BO
Uyuni
Gateway to the world’s largest salt flat and the high-altitude lagoons of the south-western Altiplano
Gateway to the world’s largest salt flat and the high-altitude lagoons of the south-western Altiplano
A rocky island in the middle of the salt flat covered with giant cacti, with a short trail to the top and views across the white plain.
An entry fee is charged.
Photo: PsamatheM, CC BY-SA 4.0
Rusting steam locomotives from the early 20th century lie on the edge of town, a reminder of the railway that once carried minerals to the Pacific coast.
Photo: PsamatheM, CC BY-SA 4.0
On the three-day tour south, this red-coloured lagoon in the Eduardo Avaroa reserve is home to large numbers of flamingos.
The reserve charges a separate entry fee.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
Tour meals are simple: soups, rice, chicken or llama, and vegetables. In town, try quinoa soup and llama steak.
Bring snacks and plenty of water on tours.
Uyuni has flights from La Paz (about 1 hour) and overnight buses from La Paz, Potosí and Sucre. A train runs from Oruro.
Three-day tours can end at the Chilean border near San Pedro de Atacama. Citizens of the EU, the UK and many other countries do not need a visa for a tourist stay. In December 2025 Bolivia also announced the removal of the visa requirement for US citizens and several other nationalities. Check current rules before you travel.
Bolivia uses the boliviano (Bs). It is one of the cheapest countries in South America, but in recent years there have been fuel shortages and a shortage of US dollars, so bring cash and check the current exchange situation.
Tour prices vary with the season and agency.
The classic tour.
Visit the train cemetery, the salt-processing village of Colchani and Isla Incahuasi, and watch sunset on the salt.
Drive south past volcanoes and high lagoons with flamingos to Laguna Colorada.
See the Sol de Mañana geysers at dawn, bathe in a hot spring and continue to Laguna Verde or the Chilean border.
Much of Bolivia’s highlands lie above 3,500m. Ascend gradually, drink plenty of water and take altitude sickness seriously.
Nights below freezing are common; bring warm layers and a sleeping bag.
Choose an agency with good recent reviews and safe, well-maintained vehicles.
The sun reflected off the salt is intense; wear sunglasses and sunscreen.
Quick answers for planning time in Uyuni.
In the rainy season, roughly January to March, when a thin layer of water covers parts of the salt flat.
About 10,000 km², the largest salt flat in the world.
From one day to three or four days; the three-day tour includes the southern lagoons.
Nights often fall well below freezing, especially from May to August.
Yes, three-day tours can end at the border for San Pedro de Atacama.
Offline maps are essential on the Altiplano, where there is often no signal.
Free
Spanish is the main language; Quechua and Aymara are widely spoken in the highlands.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Bolivia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.