
Uyuni Travel Guide
The Uyuni Salt Flats is undoubtedly the most well-known destination in Bolivia, and certainly among the most famous in South America. This is for good reason, as the sheer vastness of the crusted salt floor stretches far into the horizon for thousands of miles, making for an epic panorama that prompts the dropping of jaws every time. Yes, the snow-white landscape of the Salar de Uyuni is a much-cherished stop on journeys in South America, but for those who haven’t been and are thinking about planning a Bolivia trip: what do you actually do in Uyuni? Where do you stay, eat, and where else can you go on your visit? Fear not, as we’ve compiled all the answers right here on our Uyuni travel guide, so you can start making that dream trip a reality.

What are the Uyuni Salt Flats?
Sprawling across 4,000sq miles in the southwest of Bolivia, at around 12,000ft above sea level, the Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats) are the largest and one of the highest of their kind in the world. Sparkling in the sunlight and encircled by Andean mountains and volcanoes, the pure white salt crust is a stunning sight that is actually comprised of dried up prehistoric lakes, at least 10m thick and consisting of around 10 billion tons of salt. At certain times of

What to do in the Uyuni Salt Flats
The best way to explore the Uyuni Salt Flats is on a 4×4 tour, taking a full day to journey into the awe-inspiring, dazzling white landscape. Take some all-important photographs and hav
What’s more, for something completely different, pay a visit to the Uyuni train graveyard; not exactly something you would expect in such a remote location as this. These giant engines were abandoned after a railway project was cut short and

Where to eat in Uyuni
Clearly, once on the salt flats you won’t come across cafés, restaurants or even a cheeky street vendor. However, in the city of

Where to stay in Uyuni
For a rather authentic experience, why not stay at a Uyuni hotel that’s made completely of salt? The award-winning Palacio de Sal was the first hotel of its kind, built from top to bottom using the local resource: think grand entrances, domed ceilings and salt-carved furnishings. A great place to kick off your Uyuni adventure, you can even indulge in a massage or two at the spa before you head off into the wilderness. If you would rather opt for something with a little Andean charm, perhaps look at Jardines de Uyuni. Located in the city centre, this quaint hotel blends rural Bolivian style with all the modern-day conveniences that the discerning traveller would require. To round off your time here, escape the city and spend the night in total isolation – your accommodation in the form of a Vintage Airstream Campervan on the salt flats themselves. These futuristic mobile homes are the perfect place to stargaze with a glass of wine in hand, and also provide an exclusive vantage point to watch the sunrise the following morning; definitely giving you something to write home about.

Beyond the Uyuni Salt Flats
So then, once you have truly experienced the Salar de Uyuni and everything it has to offer, where to turn next? The Siloli Desert is certainly a top choice, as this vast landscape is far more than just endless sand dunes; it’s also home to a number of unusual creatures including the cute Viscacha and the wily Andean Fox. Travelling further across the country, the vibrant cities of La Paz and Sucre both boast museums full of fascinating artefacts, leafy parks in which to wander and their own enticing appeal. Finally, it goes without saying that a visit to Bolivia is not complete without taking a trip to the mythical waters of Lake Titicaca. When compared with the salt flats it is an excellent example of how extraordinary this country really is, with so many differing environments. If this has inspired you, why not check out our blog about the wildlife of Bolivia to complete the picture!

Ready to start planning your Uyuni adventure? Personalise your Bolivian itinerary with Discover Your South America: you can handpick the hotels and activities you want, adjust the durations depending on how long you want to stay in each place, and have fun in the process! Need help? Surtrek is always at hand to help out. Call us on 1 866 978 7398 (Canada and USA) or 080 8189 0438 (UK) to talk to an expert, and Discover Your South America with Surtrek!
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