Travel Guide of Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia by Influencers and Travelers

It is in the south Lipez, an extremely arid region of the south of Bolivia, in the Chilean border, that extends the Salar of Uyuni,...

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How to visit Uyuni Salt Flat ?

Traveling to the Uyuni Salt Flat, located in southwestern Bolivia, is a must for any adventure seeker, nature lover, or photography enthusiast. This vast, otherworldly landscape stretching over 10,000 square kilometers is the largest salt flat in the world, and it offers a truly unique experience unlike any other destination.

To get to the Uyuni Salt Flat, you can either fly or take a bus to the town of Uyuni. Several airlines operate flights from the Bolivian capital, La Paz, to Uyuni's Joya Andina Airport. The flight takes about one hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus from La Paz, which takes approximately eight hours.

It is highly recommended to book a tour in advance, as exploring the salt flats on your own can be dangerous and challenging due to the remote location and lack of infrastructure. Tours typically range from one to three days and can be booked online or through local travel agencies in Uyuni. Make sure to choose a reputable tour company to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

The costs for visiting Uyuni Salt Flat can vary depending on the tour package you choose. A one-day tour typically starts at $30 per person, while a three-day tour averages $150-$200 per person. This usually includes transportation, meals, and accommodation (if applicable). Additional costs include flights or bus tickets to Uyuni and any extra activities or souvenirs.

Some of the best things to do during your visit to the Uyuni Salt Flat include:
- Watching the sunrise or sunset over the salt flats for a breathtaking experience
- Visiting the Incahuasi Island, home to giant cacti and a unique ecosystem
- Exploring the nearby Train Cemetery, featuring abandoned, rusting locomotives
- Taking creative perspective photos using the salt flat's vast, flat landscape as a backdrop

When it comes to dining, Uyuni has a few great options to choose from:
1. Minuteman Revolutionary Pizza – Offering delicious pizza and pasta in a cozy setting
2. La Llama y La Sal – Serving traditional Bolivian cuisine with a focus on llama meat dishes
3. Café de la Mañana – A quaint café offering breakfast, sandwiches, and great coffee

For accommodations, consider these options:
1. Hotel de Sal Luna Salada – A unique hotel made entirely of salt, offering comfortable rooms and stunning views
2. Hotel Palacio de Sal – Another salt hotel with a range of amenities, including a spa and a golf course
3. Hostal La Magia de Uyuni – A budget-friendly option with private rooms and shared facilities

Off the Beaten Path:
For a truly unusual experience, consider visiting the nearby Salar de Coipasa, a smaller salt flat often overshadowed by its larger neighbor, Uyuni. Salar de Coipasa is less frequented by tourists, making it a more tranquil and intimate destination. While there, you can enjoy the serene landscapes, visit small traditional villages, and observe flamingos and other wildlife in their natural habitats.

The Best Things to Do and Visit around Uyuni Salt Flat

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1 - Isla Incahuasi

   19 km away

Isla Incahuasi, Inkawasi or Inka Wasi is a hilly and rocky outcrop of land and former island in Bolivia situated in the middle of Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat, at an elevation of 3,656 meters.

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Learn More about Uyuni Salt Flat

It is in the south Lipez, an extremely arid region of the south of Bolivia, in the Chilean border, that extends the Salar of Uyuni,
The biggest desert in the world. At an altitude of 3,658 meters, this immense saline plain formed after the evaporation of prehistoric lakes attracts tens of thousands of tourists every year.
Our advice is to visit the Salar of Uyuni while enjoying the best!

A few hundred kilometers from the Chilean border,

The Salar of Uyuni is an essential stop on a trip to South America. 
Imagine a white desert as far as the eye can see, with a few raised patterns that stand out from the salt crust.

Within this successful salt and lithium mining site, don't miss a visit to Isla Incahuasi, a desert island of coral covered with hundreds of cacti,
the largest of which reaches twelve meters high, particularly sublime at sunrise.
You can also visit the "Ojos de Agua", which are like small lakes in the middle of the Salar.

Finally, you will have the opportunity to discover a salt statue, a souvenir of the first passage of the Dakar Rally in the Uyuni Desert, in 2014.
Nevertheless, to discover these imposing natural landscapes is deserved and requires some precautions!
First of all, to go to Bolivia, you will have to obtain a tourist visa, and be vaccinated against several diseases.

Beware of the altitude!

In the Salar of Uyuni, you feel nauseous and have headaches?
It is normal, at this altitude, it is possible to have altitude sickness!
The locals have the habit of chewing coca leaves to prevent this unpleasant side effect.

You will have understood, the climate is also an element to be taken into account while preparing your luggage:
To manage at best the reverberation of the sun's rays, during the famous "mirror effect",plan high protection sunglasses.
It will also be wise to pack technical clothing and to plan several layers.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Uyuni Salt Flat

When to visit the Uyuni Salt Flat ?

There are two main seasons in the Salar:

• the dry season, between April and November
• the rainy season, which generally lasts from December to March. 

If the temperatures are moderate all year round, the temperatures can be freezing at night in winter (from June to August).

Where to go to visit the Uyuni Salt Flat ?

The Salar de Uyuni and the surrounding area can be visited in just a few days. 

If you wish to arrive by air, the nearest airport is in the city of Uyuni, accessible from La Paz or Santa Cruz.
From Chile, you can arrive at Calama airport - there are many direct flights between Calama and Santiago, the capital.

Generally less expensive but longer: the bus!
There are departures from several cities in the country, including La Paz.

   Where to Stay near Uyuni Salt Flat

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Uyuni Salt Flat

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