Plan your visit
Plan your visit
Reaching the remote salt flats requires advance planning. Learn how to get to Uyuni town and when to see the famous mirror effect.
Getting there
Most visitors arrive via overnight bus or train.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Guided 4x4 Jeep tours departing from Uyuni town, Tupiza, or San Pedro de Atacama (Chile). | 1 to 4 days | $60 - $500 | The standard and safest way to explore the flats, as independent driving is highly dangerous without knowing the terrain. |
| Bus: Overnight bus from La Paz to Uyuni town. | 8 - 10 hours | $15 - $35 | A popular budget option; buses usually arrive early enough in the morning to join a 10:00 AM salt flat tour. |
| Train: Train line from Oruro to Uyuni (Expreso del Sur or Wara Wara del Sur). | 7 hours | $10 - $20 | Offers beautiful Altiplano scenery, but you first need to travel to Oruro from La Paz. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
The flats are accessible year-round. Visit between May and November for dry weather and geometric salt patterns. Visit between December and April to see a thin layer of water create the sky-reflecting mirror effect.
What to bring
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Bring polarized sunglasses with 100% UV protection.
The intense white salt reflects extreme solar radiation, causing snow blindness.
How the day runs
Standard routes follow a set path through the salt flats.
Covers the central salt plain and cultural stops near Uyuni town.
- Train Graveyard
Climb rusted 19th-century British locomotives.
- Colchani Village
Buy salt-based crafts and warm ponchos.
- Salar de Uyuni
Drive onto the massive 10,582 sq km salt crust.
- Isla Incahuasi
Hike past giant cacti for 360-degree views. (Requires extra entry fee).
- Sunset viewing
Watch the colors reflect off the salt surface before returning to town.
Dealing with Altitude
The salt flats sit at 3,656 meters (11,995 feet). Multi-day tours climb even higher to the Sol de Mañana Geysers at 4,850 meters. Consult a physician before visiting if you have heart or respiratory conditions. Drink plenty of water and acclimatize slowly. Read Prevent Altitude Sickness for specific advice.
Packing Essentials
Nighttime temperatures drop below 0°C, especially in winter. Dress in moisture-wicking base layers and a windproof jacket. You need cash (Bolivianos) for bathroom fees and park entries. Check our full Uyuni Packing Guide for gear recommendations.
Easiest way to do it
3-Days Tour to the Uyuni Salt Flat and Colored Lagoons +Sunset+Mirror Effect
72 h 4.7 (871)
- Transportation in a legendary Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 WD (LC 100) from 1 to 6 persons
- 1 English speaking guide ( for two or three cars) and drivers.
- Oxygen tank at second night
- Lunch
From$290per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How do you get to the Uyuni Salt Flats?
You can take an overnight bus from La Paz to Uyuni town, which takes 8 to 10 hours. Alternatively, take the train from Oruro to Uyuni, which takes 7 hours. Most tours start right in Uyuni.
When can I see the mirror effect at Salar de Uyuni?
The mirror effect happens during the rainy season. This generally runs from December to April. A thin layer of water covers the flats, creating a massive natural mirror.
How cold does it get at night on the salt flats?
Nighttime temperatures frequently drop below freezing (0°C). This is especially common during the winter months. Bring a warm sleeping bag if you book a multi-day tour with basic refugios.