Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni

If you had ever seen a photo supposedly from the moon, chances are it was a picture of the “Salar de Uyuni”- or salt flats of Uyuni in English.

The “ Salt Desert” as some call it, is a great natural phenomenon.

12,000 square kilometers, 120 meters deep, 3650 meters above sea level all made of salt. (yes the same like the one you use with food).

It’s believed that many years ago it was a giant salt water lake, which naturally dried up and made the largest salt flats in the world!

Visiting this amazing place you are going to discover a great reflection of the world and sky- but on the ground. Exposure to colorful sunsets, lagoons, giant cactuses and breathtaking views are the only option in the “salar de uyuni”.

Located in the very south east of Bolivia, will make you travel to the outdated and extremely cold south in order to arrive there. Although you can also cross the Chile – Bolivia border throughout the “salar” which is also an acceptable option of getting there.

 

 

When to go

The best (and busiest) time to visit Uyuni is between July and October, after the freezing winter, and just before the summer rains make all the roads into a mud bathtub. April to July are the coldest months of the year, but it’s still doable.

On July 11th is Uyuni’s foundation festival- includes parades, music and street dancing.

 

How to do it:

There are 3 good ways to do it depending on where you are coming from...and going...

§         Leaving from the city of Uyuni is the most popular way to do it, where most of the agencies offer you a 1 to 3 days tour in jeeps.

§         Leaving from Tupiza, this option means you gonna have to take at least a 3 day tour and will see all the lagoons, volcano, animals, cactuses and more before you see the “salar” at its best on the last day. This option has the advantage of staying in Tupiza which is a nicer place then Uyuni.

§         Leaving from San Pedro de Atacama (Chile). Coming from Chile is an option but not the best one as it’s a little far and you’ll have to ride 16 hours crossing the border before you arrive to the “salar” area. Some companies do a short ride to small salars nearby so make sure where you are going.

 

 

Special Tips:

§         The price for a 3 day tour should cost from 60 to 90 US$ including everything a cook, food, accommodation, and anything you can think of. You are not supposed to spend any money during these days unless you're going to buy souvenirs.

§         Jeeps. Make sure you are getting one that’s in a good shape; you don’t want to spend your time on mechanical problems. It’s fine traveling in groups as well. Make sure you bring some extra sweets and a sleeping bag as it gets freezing at night.

§         Tourist Information both at Uyuni and Tupiza offer a rating of all the agencies according to different criterions. So feel free to ask them or actually read all the recommendations on the agency walls. The best Tourist info is located in Uyuni at the central plaza. You can find it by the green “i” sign. Robert is a great English speaker guide and could help you with any place in Bolivia with maps, tips and more.

§         During high season it’s very difficult to find a suitable hotel or hostel in Uyuni and Tupiza without reserving at least a week ahead.

§         Same goes for the trains from Tupiza, Oruro and Villason (train from the Argentinean border).

§         For Museum lovers there is a nice old trains museum in Uyuni- is easy to find.

§         Security Alert, there a lot of thieves around Uyuni so be extra careful with your money and gear.

§         When taking the “salar” tour don’t be afraid to tell your driver to be careful/slowdown when needed as there are many vehicle accidents. (16 people died in the “salar” tour in 2008 alone!)