Overview
Uyuni is a small town in the Daniel Campos Province of Potosí Department, sitting at roughly 3,670 m (12,040 ft) above sea level on Bolivia's southern altiplano. It serves almost entirely as the gateway to Salar de Uyuni, a salt flat of approximately 10,582 km² (4,086 sq mi) that formed from prehistoric lake evaporation.
Beyond the salar itself, the surrounding region extends into the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, a protected area containing a chain of high-altitude lagoons — Laguna Colorada, Laguna Verde, and others — inhabited by three species of flamingo and framed by volcanoes and geothermal fields.
The town itself is modest and functional rather than architecturally notable. Its main role is logistical: hotels, tour agencies, equipment rental, and restaurants cluster around the central plaza and the train cemetery district. Travelers typically spend one or two nights in town and the rest of their time on multi-day overland tours.
Altitude is the single most important factor to account for before arriving. Uyuni is already high, and tours venture to passes and lagoons above 4,500 m (14,760 ft). Acclimatizing in La Paz or Potosí for at least one to two days beforehand is strongly advisable.
Before You Go
Visas
Bolivia has specific entry requirements that vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for a current overview and always verify your individual situation with Bolivia's official immigration authority (Dirección General de Migración, migración.gob.bo) or your nearest Bolivian consulate before travel.
Health and altitude
- Altitude sickness (soroche) is a real risk. Spend at least 24–48 hours acclimatizing at altitude before joining a tour. Common over-the-counter remedies and prescription options (such as acetazolamide) should be discussed with a doctor before travel.
- Carry sunscreen rated SPF 50 or higher. The combination of altitude, thin atmosphere, and reflection off white salt dramatically increases UV exposure.
- Bring lip balm and moisturizer; the air is extremely dry.
- Bottled water or a reliable filter is essential on multi-day tours; tap water in Uyuni is not reliably safe for drinking.
What to pack
- Warm, windproof layers: temperatures on the salar and in the reserve can drop well below freezing at night even in summer months
- Sturdy waterproof boots (essential in rainy season when the flat floods)
- Cash in bolivianos: ATMs exist in Uyuni but are not always reliable; many tour operators and lodges outside town do not accept cards
- A torch/headlamp for remote lodge nights
- Any prescription medications you need, as pharmacy options are limited outside town
Getting There
By air
Uyuni has a small domestic airport (Joya Andina Airport, IATA: UYU). Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) and occasionally other Bolivian carriers operate flights from La Paz and sometimes Cochabamba. Schedules and availability change frequently — verify current routes and book early, particularly in the May–October high season.
By bus
Overnight buses connect Uyuni with La Paz, Potosí, Oruro, and Tupiza. Journey times are long (La Paz is roughly 10–12 hours depending on conditions and the operator) and roads can be challenging. Several established Bolivian bus companies serve the route; book tickets in advance during peak season. The main bus terminal is a short distance from the town center.
By train
Uyuni has a historic connection to Bolivia's rail network. Ferroviaria Andina operates passenger services on some routes, including connections toward Oruro and the Chilean border at Avaroa. Train schedules are infrequent and should be verified directly with the operator (ferroviaria-andina.com or locally at the Uyuni station) well in advance.
From Chile
Some travelers cross the border from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile via the Hito Cajón/Ollagüe crossing, typically as part of an organized tour. This route traverses high-altitude terrain and generally requires a guided agency vehicle rather than public transport.
Getting Around
In town
Uyuni town is small and walkable. The central plaza, bus terminal, train station, and the majority of tour agencies are within comfortable walking distance of each other.
Tours on the salt flat and reserve
Virtually all visits to Salar de Uyuni and the Eduardo Avaroa reserve are done via organized 4×4 tours departing from Uyuni town. Standard tours run one, two, or three days; the full circuit to Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde in the reserve typically takes three days and two nights. Longer itineraries that exit through Chile to San Pedro de Atacama are also common.
Choose your operator carefully. Quality of vehicles, driver experience, guide knowledge, and accommodation standards vary considerably. Ask specifically about: vehicle condition and age, group size per vehicle, meals included, and the type of accommodation on overnight tours (there are salt hotels and basic hostels at different price points in the reserve).
There is no practical way to explore the salar or the remote lagoon area independently without a 4×4 and a knowledgeable driver. Private hire is possible but costs significantly more than joining a shared tour.
Where to Stay
Uyuni town offers accommodation across a range of price points, from basic backpacker hostels to mid-range hotels. Standards have improved as tourism has grown, but the town remains a functional rather than luxurious base.
On multi-day tours, overnight accommodation is typically at small lodges or hostels in remote villages within the reserve, or at one of the so-called salt hotels on or near the edge of the salar. Salt hotels — where walls, furniture, and floors incorporate blocks of salt — are a genuine novelty. Facilities at remote accommodation are basic; hot water and heating are not always guaranteed.
Book accommodation in Uyuni town and specify accommodation type when booking tours well in advance for the May–October high season, when the town fills up. Verify directly with hotels about what is included and current cancellation policies.
Things to See & Do
Salar de Uyuni
The salt flat is the primary draw. During the dry season (May–October) the hexagonal salt crust pattern is highly visible. After rainfall — most reliably November through April but also possible at the edges of those periods — a thin layer of water creates a near-perfect mirror reflection of the sky. Both conditions are spectacular but very different in character.
The Isla Incahuasi (also known as Isla del Pescado) is a rocky outcrop rising from the center of the flat, covered in giant cacti some of which are estimated to be over 1,000 years old. Most tours include a stop here; verify whether an entry fee applies when you book, as fees are set by local authorities and change periodically.
Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes)
A collection of rusting 19th- and early-20th-century steam locomotives and rail cars sits a short distance from the town center. It is one of the most photographed sites near Uyuni and easily visited without a guided tour.
Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve
- Laguna Colorada: A shallow red-tinted lake at approximately 4,278 m, colored by algae and mineral sediment. Large populations of James's, Andean, and Chilean flamingos feed here.
- Sol de Mañana geothermal field: Active fumaroles and geysers best visited at dawn when activity is most visible.
- Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca: Visually striking lakes near the Chilean border, framed by Volcán Licancabur.
- Dali Desert: A wind-eroded rockscape named informally for its surreal appearance.
Colchani
A small village on the edge of the salar where salt is still harvested and processed. Local artisan stalls sell salt-based handicrafts. Often included as a brief stop on tours.
Food & Drink
Uyuni town has a reasonable selection of restaurants concentrated around the main plaza and Avenida Arce. Options range from simple local comedores serving set lunches (almuerzo) — typically the most affordable and filling meal of the day — to slightly more tourist-oriented restaurants offering international and Bolivian dishes.
Common Bolivian dishes to look for include salteñas (baked savory pastries, typically eaten in the morning), sopa de maní (peanut soup), lomo montado (beef with a fried egg), and quinoa-based dishes — appropriate given that the altiplano is one of quinoa's ancestral growing regions.
On multi-day tours, meals are typically prepared by the driver/cook at basic facilities along the route. Quality varies by operator. If you have dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free), communicate them clearly and confirm with your tour agency before departure.
Drink coca tea (mate de coca), widely available, to help with altitude acclimatization. Alcohol, including Bolivia's chicha and singani (grape brandy), should be consumed cautiously at altitude as it intensifies altitude-related symptoms.
Practical Information
Money
Bring sufficient cash in bolivianos before arriving. While Uyuni has ATMs, they can run out of cash or be out of service, particularly on weekends and during peak season. USD is accepted by many tour operators but check the exchange rate being offered. Card acceptance outside the main tour agencies is limited.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage exists in Uyuni town but is patchy to nonexistent once you are out on the salar or in the reserve. Do not rely on mobile navigation or communication during tours. Download offline maps before departure.
Electricity
Bolivia uses 220V, 50Hz with two-pin round plug sockets (Type A and C). Bring a universal adapter.
Emergency contacts
Verify current emergency numbers for police, medical services, and your country's embassy or consulate locally upon arrival. Bolivia's national emergency number is generally 110 (police) and 118 (ambulance) but coverage is unreliable in remote areas. Your tour operator should be your first point of contact in an emergency on the salar.
Entry fees and permits
Entry to the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve requires a fee payable at the entrance. Fees are set by SERNAP (Bolivia's protected areas authority) and change periodically — verify the current amount with your tour operator or at sernap.gob.bo.
Safety
Uyuni town is generally considered safe for travelers by Bolivian standards, though standard urban precautions apply: keep valuables secure, be alert around bus terminals and markets, and avoid displaying expensive equipment unnecessarily.
The main safety concerns in this destination are environmental rather than crime-related:
- Altitude sickness is the most common and most serious risk. Know the symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath) and descend if they are severe. Do not ascend further if you are symptomatic.
- Cold exposure: Night temperatures in the reserve can drop to −20°C (−4°F) or lower at elevation. Ensure your sleeping bag and clothing are rated for temperatures well below freezing.
- UV radiation: Sunburn on the salt flat can be severe and rapid. Apply and reapply sunscreen; wear a hat and UV-protective sunglasses.
- Remote location: On multi-day tours you will be far from medical facilities. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation before departing your home country.
Local Culture & Etiquette
The altiplano communities around Uyuni maintain strong Aymara and Quechua cultural traditions. While Uyuni town itself is largely service-oriented, passing through or visiting villages like Colchani or San Juan during tours offers a glimpse of everyday rural life.
Ask before photographing local people — this is a basic courtesy observed throughout Bolivia. On Sundays and during local festivals, traditional dress and community events may be visible; these are not staged for tourists and should be observed respectfully.
Bolivia observes numerous public holidays and local festivals that can affect business hours, transport, and tour availability. The Oruro Carnival (held in Oruro, accessible from Uyuni) is one of the most significant cultural events in the country and takes place in February or March; if your trip coincides, it is worth considering as an add-on, though accommodation books up months in advance.
