🇧🇴 Exceptional Places in the Salar de Uyuni and Surroundings

Written by Peter Lauffer

October 15, 2024

If the idea of standing on a mirror-like surface that seems to stretch to infinity excites you, then Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni should be high on your bucket list. This incredible salt flat, the largest in the world, offers a surreal experience where the sky and earth blur into one. Beyond the iconic salt flats, the region offers breathtaking landscapes, cultural richness, and wildlife that captivate every visitor. Whether you’re a nature lover, photography enthusiast, or adventurer, Uyuni has something extraordinary to offer. Here’s your guide to exploring this Bolivian wonder, along with travel tips and accommodation options for the perfect stay.

A stunning scene from the Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia, with the ground covered in a thin layer of water that creates a perfect mirror-like reflection of the sky above.

Why Salar de Uyuni Is a Must-Visit Destination

Salar de Uyuni is a natural wonder located in the Bolivian Andes, stretching over 12,000 square kilometers. Formed by prehistoric lakes, it is a dazzling white expanse of salt, surrounded by a dramatic landscape of volcanoes, colorful lagoons, and geysers. A visit to this region is like stepping onto another planet, with sights that are nothing short of magical.

For photographers, Salar de Uyuni is a paradise. During the rainy season (from February to April), a thin layer of water turns the salt flat into a massive mirror, reflecting the sky in a way that feels almost supernatural. Whether you’re here for the dry, cracked salt patterns or the dreamlike mirror effect, you’re guaranteed jaw-dropping views.

The eerie and iconic Train Cemetery in Uyuni, Bolivia. At the forefront is a rusted, abandoned steam locomotive, its large cylindrical boiler open and hollow.

Must-See Attractions Around Uyuni

Train Graveyard:Just outside Uyuni town, the eerie Train Graveyard is a reminder of the area’s industrial past. Dozens of abandoned locomotives and train cars rust in the open air, creating a haunting yet photogenic landscape. It’s a great spot to stop at the start or end of your salt flat tour.

A stunning view from Incahuasi Island, located in the middle of the Uyuni Salt Flat. The island is covered with towering, ancient cacti, some reaching over 10 meters in height, scattered across the rocky terrain.

Incahuasi Island: Known as the ‘House of the Inca,’ this cactus-covered island in the heart of the salt flat offers a fantastic panoramic view of the salt expanse. Giant cacti, some over 10 meters tall, dot the island, making it a unique sight in the middle of a salt desert. Walking trails on the island allow you to explore and reach higher vantage points for that perfect Instagram shot.

The majestic Tunupa Volcano in the Uyuni Salt Flat region of Bolivia. The volcano’s rugged slopes dominate the background, with patches of reddish and gray rock creating a striking contrast against the clear blue sky.

Tunupa Volcano: The imposing Tunupa Volcano on the northern edge of the salt flat is not to be missed. From the village of Coqueza, you can hike to the volcano’s caves and see the preserved mummies of ancient local inhabitants. Even if you’re not up for a hike, the view of the salt flats from the base of the volcano is breathtaking.

Salt extraction in Colchani, Bolivia, on the edge of the Uyuni Salt Flat. A red truck is loaded with large quantities of harvested salt, with one worker standing in the truck bed, arranging the load, while another worker stands next to the vehicle.

Colchani Village and Salt Mines: The village of Colchani is the gateway to the salt flats and home to artisanal salt miners. Here you’ll see how salt is harvested and processed, with large conical salt piles dotting the landscape. It’s a great place to buy salt-based handicrafts as unique souvenirs.

The vibrant Laguna Colorada, a stunning red lagoon located in the Bolivian Altiplano. The lagoon’s deep reddish hue is caused by algae and sediments, creating a stark contrast with the surrounding green grasses and the snow-capped mountains in the background. The shallow waters are filled with graceful pink flamingos, feeding and wading through the colorful lagoon.

Laguna Colorada & Laguna Verde: A day trip beyond the salt flat takes you to the colorful lagoons like Laguna Colorada, famous for its red-tinted water and flamingo colonies, and Laguna Verde, with its striking emerald-green hue. The wildlife here, including vicuñas and llamas, adds to the otherworldly feel of the place.

A colorful bus parked in front of the Palacio de Sal under the starry night sky of Uyuni. The sky is filled with a brilliant display of stars, with minimal light pollution allowing the constellations to stand out vividly.

‍Stargazing in the Uyuni Salt Flats: The Salar de Uyuni is not only breathtaking by day, but it also offers one of the most magical night experiences for stargazing enthusiasts. With minimal light pollution, the clear, vast skies above Uyuni become a canvas for a dazzling display of stars, planets, and constellations. On moonless nights, the salt flat reflects the night sky, creating the illusion of floating among the stars. This mirror effect makes the entire landscape appear like an otherworldly galaxy, where the line between earth and sky disappears. Whether you’re an astronomy lover or simply looking for a surreal experience, a night under the stars in Uyuni is a once-in-a-lifetime moment that will leave you in awe of the universe’s beauty.

A group of travelers enjoying a lunch on the Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia.

Travel Tips for Salar de Uyuni

Best Time to Visit: The salt flats offer two distinct experiences depending on the season. Visit during the dry season (May to November) to see the geometric salt patterns, or during the wet season (December to April) for the mirror effect.
Getting There: The town of Uyuni is the main access point to the salt flats, with daily flights from La Paz and overnight buses from cities like Potosí and Sucre.
Altitude Considerations: At over 3,600 meters above sea level, Uyuni’s altitude can cause altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and take it easy for the first day to acclimate.
Clothing: Dress in layers! Temperatures in Uyuni can fluctuate dramatically, with hot days and freezing nights, especially during the dry season.

A beautiful salt hotel near the Uyuni Salt Flat in Colchani, Bolivia. The unique structure is made primarily from salt blocks, with round, dome-like roofs and pyramid-shaped skylights, blending harmoniously with the landscape.

Accommodation Options

Uyuni offers a variety of accommodations, from basic lodges to unique and eco-friendly hotels.

Tayka Hotels: For those seeking a memorable stay, the Tayka Hotels, located in the salt flat region, provide a perfect mix of comfort and sustainability. Each hotel is run by local communities, and part of the profits goes to community projects. Tayka del Desierto, near the Red Lagoon, and Tayka de Sal, built entirely from salt, are top choices for an immersive experience.
Palacio de Sal: If you’re after luxury, the Palacio de Sal is a unique hotel built entirely from salt blocks. It offers stunning views of the salt flats, modern amenities, and a gourmet restaurant.
Budget Options: Uyuni town offers budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses for travelers who prioritize proximity to town and tours over luxury. Consider Hostal Piedra Blanca or Tonito Hotel for affordable, comfortable stays.

The town of Uyuni, Bolivia, with its low-rise buildings made primarily of brick and concrete. The streets are wide and mostly quiet, with a few cars and pedestrians. visible.

Join Our Tour: Buenos Aires to Lima, with a Stop at the Spectacular Uyuni Salt Flat

For those looking for an unforgettable adventure, why not experience the magic of Uyuni as part of a grand journey? Our Buenos Aires to Lima: High Andes & Machu Picchu tour includes a memorable visit to the Uyuni Salt Flat. You’ll witness the breathtaking beauty of the salt flats, explore Incahuasi Island, and visit the Train Graveyard—all as part of an extraordinary 21-day adventure. This tour is perfect for those seeking the best of South America’s diverse landscapes, from the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu. Salar de Uyuni is just one highlight on this spectacular trip, ensuring you experience the very best of the continent.

The stunning view from Incahuasi Island, featuring towering cacti growing amidst rocky terrain. In the background, the vast white expanse of the Uyuni Salt Flat stretches out under a clear blue sky. In the distance, the snow-capped Tunupa Volcano rises majestically, framed by scattered clouds and the expansive horizon.

Conclusion

Salar de Uyuni is much more than just a salt flat—it’s a mesmerizing, life-changing destination that offers unparalleled natural beauty. Whether you’re catching the magical sunrise on the flats, trekking through cacti forests on Incahuasi Island, or exploring the haunting Train Graveyard, Uyuni is a place that will leave an imprint on your soul.

Plan your visit, soak in the extraordinary views, and let the vastness of Uyuni take your breath away!

Get inspired by some photos of this amazing trip:

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