Exploring Bolivia's Salt Flats: Travel Guide

The Salar de Uyuni, or the Bolivian Salt Flats, is a popular tourist destination in Bolivia. Covering 10,582 square kilometres, it is the world's largest salt flat. There are a few ways to get to the Salt Flats, depending on where you are travelling from. From La Paz, you can take an overnight bus, which takes around 8 hours, or a flight, which takes about an hour. You can also take a bus or a train from Oruro, which is 314km away from Uyuni. If you are coming from Chile, you can take a bus from Calama via Ollague, or a tour from San Pedro de Atacama.

Travel by plane, train or bus

The closest city to the Salar de Uyuni is Uyuni, which is the starting point for most journeys to the salt flats. You can reach Uyuni by plane, train or bus.

Plane

There are daily local flights from La Paz to Uyuni. Airline Amazonas and Boliviano de Aviación are the main airlines that fly between La Paz and Uyuni. Airline Amazonas operates flights daily from La Paz to Uyuni departing at 7:15 AM (arriving at 8:00 AM) and 7:30 PM (arriving at 8:15 PM). Prices start around $115+ USD. Boliviano de Aviación operates flights daily from La Paz to Uyuni departing at 8:05 AM (arriving at 9:05 AM) and 7:10 PM (arriving at 8:10 PM). Prices start around $170+ USD.

Train

You can't get a direct train to Uyuni. The closest you can get is to take a bus to Oruro and then transfer to a train. The FCA (Empresa Ferroviaria Andina) is the railway company transporting passengers to Uyuni. There are two trains: Expreso Sur with departures on Tuesdays and Fridays at 3:30 PM and the Wara Wara with departures on Wednesdays and Sundays at 7:00 PM.

Bus

There are several bus companies that offer routes to Uyuni from La Paz. Bolivia Hop has been voted the best bus company in Bolivia from 2016 to 2020 but, as of December 2023, they do not operate from La Paz to Uyuni. Todo Turismo is the next best option. Bolivia Hop is the best way to get to and from La Paz, and then Todo Turismo is probably the best way to get from La Paz to Uyuni or from Uyuni back to La Paz. When booking with Todo Turismo, always try to get the Cama (bed) option.

The overnight bus from La Paz to Uyuni is the most popular way to get to the salt desert in Bolivia. The bus leaves La Paz at 9:00 PM from the Todo Turismo offices at 102 Uruguay Avenue, which is opposite the bus station. The bus arrives in Uyuni at around 7:00 AM the next morning. Tickets cost 250 BS per person and include two meals. You can reserve your seat and buy your ticket online or in person.

Travel from La Paz, San Pedro de Atacama, Tupiza or Peru

Travel from La Paz

The Salar de Uyuni salt flats are around 8 hours south of La Paz. The best way to get there is via an overnight bus or a small plane. The bus takes between 10 and 12 hours and costs $30 to $40 each way. The bus leaves La Paz every night and arrives in Uyuni at around 7 am.

Travel from San Pedro de Atacama

The journey from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile takes around 11 hours by bus, including the border crossing from Chile to Bolivia. There are no direct buses, so a combination of buses is required. It is recommended to take a tour from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni, which takes three days.

Travel from Tupiza

Tupiza is the best starting point for travellers coming from Argentina. Tour operators recommend a four-day tour from Tupiza, visiting the Salar de Uyuni on the final day.

Travel from Peru

Peru is north of Bolivia, so you would need to travel through La Paz to get to the Salar de Uyuni.

Book a 1-3 day tour

The Salar de Uyuni, or the Bolivian Salt Flats, is accessible via a few different routes. The most common route is from La Paz, a ten-hour, 540-kilometre (335-mile) bus ride away. It is recommended to book your bus tickets ahead of time, especially if you are travelling during a busy holiday weekend. Tickets Bolivia is a website where you can purchase your tickets in advance.

If you are travelling from within Bolivia, the most popular option is to start your tour of the Salar from Uyuni. Most people travel from La Paz to Uyuni, which usually takes around eight hours on an overnight bus.

If you are looking for a shorter tour, there are one-day tour options available. These tours are also the cheapest way to visit the Salt Flats, with prices ranging from $70 to $90 USD. The tours start in Uyuni around 10 am and finish around 5 pm, allowing you to take an overnight bus back to La Paz on the same day. A one-day tour will include a visit to the train cemetery, a stop in Colchani, and of course, the Salt Flats.

If you are looking for a longer tour, there are three-day tour options available as well. The first day of a three-day tour is usually the same as the one-day tour. The second and third days are spent seeing coloured lakes, hot springs, flamingo flocks, hot geysers, crazy rock formations, and painted volcanoes. You will be sleeping in tents and truly immersing yourself in the rugged landscape.

There are also options to start your tour in Tupiza, a town located 200 kilometres south of Uyuni, or San Pedro de Atacama, a town across the border in Chile. Tours from Tupiza are usually four-day tours and take a different route than those leaving from Uyuni, so you are likely to see fewer tourists during your trip. Tours from San Pedro de Atacama are generally marginally more expensive but the standards of tour operators are often better.

When booking your tour, it is important to be cautious and do your research. Some tour agencies in Uyuni have been known to tout unreliable cars and dangerous drivers. It is strongly recommended to book your tour in advance and to NOT book your tour in Uyuni, but rather in La Paz or online, as many companies in Uyuni scam tourists.

• Quechua Connection
• Tupiza Tours
• La Torre
• Cruz Andina Travel

Choose a tour company with a good safety record

When choosing a tour company to see the Bolivian salt flats, safety should be a top priority. There are endless reports of accidents and drunk or reckless drivers, so it is important to select a company with a good safety record. Here are some tips to help you choose a safe and reliable tour company:

• Research and compare different tour companies: Read online reviews, check safety records, and look for companies with a good reputation and a strong focus on safety. Avoid companies with a history of accidents or reckless behaviour.
• Ask for recommendations: Talk to fellow travellers who have recently returned from a trip to the salt flats. They can provide first-hand accounts of their experiences with different tour companies and help you identify the safest options.
• Choose a company with experienced and professional guides: Look for companies that employ knowledgeable and experienced guides who are familiar with the area and have a strong commitment to safety.
• Check for necessary safety equipment: Ensure that the tour company provides essential safety equipment, such as seat belts, first aid kits, and emergency radios.
• Book with a reputable company: Opt for well-established and reputable tour companies that have been in business for a long time. These companies often have better safety records and are more likely to prioritise your well-being.
• Consider the vehicle's condition: Ensure that the tour company maintains its vehicles properly and conducts regular safety inspections. Well-maintained vehicles can help prevent breakdowns and other issues during your trip.
• Read the fine print: Before booking, carefully review the company's terms and conditions, including their safety policies and procedures. This will help you understand their safety protocols and your rights as a customer.

Remember, your safety should always come first when choosing a tour company. Taking the time to research and select a reputable company with a strong safety record will ensure that you have a memorable and enjoyable experience exploring the breathtaking Bolivian salt flats.

Prepare for high altitude

The Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia are located at a very high altitude, sitting at over 3,500 metres (11,995 feet) above sea level. As such, it is important to prepare for the effects of high altitude when visiting. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Acclimatise: If possible, spend a few days in San Pedro de Atacama in Chile or La Paz in Bolivia before your trip to the salt flats. This will help your body adjust to the high altitude.
• Drink Coca Tea: Coca tea is a traditional remedy for altitude sickness in South America. Drinking lots of coca tea can help alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms.
• Take Altitude Sickness Medication: If you are prone to altitude sickness or are concerned about the effects, consider taking over-the-counter altitude sickness medication. Soroche pills are available in Peru and Bolivia and can help prevent and treat mild symptoms. For stronger medication, consult your doctor before your trip.
• Drink Water: Staying hydrated is crucial at high altitudes. Drink plenty of water before and during your trip to help prevent altitude sickness.
• Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can worsen the effects of altitude sickness. It is best to avoid excessive alcohol consumption when preparing for and visiting the salt flats.
• Take it Slow: At high altitudes, your body may struggle due to the lack of oxygen. Avoid strenuous activity and take things slow to help your body adjust.
• Chew Coca Leaves: Chewing coca leaves is a traditional practice in South America to combat altitude sickness. Coca leaves can be purchased in supermarkets, souvenir shops, or street stalls.
• Consult Your Doctor: If you are concerned about altitude sickness, discuss prevention and treatment options with your doctor before your trip. They can provide specific advice and stronger medication if needed.

By following these tips, you can help reduce the effects of high altitude and increase your chances of having a comfortable and enjoyable experience at the Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia.

Frequently asked questions