must-visit in UyuniNational Park & Nature

Salar de Uyuni

📍 Salar de Uyuni, Potosí, Bolivia

1 photos

4.9/ 5.0

★★★★★

Introduction

The Salar de Uyuni lies on Bolivia's southern altiplano at 3,656 metres — the largest salt flat on Earth at over 10,000 square kilometres, its crust up to 11 metres thick, atop the planet's greatest lithium reserves. In the dry season (May-November) it bakes into a white geometric mosaic, hexagons blushing pink-gold at dusk; in the rainy season (December-April) a film of water turns it into a perfect mirror of sky — clouds and peaks underfoot, the most otherworldly landscape on Earth. The classic circuit: 4x4 convoys from Uyuni town across the salar, up Incahuasi's cactus island, past salt-brick hotels and on to deserts and high lagoons. Altitude UV is brutal and temperatures swing wildly — sunglasses, sunscreen and warm layers are non-negotiable.

✨ Highlights

The Mirror of Heaven

Rainy-season water mirrors the whole sky.

Hexagon Tiles

Dry-season salt crust cracks into geometry.

Salt Hotels

Hotels, tables and chairs cut from salt blocks.

Perspective Photos

Toy-dinosaur and giant gag shots on the flat.

🛈 Practical Info

→Duration：1-2 days; the classic three-day run adds deserts and lagoons.

→Getting There：Tours depart Uyuni town; fly or bus from La Paz or Sucre.

→Best Season：January-February for the mirror; May-October for stars and hexagons.

→Altitude：At 3,656 m, acclimatise first and consider altitude medication.

→Kit：Sunglasses, sunscreen, a down jacket and a torch (blackouts are common).

💡 Tips

• In the wet season, waterproof your luggage for flooded crossings.

• Don't lick or pick the salt walls — protect the bricks.

• Bring a tripod: zero light pollution makes stars explode.

• Sleep lightly the first night if altitude hits; hydrate constantly.

• Choose a reputable operator — safety records and vehicles vary hugely.

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Salar de Uyuni?

In the wet season, waterproof your luggage for flooded crossings. Don't lick or pick the salt walls — protect the bricks.

Information on this page is compiled from public sources. Opening hours, ticket prices and other details may change — please verify with official sources before your visit.