Bolivian Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni)
20.13° S, 67.49° W
Read the story →Flew direct from La Paz to Uyuni (1 hour, more expensive than overnight bus but saves a day). Part of a 5-day guided tour of Bolivia — guide, driver, and a 100 series Land Cruiser. Uyuni runs on Land Cruisers — they are everywhere! UV Index 13+ at this elevation. One of the most phenomenal destinations they've ever visited.. Trip 1 (From blog post): First visit documented in blog. Flew from La Paz.. Trip 2 (October 24-26, 2024): Flew in from La Paz. 3-day Uyuni portion of 5-day Bolivia guided tour. Stayed at Palacio del Sal then lagoon area hotel. Transferred to Chile on Oct 26.
Oct 24
First stop, about 1 hour from town. Built in 2014 to celebrate Bolivia's inclusion in the Dakar Rally. Must-visit landmark. Rally moved to Saudi Arabia in 2020.
First hotel in the world constructed entirely of salt. Built 1995, dismantled 2007 due to environmental issues. Now serves as a small museum. Short walk from Dakar Monument.
Rows of flagpoles with flags from around the world. Colors pop against white salt. Local craft shops with handmade goods and traditional snacks. Visit early for fewer crowds. Carry a marker to write on the flag.
Island in the middle of the salt flats. 1-hour hike to top for 360° views. Famous for giant cacti growing 1cm/year — many hundreds/thousands of years old. Only spot with diverse ecosystem. Restroom available (bring change). Guides serve lunch in parking area.
Most fun part! Guides stop vehicle in middle of nowhere, lie down and direct epic perspective photos. Wear bright colors that pop against white. Use props including dinosaurs the guide provides.
Hotel made from ~1 million blocks of salt — walls, ceilings, floors, beds, furniture all salt. At the footsteps of the salt flats with uninterrupted views. Friendly staff, well-stocked bar, excellent buffet dinner. Celebrated a birthday here — staff surprised with freshly baked cake! No light pollution — ideal for stargazing.
Oct 25
Abandoned trains near Uyuni. Oct 25.
Red lagoon. Oct 25.
Second lagoon. Oct 25.
Oct 25. A basic shared refuge near the lagoon. Excellent llama dish and overall food.
Oct 26
Active geothermal area. Oct 26.
Natural thermal baths. Oct 26.
Colored mineral lagoon. Oct 26.
Colored mineral lagoon. Oct 26.
Colored mineral lagoon. Oct 26.
Tips from this trip
- Sun hat, sunglasses & SPF 50+ sunscreen is a must
- Carry fleece/jackets and gloves for chilly mornings/evenings
- Wear bright colors that pop against the white background
- Spend the night — a day trip is too rushed
- Use props for the photo shoot
- Carry change for restrooms
- Visit as part of a tour — no roads or markers, easy to get lost