5 ESSENTIALS TIPS THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP TO SALAR DE UYUNI, BOLIVIA

★★★★★

SALAR DE UYUNI, located in Bolivia’s high plateau (altiplano), is the largest and highest salt flats in the world.  It is one of those surreal locations on this planet that can be fittingly described as other-worldly.

To reach this astounding destination requires some effort and conscientious planning.  Below are 5 critical tips to ensure your journey to this side of the globe is a success.


STATS

Salar De Uyuni
Total Land Area: 12,106 sq km
Altitude: 3653 meters (11,984 feet)


Since writing the original post, I have updated the information multiple times and added more essential recommendations to assist you in successfully putting your itinerary together. Therefore, this post, in its updated form, has expanded to include more than 5 crucial suggestions. Thank you!

5 ESSENTIALS TIPS THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP TO SALAR DE UYUNI, BOLIVIA
Salar De Uyuni (Play with Perspective)



HOW DID SALAR DE UYUNI FORM?


This endless expanse used to be occupied by Lake Minchin about 30,000 years ago before it completely evaporated and was replaced by Lake Tauca and other small lakes.

Since there were no drainage outlets due to these lakes’ high altitude location, minerals that originated from the mountains that flowed and settled into these lakes eventually became salt when the lakes dried up.

A rise in temperatures coupled with a change in climate from wet to dry caused the water to slowly evaporate. As this water evaporated, high salinity levels caused a thick salt crust to form, leaving behind the impressive salt flat that we see today. Water underneath the salt flat continues to evaporate under the heat of the sun, leaving behind more salt on the surface. The rate of evaporation is ten times more than precipitation, meaning that Salar de Uyuni is a never ending salt source!

www.salardeuyuni.com

5 ESSENTIALS TIPS THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP TO SALAR DE UYUNI, BOLIVIA
Salar De Uyuni (Unsplash)

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BEFORE YOUR TRIP


1. PASSPORT & VISA

Bolivia requires that your passport is valid for at least another 6 months after entering the country. Please check visa requirements for your particular nationality as well.

As of December 2019, U.S. Citizens are no longer required to have a visa to enter the country for stays no more than 30 days.

I used my Philippine passport to enter Bolivia visa-free.

It is always good practice to do the following before any trip:

  • Photocopy your passport and other travel documents
  • Scan your passport and other travel documents and email the pages to yourself

2. YELLOW FEVER VACCINE & CERTIFICATE

Certain regions of Bolivia are known hot spots for Yellow Fever. It is recommended that you have your proof of Yellow Fever vaccine before entering the country. They may deny your entry if you do not have this on hand.

3. TRAVEL INSURANCE

Traveling to the Salt Flats? You want to make sure you have travel insurance with adequate coverage. It is not uncommon for some travelers to get incredibly sick because of extreme conditions, both weather and altitude. I use Travel Nomads whenever I travel. Feel free to get a quote below.

Don’t Leave Home without Travel Insurance. Get a Quote Here:

4. OBTAIN YOUR HIGH ALTITUDE MEDICATIONS

Pay your travel nurse a visit a month or so prior to your trip and mention that you would need altitude sickness prescription on top of the Yellow Fever vaccine requirement mentioned above. The majority of travelers, including myself, end up needing it.

5. PREPARE YOUR PROPS FOR PERSPECTIVE PLAY IN THE SALT FLATS

Dinosaurs, Empty Pringles Containers, Beer bottles… the sky’s the limit on what you can experiment in one of the flattest places on the planet.

This article has valuable photography tips as far as recommended angles and props you can utilize while exploring perspective play. Another suggestion is to search instagram for some creative ideas from other imaginative travelers (type #salardeuyuni in the search box).


5 ESSENTIAL TIPS TO SURVIVE SALAR DE UYUNI



1. ACCLIMATION


Salar De Uyuni is almost 12,000 feet above sea level. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for tourists to suffer altitude sickness in this region of the world. For this reason, it is imperative that careful and methodical planning be devoted to acclimation.

Landing in La Paz (city: 12,000 feet, airport: 14,000 feet) and staying in the city for 2-3 days before embarking on the Salar tour affords the traveler an opportunity to get accustomed to the soaring altitude while having access to hospitals in the event symptoms become unbearable.

The 5 essentials tips you need to know before your trip to salar de uyuni (La Paz, Bolivia)
La Paz, Bolivia at 12-14K feet above sea level

Below was my itinerary when I visited Bolivia. As you can see, I spent a total of 4 days adjusting to the extreme altitude before embarking on the 3-day cross-country Salar De Uyuni tour to Chile.

Color me overly cautious but I have had a few bouts with altitude sickness in Nepal and Peru so I was not willing to take any chances. It is always best to be safe than sorry.

I also traveled alone for this trip, which meant that I have to be exceedingly careful not to get sick as I can only depend on myself. Furthermore, one “sick” day could drastically derail my itinerary.


DAYACTIVITY
1Arrival in La Paz, Bolivia from SFO. Acclimation.
2Acclimation in La Paz, Bolivia (Cable Car Tour)
3Acclimation in La Paz, Bolivia (Archaeological & City Tour)
4Acclimation. Fly to Uyuni, overnight at hotel.
5Embark on the 3-day, 2-night Uyuni to Atacama, Chile tour
6Day 2 of the tour. On the road to Chile
7Day 3 of the tour. Border Crossing with Chile for San Pedro De Atacama

To accustom my lungs to the reduced oxygen levels in La Paz, I intentionally crafted a mellow sightseeing itinerary which involved riding the cable car on day 1 and touring the city and an archaeological site the following day.

By the time I arrived in Uyuni, which was slightly lower in altitude than La Paz, my respiratory system was in tiptop shape and I did not have to stop every few steps to take deep breaths.

The 5 essentials tips you need to know before your trip to salar de uyuni (La Paz Bolivia)
Otherworldly landscapes in La Paz (Cable Car views)

Aside from spending some time adjusting to the high altitude before the trip, travelers can also take Diamox (prescription) and Chlorophyll tablets.

It should be noted that if you only plan to explore the Salt Flats, it is not necessary to carve out a few days acclimating as altitude sickness only usually occurs during the journey towards the border with Chile, which reaches up to 15,400 feet.

The 5 essentials tips you need to know before your trip to salar de uyuni
Alexander Schimmeck (Unsplash)

Sadly, I met a family in Uyuni that had to cut their trip short because one of the daughters exhibited symptoms of altitude sickness.

More terrifyingly, I witnessed a lady that passed out and required oxygen in the remote region between Chile and Bolivia. She had to quickly descend to lower ground.

The 5 essentials tips you need to know before your trip to salar de uyuni

2. DECIDE ON WHAT TOUR TO TAKE


a. WET SEASON OR DRY SEASON?

The Salt Flats are indisputably famous because of its capability of transforming itself to become the planet’s largest mirror during the rainy season.

After a substantial downpour, Salar naturally provides an enigmatic reflection of anything that faces and touches it. It provides an illusion that you’re walking on the clouds.

In fact, it is quite challenging to pinpoint exactly where the salt flat ends and where the horizon begins; they magically merge into one when the salt flats are covered with water.

5 ESSENTIALS TIPS THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP TO SALAR DE UYUNI, BOLIVIA
Salar De Uyuni at Sunset (Unsplash)

However, this spellbinding phenomenon only happens for a few months in a year, typically from late December to early April, and it has been increasingly more challenging to predict when the rains will fall the past few years due to climate change.

Moreover, heavy rains normally make some portions of the Salt Flats flood consequently making certain sections virtually inaccessible so you definitely do not want to wish for a lot of rain during your trip either.

Prepare to adjust your expectations if rain does not arrive during your visit. Salar De Uyuni is mesmerizing any month of the year and a favorite destination for photographers in any season.

Visiting between June and November guarantees that all sites are flood-free and therefore accessible.

The 5 essentials tips you need to know before your trip to salar de uyuni
Salar (@peterconlan)

b. SALT FLAT DAY TOURS OR 3-DAY TOUR TO THE BORDER WITH CHILE?

I personally took the 3-day tour to Atacama Desert in Chile. It was certainly a challenge in more ways than one but I was fortunate to have developed a wonderful rapport with my tour mates and our driver/guide was incredibly mindful of our needs.

If you are not up for the extreme altitude and harsh weather obstacles, I recommend just staying put in Uyuni and joining the various itineraries offered by tour agencies in the town instead. Not only will you escape the respiratory challenges along the way, you will also have more opportunities to spend time in the Salt Flats.

Additionally, aside from avoiding the lung-busting, hypothermia-inducing, 15,000 feet passage on to Chile, you do not entirely forfeit your ability to visit Atacama Desert as it is possible to take the public bus or train to San Pedro De Atacama a few days a week or fly to Chile via La Paz.


1 FULL DAY SALT FLAT TOUR3-DAY TOUR TO ATACAMA, CHILE
Pros
More time in Salar De Uyuni
Able to take a variety of tours including sunset, sunrise, and mid-day tours.
No or low risk of altitude sickness
More options for accommodations
More budget-friendly
Pros
Mindblowingly diverse sceneries between Bolivia & Chile
Able to hit two birds with one stone: See two South American highlights in one trip (Salar and Atacama)
Saves time and resources.

Cons
Will relinquish the opportunity to see the marvelous landscapes between Bolivia and Chile.
Will not be able to see Atacama Desert on this trip.
Cons
Increased likelihood to experience altitude sickness
Accommodations are very basic
Extreme weather conditions
Almost absent creature comforts
More expensive

If you want to skip Chile altogether in order to have more time exploring Bolivia, another tour option is to take the 3-day tour but instead of ending in Atacama Desert, the last day will be devoted to your return trip to Uyuni.

Out of the 6 people who took my tour, I was surprisingly the only one who proceeded to Atacama. The other 5 returned to Uyuni.

The 5 essentials tips you need to know before your trip to salar de uyuni
Some interesting rock formations near the border with Chile.

c. WHERE TO START? UYUNI OR TUPIZA?

A lot of travelers kickstart their Salar De Uyuni tours from the city of Uyuni, but a few companies offer similar itineraries from Tupiza.

Tours from Tupiza is recommended by seasoned travelers because they are reportedly more organized, they offer better facilities, and their drivers reputably put a premium on safety more than their overworked Uyuni counterparts.

The 5 essentials tips you need to know before your trip to salar de uyuni
The desolate geography between Bolivia and Chile.

Furthermore, Tupiza, with its evocative Wild West setting, is a destination in its own right whereas Uyuni has truly nothing to show for in terms of worthy tourist attractions.

Even though Tupiza is superior compared to Uyuni, their tours run a day or so longer and therefore end up costing more money and time.

If you end up choosing Tupiza, devote at least a day or two exploring the outdoors located in the outskirts of town either on foot or horseback.

The 5 essentials tips you need to know before your trip to salar de uyuni (Tupiza)
Tupiza, Bolivia (Photo by Lesly Derksen on Unsplash)

d. CHOOSE YOUR TOUR COMPANY WISELY

Fatal crashes have happened in the past at Salar due to drunk driving. At least 10 tourists have lost their lives this past decade because of these horrendous accidents. Sadly, the usual culprit is typically exhausted tour drivers who double up as tour guides.

As a customer, ensure that you select a reputable company that will prioritize safety over everything else. Cutting costs and picking the cheapest available option invariably equate to joining a tour that is guaranteed to cut corners thus potentially jeopardizing your safety and comfort.

The 5 essentials tips you need to know before your trip to salar de uyuni
Salar De Uyuni (Unsplash)

Before committing to a particular agency, do your due diligence by researching online and reading reviews. Expressing your expectations to the tour company verbally and letting them know that you would not tolerate drinking under any circumstances may be beneficial as well.

Lonely Planet Bolivia recommended Cordillera Traveller as a reputable company that can arrange border crossings to Chile so I signed up with them. They are also well-reviewed in Google. I was overall pleased with their service.

Cordillera Travel
Our Ride for the 3-day, 2-night Salar De Uyuni tour to the Chilean Border

e. CUSTOM / PRIVATE TOUR OR PACKAGE TOUR?

If money is not a concern, then it is also possible to hire companies for a customized tour based on what you want to see and how long you want to stay at a particular region.

Since these tours are significantly more expensive, they generally provide better services, transport, and accommodations.

As far as lodging, package tours ordinarily book tourists in dormitory style settings with very limited creature comforts and heat. If privacy and comfort are of prime importance, I strongly suggest to book a private tour.

The 5 essentials tips you need to know before your trip to salar de uyuni

f. BOOK AHEAD OF TIME

Particularly crucial during peak season, the popular companies usually sell out way in advance. You would not want to run out of tours when you get to Uyuni.

Worse, you do not want to sign up with an unpopular company that can possibly compromise your safety. Book or reserve a spot ahead of time.

The 5 essentials tips you need to know before your trip to salar de uyuni
Lucas Metz at Unsplash

I found Cordillera Traveler from Lonely Planet. My other 5 tour mates all found Cordillera via a Google Search and reading reviews from other travelers.


3. BRING CASH / LOCAL CURRENCY


Before embarking on the 3-day tour towards the border with Chile, make sure to withdraw local currency in Uyuni, La Paz or Tupiza as there are no ATMs available en route.

Practically everything is not free. Below is a list of expenses you would need to plan for in advance:

  • Entrance to Isla Incahuasi (optional)
  • Entrance to Laguna Colorada (mandatory)
  • Snacks
  • Showers
  • WiFi
  • Restrooms
  • Sleeping bag rental
  • Tips

An exit fee is also charged at the Bolivian border outpost before tourists can proceed to the border with Chile. Please ask your tour operator for the required amount as it varies depending on your particular nationality.

Thankfully, the first delightful stop on tours originating from Uyuni, the Train Cemetery, was free to explore. Nearby, we also visited a market where we purchased other essentials such as snacks, drinks, etc.

The 5 essentials tips you need to know before your trip to salar de uyuni

Another memorable highlight was Isla Incahuasi, a cactus-filled island smacked in the middle of the vast white expanse of salt flats.

As mentioned above, it requires a fee to enter and is optional to pay. This is an unforgettable experience and hiking amidst thorny cacti with boundless views of white as far as the eyes can see was worth every penny.

The 5 essentials tips you need to know before your trip to salar de uyuni
Isla Incahuasi a.k.a. Cactus Island in the middle of Solar De Uyuni

Laguna Colorada, inside the Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa, also charges a mandatory entrance fee as it appears to be the only passageway en route to the border with Chile.

The winds here were bitterly cold and had hurricane-level velocity during my visit so be sure to bundle up. Flamingos are omnipresent.

The 5 essentials tips you need to know before your trip to salar de uyuni (Laguna Colorada)
Laguna Colorada

4. BRING PORTABLE BATTERIES AND CHARGERS

Electrical sockets are few and far between so take portable power banks and extra batteries as you’ll be certainly snapping photos every minute in this tour.

The 5 essentials tips you need to know before your trip to salar de uyuni (Laguna Verde)
Laguna Verde

Salar De Uyuni is a sight to behold but the salt flats are not the only stars in the show.

The 3-day tour to the border with Chile has so many showstoppers, including stunning volcanoes, steaming geysers, pristine lakes, and gorgeous fauna. Be prepared to also see countless flamingoes.

The 5 essentials tips you need to know before your trip to salar de uyuni (Flamingos)
Flamingos
The 5 essentials tips you need to know before your trip to salar de uyuni (Flamingo)
Flamingos

I counted down the 10 marvelous highlights that you will see when you take the 3-day Salar De Uyuni circuit in this blog post.

5. PREPARE FOR COLD WEATHER

Unless you are participating in any of the expensive private tours, be forewarned that accommodations are extremely rudimentary with dormitory-style sleeping arrangements and inadequate heating.

Frigid is an understatement to illustrate the below freezing temperatures you are most likely to face near the border with Chile.

The 5 essentials tips you need to know before your trip to salar de uyuni
Sol De Manana Geyser which we visited at the cracked of dawn on the 3rd day. Temperatures were beyond freezing.

The second night was uncomfortable as far as breathing and level of warmth so drastically lower your expectations and realistically prepare to experience some discomfort. The scenery was totally worth it.

Even during the summer months, it is uncommon for temperatures to go above freezing in the antiplano so snow pants, hand-warmers, beanies, down jackets, etc. will come in handy.

You can also bring your own sleeping bag or rent it out from your tour company. I rented mine. An absolute necessity.

The 5 essentials tips you need to know before your trip to salar de uyuni
Termas De Polques (an opportunity to warm up shows up in the morning of the 3rd day)

OTHER USEFUL TIPS


a. BOOK YOUR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS USING MILES

Since I flew during high season to Bolivia (spent NYE in the Salt Flats!), I wanted to avoid paying an arm and a leg for a plane ticket so I booked using miles.

I accrue points by applying for credit cards and then booking my flights way in advance so I’m guaranteed to obtain a reward seat on the plane.

b. BOOK YOUR DOMESTIC CONNECTION

If you are flying, it is best to book your flights as soon as you have a definite time frame in mind. Booked my flights with Amaszonas Airlines about 6-7 months out because I went to Bolivia during their busy Christmas holiday.

Taking the train or public bus should be a bit easier as there are multiple daily options but it is advisable to pre-book at least a day or two in advance especially during high season.

Amaszonas (5 Essential Tips you need to know before your trip to Salar De Uyuni)

c. PRE-BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS

Accommodations are basic practically everywhere so make sure you do your research by reading reviews before booking. Feel free to explore deals in Agoda.com or Booking.com.

If you are joining the 3-day, 2-night odyssey from Uyuni to San Pedro De Atacama, Chile, accommodations are included on the tour price. Expect sleeping quarters up in the mountains to be uncomfortably barebones.


In La Paz, I stayed at Tinka Hotel reserved via booking.com. It was centrally located in a safe area that is both walking distance to the cable car station and downtown.

In Uyuni, I stayed at Hotel Jumari reserved via booking.com. It was near the airport and Uyuni’s main drag making various restaurants and tour companies easily accessible.

Spending a night in an ice hotel is also possible although substantially more costly. This is an option if you are joining a private tour.


Booking.com

d. PREPARE YOUR GEAR

Do not underestimate the sub-zero climate up in the antiplano. Prepare appropriate outerwear and purchase handwarmers as they were invaluable during the trip. Please feel free to click any of the images below to read more info about the recommended products.


Checklist:

  • Handwarmers
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip Balm with SPF
  • Headlight
  • Scarf
  • Gloves
  • Coats/Jackets
  • Quick-dry towels
  • Hiking boots
  • Sleeping bag
  • Portable Battery for your camera and phones
  • Water bottle
  • Day pack
  • Moneybag
  • Warm Socks
  • Gorilla Tripod
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Wipes
  • Other toiletries
  • Medications

e. GUIDEBOOKS

I am a big fan of Lonely Planet books so I bought the Lonely Planet Bolivia from Amazon before the trip.

Click the image below to read more about this guidebook and other alternatives. You can also borrow the book for FREE at your nearby public library.

Hope you find the information here helpful. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about Salar De Uyuni. I also would love to hear about your experience in this mesmerizing region of the planet.