About Salar de Uyuni
The Salar de Uyuni in southwest Bolivia is the largest salt flat on earth, stretching 10,582 square kilometres across the Altiplano at 3,656 metres above sea level. After rain, a thin layer of water transforms the surface into the world's largest natural mirror, perfectly reflecting the sky above in images that seem impossible. Surrounding the salt flat are active volcanoes, blood-red lagoons filled with flamingos, geysers, and the extraordinary Isla Incahuasi — a cactus-covered island rising improbably from the white expanse. Bolivia became visa-free for US citizens in late 2025, making this one of the continent's most accessible emerging destinations.
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Everything You Need to Plan Your Trip
Top Attractions in Salar de Uyuni
After rainfall (November–March), a thin film of water transforms the salt flat into a perfect mirror reflecting the sky. The hor…
A cactus-covered island rising improbably from the white salt plain, studded with giant Echinopsis atacamensis cacti up to 10 metr…
A blood-red lagoon on the Bolivian Altiplano, its colour caused by algae and sediment, surrounded by white borax islands and home …
At 5,000 metres above sea level, these active geysers and fumaroles spew steam and mud into the thin Altiplano air at dawn — bes…
Best Neighbourhoods in Salar de Uyuni
The functional base for all salt flat tours — basic but improving accommodation, good tour agencies, and surprisingly good restaurants given the remote location. The town itself is unremarkable but perfectly positioned.
Hotels built from salt blocks on the edge of the salt flat — walls, floors, furniture and sometimes beds made of salt. An extraordinary experience despite the basic facilities. Book 2–3 weeks ahead in high season.
4,090m colonial city 3h from Uyuni by bus or taxi — the former silver capital of the Spanish Empire. Extraordinary architecture, the working Cerro Rico mines tour, and a fascinating (dark) history.
Many 3-day Uyuni tours end at the Chilean border, dropping passengers in San Pedro de Atacama — a beautiful desert oasis village with excellent hotels and the Atacama salt flat nearby.
Best Time to Visit Salar de Uyuni
Thin rainfall creates the famous mirror effect — the most photographed version of the salt flat. Daytime tem…
Clear skies, no mirror effect, but the white salt flat against a deep blue sky is stunning. Colder nights (can…
Transition months — some chance of mirror effect (November), generally good weather and manageable temperatu…
Peak dry season but bitterly cold at night (-15°C or below at altitude). The salt flat is beautiful and uncro…
Top Tours in Salar de Uyuni
SightseeingBest Hotels in Salar de Uyuni
BoutiquePalacio de Sal
The original and finest salt hotel in the world — built directly on the edge of the Salar de Uyuni...
BoutiqueJardines de Uyuni
The most comfortable mid-range hotel in Uyuni town — a warm and well-run boutique property with 20...
