Uyuni

Planning Your Trip to Uyuni Salt Flats

Location Details

• Country: Bolivia
• Department: Potosí Department

Essential Information

• Timezone: GMT -4
• Languages Spoken: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara
• Currency: Boliviano (BOB)

Weather and Climate in Uyuni: A Month-by-Month Guide

• January-March: Rainy season in Uyuni. Warm days (15-21°C), cooler nights. The Salar can be flooded, creating the famous mirror effect.
• April-May: A transition period with less rain and pleasant temperatures (10-20°C) in Uyuni.
• June-August: Dry season. Cold days (5-15°C), freezing nights (below 0°C). Clear skies, perfect for stargazing in Uyuni.
• September-December: Spring in Uyuni. Temperatures gradually rise (10-20°C), with dry conditions.

Uyuni City Overview

Uyuni, a small city in southwestern Bolivia, is your gateway to the stunning Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. Located at a high elevation of over 3,600 meters (11,800 feet), Uyuni offers a unique blend of stark landscapes and rustic charm. Beyond the salt flats, you’ll find access to remarkable deserts, vibrant lagoons, and extraordinary rock formations. The town is a central hub for tour operators and travelers eager to explore the surreal beauty of the Bolivian Altiplano. While seemingly remote, Uyuni provides essential services, a variety of accommodation options, and a glimpse into the local culture of the Bolivian highlands. The atmosphere is relaxed, reflecting the slow pace of the salt plains and the constant stream of visitors drawn to this incredible natural wonder. Uyuni serves as the perfect base for unforgettable adventures across the captivating landscapes of southwest Bolivia.

Best Time to Visit Uyuni

• Seasonal Pros and Cons
• Rainy Season (January-March):
  • Pros: Unbelievable mirror effect on the salt flats, creating stunning reflections.
  • Cons: Some areas may be inaccessible due to flooding, and visibility might be limited on certain days.
• Dry Season (June-August):
  • Pros: Clear skies, ideal for stargazing and photography, easier access to all areas of the Salar.
  • Cons: Very cold temperatures, especially at night. Pack warm!
• Shoulder Seasons (April-May & September-December):
  • Pros: Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, a good balance of accessibility and favorable weather.
  • Cons: The weather can be a bit unpredictable, so be prepared for anything.

Getting to Uyuni & Visa Information

• Flights: Joya Andina Airport (UYU). Domestic flights are available from La Paz and Sucre.
• Trains: Trains from Oruro to Uyuni are an option, but the schedule can be infrequent. Check availability in advance.
• Buses: Frequent and affordable bus services run from major Bolivian cities like La Paz, Potosi, and Oruro.
• Visa Details: Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Check with the Bolivian embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information. Many nationalities can enter Bolivia visa-free for tourism.
• Airport Transfers: Taxis and tour operator transfers are readily available at the airport and bus terminal.

Discovering Uyuni’s Charms

Fun/Historical Fact

Local legend says the Salar de Uyuni was formed from the milk and tears of Tunupa, a mythical volcano goddess. She was devastated when her husband, Kusku, a neighboring volcano, abandoned her. The vast salt flat is said to be her dried breast milk and tears – a poignant story that adds to the magic of the landscape.

Famous Personalities

Uyuni is a small city with less cultural or political prominence than other major Bolivian cities. As such, there are no widely known famous personalities originally from Uyuni.

Top 10 Attractions in and around Uyuni

• Salar de Uyuni (Salt Flats): The world’s largest salt flat, a truly surreal landscape perfect for unique and unforgettable photos.
  • Address: Salar de Uyuni, Uyuni, Potosí, Bolivia
• Incahuasi Island (Isla Incahuasi): A rocky island in the middle of the Salar, covered with hundreds of giant cacti.
  • Address: Salar de Uyuni, Potosí, Bolivia
• Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes): An eerie and fascinating collection of abandoned trains from the 19th and 20th centuries, a photographer’s dream.
  • Address: Near Uyuni, Potosí, Bolivia
• Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve: Home to vividly colored lagoons, active geysers, and a diverse array of wildlife.
  • Address: Potosí, Bolivia
• Laguna Colorada: A shallow salt lake with striking reddish hues and thousands of pink flamingos. A must-see!
  • Address: Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, Potosí, Bolivia
• Laguna Verde: A breathtaking emerald-green lake nestled at the foot of the majestic Licancabur volcano.
  • Address: Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, Potosí, Bolivia
• Árbol de Piedra (Stone Tree): A unique and whimsical rock formation sculpted by wind erosion.
  • Address: Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, Potosí, Bolivia
• Sol de Mañana Geysers: A geothermal field with bubbling mud pools and impressive sulfurous steam vents.
  • Address: Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, Potosí, Bolivia
• Valle de Rocas (Valley of Rocks): A captivating landscape filled with bizarre and intriguing rock formations.
  • Address: Near Villamar, Potosí, Bolivia
• Museo de Arqueología de Uyuni: A small archaeological museum showcasing interesting artifacts from the Uyuni region.
  • Address: Av. Arce, Uyuni, Bolivia

Uyuni’s Hidden Gems

• Ojos del Salar: Natural springs within the Salar where underground water flows to the surface.
  • Address: Salar de Uyuni, Potosí, Bolivia
• Cave Paintings near Villamar: Discover ancient rock art hidden in caves near the town of Villamar. A rewarding off-the-beaten-path adventure.
  • Address: Near Villamar, Potosí, Bolivia
• Pulacayo Ghost Town: Once a thriving silver mining town, now a deserted and eerie historical site. Explore its fascinating past.
  • Address: Pulacayo, Potosí, Bolivia

Local Festivals & Events in Uyuni

• Carnaval de Uyuni: A vibrant celebration filled with parades, music, and traditional dances (typically in February or March).
• Fiesta de San Juan: Celebrated on June 23rd with bonfires, traditional food, and community gatherings.
• Independence Day: Celebrated on August 6th with patriotic parades and festivities.

Day Trips & Nearby Attractions

• Colchani (Salt Processing Village): See the traditional methods of salt extraction and processing firsthand (approximately 30 minutes from Uyuni).
• San Cristobal: A small village notable for its relocated colonial church (about 1 hour 30 minutes from Uyuni).
• San Juan: Visit this village to see ancient mummies (approximately 3 hours from Uyuni).

Photography Hotspots & Instagram-Worthy Locations

• Salar de Uyuni (especially during the rainy season): Capture the incredible mirror effect and play with perspective shots.
• Incahuasi Island: Photograph the towering cacti against the vast white expanse of the salt flats.
• Train Cemetery: Capture the rusty, vintage charm of the old trains for unique and spooky photos.
• Laguna Colorada: Shoot the vibrant red lake teeming with pink flamingos.
• Laguna Verde: Capture the emerald green lake perfectly reflecting the majestic Licancabur volcano.
• Árbol de Piedra: A truly unique rock formation perfect for artistic and eye-catching shots.

Practical Information for Your Trip

How Long to Stay in Uyuni

A stay of 3-4 days is ideal for fully experiencing the Salar de Uyuni and the surrounding attractions.

Top Places to Stay in Uyuni (By Budget)

Budget-Friendly Hotels in Uyuni

• Hotel Avenida: Simple and affordable accommodation in Uyuni.
  • Address: Av. Ferroviaria, Uyuni, Bolivia
• Hostal Marith: Basic but clean and comfortable option in Uyuni.
  • Address: Av. Arce, Uyuni, Bolivia
• Hostal Tonito: Budget-friendly and known for its friendly staff in Uyuni.
  • Address: Av. Cabrera, Uyuni, Bolivia
• Hostal Alamo: Affordable accommodation, popular with backpackers visiting Uyuni.
  • Address: Sucre 253, Uyuni, Bolivia
• La Casa de Sal – Salt Hotel: A unique hotel constructed from salt blocks (located outside Uyuni).
  • Address: 25 km from Uyuni, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Mid-Range Hotels in Uyuni

• Hotel Salcay: Comfortable rooms and good amenities in Uyuni.
  • Address: Av. Arce, Uyuni, Bolivia
• Hotel Jumari LLaqi: Offers good value for money in Uyuni.
  • Address: Av. Arce 484, Uyuni, Bolivia
• Hotel Jardines de Uyuni: A charming hotel with a pleasant garden in Uyuni.
  • Address: Av. Arce, Uyuni, Bolivia
• Hotel Tambo Aymara: Clean and comfortable rooms with friendly service in Uyuni.
  • Address: Av. Arce, Uyuni, Bolivia
• Hotel Sal Luna Salada: Constructed with salt blocks, offering a unique experience near Uyuni.
  • Address: Salar de Uyuni, Potosí, Bolivia

Luxury Hotels in Uyuni

• Hotel Palacio de Sal: A luxurious salt hotel located on the edge of the Salar de Uyuni.
  • Address: Salar de Uyuni, Potosí, Bolivia
• Explora Uyuni: A high-end hotel offering excellent tours and top-notch services near Uyuni.
  • Address: Salar de Uyuni, Potosí, Bolivia
• Cristal Samaña Salt Hotel: Located right in the Salar de Uyuni, offering a truly unique and immersive experience.
  • Address: Salar de Uyuni, Potosí, Bolivia

Getting Around Uyuni

• Public Transport: Limited public transport options are available in Uyuni.
• Taxis: Readily available and affordable within the town of Uyuni.
• Walking: Uyuni is a small town and easily explored on foot.
• Tour Operators: Most tours include transportation to attractions outside of Uyuni.

Preparing for Your Uyuni Adventure

What to Pack for Uyuni

• Warm clothing (layers are key!): Thermal underwear, fleece jacket, warm hat, gloves, scarf.
• Comfortable walking shoes are a must in Uyuni.
• Sunglasses and high SPF sunscreen (the sun is very strong at high altitude).
• A wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck from the sun.
• Lip balm with SPF is essential.
• Altitude sickness medication (consult your doctor before your trip).
• Camera and extra batteries to capture the amazing scenery.
• Headlamp or flashlight for navigating in the dark.
• Swimsuit (if you plan to visit hot springs).
• Small backpack for day trips.
• Cash (Bolivianos) – credit cards are not widely accepted in Uyuni.
• Toiletries.

Useful Apps for Travel in Uyuni

• Maps.me: Offline maps for navigation.
• Google Translate: For Spanish translation.
• XE Currency Converter: For quick and easy currency conversions.
• iOverlander: To find campsites and points of interest if you’re traveling independently.

Local Tips, Safety Advice & Cultural Etiquette for Uyuni

• Do:
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated at the high altitude.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions.
  • Negotiate prices before agreeing to services.
  • Take altitude sickness precautions.
• Don’t:
  • Drink tap water.
  • Be disrespectful of local culture.
  • Leave trash behind – help preserve the natural beauty.
  • Overexert yourself upon arrival – take it easy to acclimatize.
• Scams to Avoid: Be cautious of unsolicited offers and inflated prices from unofficial tour operators. Book through reputable agencies.
• Respectful Behavior: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people.

Food, Fun & Finds in Uyuni

Top Restaurants in Uyuni

• Extreme Burger Restaurant: Popular for burgers and casual dining in Uyuni.
  • Address: Av. Ferroviaria, Uyuni, Bolivia
• Minuteman Pizza: Pizza and international dishes in Uyuni.
  • Address: Av. Arce, Uyuni, Bolivia
• Llama Cafe: Sandwiches, coffee, and snacks in Uyuni.
  • Address: Av. Arce, Uyuni, Bolivia
• Restaurante 16 de Julio: Local Bolivian cuisine in Uyuni.
  • Address: Calle 16 de Julio, Uyuni, Bolivia
• Hot Spot Pizzeria: A variety of pizzas and pastas in Uyuni.
  • Address: Av. Ferroviaria, Uyuni, Bolivia

Must-Try Bolivian Dishes in Uyuni

• Quinoa Soup: A hearty and nutritious soup made with quinoa, vegetables, and often meat.
• Salteñas: Savory pastries filled with meat, vegetables, and a flavorful, slightly spicy sauce.
• Pique Macho: A generous plate of beef, sausage, potatoes, onions, and peppers, often served with a spicy sauce.
• Llama Steak: A lean and flavorful meat unique to the region – a must-try for adventurous eaters.
• Api and Pastel: A traditional breakfast consisting of a hot, sweet corn beverage (Api) and a fried pastry (Pastel).

Nightlife & Entertainment in Uyuni

• Uyuni has limited nightlife options. Most travelers spend their evenings resting and preparing for early morning tours.
• There are a few small local bars, mainly on Avenida Arce, offering beer and local drinks if you’re looking for a low-key evening.

Best Souvenirs & Markets in Uyuni

• Salt Crafts: Souvenirs made from salt, such as figurines, lamps, and other decorative items.
  • Location: Shops around Av. Arce and the Colchani village.
• Alpaca Products: Sweaters, scarves, hats, and other clothing items made from soft and warm alpaca wool.
  • Location: Local markets and shops on Av. Arce.
• Textiles: Colorful woven textiles with traditional Andean designs, perfect for wall hangings or blankets.
  • Location: Local markets and artisan shops.
• Coca Products: Coca tea and candies, often used to help with altitude sickness symptoms.
  • Location: Local markets and pharmacies.
• Uyuni Salt: Bags of local Uyuni salt, a unique souvenir from the world’s largest salt flat.
  • Location: Shops near Av. Arce.