Uyuni sits on the edge of the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, a vast otherworldly expanse that transforms with the seasons. This small Bolivian town has become an essential stop for adventurers, photographers, and nature lovers seeking once-in-a-lifetime landscapes, from endless hexagonal salt patterns to dreamy sunset reflections that make the sky and ground indistinguishable after rain. Many find the sheer scale and silence of the flats unforgettable, and the sense of isolation here adds to the destination’s appeal.
The main highlight is, of course, venturing out onto the Salar de Uyuni itself. Most visitors join a 1-3 day jeep tour that includes not only the salt flats but also extraordinary surrounding sights: bright red and green lagoons filled with flamingos, geysers, thermal springs, bizarre rock formations like Arbol de Piedra, and the haunting Graveyard of Trains. Between the mirror reflections in rainy season (December–April) and the crunchy white salt desert in dry season (May–November), each visit feels like a different planet.
Uyuni keeps a laid-back, rugged vibe. Travelers gather in modest cafes and hostels, sharing stories before their tours or recovering from long Jeep rides through the altiplano. You’ll find plenty of excursion operators but relatively basic services—the atmosphere is more about raw experience and camaraderie than luxury. Local markets and simple restaurants serve up Andean staples like llama steak, quinoa, and hearty soups ideal after a chilly night tour.
Most visitors arrive in Uyuni by overnight bus or train from major Bolivian cities, or by plane from La Paz. Accommodations span from spartan guesthouses to unique salt hotels built entirely from blocks of salt. At altitude, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a good windbreaker are essential, and travelers should prepare for cold nights, especially in winter. Simple internet and mobile service is available, though patchy on tours.
The best season to visit depends on what you’re after: come during the rainy months for the incredible mirror effect, or during the dry season for easy travel and classic salt patterns. Either way, be ready for early sunrises, epic stargazing, and unpredictable highland weather. Booking a reputable tour operator is essential—ask plenty of questions to ensure comfort and safety, and don’t underestimate how memorable a few days in Uyuni can be.
The main highlight is, of course, venturing out onto the Salar de Uyuni itself. Most visitors join a 1-3 day jeep tour that includes not only the salt flats but also extraordinary surrounding sights: bright red and green lagoons filled with flamingos, geysers, thermal springs, bizarre rock formations like Arbol de Piedra, and the haunting Graveyard of Trains. Between the mirror reflections in rainy season (December–April) and the crunchy white salt desert in dry season (May–November), each visit feels like a different planet.
Uyuni keeps a laid-back, rugged vibe. Travelers gather in modest cafes and hostels, sharing stories before their tours or recovering from long Jeep rides through the altiplano. You’ll find plenty of excursion operators but relatively basic services—the atmosphere is more about raw experience and camaraderie than luxury. Local markets and simple restaurants serve up Andean staples like llama steak, quinoa, and hearty soups ideal after a chilly night tour.
Most visitors arrive in Uyuni by overnight bus or train from major Bolivian cities, or by plane from La Paz. Accommodations span from spartan guesthouses to unique salt hotels built entirely from blocks of salt. At altitude, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a good windbreaker are essential, and travelers should prepare for cold nights, especially in winter. Simple internet and mobile service is available, though patchy on tours.
The best season to visit depends on what you’re after: come during the rainy months for the incredible mirror effect, or during the dry season for easy travel and classic salt patterns. Either way, be ready for early sunrises, epic stargazing, and unpredictable highland weather. Booking a reputable tour operator is essential—ask plenty of questions to ensure comfort and safety, and don’t underestimate how memorable a few days in Uyuni can be.
Expected Weekly Budget
$800–$1200 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Explore the vast Salar de Uyuni on a guided 4x4 tour
- Photograph the mirror effect during rainy season
- Visit the haunting Train Graveyard on the town’s outskirts
- See flamingos at the colorful Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde
- Soak in natural hot springs at Polques
- Walk through the cactus-filled Isla Incahuasi
- Stargaze in one of the clearest high-altitude skies
- Tour salt hotels and learn about local salt harvesting
Notable Sites
- Salar de Uyuni
- Train Graveyard (Cementerio de Trenes)
- Isla Incahuasi
- Laguna Colorada
- Laguna Verde
- Eduardo Avaroa National Park
- Arbol de Piedra
- Polques Hot Springs
General Advice
Uyuni is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of destination that's best enjoyed with some advance planning and an open mind for rugged conditions. Due to its remote location, reaching Uyuni can take some time by train, bus, or a short domestic flight. Pack warm clothing, sun protection, and check if your hotel offers heating, as temperatures can drop sharply at night. Booking salt flat tours in advance is a smart idea in high season or if you want an English-speaking guide, though budget travelers may get better walk-in prices. Most people stay just one or two nights in the town itself; the real magic happens out on the flats and the surrounding altiplano.
Security & Safety
Uyuni is generally safe for travelers, but take care with petty theft in and around bus/train stations and markets, especially after dark. If joining a multi-day salt flat tour, always choose a reputable operator and make sure your vehicle appears well maintained. Don't leave valuables in hotel rooms or unattended in jeeps. Altitude sickness is common; stay hydrated, allow time to acclimatize, and avoid excessive alcohol. Beware of intense sun, even on cloudy days, and use high SPF sunscreen and sunglasses.
Travel Tips
- Bring cash in small denominations, as card acceptance is limited.
- Pack layers: temperatures swing drastically between day and night.
- Use plenty of sunscreen and lip balm to prevent sunburn and dryness.
- Drink lots of water to avoid high-altitude dehydration.
- If possible, spend a full day in Uyuni to acclimatize before a tour.
- Book your salt flat tour with a reputable agency and double-check what's included.
- Bring extra camera batteries—the cold drains power quickly and outlets are scarce on tours.
- Earplugs can help with sleeping in basic accommodations or noisy train/bus rides.
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Traveler Comments
Visited in April 2024
Uyuni was nothing like anywhere I've been! The reflection on the salt flats after it rained was unreal—I took hundreds of photos. Our three-day tour was a little rugged, especially the cold overnight stays, but the natural beauty made it worth every shiver.
Traveled here in January 2024
Absolutely loved the Salar de Uyuni. Our guide made the photo ops super fun (loved doing the perspective tricks). The highlight was seeing flamingos at Laguna Colorada—such vivid colors. Bring snacks though, the food stops can be basic.
Traveled in July 2023
Our family spent two nights in Uyuni before the tour, which helped us get used to the altitude. The train graveyard was a quirky spot and our kids found it fascinating! Tours can be rough if you’re not used to the cold or dust, but so worth it for the landscapes.
Visited in August 2023
Stargazing on the flats was a dream. Didn’t expect it to get so freezing at night, so extra layers are a must. Isla Incahuasi was packed with travelers at midday, but still awesome to see cacti growing out of salt. The whole place feels like another planet.
Stayed in September 2023
Uyuni is very different from the rest of Bolivia—a bit basic, but sunsets and wild landscapes make up for it. The salt hotels were such a novelty, though the beds are a bit firm. Would recommend doing a 3-day loop if you can.
Visited in March 2024
Salar de Uyuni surpassed my expectations. Our jeep group was fun and the guide even made a special effort to show us a flock of flamingos. The only downside was the bumpy ride—it’s rough country!
Traveled here in May 2024
Went solo and joined a group tour. The variety of scenery from salt flats to geysers to colored lagoons was incredible. Wifi was pretty much nonexistent during the tour, so it's a good spot to unplug.
Visited in November 2023
Uyuni town itself isn't that exciting, but the salt flat experience is magical. I loved learning about how salt is harvested. One bit of advice: altitude pills helped me a lot!
Visited in December 2023
The landscapes will stick with me forever, but logistics were a little tricky—I got altitude sickness the first night. The meals on tour could be more varied. Still, the sunrise on the flats is something I'll rave about for years.
Traveled in February 2024
If you’re into photography, this is paradise. I spent hours setting up shots in the endless white—my favorite was catching the mirror effect at sunset. Uyuni isn’t super developed so plan for simple accommodations.
Visited in June 2024
Epic scenery and very welcoming locals. The Eduardo Avaroa park had amazing wildlife—I spotted llamas, foxes, and more flamingos than I could count. Bring cash, there are very few ATMs in town and none once you’re on tour.
Visited in October 2023
I traveled with friends and we booked our tour last minute. No regrets—the guides were so knowledgeable and funny. Our only complaint was the dust inside the jeep, but otherwise, the trip was smooth.
Traveled in December 2023
I was blown away by the salt patterns stretching to the horizon. The salt hotels were fun to visit but a bit chilly inside. Uyuni is remote, so getting there took a while, but it's definitely worth the journey.
Stayed in April 2024
Our guide made the trip so special with local legends and music on the long drives. The stars at night were brighter than I've seen anywhere else. Highly recommend going on a multi-day tour.
Traveled here in May 2023
Went with my partner and we both loved the adventure. The Polques hot springs were a relaxing surprise after days of wind and cold. Uyuni isn’t luxury travel, but that's part of its charm.
Visited in February 2024
Never seen anything like the Train Graveyard—it’s eerie and cool for photos. Tours are in Spanish mostly, so English speakers should double-check their booking. Simple but hearty local meals were a comfort after cold days out.
Visited in March 2024
Uyuni salt flats are unreal in person. I was glad I had a local SIM card for emergencies, but don't expect internet on the flats. It's all about disconnecting from routine.
Stayed in January 2024
We chose Uyuni for our honeymoon—very different from a beach vacation but felt so romantic watching the sunset reflections. Bring moisturizer! The dry air can be tough on your skin.
Visited in September 2023
Did the 3-day jeep loop and every day brought something unexpected—volcanoes, steaming geysers, wild colors. The pace is fast and rooms can be cold, but the scenery is worth the early mornings.
Traveled here in August 2023
If you like remote adventures, Uyuni delivers. Food options are limited in town, so I packed snacks for the trip. Watching the sun sink over endless white was totally surreal.
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