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.
Tours to the salt flats (Salar) typically originate from Uyuni, Bolivia which has frequent connections to & from other parts of the country.
Upon arriving in Uyuni, you will need to select the type of tour you want to take. The list below are some options:
- a. Day trips from Uyuni (Sunrise, Sunset, Starlight, or Full-Day)
- b. 3-Day, 2-Night Salar De Uyuni Circuit which can be extended to Atacama Desert, Chile
- c. Customized private tours that can range from 1 to 5 days for travelers that have flexibility in terms of time and budget
Once you have decided which tour you want to take, make sure that you read this blog post on what you need to know before your trip to Salar De Uyuni for essential planning tips.
Below is a table where I compared the first two options so you can decide for yourself which tour would be a better fit for you depending on your fitness level, money, and vacation time.
| DAY TOURS FROM UYUNI | 3-DAY TOUR SALAR DE UYUNI CIRCUIT TO THE BORDER WITH 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 The option 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 |
In this blog post, I count down the top ten highlights of the 3-day Salar De Uyuni circuit that extends all the way to the border with Chile.
The diversity of landscapes and the sheer desolateness of this region are just a few reasons why you should consider having this trip occupy a slot on your bucket list.
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
THE TOP TEN HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 3-DAY SALAR DE UYUNI CIRCUIT
1. SALT FLATS
The principal reason why tourists brave through the elements just to reach this remote region of the world is because of the magnificent Salt Flats.
No amount of superlative descriptions can wholly capture the immensity and splendor of Salar De Uyuni.
Whether you embark on the day tours or the traditional 3-day circuit, the ultimate highlight will be most likely this endlessly vast barren expanse of salt.
a. PREPARE YOUR PROPS FOR PERSPECTIVE PLAY
The incredibly flat landscape makes it the optimal location to experiment on some visual perspective play. Prepare your props ahead of time. Checking out instagram for creative ideas is also recommended.
Dinosaurs, empty Pringles containers, beer bottles, hats, etc. Essentially, the sky’s the limit as to what optical illusions you can explore and successfully pull off.
b. SUNSET / SUNRISE TOURS
Experiencing Salar during sunset, sunrise, or starlight are only available when booking the day tours from Uyuni.
Lamentably, it is not possible to witness these splendid events when taking the traditional 3-day option as you arrive at the salt flats around mid-day with this excursion.
Alternatively, staying an extra full day in Uyuni before or after your 3-day tour is a viable option should you wish to take part in these specialized trips. Virtually almost all companies in Uyuni offer them.
c. DAKAR RALLY AND FLAG MONUMENT
Tour groups frequently stop at the Playa Blanca Salt Hotel for lunch. It is no longer allowed to stay here overnight but it’s still worthwhile to take a glimpse of the salt sculptures inside.
Outside of this hotel is the Dakar Rally and Flag Monument. Do not forget to bring a flag of your home country so you can add it to the collection here.
2. ISLA INCAHUASI
This enthralling cacti-speckled island smacked in the middle of a boundless sea of salt was one of the most memorable landscapes on this tour.
A small admission fee is required if you want to hike all the way up to the top of the hill, passing through trails flanked with cacti of various sizes and shapes.
Stops here typically last for an hour to account for the round trip hike which ordinarily lasts about 20-30 minutes plus another 15-30 minutes allotted for picture taking.
Views of cacti amidst an ocean of salt in the background are dramatic from the peak. You’ve traveled this far so do not skip this trek up to the viewpoint. It is absolutely worth the money!
3. TRAIN CEMETERY
Tours originating from Uyuni regularly stop at the Train Cemetery first before proceeding on to the Salt Flats.
Uyuni, situated high above the desert-like plains of Bolivia, was purportedly the proposed site of a massive train hub at the turn of the 20th century but plans did not materialize as planned.
Consequently, this botched hub bore fruit to a fascinating train graveyard. This massive cemetery contains at least 50 abandoned locomotives that are still gradually succumbing to rust and corrosion due to the salty winds.
No admission fee is required and no restrictions as to what you can do to explore these wonderful transport artifacts from the past. However, please exercise caution if you decide to climb on top of these deteriorating trains.
4. FLAMINGOS
Three South American species of flamingos (Chilean, Andean, and James’s flamingos) are on display should you choose to partake in the 3-day tour to the Chilean border.
Our tour stopped at 3-4 different lakes that serve as habitats to these stunning creatures. Make sure you have enough space in your cameras as you’ll certainly be snapping pictures.
5. LAKES
Numerous lakes dot the region between Salar De Uyuni and the border with Chile. The most popular ones are Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde.
Laguna Colorada is a red-orange hued lake ringed by white sediments formed by the large amounts of sodium and magnesium deposits in the water. The red-orange color comes from algae and planktons that flourish here because of these minerals.
A short trail leads to a top of a hill with sweeping vistas of the lake. Relatively easy to climb if it were not for the hurricane-strength winds and freezing temperatures.
The path ultimately leads to the shoreline where you will get an opportunity to see the colorful water and flamingos up close.
Near the border with Chile is the picturesque Laguna Verde, fringed by stunning volcanoes, including one of Bolivia’s most famous, Licancabur. The captivating green hues originate from the combination of lead, sulfur, arsenic, and calcium carbonates.
6. VOLCANOES
The 3-day tour I booked included an opportunity to do a short hike around a collapsed volcanic crater. If your tour does not offer this, do not fret. Breathtaking volcanoes are omnipresent in this entire journey.
One of the most gorgeous volcanoes in this journey is Licancabur, which straddles the border of Bolivia and Chile, adjacent to Laguna Verde.
Licancabur can be climbed via a private tour. Remnants of Incan civilization have been excavated here so it has long been considered to be sacred by locals.
7. GEYSERS
We woke up at the crack of dawn on our third day to make a beeline for Sol De Mañana, an enormous moonscape field riddled with bubbling sulfur-scented geysers. Exercise caution as severe burns can occur.
Even though the steam coming from the pots were smoldering, it was not enough to keep us all warm as the temperatures that early were beyond frigid. Dress in layers.
8. HOT SPRINGS
As you approach the border with Chile, a chance to dip in a small hot spring, called Termas Del Polques, fortunately, presents itself to almost-hypothermic tourists.
The mineral-rich water here supposedly has healing powers against arthritis and rheumatism. Changing facilities are available.
9. DESERT
Several miles from the border outpost with Chile and just right before Laguna Verde is this dreamlike desert valley named after the artist Salvador Dali.
The landscape here has been described as resembling some of Dali’s surrealist masterpieces hence the name Desierto Salvador Dalí or Valle de Dali (Dali Valley).
10. ROCK FORMATIONS
An unforgettable pitstop before Laguna Colorada is the location of one of the most photographed rock formations in Bolivia.
Named Árbol de Piedra or stone tree, its configuration has been chiseled by strong winds that eroded the rock thus crafting a smooth surface. Other interesting rock formations also surround this incredible natural wonder.
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BEFORE YOUR TRIP CHECKLIST
1. PASSPORT & VISA
Bolivia requires that your passport is valid for at least an additional 6 months after entering the country. Please check visa requirements for your particular passport 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 it 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. 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
6. 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 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
7. 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.
8. BOOK YOUR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS USING MILES
Since I flew during high season to Bolivia, I wanted to avoid paying an arm and a leg for a plane ticket so I booked using miles.
All of my trips the past decade had been ALMOST FREE via travel miles. In fact, I’ve visited a total of 85 countries using primarily miles and points.
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.
9. 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. I booked my flights with Amaszonas Airlines about 6-7 months out because I visited 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 best to pre-book at least a day or two in advance especially during high season.
10. DECIDE ON WHAT TOUR TO TAKE
An entire blog post is dedicated to solving this question as well as other essential tips. Click the image below to be redirected to the blog post.
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 magnificent region on our planet.
