Hi there, my name is Carolina Cortes and welcome to my travel tips on Salar de Uyuni! A little bit about me: I’m from Cochabamba, Bolivia and I’m in the final stages of doing my architecture thesis. Since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by how buildings can reflect the history and culture of a place.
This interest inspired me to study architecture. Travel is another passion of mine because it allows me to discover every magical corner of my country, learn about different cultures and traditions, and understand how architecture and the natural environment influence people’s lives. Each trip provides me with a new perspective and inspires me in my career.
My Experiences at Salar de Uyuni
I’ve been fortunate enough to visit over 12 countries in my life, and I can confidently say that Bolivia stands out for its rich culture and stunning landscapes – such as Salar de Uyuni. It’s said that 40,000 years ago, the salt flats were a prehistoric lake that gradually dried up – becoming the world’s largest salt desert today, covering an area of just over 10,000 km².
At the end of May this year, I decided to travel with my boyfriend to Salar de Uyuni. We departed from Cochabamba, passing through Oruro and finally arriving in Uyuni. It was fascinating to see how the landscape changed from lush vegetation to desert-like scenery with few trees.
Our trip to Uyuni lasted three days. We stayed in a hotel near Uyuni’s main square. Upon arrival, we found several tour companies around the square offering different packages, making it easy to find one that suited us. Our adventure began with a visit to the Train Cemetery, then we went to Colchani where there’s a handicraft fair and finally we entered the salt flats.
We visited Plaza de las Banderas, the Dakar Monument and later arrived at our hotel located on the flats. This hotel is built with salt blocks and we had lunch there. We continued exploring, taking photos and reached Incahuasi Island which features enormous cacti that grow one centimeter per year.
From this experience, I have come up with 8 important tips to keep in mind before you visit the salt flats. Ranging from how to book tours to how to combat altitude sickness, these tips will help you have a smooth and memorable experience at one of the world’s greatest natural wonders!
8 Tips for Visiting Salar de Uyuni
1. Consider the Time of Year to Tailor Your Experience
The rainy season, from December to April, transforms the salt flats into a giant mirror – reflecting the sky and creating amazing photo ops. During the dry season, from May to November, the salt flats showcase their crystalline beauty – resembling an expanse of pure white salt. Each season offers a unique perspective, so decide based on whether you prefer the landscapes of the rainy season or the terrain of the dry season.
Personally, I recommend visiting Salar de Uyuni during the dry season. During this time, the landscape mainly consists of the vast white expanse of salt – creating a surreal and unique environment. While it can be cold, especially at night, this season offers ideal conditions for exploring the salt flats and capturing impressive photos. The rainy season, from December to April, is famous for the mirror effect created by water on the surface but it may be more challenging to access some areas due to partial flooding.
2. Book a Tour Upon Arriving at Uyuni’s Main Square
Upon arriving at Uyuni’s main square, visitors are greeted by tour operators offering a variety of packages. This setup allows travelers to compare options, and choose a tour that best suits their preferences and budget without the need for prior booking. These tours range from single-day excursions to multi-day adventures – each providing unique experiences such as sunset views, stargazing and visits to nearby attractions like the Train Cemetery. Booking upon arrival ensures flexibility and the opportunity to make a timely choice based on current weather conditions.
3. Pack the Right Clothing for Salar de Uyuni
Packing the right clothing for Salar de Uyuni is essential due to its variable temperatures, which can be quite cold (especially at night). Layered clothing is recommended, with warm coats and thermal wear for the nights and lighter clothing for the daytime. Additionally, the sun’s reflection off the salt flats is intense. So it’s crucial to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin and eyes. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is also highly recommended for exploring the rugged terrain.
4. Bring Enough Water and Snacks for Your Trip
Although most tours at Salar de Uyuni include meals, the long journeys and high altitude can dehydrate you – making it important to stay well hydrated. Carrying extra water ensures you can drink regularly, preventing fatigue. Additionally, having snacks handy provides a quick energy boost during the tour. Pack non-perishable, easy-to-carry snacks like nuts, dried fruit and energy bars to keep you sustained throughout your trip.
5. Invest in a Quality Camera to Take the Best Photos
Salar de Uyuni’s vast surface creates stunning, photogenic scenes that deserve high-resolution photos. Bring a good camera equipped with various lenses to capture wide landscapes and intricate close-ups. Additionally, carry extra batteries and memory cards to ensure you don’t miss any moments due to power or storage limitations. The unique lighting conditions, especially during sunrise and sunset, offer incredible opportunities for photography – making a quality camera an essential tool.
6. Carry Medications for Altitude Sickness
Given Uyuni’s high altitude, carrying appropriate medications is crucial. Altitude sickness can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness and shortness of breath – affecting your ability to enjoy the experience. Preventive medications like acetazolamide can help mitigate these effects. Additionally, it’s wise to bring over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-nausea medications to address any immediate discomfort. Staying hydrated and gradually acclimating to the altitude can also help.
7. Stay Overnight in Uyuni to Enjoy the Atmosphere
There are many accommodation options around Salar de Uyuni, including hotels made of salt blocks. Personally, we preferred staying in Uyuni to soak up the town’s atmosphere and enjoy its picturesque square. It’s fascinating to observe the large number of tourists visiting this place and to learn from the local stories that enrich the overall travel experience!
8. Watch the Sunset or Sunrise at Salar de Uyuni
The experience that captured our attention the most, and became our favorite moment, was the sunset. After a day of exploring the vast salt flats and surreal landscapes, our guide took us to a special area where water accumulated after recent rainfall to create a perfect mirror effect on the surface – reflecting the sky and Tunupa Hill behind it in an astonishing way.
The sunset at this spot was more than just beautiful, it was magical! With each change in the sky’s colors, they were vividly mirrored in the water – creating a visually stunning and surreal landscape. This moment allowed us to appreciate the vastness and tranquility of the salt flats in a completely new context. It’s a memory we will always cherish, as it allowed us to deeply connect with the nature and unique beauty of Salar de Uyuni!
