Bolivia: Salar De Uyuni Salt Flats

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The amazing Salar de Uyuni (also called Salar de Tunupa) is located in Southwest Bolivia and is the largest salt flat in the world.

With its abstract rock formations, colorful lagoons, flamingos, endless salt, and unbelievable landscapes, it is by far the most surreal looking place I’ve ever been. If there is one thing you should do in Bolivia, it is to partake in a 3-day tour through this fantastic terrain.

Getting to Salar de Uyuni

There are many busses that go to Uyuni running from all of the larger cities in Bolivia. You can also reach Uyuni easily from northeastern Chile and northern Argentina.
Uyuni has become a major tourist attraction over the years, and getting there is not difficult.

The Tours

There are many tour agencies running 1- and 3-day tours into the salt flats. I suggest getting a recommendation from fellow travelers who have just returned from their tour to find a good agency.

It is important to have a friendly guide who enjoys his work and a vehicle that seems reliable.

The 3-day tour is the way to go if you want to see everything the Salar has to offer, including all of the lagoons, the hot springs, and the salt flats.

Day 1

Drive across the salt flats and visit “Cactus Island." Salt for as far as the eye can see!

Watch the sunset with the llamas.

Sleep in a small hotel made completely of salt and petrified cactus.

Day 2

Drive through sandy terrain and see some amazing rock formations. Feel as if you are on Mars.

Visit “Laguna Colorado," an amazing lagoon with bright red water.

Day 3

Wake up early and see the bubbling lava pits. Feel as if you are on Mars again.

Go for a dip in the hot springs (bring your bathing suit!). See “Laguna Verde," a beautiful lagoon with greenish blue water. Return to Uyuni.

Suggestions

The temperature can be very hot during the day but get down to below freezing at night. Be sure to bring warm clothes.

Also, the altitude in Uyuni is over 13,000 feet or 4,000 meters above sea level, so be sure to stay hydrated. And of course, don’t forget sunglasses and your camera!