The world’s largest salt flat in Bolivia – or Salar de Uyuni – is one of the most incredible places to visit in Bolivia and one of the most extraordinary destinations in all of South America as a whole. Spanning over 10,000 square kilometres (around 4,000 square miles), this vast expanse is one of South America’s most extraordinary phenomena and a unique destination for travellers. Picture a salt desert as far as the eye can see, reflections you wouldn’t believe, and an otherworldly landscape. The sheer size and beauty will blow you away. The salt flats in Bolivia are one place you’ll never ever forget!
About the salt flats in Bolivia
As the name suggests, the salt flats in Bolivia are a vast area where the ground is entirely salt. The salt flat was formed due to transformations between several prehistoric lakes. The salt is a couple of metres thick and flat across the region. The salt layer reaches over 10 metres thick in some places. That’s an estimated total of 10 billion tons of salt. The salt flats in Bolivia are said to be the flattest place on earth. During the dry season, it becomes a vast expanse of glistening white salt, creating an endless horizon that blends the sky with the ground. In the rainy season, it transforms into a giant mirror when covered with a thin layer of water, reflecting the sky and creating a surreal landscape over 80 miles across.
Because of the sheer size, the best way to visit Bolivia’s salt flats is by tour. Most tours depart from Uyuni and other surrounding areas and go on for three days before returning to Uyuni.
It’s safe to say the salt flats in Bolivia are an incredible phenomenon and well worth visiting. Once you explore the salt flats, you’ll understand why they are Bolivia’s most notorious bucket-list experience for many.
The best time to visit Bolivian salt flats
You can visit the Bolivian salt flats all year round, but you’ll get a different experience depending on when you go, but the renowned Bolivia salt flats sunset can be seen any time.
If you visit between January and March, quite a bit of the salt flats will be closed due to flooding. Of course, there are exceptions, particularly if you go in early January, but for the most part, this isn’t the best time to visit.
You won’t have to worry about rain if you visit from June to December – the driest months of the year. However, this is also winter, and temperatures can drop to -15℃ at night. That’s pretty cold, making exploring the salt flats uncomfortable.
April and May are the best months. The weather during this time is dry, but water from the rainy season will still be around in some areas of the salt flats to enjoy the famous reflections. You’ll also experience all-round warmer weather and avoid any closures.
You’ll need a few days to really appreciate the salt flats
The salt flat is a significant draw for tourists. Activities include jeep tours across the flats, visits to nearby cactus-filled islands like Isla Incahuasi, and stays in hotels made almost entirely of salt blocks. The area is also famous for its dramatic sunsets and star-gazing opportunities, thanks to the clear skies and lack of light pollution.
You can visit the salt flats on a day or multi-day tour. Although a day trip is convenient and nice for a quick visit, you’ll miss out on a lot. You’ll get to take creative photos, but the multi-day tours are so much more than that.
From exploring geysers to colourful lagoons to visiting a desert valley over 5000 metres above sea level, there is a ton to see and do. We recommend joining a one- or two-night tour at the very least. This lets you experience more detail about Bolivia’s salt flats and nearby landscapes.
The most common tour is a three-day-two-night tour from Uyuni with an English guide. You’ll make many different stops and really see what it’s all about. That said, some tours can be basic, and the accommodation and food not so “luxurious”. There are more upscale tours that include 3 or 4-star hotels, but they are, of course, a lot more expensive. So, your choice of tour will come down to your travel style and budget.
If your only option is to do a day trip, then make sure to stay at the salt flat until sunset (the best time to see reflections), as many tours head back to Uyuni before this time.
Tours are more than just seeing the salt flats
You are mistaken if you think the only thing you’ll see on a salt flats tour in is salt. On the most popular three-day tours, you’ll see several deserts, a few different lakes, a train cemetery, hot springs, geysers spewing steam, and much more. Sometimes, a nice element of culture is included, such as visiting the salt-processing village of Colchani. Only 600 people are permanent residents there, but their salt factory is the biggest in Bolivia.
Not every salt flat tour is the same. Although they all follow almost the same route, the activities vary. Furthermore, a driving tour isn’t the only way to experience the salt flats. Instead, you can choose a motorbike tour. The choices are endless, so spend some time comparing the options and picking the best one for you.
Things to look for when booking a tour
If you don’t speak Spanish, an English-speaking guide is essential. It may cost more, but you absolutely won’t regret it. Learning about the area is among the best things about a salt flat tour. This region of Bolivia is fascinating. So, if you don’t speak Spanish, pay for the English guide, it’s more than worth it. Flights can be purchased with wowtickets.com.
Ensuring all your meals and hotels are included is a good idea. Some budget tours will have travellers (particularly solo travellers) sharing rooms, so if this is something you are interested in or want to avoid, make sure you double-check.
Check what activities are included and where you’ll be going. Visiting the lagoons is super cool, and so is the train cemetery. You can additionally relax in hot springs, check out the active volcanos and watch flamingos.
Several hotels around the Salar de Uyuni are constructed almost entirely of salt blocks. Staying in one of these hotels offers a unique experience and a deeper connection to the environment.
Wildlife in the salt flats
You will see some fantastic wildlife if you decide to do a multi-day tour. Despite such a harsh environment, some animals thrive in the region. These include:
Andean Flamingos: These animals hang out in the colourful lakes by the salt flats. They are also one of the rarest flamingos in the world.
James Flamingo: It can be a challenge to differentiate between the James and the Andean Flamingo. But the taller of the two are James Flamingos. These birds were thought to be extinct until a colony was found in 1956.
Vicuñas: Vicuñas are closely related to guanacos, which are prevalent in Patagonia, and they resemble llamas a lot. Alpacas and llamas, which were domesticated for their coats and capacity to carry cargo, are said to have descended from vicuñas in the wild. Throughout history, even during the Inca era, they have been legally protected. Around 350,000 Vicuñas remain now, compared to just 6,000 in 1974 as a result of hunting.
Culpeo Fox: There is no shortage of Culpeo foxes in this region. They’re also the second-largest fox on the continent of South America.
Bolivian Vizcacha: Despite their similar appearance, vizcachas and rabbits are unrelated. Unfortunately for them, the Culpeo fox usually eats these little animals.
Llamas: Although mostly in small neighbourhoods, you will find plenty of llamas when visiting the salt flats. Because they are domesticated animals, you can even try eating llamas throughout your tour if you’re adventurous!
Other places to visit the salt flats from
Due to the fact that the salt flats are enormous, you can visit them from many various places in Bolivia and even Chile. Uyuni is the most popular place to leave for the salt flats. But there are other popular places you can visit the Salt Flats in Bolivia from:
Uyuni: Uyuni is a tiny town in Bolivia situated directly on the brink of the salt flats. Many tour companies offer a variety of trips from Uyuni, with the 3-day, 2-night tour being the most popular. These excursions usually begin and end in Uyuni; alternatively, they can start in Uyuni and finish in San Pedro de Atacama. Uyuni is also the most affordable place to do salt flat tours from.
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile: San Pedro is in Chile in the Atacama Desert. On a tour, you can cross the border and discover Bolivia’s Salt Flats. These tours can be concluded in Uyuni or by travelling back to San Pedro. These tours are the most costly because they depart from Chile, a more expensive country with a stronger currency.
Tupiza: Another popular spot to visit the Bolivian Salt Flats is Tupiza. For travellers entering Bolivia from Argentina, this town is a convenient location to explore the Salt Flats (or vice versa.) Tupiza is referred to as the “back door” to the Salt Flats and is home to some of the best tour companies because of the less crowded regions they visit.
La Paz: Even though it’s a long way from the Salt Flats, you can take a tour departing from La Paz. The trip to and from the Salt Flats is quite extensive because of this, and day visits require an 8-hour overnight bus before and after your tour. There are alternative options to fly to Uyuni if you must depart from La Paz. But if you’re on a budget, travelling from La Paz may be an option for you.
What to pack
You’ll need warm clothes. During the day, the salt flats can get hot. But no matter the temperature during the day, it gets bitterly cold the minute the sun sets. Even during the warmest months, temperatures can drop below zero, and combined with the harsh winds, it’s freezing! If your visit falls during winter (June to August), expect temperatures way below zero. A hat and gloves are also recommended.
Don’t be fooled by the cold temperatures; you’ll still need sun protection. The Salt Flats sit over 4,000 metres above sea level and reflect the sun much more than snow does. Also, because the air is thinner, you get burnt faster, which can lead to severe injuries.
Remember to pack some sunglasses to protect your eyesight.
Bring lip balm! The sun and dry air will make your lips chapped within hours. They are not sold at many places, so be sure to pack them.
You’ll want to bring snacks and cash. Overnight or multi-day tours usually provide food. And there is more than to go around, but meals are held at specific times, and with so much adventure to be had, you can get hungry. We recommend bringing some snacks with you to get through the day. If not, at least bring some cash. Cards aren’t accepted out on the salt flats, but some hotels sell snacks, wine, and beer. You may also want to tip your guide, so having a little cash is a great idea.
The salt flats are pretty isolated; therefore, there won’t be any Wi-Fi and very little power. Ensure you notify your loved ones back home that you will be out for a few days. If you need to charge your phone or camera, be ready to fight over power outlets. It is advised to pack extra battery packs. A multi-USB charging adaptor is also a great way to share the convenience of topping off phone batteries with other people.
