Most of the photos you see of Bolivia will always include their amazing Salt Flats, the largest in the world! The flats are the remnants of the Pacific Ocean that has dried up and still expands every year up to this day.
When to visit the Salt Flats
Dry season is from June to November, we were told that going to the flats during rainy season was not possible due to tough driving conditions. However, I’m not sure how other people were able to travel out to the flats for those awesome shots in the water! We were very limited in the footage we could take out here.
Getting to the Uyuni Salt Flats
Before going to the Salt Flats you will have to stop in La Paz to catch a connecting flight. Be sure to stay a few days here to enjoy everything this undiscovered city has to offer, checkout my La Paz travel guide for all you need to know.
There are two primary airlines that fly into the small airport of Uyuni located in the middle of these amazing salt flats, Amazones and Bolivia Air. Both airlines have limited flying schedules (1 flight/day). We opted for Bolivia Air as their website was more user friendly and had some English translations.
Note- when leaving Uyuni to return to La Paz you will be asked to pay an US$11 departure tax, it is easier to have cash on hand
Packing List
- Copy of your passport
- Local currency to enter National Parks, buy souvenirs and use the bathroom
- Sorochi Pills & Advil to help with the high altitude, read my full “How To Survive” high altitude guide here
- Sunblock, Hat, Sunglasses
- Wind Breaker/Warm Jacket –dress in layers, the weather changes from cold to hot at every stop
- Comfortable shoes – sneakers are okay but if you are travelling in the rainy season, water resistant boots or rain boots will be needed
- Snacks- While many tour companies offer meals, I recommend to bring your own snacks and water
How to get around Uyuni
Taxis are expensive in this small town and very limited, ask for the price up front and try to book with your hotel for the best deal. The ride from the airport to Luna Salada Hotel was US$60 and took 35 minutes.
Where to stay in Uyuni
Depending on the tour option you choose (we opted for the 3 day 2 night trip) you can head out to the Salt Flats the same day you arrive to avoid staying overnight. However, I recommend you stay a few days to enjoy all the beauty of this untouched land.
Luna Salada Salt Hotel ($$$)
Catch a beautiful sunset view in the middle of the desert at the Luna Salada hotel made of salt. Most of the rooms are renovated but it’s a good idea to ask for a newer room that does NOT have salt on the floor. Though this sounds like a cool experience, the salt floor made the room feel extra dirty and yuk. Hardwood floors are a much better option!
Cristal Semana Hotel ($$)
The Cristal Semana Hotel is a new hotel just minutes from the flats with great architecture and a cool outdoor garden area perfect to take photos!
Hotel Palacio del Sal ($$$)
As the first salt hotel this is the most expensive and luxurious 4 star hotel in the area with an indoor pool and sunset deck, Hotel Palacio De Sal is perfect for a relaxing experience. We did try to stay 1 night here but they were completely booked!
Kachi Lodge ($$$$)
As the first luxury accommodation in the middle of the salt flats, Kachi Lodge is a truly unique experience! You’ll get to stay in your own dome where you can star gaze all night long.
Do you need a Tour Operator to see the Salt Flats?
Yes, you will need to book through a tour company to explore the flats and beware, not all are created equal! After hours of research through Google and Trip Advisor reviews, we chose Tupiza Tours, one of the more affordable tour operators with good reviews. If the price seems “cheap” expect to get a cheap tour in return. Here’s a few key questions to ask before choosing your tour operator.
What is covered in the tour fee?
Typically, your accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), oxygen in the van will be included. The tour fee does not include entrance to the National Parks, ensure you have at least $50 in local currency on hand to pay these fees, USD is sometimes not accepted. In order to enter the park you will need your passport on hand. English guides are also NOT included in the tour fee you will need to request one prior to booking, this will add 1 more person to the car as the driver most likely doesn’t speak English.
What type of Transportation do you have?
Most tour operators will have a Toyota Land cruiser or similar which can comfortably fit 6 people along with cooking supplies. That means 4 guest (you and your friends), a cook and driver (make sure the driver isn’t doubling up as the cook, this is too much work for 1 person to ensure quality).
Pro Tip– Do not try to fit 5 guest into the SUV, you will be cramped for hours of driving!
What is the Accommodation like?
If you are on a budget and willing to rough it out, you can get a much cheaper option sleeping in shared hostels or even camping outside in tents and sleeping bags. If you prefer hotels with private rooms and hot water request the Tayka Del Desierto Hotel.
This accommodation is a bit out the way and will add drive time to your tour but is the best you can get out here. The rooms were not luxurious and a bit uncomfortable (you are in the middle of nowhere), but dinner was included and actually ended up being a great meal!
Choosing a Tour Itinerary
Due to our tight schedule and our request to stay in hotels, we ended up doing a 3 day 2 night tour which was very rushed with long hours in the car, checkout the Tupiza Tour website for all tour options.
Some of the highlights from our 3-day tour included:
- Colored Lakes
- Hot Springs
- Arbol de Piedra
- Termas De Polques
- Geiser Sol de la Manana
- Laguna Colorada
- Desierto de Siloli
- Laguna Canapa
- Valle de las Rocas
- Tain Cemetary Uyuni
- Volcan Thunupa
- Cactus Island
Checkout my Instagram Stories and the highlight video below from Roger B Stillz for more shots of all these amazing locations! Bolivia truly is an amazing destination with sites that you won’t be able to see anywhere else in the world, if you can travel here I highly recommend you do. It is still one of my favorite trips, EVER!
