Gateway to the world's largest salt flat, this Bolivian town offers surreal white landscapes, 19th-century train ruins, and hot air balloon rides over the desert.
Uyuni, a small city in southwestern Bolivia, is the starting point for exploring the Salar de Uyuni - the world's largest salt flat. This remote destination is known for its vast white expanse and unusual landscapes. You can see abandoned locomotives at the Train Cemetery, walk among giant cacti on Incahuasi Island, and witness the mirror-like effect on the salt flats during the rainy season.
Getting to Uyuni
You can reach Uyuni by bus, plane, or train. Most visitors take an overnight bus from La Paz, which takes 8-10 hours. You can also fly from La Paz to Uyuni's small airport in about an hour. The train provides a scenic alternative, connecting Uyuni to cities like Oruro and Tupiza.
Exploring the Salt Flats
The Salar de Uyuni salt flat covers 4,086 square miles. Most travelers explore via guided 4x4 tours lasting 1-3 days. On these trips, you'll drive across the white salt crust, visit islands covered in cacti, and see colorful mineral-rich lagoons. During the rainy season (December-April), a thin layer of water can create a reflective surface on the flats.
Key Sights in Uyuni
Just outside town, you'll find the Train Cemetery, which contains rusting locomotives left behind in the 1940s after the local mining industry declined. Many visitors take photos here. Within the salt flats, Incahuasi Island rises from the white expanse, covered in cacti up to 32 feet tall. You can walk to the top for panoramic views. In the small village of Colchani, you can observe salt harvesting methods used for generations.
Where to Stay
Uyuni town has simple hotels and hostels for budget travelers. You can also stay at one of the salt hotels constructed entirely of salt blocks on the edge of the flats. Higher-end options include dome-shaped "pods" situated right on the salt pan, allowing for clear views of the night sky. Reserve your accommodation ahead of time, especially during peak season (June-August).
Practical Tips
The high elevation (11,995 feet) may cause altitude sickness, so move slowly when you first arrive. Nights are cold throughout the year, so bring warm clothing. The sun is strong during the day - pack sunglasses, a hat and high-SPF sunscreen. Bring extra water and snacks on salt flat tours. While Spanish is the primary language, many tour operators know some English.
