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Salar de Uyuni
High in the Altiplano of southwestern Bolivia, the Salar de Uyuni covers more than 4,000 square miles.
This is the world’s largest salt flat—a barren pavement of white infinity.
The salar is the evaporated remnant of two enormous prehistoric lakes (Minchín and Tauca), once covering thousands of square miles.
The average altitude at Salar de Uyuni is approximately 11,980 feet above sea level.
Lake Poopó
During the November to March wet season, the Uyuni Salt Flat (or salt pan) is flooded by overflow from the north.
A thin layer of water covers the salty plain, reflecting the sky with astonishing clarity.
Passengers in off-road vehicles crossing the flooded flats often enjoy the sensation of floating.
Three Species of Flamingo
November is also breeding season for the three species of flamingo that inhabit Salar de Uyuni.
In addition to sodium, this plain is rich in potassium, magnesium, borax, and lithium.
Beneath this solid, salty crust sits a lake of brine. While the lake is shallow in most locations, it intermittently reaches depths up to 60 feet.
Isla Pescador, Isla Incahuasi, & The Train Graveyard
Two notable islands rise from the center of the salar, Isla Pescador and Isla Incahuasi—red volcanic oases covered in towering cacti.
Other attractions include:
- A small museum in Coquesa Village;
- The Tunupa Volcano Trail; and
- A petrified forest.
The base for this region is the town of Uyuni, located roughly 330 miles south of La Paz.
Just outside of town (southeast of the salar) is a cemetery of rusting steam locomotives and ore transport cars.
Most of these trains were abandoned in the 1940’s, after a collapse of the local mining industry.
Hiking Scenic Volcanos & Touring Rainbow Lakes
To the south of Uyuni, visitors can hike scenic volcanoes and take in a stunning rainbow of mineral-rich lakes—blue, red, yellow and white.
Oruro: Bolivia’s Provincial Capital
Midway between Uyuni and La Paz, the provincial capital Oruro is the largest city in the Southern Altiplano.
This chiefly indigenous town is proud of its mining heritage.
Accordingly, history aficionados delight at the depth of learning available at the mining and folklore museum, minerals museum, and on half-day mine tours.
Oruro is also the site of Bolivia’s most famous Carnival celebration—the Dance of the Devils.
What to do in Salar de Uyuni
- 4×4 salt flat tours
- Hiking
- Biking
- Flamingo spotting
- Visits to the train cemetery
- Visits to salt flat islands
- Altiplano lake trips
- Photography lessons & sessions
- Stargazing
What is the Weather Like?
At nearly 12,000 feet, the Salar de Uyuni is cold and windy year-round. Daytime highs average 55–65°F, with nighttime lows often dipping below freezing. November to March brings rains that flood the flats, creating mirror-like reflections but making travel more challenging. From June to October, conditions are drier and more predictable, though colder. Many travelers favor this period for easier access and clearer skies.
Getting There
Uyuni, the gateway to the salar, lies about 330 miles south of La Paz. Travelers typically arrive by air from La Paz or Santa Cruz, or overland from Oruro, Potosí, or Sucre. Cross-border overland routes also link Uyuni with San Pedro de Atacama in Chile and Salta in Argentina, making it a natural stop on wider Andean journeys.
Start your journey today
LANDED delivers the finest in custom, private travel to Central America, South America, and Antarctica. These regions are our passion; we know them first-hand and by heart. Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you in Uyuni.
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