Incredible rock formations, thermal activity, lagoons of Andean flamingos, the famous salt hotel and Andean villages grace this remote but fascinating landscape.
While the star of the show is the huge salt lake of Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest at 10,582 km², there’s much more to see in this southwest region in Departmento Potosi .
The stark landscape is pierced with dramatic rock formations and lakes, coloured red, turquoise and green by minerals. Herds of llamas and the more elegant vicunas roam the Andean countryside while huge cacti stretch up towards a cloudless blue sky.
Travellers can soak in hot springs, watch flocks of flamingos feeding in the lakes and observe the simple but hard life of Andean villagers.
Salar de Uyuni Highlights
- Uyuni Salt Lake is located on the Bolivian high plateau at 3650 m. In the wet season flood waters produce a surreal mirror effect. On this vast white plain there is only one building, the Salt Hotel. Constructed from salt it features carved salt figures as well as salt furniture.
- Isla Del Pescado (Fish Island) Located at the centre of the Salar de Uyunithis fish-shaped island is the largest in the group of oasis-type ecosystems. Its landscape of rock and huge cacti in contrast with a pure white sea of salt is very photogenic.
- Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon) At 4,278 meters above sea level this beautiful reddish coloured lake is inhabited by 3 species of flamingos and is a major site for observing these graceful birds.
- Sol de Mañana (Morning Sun) Located at 4,900 m geysers, fumaroles and volcanic craters with boiling larva are a fascinating visit.
- Arbol de Piedra (Rock Tree) Probably the most photographed rock formation, however many others are equally as interesting. These towering and impossibly shaped formations are best seen early morning in the golden glow of sunlight.
Salar de Uyuni Tours & Costs
- Standard tours cost about USD50/day per person in a jeep of 4 including accommodation and all meals.
- Companies compete fiercely for clients on the Salar de Uyuni route. It’s advisable to take care when selecting a tour company by referring to traveller’s blogs and guide books.
- Cheaper tours generally offer less comfort. Consider tolerance to bumpy roads, cold temperatures, high altitude and whether the guide speaks English. There is also a greater chance of poorly maintained vehicles breaking down on cheaper tours.
Getting to the Salar de Uyuni
- International flights arrive at Bolivia’s capital La Paz. From here there are regular flights to the town of Uyuni , the departure point for most tours.
- Tours also depart for the Salar from San Pedro de Atacama in neighbouring Chile. The Salar is also accessible from northwest Argentina. Tours depart from the small town of Tupiza, a few hours north of the Argentine border, finishing in Uyuni.
Best Time to Visit the Salar de Uyuni
- The wet, and warmer season, is between November and March when flood waters turn the Salar into a giant mirror. However rain can also make roads impassable. The dry season, April to October, is much colder (temperatures can be as low as -20C) but a more popular time to travel. While the flamingos are always there, they are more numerous in September.
Health at Altitude
- Acclimatize to the altitude before setting off into remote areas like Uyuni and beyond.
- Drink plenty of water, use good sun protection (including hat, sunscreen and sunglasses) and warm clothing.
The copyright of the article Salt Plains of Salar de Uyuni Bolivia in Bolivia Travel is owned by Rosemary Findley. Permission to republish Salt Plains of Salar de Uyuni Bolivia in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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