Incahuasi is also home to a surprising variety of wildlife, including Vizcacha rabbits and several species of birds. A hike to the top will reward you with a 360-degree view of the seemingly endless salt flats. Although it's not an actual island, it gives the illusion of one, especially during the rainy season when the surrounding salt flat is covered with a layer of water.

Ojos de Salar:

The Ojos de Salar, or "Eyes of the Salt Flat," are curious features of the Salar de Uyuni landscape. They are openings in the salt crust through which subterranean water bubbles up, creating small, clear pools that contrast with the whiteness of the surrounding salt. The existence of these pools is evidence of the vast lake that lies beneath the crust of the salt flat. The "eyes" give a fascinating peek into the geological processes shaping this unique environment. Because they are often bubbling, these features are dynamic and ever-changing, a stark contrast to the otherwise static nature of the salt flat.

Cementerio de Trenes:

Outside Uyuni, the Cementerio de Trenes, or Train Cemetery, is a hauntingly beautiful attraction. This open-air museum houses dozens of old, rusting locomotives and abandoned railroad cars from the early to the mid-20th century. These iron giants are a stark reminder of Bolivia's industrial aspirations from a bygone era and create a striking contrast with the flat, barren landscape. Exploring this atmospheric cemetery offers a fascinating glimpse into Bolivia's history and a fantastic opportunity for unique photographs.

Isla del Pescado:

Isla del Pescado is another island in the middle of the salt flats, named for its fish-like shape when viewed from certain angles. While not as cactus-rich as Isla Incahuasi, Isla del Pescado is famous for its abundance of ancient fossilized coral formations, which add to its unique geological and natural appeal. Its relative isolation compared to Isla Incahuasi gives it an undeniable tranquil charm.

Hotel Palacio de Sal:

Located in Colchani, just a short bus ride from Uyuni, the Hotel Palacio de Sal is a truly unique place to stay. True to its name, the hotel was built entirely of salt blocks, from the walls and floors to the furniture. However, the hotel has been reconstructed using a mix of salt and other materials to ensure its environmental sustainability in recent years.