Uyuni

What are the most recommended things to do in Uyuni?

Explore the Uyuni Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni) and take stunning mirror-effect photos during the rainy season.
Visit Incahuasi Island to see giant cacti and panoramic views of the salt flats.
Take a multi-day 4x4 tour to Eduardo Avaroa National Park, including the Red Lagoon, Green Lagoon, and geysers.
Visit the Train Cemetery near Uyuni town to see abandoned locomotives and learn local history.
Watch the sunrise or sunset over the salt flats for incredible photography opportunities.
Experience local culture in Uyuni town, including markets and traditional cuisine.

Introducing Uyuni

Uyuni is a town in Bolivia, located in the southwestern part of the country within the Potosí Department. Uyuni is renowned for its nearby Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat. Its salt layers are over 10 meters thick in many places, and its total reserves are estimated to be 65 billion tons, enough to feed the world for thousands of years. Lake Uyuni is also known as the "Mirror of the Sky."

The azure sky and the boundless expanse of pristine white salt converge at the horizon, creating a scene as if standing on a giant mirror, immersed in a world of pure white. People can even drive across the lake. Especially after rain, the lake's surface reflects the sky like a mirror, creating a truly fusion of sea and sky. Locals utilize the hardened salt deposits that form on the lake's surface during the dry season, processing them into thick "salt bricks" to build their "salt houses." In addition to the roofs, doors, and windows, the walls and furnishings within, including beds, tables, and chairs, are all made of salt blocks, a truly unique local feature and a sight to behold.

Climate and best time to travel

tropical climate;

Suitable for spring and autumn

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

All day

Most Popular FAQs for Uyuni

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Uyuni is a town in southwestern Bolivia, primarily known as the gateway to the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni. The area holds cultural and geological significance, with ancient mining history and unique natural landscapes formed by prehistoric lakes.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Located in the Potosí Department of Bolivia, at an altitude of 3,650 meters.
Access via bus or train from La Paz, Oruro, or Potosí.
Uyuni Airport (Joya Andina) serves flights from La Paz and other regional hubs.
Local taxis and tour operators provide transportation to the salt flats and nearby attractions.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Salt flats are accessible year-round; best months are November–March for mirror effects (rainy season) and May–October for dry, solid salt crust.
Most tours start in the morning around 8:00 AM.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Most tours include access fees; typical 1-day tours range from 20–50 USD per person.
Multi-day 3-day/4-day tours range from 200–400 USD depending on accommodation and route.
Tickets are booked offline through tour agencies in Uyuni town or online in advance.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tours in advance (1–2 weeks) is recommended during high season (June–August and December–January).

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

1 day for the salt flats near Uyuni town; 3–4 days for full exploration including Eduardo Avaroa National Park and surrounding deserts.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Salar de Uyuni salt flats
Incahuasi Island
Train Cemetery
Eduardo Avaroa National Park: Red Lagoon, Green Lagoon, Sol de Mañana geysers
Ojos de Sal (salt water holes) and volcanic landscapes

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours available in Spanish and English.
Most tours are conducted by local guides; audio guides are not commonly provided.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Incahuasi Island for panoramic views
Sunrise and sunset over Salar de Uyuni
Red Lagoon and Green Lagoon for vivid natural colors
Train Cemetery for unique historical photography

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Day 1: Uyuni town → Train Cemetery → Salt Flats → Incahuasi Island → Overnight in salt hotel
Day 2–3: Eduardo Avaroa National Park → Red Lagoon → Green Lagoon → Sol de Mañana Geysers → Return to Uyuni

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are possible for star photography, but most tours occur during daylight hours. Special photography tours may be arranged.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

High season (June–August, December–January) can be crowded.
Less crowded months are March–May and September–November.
Weekdays are quieter than weekends.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic facilities at Uyuni town and some salt hotels.
Restaurants and shops in Uyuni town; limited amenities in remote desert areas.
Tour operators provide water and meals on multi-day tours.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Salt flats near Uyuni are accessible by vehicle, suitable for most visitors.
High-altitude tours may be challenging for elderly or those with health conditions.
Children should be monitored due to remote terrain.