This post was originally published on A Globe Well Travelled in 2015. The content has been revised and updated with fresh information.
Have you ever dreamt of a single travel experience so extraordinary that it drives your decision to visit a destination?
For me, that dream was the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. Now, I can proudly say that this bucket-list dream has been checked off during my travels through Bolivia and Peru, and let me tell you — Uyuni was every bit as magical as I imagined!
If you’re planning your own adventure to the largest salt flats in the world, here’s everything you need to know about getting there from La Paz and booking the perfect tour for your adventure.
Quick summary:
Planning a trip to Bolivia’s famous Salar de Uyuni? This post shares everything you need to know to visit the world’s largest salt flats from La Paz — including when to go, how to get there (bus vs flight), and what to expect on arrival.
Recommended tours:
🚌 Uyuni overnight bus + Salt Flats tour (departing La Paz) – Budget-friendly and efficient combo option.
🌵 Salt Flats full day tour (departing Uyuni) – Great for time-poor travellers wanting to see the highlights.
📸 3-Day Salt Flats and Lagoons tour (departing Uyuni) – Explore more of Bolivia’s stunning desert landscapes and lagoons.
When is the best time to visit the Uyuni Salt Flats?
The best time to visit Uyuni depends on what kind of experience you’re after.
I visited Uyuni in June of 2015, which was during the dry season (April to October). At this time of year, the salt flats offer vast, endless white landscapes with clear blue skies. This is ideal for exploring the unique textures and geometric patterns that form in the salt, and for taking those fun (and sometimes cringey) perspective photos where it looks like a toy dinosaur is actually a life-sized godzilla which is about to eat your family for breakfast.
Don’t discount the wet season though, as at this time of year (January to March), you get to see the famous mirror-like reflections. A thin layer of water covers the salt flats during these months, creating a surreal, glassy effect that’s perfect for photography.
How to get to Uyuni from La Paz:
The overnight bus (uncomfortable, but cheap!)
The most budget-friendly way to travel from La Paz to Uyuni is by taking an overnight bus. The journey is about 10 hours long and is a great deal for thrifty travellers as it means you’ll be saving money on a night of accommodation.
However, it’s not the smoothest ride you’ll ever take! Not all of the route is paved. For a few hours, you’ll find yourself bouncing along a bumpy sand-and-gravel road. Sleeping? Let’s just say that’s optional. But hey, isn’t a little discomfort part of the adventure?
We opted for the economical Todo Turismo bus, which offers semi-reclining seats (known as “semi-cama”), dinner, and breakfast each way.
🚌 If you want the overnight bus from La Paz and salt flats tour in one ticket, some tour operators will combine them for you. This would be a convenient way to get there from La Paz without figuring out the logistics on your own.
The short flight (a luxurious shortcut)
If you’d rather trade bumpy roads for clouds, you can fly from La Paz to Uyuni. Although departures are reasonably infrequent, flights are the quickest option as they take only an hour to get there. They are much pricier than the bus, but this option is well worth it if you’re short on time or prefer a smoother travel experience.
Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) and Amaszonas are the airlines offering direct flights from La Paz to Uyuni. To book your flight, you can visit the airlines’ official websites. Be sure to book early, as seats can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Booking an Uyuni Salt Flats tour:
Before you step onto the glittering white expanse of salt flats, you’ll need to book a tour. There are plenty of options to suit different schedules and preferences.
Uyuni day tours
🌵 This option, which is what we chose to do in Uyuni, is reasonably cheap and packs all the highlights into one epic day. An Uyuni Salt Flats full day tour is a good option if you’re tight on time.
Uyuni multi-day tours
📸 A 3-Day Salt Flats and Lagoons Tour allow you some extra time to explore not just the salt flats but also the surrounding areas, including stunning lagoons, geysers, and desert.
We did extensive research and found that Red Planet Expeditions is one of the most reputable companies. We pre-booked our tour with them, and they didn’t disappoint. They’re known for their knowledgeable guides and reliable service. I actually regret choosing a short day tour instead of a longer tour, as it would have been amazing to see more of Bolivia’s incredible natural landscapes!
Extra costs to keep in mind: Tours will usually include a stop at Cactus Island (which has surreal giant cacti and panoramic views). Note that the entry fee is not included in the tour price. When we went, it was an extra 30 BOB for this unforgettable detour, though I’m sure the price will have gone up by now.
What to expect once you arrive at Uyuni:
As soon as you step off the bus at Uyuni, you’ll be swarmed by local companies offering tours. If you have pre-booked a day tour, you will not need to book anything on arrival.
Most day tours kick off mid-morning, so if you arrive early, you’ll have time to enjoy breakfast or a coffee at one of the local cafes. Once your tour begins, you’ll hop in a vehicle that will take you out to the sights.
The first stop is often the eerie and fascinating train cemetery, a remnant of Bolivia’s industrial past. I absolutely loved exploring this place–it was like a playground for adults. We were allowed to climb all over the rusty locomotives to take photos from wherever we pleased.
Most Uyuni day tours will include a visit to Cactus Island, which is a rocky outcrop in the middle of the salt flats dotted with towering, ancient cacti. The drive out takes a surprisingly long time (it was over an hour, from memory!) but the reward is so worth it.
After paying your entry fee, you’ll be allowed to climb to the top for panoramic views of the flats with distant mountains lining the horizon. The cacti are very cool, too–I was fascinated that we could find this collection of spiky desert plants in the middle of what felt like a vast expanse of nothingness.
Another popular stop on day tours is the Flags of the World Monument. This colorful and iconic installation has flags from around the globe fluttering proudly in the wind, symbolising international unity. If your country’s flag isn’t there yet, you can even bring one to add to the collection.
Tips for visiting the Uyuni salt flats:
Be prepared for changing weather conditions. The salt flats can be scorching during the day and freezing at night, so wearing layers is key. Bring a warm jacket and gloves, especially if your tour includes sunset or stargazing.
A fully charged camera is essential. The salt flats are a photographer’s dream, so you’ll undoubtedly be taking pictures all day long. Take an extra battery for your camera or a charging device for your smartphone, if you have one!
Protect yourself from the intense sun. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are must-haves as the sun reflects brilliantly off the salt.
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