Exploring Bolivia's Salt Flats: An Ideal Itinerary Duration

The Salar de Uyuni, or the Salt Flats in Bolivia, is the world's largest salt flat. It is a popular tourist destination, famous for its stunning mirror-like reflections during the rainy season and its otherworldly landscapes. So, how long should you spend at the Salt Flats in Bolivia?

Most tours of the Salt Flats depart from the nearby city of Uyuni and typically last for 3 days (2 nights). This duration is recommended to properly explore the Salt Flats and enjoy the surrounding attractions. One-day tours are also available but will only cover a small part of the Salt Flats.

The ideal time to visit the Salt Flats depends on your preferences. The rainy season, from December to April, offers the iconic mirror effect and breathtaking reflections. However, excessive rain during this period may cause tour cancellations and limited access to certain areas. The dry season, from May to November, presents a different visual appeal with hexagonal salt patterns and better accessibility. The shoulder seasons of April-May and November-December offer a mix of both conditions and fewer tourists.

When planning your trip, consider acclimatizing to the high altitude of the Salt Flats, which can cause altitude sickness. Additionally, research and choose a reliable tour operator, as there have been reports of unreliable cars and dangerous drivers.

How to get there

There are a few different ways to get to the Salar de Uyuni, or the Bolivian Salt Flats, depending on where you're coming from. Here is a guide on how to get there.

From La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz is the most common starting point for a trip to the salt flats. The most popular option is to take an overnight bus from La Paz to Uyuni, which takes around 8 hours. Bolivia Hop is the best-rated bus company for getting to and from La Paz, but they do not offer routes to Uyuni as of December 2023. Todo Turismo is recommended as the next best option. The bus fare is typically 250 BS per person, which includes two meals. You can reserve your seat online and show your e-ticket to the driver, or buy your ticket in person at the bus station. The bus leaves La Paz at 21:00 and arrives in Uyuni at 07:30.

Alternatively, you can take a 4-hour bus from La Paz to Oruro, and then hop on a train to Uyuni, which is another 6 to 7 hours away. The train journey will cost between 32 and 120 BOB ($5-17 USD) one-way. Trains depart four times a week: the Expreso Del Sur leaves on Tuesdays and Fridays at 2:30 pm, and the Wara Wara del Sur leaves on Wednesdays and Sundays at 7 pm.

If you want to save time, you can fly from La Paz to Uyuni. The flight takes about an hour, and prices range from 1,100 to 1,800 BOB ($170-250 USD).

From San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

If you're coming from Chile, it's recommended to take a tour from San Pedro de Atacama, as crossing the border to Uyuni by bus can be difficult. The tours are typically 3 or 4 days long, and they usually cost more than tours from Uyuni or Tupiza.

From Tupiza, Bolivia

Tupiza is another option for starting your salt flats tour. It's located about 200 kilometres south of Uyuni, and tours from here take a different route, so you'll see fewer tourists. Tours from Tupiza are usually 4 days long and cost from $195 USD per person.

From Peru

If you're coming from Peru, the recommended option is to start from Uyuni. The cheapest and most scenic way to get there is to travel with Peru Hop, followed by an overnight bus from La Paz.

What to pack

The Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia are a sight to behold, and you'll want to be prepared for the unique conditions of this remote and otherworldly landscape. Here's a packing list to ensure you're ready for your adventure:

• Layers of Clothing: The salt flats are located at a high altitude, resulting in cold temperatures, especially at night. Bring plenty of layers, including thermal base layers, mid-layers, jumpers, and a softshell jacket to protect against the wind.
• Sun Protection: Don't be fooled by the cold; the sun's rays are intense at this altitude. Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and long-sleeved clothing to protect your skin. Don't forget lip balm, too!
• Sturdy Footwear: You'll be exploring vast expanses of salt flats and possibly hiking on uneven terrain. Bring a comfortable pair of hiking trainers or boots to ensure your feet are well-supported and protected.
• Waterproof Jacket: If you're visiting during the rainy season (December to April), pack a waterproof jacket to stay dry.
• Snacks: While meals are typically provided on multi-day tours, it's a good idea to bring some snacks to tide you over between meals. Energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit are great options.
• Water: It is recommended to bring at least 3-4 litres of water per person, as you'll be in remote areas without easy access to drinking water sources.
• Camera: You won't want to miss capturing the stunning landscapes and unique photo opportunities the salt flats offer. Bring your camera and extra batteries or a portable charger.
• Props: For creative photos that play with perspective, bring small props like toy figures or other items you can pose with.
• Swimwear: If your tour includes a stop at natural hot springs, bring your swimwear so you can take a relaxing dip.
• Torch or Headlamp: Electricity can be limited, especially on overnight stays in remote areas. A torch or headlamp will come in handy for navigating in the dark.
• Cash: While meals and accommodations are usually included, you may want to purchase additional snacks or drinks along the way. Some tours also allow for tipping your guide.
• Battery Pack: There may be limited opportunities to charge your electronic devices, so a portable battery pack will ensure you stay connected.
• First Aid Kit: Basic first aid supplies are always a good idea when travelling, especially in remote areas. Include items like band-aids, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
• Altitude Sickness Medication: The salt flats are located at a high altitude, and some people may experience altitude sickness. Consult your doctor before your trip, and consider bringing medication like Diamox to help prevent and treat symptoms.

When to go

The best time to visit the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia depends on the type of experience you're looking for. The salt flats have two distinct seasons, each offering unique attractions:

Rainy Season (December to April)

This season is characterised by the famous mirror effect, where rainwater creates puddles across the salt flats, resulting in stunning reflections. The best months for this effect are December to February, before the rains get too strong. From March to April, the rains are stronger, but the crowds are smaller, making it ideal for those seeking a more relaxed pace. During this season, temperatures are warmest, averaging between 13°C to 20°C (55°F to 70°F).

Dry Season (May to November)

In the dry season, the salt flats transform into a completely white landscape. The first four months (May to August) are the coldest, with nighttime temperatures dropping below 0°C (32°F), so warm layers of clothing are essential. For those preferring warmer weather, August to November is ideal, with guaranteed sunny days and breathtaking sunsets.

Shoulder Seasons (April-May and November-December)

These months offer a mix of both wet and dry conditions, allowing visitors to experience both the mirror effect and the crystallised salt formations. There are also fewer tourists during these months, which may result in lower prices for tours and accommodations.

Best Time for Reflection Photos

If you're aiming to capture reflection photos, the rainy season between January and March is the best time. This short window provides a shining, glass-like surface that creates reflections that look incredibly real.

Best Time for Night Reflection Photos

For night reflection photos, plan your visit between March and May. During this period, the salt flats reflect the night sky, creating a 360-degree immersive experience.

Best Time for Crystallised Salt Patterns

To capture the crystallised salt patterns, visit during the dry season from May to November.

Best Months for Landscape Photography

For landscape photographers, April and May offer clearer skies, providing great opportunities to capture the sky against the backdrop of the salt flats.

Best Time to Avoid

It is best to avoid visiting between January and March, as much of the salt flats are closed due to flooding.

In summary, the best time to visit the Uyuni Salt Flats depends on your specific interests. For reflections and mirror effects, opt for the rainy season. For exploration and clear, dry conditions, the dry season is ideal. The shoulder seasons offer a mix of both, along with fewer tourists. Additionally, consider the specific type of photography you plan to do, as different months offer varying opportunities for reflection photos, night reflection photos, and landscape shots.

How long to stay

Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat, covering over 4,000 square miles. It is one of the most remarkable vistas in South America, if not the world. The salt flats are a popular tourist destination, with tours available from nearby towns and cities. The length of your trip to the salt flats will depend on where you are coming from.

Most tours of the salt flats depart from the town of Uyuni, which is the cheapest place to pick up a tour. Tours from Uyuni typically last for one, three, or four days. A one-day tour is perfect for those who want to experience the unique landscape but are limited on time. However, it is recommended to opt for a three or four-day tour to fully explore the area and see other nearby attractions.

A three-day tour is the perfect amount of time to balance being at altitude and seeing everything the area has to offer. During the tour, you will reach altitudes of up to 4,800 meters, so it is important to spend at least one day in Uyuni before your tour to acclimatize to the altitude.

The salt flats can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to see. The rainy season, from December to April, is the best time to witness the salt flats' breathtaking mirror effect. During this time, the flats flood, creating a massive reflective surface that mirrors the sky. However, be wary of excessive rain in December and January, as it can cause tour cancellations.

The dry season, from May to November, offers a different visual experience. The salt flats transform into a vast, white landscape with hexagonal salt patterns. The ground hardens, making it easier to drive across and visit remote areas. The temperatures during the dry season are colder, so be sure to pack warm clothes.

The shoulder seasons, from April to May and November to December, offer a mix of both wet and dry conditions. Visiting during these months means fewer tourists and potentially lower prices for tours and accommodations.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that there are no roads in the salt flats, and you cannot explore the area on your own. An organized tour is your only option. Prices for tours booked online in advance are several times higher than those purchased in person, so it is recommended to arrive in Uyuni a day early to shop around and haggle for the best price.

In addition to the salt flats themselves, a three or four-day tour will also include other natural and cultural sites in the broader area. This may include coloured lagoons, such as the Red Lagoon and Green Lagoon, geysers, hot springs, high-altitude deserts, and volcanic landscapes.

The accommodation during the multi-day tours is basic but pleasant. The first night is usually spent in a salt hotel in Uyuni, where everything is made of salt. The other nights are spent in remote areas, with more basic facilities. Meals are provided during the tour, but it is recommended to bring snacks as well.

Overall, the Salar de Uyuni is a surreal and unforgettable destination worth including on your travel bucket list. The three-day tour offers a glimpse into the raw, natural wonders of Bolivia and creates memories that will last a lifetime.

What to see

The Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat, stretching over 10,000 square kilometres. It is one of the most remarkable vistas in South America, if not the world. Here's what to see when visiting:

The Salt Flats Themselves

The salt flats are the main attraction, of course. During the rainy season, a thin layer of water floods the flats, creating a mirror-like effect that reflects the sky. This is a stunning sight and a perfect opportunity for some unique photographs. Even during the dry season, the flats present a beautiful, stark landscape.

Train Cemetery

Just outside Uyuni is the Train Cemetery, where you can see the rusted remains of 19th and early 20th-century steam locomotives.

Colchani

Colchani is a small village that relies on salt extraction from the salt flats. Here, you can see how local workers harvest salt using traditional methods.

Dakar Monument

The Dakar Monument is a popular stop on tours of the salt flats. It commemorates the Dakar Rally, a notoriously challenging race that includes a 200-kilometre journey across the flats.

Isla Incahuasi

This small island in the middle of the salt flats is covered in Trichocereus cacti. It offers a stunning contrast between the white salt and the green cacti, with the backdrop of the flats stretching out all around.

Tunupa Volcano

The Tunupa Volcano is one of several volcanoes that surround the salt flats. A trip to its slopes offers a change of scenery and the chance to see the flats and surrounding landscape from above.

Laguna Colorada

This striking red lagoon gets its colour from algae and plankton. It is also home to three species of flamingos: Chilean, James, and Andean.

Laguna Verde

This green lagoon sits at the foot of the Licancabur Volcano. Its colour comes from high concentrations of lead, sulphur, and calcium carbonate.

Laguna Canapa

This blue lagoon is surrounded by white edges of ice and borax. It is famous for its population of pink flamingos.

Aguas Termales de Polques

These thermal waters are said to have medicinal properties. They are a popular spot for birdwatching, particularly for spotting flamingos.

Geiser Sol de la Manana

These geysers emit vapourous fumaroles and have a strong smell of sulphur. They sit at 16,000 feet above sea level, in an area of high volcanic activity.

Siloli Desert

The Siloli Desert is an extremely arid area known for its original rock formations, including the Arbol de Piedra (Stone Tree). These formations are created by the wind eroding the volcanic rocks over thousands of years.

Frequently asked questions