Exploring Uyuni, Bolivia: Is A 4X4 Necessary?

The Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia are a popular tourist destination, renowned for their otherworldly appearance. The flats are the largest of their kind in the world, and the vast majority of roads in Bolivia are unpaved. Therefore, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended for travel to Uyuni.

While it is possible to rent a car and explore the salt flats at your own discretion, this option is not commonly recommended. Vehicle rental in Bolivia is expensive, and most rental companies will not permit their vehicles to be used for this purpose due to the potential for damage. Additionally, there are no rental companies located in Uyuni.

For those seeking flexibility and the freedom to explore, renting a car and driving oneself is an option, albeit a challenging one. This choice requires confidence in driving manual transmission vehicles and familiarity with the Spanish language. It is also essential to be prepared with spare tires, jerrycans of gas, and a shovel.

The alternative is to opt for a guided tour, which typically involves being driven around in a group with other tourists. These tours usually last one to four days and offer stunning optical illusions and unique photo opportunities.

Renting a 4x4 in Bolivia

Choosing a Rental Company:

When renting a 4x4 in Bolivia, it is essential to choose a reputable and reliable company. One option mentioned in a forum is BIZ Car Rental, based in Sucre, which offers brand new 4x4s that are allowed on the salt flats. Their rental package includes essential items such as an extra fuel tank, a shovel, and a hose. Another company that provides 4x4 rentals in Bolivia is Bolivia4x4, which specialises in guided self-drive expeditions.

Planning Your Route:

When planning your route, consider that some areas in Bolivia require a 4x4 vehicle, especially during the rainy season from November to March. The road from Uyuni to the Chilean border, for example, is known to be challenging and may require a 4x4. Additionally, if you plan to visit remote areas, it is advisable to bring a satellite phone for communication and emergency purposes.

Driving in Bolivia:

Driving in Bolivia can be quite different from what you may be used to. It is essential to obtain an international driver's license before coming to Bolivia. Road conditions can be hazardous, with most roads being unpaved and lacking proper markings, shoulders, fencing, or barriers. Driving at night can be especially challenging, as some vehicles do not have lights. It is also important to yield to pedestrians in the cities, which is not a common practice.

Exploring the Uyuni Salt Flats:

When visiting the Uyuni Salt Flats, keep in mind that only licensed tour guides/drivers are allowed to enter. The vast expanse of the salt flats makes it easy to get lost, and during the rainy season, inexperienced drivers may get stuck in the molten salt. Therefore, it is always recommended to travel in a 4x4 vehicle. The dry season, from May to November, is considered the best time to visit, as the salt flats form a giant white sea, perfect for taking fun and unique perspective photos.

Other Considerations:

When planning your trip, don't forget to pack warm and comfortable clothing, as it can get very cold in the region, even during the summer. Also, bring enough snacks and water, as there are limited options for purchasing food and drinks along the way. Ensure you have a power bank for charging any electronic devices, as data coverage and WiFi may be limited.

Driving in Bolivia

Bolivia is known for its massive salt flats, but it offers so much more, from the mountains to the Amazon. Here is some essential information about driving in Bolivia.

Requirements for Driving in Bolivia

You will need an International Driving Permit to drive in Bolivia. If your driver's license is not in the Roman alphabet or a language used in Bolivia, you must also present an International Driver's Permit along with your native driver's license. Some car rental companies will ask for your passport, a credit card, and a booking confirmation. The driver must have used their native driver's license for a minimum of two years.

Road Rules in Bolivia

Drunk driving is common during holidays in Bolivia, so be cautious. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. If caught, you will be fined and jailed for the first offence, and your license will be confiscated for the second. Turning signals are an essential safety measure and are required when making turns, entering a driveway or parking lot, changing lanes, overtaking, and leaving a roundabout. Honking your horn is mandated by law at curves, intersections, slopes, and mountain roads, but it is prohibited at night in urban areas.

Parking in Bolivia

Avoid parking on the street overnight. If your hotel does not have a parking garage, find a well-lit area, but do not park within 16 feet of a corner or intersection. Do not park less than 10 meters from the entrance of churches, hospitals, clinics, theatres, and educational institutions during business hours.

Vehicle Requirements

Before driving, ensure your vehicle is registered and in good condition, with functional brakes and horns. Check that mirrors, number plates, and car lights are working, and that your windows are clean. It is also recommended to carry early warning devices, spare tires, car tools, and extra petrol.

Speed Limits in Bolivia

Speed limits are relatively low due to poor road infrastructure. The limit is 50kph on urban roads and 70kph on rural roads. Bolivia does not have speed cameras, but authorities will apprehend drivers who violate the speed limit.

Seat Belts and Child Seats

Although not enforced, it is advised that drivers and passengers wear seat belts for safety. Children should be restricted to child seats.

Overtaking

There are no specific overtaking policies, but you must be mindful of your surroundings and use your mirrors. Honking your horn is sometimes used for overtaking, but note that it is prohibited in urban areas.

Driving Side

Bolivia drives on the right-hand side of the road.

Driving at Night

It is not advisable to drive at night in Bolivia. Some vehicles do not have lights, making it difficult for others to spot them, especially on blind curves.

Using Your Phone

A hands-free system is required if you need to use your phone. It is illegal to watch videos, call, text, or check social media while driving.

Road Conditions in Bolivia

Roads in Bolivia can be dangerous, especially during the rainy season (November to March), when most routes are potholed and some roads and bridges are washed out. Outside the major cities, especially in mountainous areas, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended. Most roads in Bolivia are unpaved, with minimal highway markings, shoulders, fencing, or barriers.

Road Safety in Bolivia

Bolivia is famous for having some of the world's most dangerous roads. Some routes along the Andes are single-lane dirt roads with steep drop-offs. Traffic in Bolivian cities tends to be messy and an exercise in patience. Always be alert and follow road safety tips.

Getting to Uyuni

The Uyuni Salt Flats are located in the town of Uyuni, Bolivia. There are a few ways to get to Uyuni, depending on your starting point and budget.

By Bus

If you are coming from one of the bigger cities, such as La Paz or Sucre, you can take a long night bus to Uyuni. The journey takes between 6 and 9 hours, and the ticket price depends on the company and the level of comfort you opt for. A basic seat will be the cheapest option, while some companies offer a 'cama' option, where your chair transforms into a bed, allowing you to arrive well-rested. The price difference is generally minimal, so it is recommended to opt for comfort.

By Plane

If you are short on time or have some extra cash, you can fly to Uyuni from La Paz. This option will cost you around $100 USD and is often included with private tours originating from La Paz.

By Car

If you are feeling adventurous and want to explore the country by car, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, road conditions in Bolivia are hazardous, with the majority of roads being unpaved and lacking proper markings, fencing, or shoulders. Secondly, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended, especially if you plan to venture outside the major cities or drive during the rainy season (November to March). Finally, it is essential to obtain an international driver's license before arriving in Bolivia.

When it comes to renting a car in Bolivia, it is worth noting that this option is very expensive, and most rental companies will not allow their vehicles to be taken onto the salt flats due to the potential damage. However, if you are set on this option, you may be able to find a rental agency in La Paz or Santa Cruz, but returning the car to a different branch will be challenging.

For those determined to explore the salt flats by car, it is possible to rent a 4x4 vehicle in Uyuni. However, it is crucial to be cautious and well-prepared. The salt flats can be treacherous, with soft and muddy terrain, and there are no road signs, so maps and GPS are essential. Additionally, you will need to constantly wash your car after driving to remove the salt and salt water.

By Tour

The most popular way to visit the Uyuni Salt Flats is by booking a tour, which can be done in advance or upon arrival in Uyuni. Tours typically last between one and four days, with three or four days being the recommended duration to fully experience the area. Most tours originate in Uyuni, but you can also find options starting in La Paz, Tupiza, or San Pedro de Atacama in Chile.

Getting Around the Salt Flats

Once you arrive in Uyuni, you will need to arrange transportation to the salt flats themselves. The only way to get around is by 4x4 vehicle, either rented independently or as part of a tour. Only licensed tour guides/drivers are allowed to enter, and it is easy to get lost without their expertise. Additionally, in the rainy season, inexperienced drivers may get stuck in the molten salt.

Tours of Uyuni

The Uyuni Salt Flats are the number one tourist destination in Bolivia and one of the most extraordinary places in the world. The diversity of landscapes is amazing, making it a photographer's dream. The Uyuni tour can be done in one, three or four days and different starting points are possible.

One-Day Tour

The one-day tour is the cheapest way to visit the Salar de Uyuni. Tours typically run from 10 am to 5 pm, so it is possible to arrive in Uyuni by bus, take a one-day tour, and then depart again by bus on the same day.

A typical tour visits the train cemetery, followed by a stop in the small town of Colchani, the only salt-making facility on Salar de Uyuni. You will then spend the rest of the day exploring the salt flats, visiting the salt hotels, and some islands such as Fish Island, with plenty of opportunities to take photos on the flats.

Three-Day Tour

A three-day excursion is the most popular way to explore the Salt Flats. On the first day, you will do the same as the one-day tour, but on the second and third days, you will explore a desert-like landscape, which is unique, varied, and spectacular.

On the second day, you will visit several amazing Andean lagoons of different colours, with flamingos in some of them. You will also see Arbol de Piedra (the rock tree) in the wild and wonderful Siloli desert, and enter Eduardo Avaroa National Park.

On the third day, you will visit the "Sol de Mañana" geysers, see steamy volcanoes, the Dali desert, and swim in the Polques Hot Springs.

Four-Day Tour

It is also possible to do a four-day tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats.

Uyuni accommodation

The small town of Uyuni in Bolivia is the gateway to the Uyuni Salt Flats (Salar de Uyni), the largest salt desert in the world. It is highly recommended to stay a day in Uyuni to acclimatise to the high altitude before visiting the Salt Flats.

Luxury and High-End Hotels in Uyuni

• Hotel de Sal Luna Salada is a unique property built from salt, with Andean-themed rooms and a spa. It is located in Colchani, near the Salt Flats, so there are additional travel costs to consider.
• Hotel Palacio de Sal is a salt-built luxury hotel located in Colchani, 25km outside of Uyuni. It has recently been renovated and receives fantastic reviews from guests.
• Hotel de Sal Cristal Samaña is another hotel built from salt, located in Colchani. It is one of the largest hotels on the salt Flats and typically has rooms available.
• Hotel de Sal Casa Andina is the top pick for luxury hotels in Uyuni town. It is built from salt and has large rooms and hot showers.
• Hotel Jardines de Uyuni is a stylish and comfortable option, with bold common spaces.

Mid-Range and Value Hotels in Uyuni

• Las Tholas is a modern hotel with consistently good reviews. It is a comfortable and reliable choice.
• La Magia de Uyuni has a classic hostal feel, with cosy common spaces and spacious private rooms.
• Tonito Hotel is filled with character and quirk. It features Minuteman restaurant, a popular gathering place for tourists. It also offers a fantastic breakfast.
• Hostal Cagnapa Restobar has wooden floors, underfloor heating, and thick blankets. It provides a DVD player and DVDs, free WiFi, soap, and shampoo.
• Hotel Julia is conveniently located a 5-minute drive from Joya Andina Airport. It offers complimentary breakfast and free WiFi.

Budget Hotels and Hostels in Uyuni

• Le Ciel d'Uyuni is a charming and inexpensive hotel, located 100m from the main square. It has clean rooms and comfortable beds, but breakfast is not in the American style.
• Hostal Reyna del Salar has large rooms and affordable prices.
• Hostal Oro Blanco is a standard Bolivian hotel located near the main plaza. The rooms are clean and reasonably comfortable, but not huge.
• Hotel Julia offers affordable triple and quad rooms, good for families or groups of friends.
• Bunker Hostel offers a bed and a private bath. The water may or may not be hot. There are also inexpensive mixed dorms.
• Residencial La Cabaña offers inexpensive private rooms with a shared bath.

Frequently asked questions