Uyuni Salt Flats & Bolivia Train Journey Review

The Mirror of the Sky and Crossing the Andes.

🚆 Expreso del Sur (Bolivian National Railways) to Uyuni

To travel from La Paz, Bolivia to the Uyuni Salt Flats by train, you first need to take a bus to Oruro, where the train station is located. From there, you board the "Expreso del Sur." This train operates a few times a week and is a comfortable and cost-effective local transportation option. As you can see from the photos, the exterior has a classic look, but the interior is relatively clean, and they even provide a welcome pack with snacks.

🚉 The atmosphere at the station and inside the train is full of local charm, offering a relaxed pace you won't experience on other trips. Through the train windows, you can enjoy the majestic Andes scenery and even spot flocks of flamingos, making you feel like you're in a documentary.

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🧂 Uyuni Salt Flats: The World's Largest Mirror

The highlight of the Uyuni Salt Flats is undoubtedly the "mirror-like scenery." During the rainy season (January to March), the water creates a perfect reflective surface. In Alvin's photos, the blue sky, starry night, and sunsets are all mirrored on the lake, creating a landscape that looks almost like CGI.
•🚙 Tours are conducted in Land Cruisers, giving you the surreal feeling of driving on water.
•🌌 Night tours offer a breathtaking view of the Milky Way. The stars reflect on the salt flats, creating a mystical experience where you can't tell which side is the sky.
•📸 Guides also help with trick photography, capturing fun shots like being chased by dinosaurs or miniature-style photos.

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🎒 Summary: Key Points of the Experience
• Train Travel: Less bumpy than buses and highly recommended if you want to enjoy the scenery.
• Uyuni Salt Flats: The landscape changes throughout the day—daytime, sunset, and nighttime all offer unique views. Choose a tour that covers multiple time slots for the best experience.
• Don't forget your camera! Bring a DSLR or a smartphone with a wide-angle lens. Waterproof shoes can be rented, so you don't have to worry about wet areas.

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💡 Bonus Tips:
• Train tickets can be purchased through FCA (Empresa Ferroviaria Andina)'s official website or via travel agencies.
• Internet connectivity in Uyuni is weak, so download offline maps and translation apps in advance for peace of mind.