The world's most extraordinary hotel — built entirely from salt, on the edge of the world's largest salt flat
The Palacio de Sal is genuinely one of the world's most unusual hotels — walls, floors, furniture, decorative features, and even some beds are constructed from salt blocks harvested from the flat outside. The 42 rooms look directly over the Salar de Uyuni and the Tunupa volcano, and the hotel's stargazing terrace at 3,660m altitude with zero light pollution is among the finest in the world. Staying here places you on the salt flat itself — able to walk out at 4am for the mirror photography or the first dawn light without a transfer from town.
Rooms with salt-block walls and floors, traditional Bolivian textiles, and views over the salt flat and the Tunupa volcano. The beds are conventional (not salt) with good mattresses and warm Andean blankets for the cold Altiplano nights.
The best rooms in the hotel — superior positioning with panoramic views directly over the Salar. Floor-to-ceiling windows face the flat. Request these specifically at booking.
Connecting salt-block rooms accommodating up to 4 people. The largest space in the hotel with a small salt-block sitting area.
The hotel's restaurant serving Bolivian Altiplano cuisine — llama stew, quinoa soup, trout from Lake Titicaca, and local cheeses. Breakfast (included) is substantial and necessary before cold early-morning flat excursions. The restaurant is built entirely of salt with views over the flat.
A bar built of salt serving Bolivian singani (grape spirit), local craft beer, and hot drinks. The best place to warm up after a dawn photography session on the flat.
Everything is built from salt — which means everything is slightly rough to the touch, and the floors can feel slightly gritty. The novelty is entirely the point. The hotel is maintained and clean; this is the nature of salt construction, not neglect.
The Altiplano at 3,660m is cold at night year-round — typically 0 to -10°C. The hotel provides extra blankets but bring warm pyjamas and a base layer for sleeping. The cold is not the hotel's failing — it is the Altiplano.
WiFi is available but slow — satellite connection is the only option at this location. Mobile signal is very limited. Embrace the disconnection.
At 3,660m, some guests experience mild altitude symptoms (headache, breathlessness). Drink water continuously, eat light meals on arrival, and avoid alcohol on the first night. Most guests adjust within 24 hours.
📌 Av. Litoral s/n, Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Walk directly onto the salt flat from the hotel grounds at any time.
The giant cactus island — the hotel tour operator runs daily morning departures.
The nearest town for ATMs, pharmacies, and additional supplies.
The volcano visible from all hotel rooms — day hikes available through the hotel.