SALAR DE UYUNI & SOUTHWEST HIGHLANDS
The Salar de Uyuni is a surreal, blindingly white expanse of salt that feels like another planet. It is a land of infinite horizons where the sky and earth merge into a single, breathtaking mirror.
This high-altitude wilderness is home to haunting train graveyards, crimson lagoons, and dormant volcanoes. It remains one of the world’s most starkly beautiful landscapes, offering a profound sense of isolation and wonder.
Most Popular Attractions
The Salt Flat & Geological Wonders:
Isla Incahuasi: A hilly outpost in the middle of the salt flat covered in giant, centuries-old cacti.
Isla Pescado: An undeveloped island offering a more rugged, less-visited perspective of the white expanse.
Ojos del Salar: Cold water springs that bubble up through holes in the salt crust from underground rivers.
Colchani Salt Piles: Conical mounds of salt gathered by locals, creating a geometric landscape for photography.
Salt Hotels (Playa Blanca): The original structures built entirely of salt blocks, now serving as museums and rest stops.
Dakar Monument: A massive salt sculpture commemorating the world-famous off-road race that crosses the flats.
Flag Plaza: A colorful display of international flags left by travelers near the center of the Salar.
Tunupa Volcano: A dormant volcano towering over the north side of the flats, offering incredible trekking views.
Coquesa Mummies: Ancient human remains preserved in a cave at the base of the Tunupa Volcano.
Galaxias Caves: Subaquatic caves featuring fossilized algae formations that look like lace or coral.
The Southwest Lagoons & Wildlife:
Laguna Colorada: A vibrant red salt lake filled with thousands of pink flamingos and white borax islands.
Laguna Verde: A stunning turquoise lake at the foot of Licancabur Volcano, colored by arsenic and lead deposits.
Laguna Blanca: A milky-white lake separated from Laguna Verde by a narrow corridor of land.
Laguna Hedionda: Known as the “stinking lagoon” due to sulfur, it is a primary feeding ground for James’s flamingos.
Laguna Honda: A small, deep blue lake surrounded by high Andean peaks and golden pajonal grass.
Laguna Cañapa: A picturesque lake often frequented by Andean foxes and various species of high-altitude birds.
Laguna Turquiri: A hidden gem featuring unique rock formations and a very peaceful atmosphere.
Bofedales de Villa Alota: Wetlands where llamas and alpacas graze among cushion plants and moss.
The Train Cemetery & Industrial History:
The Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes): A haunting collection of 19th-century steam locomotives rusting in the desert.
Pulacayo: A historic mining town that houses the train once robbed by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Uyuni Railway Station: The active hub where the history of Bolivian rail travel continues today.
Workers’ Monument: A statue in Uyuni town dedicated to the laborers who built the high-altitude infrastructure.
High-Desert Landscapes & Geothermal Sites:
Sol de Mañana Geysers: A boiling geothermal field with bubbling mud pots and thick clouds of steam.
Desierto de Dalí: A surreal landscape of wind-swept sands that mimics the paintings of Salvador Dalí.
Árbol de Piedra (Stone Tree): A massive volcanic rock formation carved into the shape of a tree by wind erosion.
Siloli Desert: One of the highest and driest deserts in the world, famous for its colorful rock formations.
Polques Hot Springs: Natural thermal pools where travelers can soak while overlooking the freezing highlands.
Valle de las Rocas: A vast field of giant, gravity-defying volcanic boulders shaped like animals and objects.
Licancabur Volcano: A perfectly conical volcano on the border with Chile, considered sacred by ancient cultures.
Ollagüe Volcano: An active volcano visible from the road, often seen venting a constant plume of smoke.
Cultural Sites & High-Altitude Villages:
San Cristóbal Village: A relocated mining town featuring a beautiful colonial-era stone church.
Uyuni Clock Tower: The central landmark of Uyuni town, serving as a classic meeting point for expeditions.
Museo de la Llama y la Sal: A specialized museum in Colchani detailing the life of salt harvesters.
Villa Candelaria: A small community known for its traditional quinoa farming and stone architecture.
San Juan Necropolis: An ancient burial ground containing “chullpas” (tombs) and prehistoric coral fossils.
Atulcha Village: A tiny settlement famous for its museum of ancient artifacts and stone constructions.
Chuvica: A gateway village used by salt caravans for centuries as a resting point.
Mallcu Villamar: A village tucked inside a massive rocky canyon, offering a glimpse into remote Andean life.
Laguna Kalina: A massive, remote lake near the border often skipped by standard tours, offering pure solitude.
The Andean Map: A giant carved map of the region located near the entrance of the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve.
Activities & Experiences
Stargazing in the Salt Flats: Experience some of the clearest night skies on Earth. The high altitude and lack of light pollution make the Salar a premier destination for seeing the Milky Way.
Photograph Optical Illusions: Utilize the vast, flat perspective of the salt crust to take “forced perspective” photos. During the rainy season, the thin layer of water creates a perfect mirror effect.
Explore the Great Train Cemetery: Wander among the rusted skeletons of 19th-century steam locomotives. These abandoned giants provide a haunting, steampunk-esque backdrop for photography.
Visit Incahuasi Island: Hike to the top of this rocky outcrop in the middle of the salt flats, which is covered in giant cacti (some over 10 meters tall) and offers 360-degree views.
Tour a Salt Processing Plant in Colchani: See how locals extract and process salt for consumption and construction, and browse the local market for salt-carved souvenirs.
Bathe in the Polques Hot Springs: Relax in natural thermal pools overlooking the Altiplano landscape, a perfect way to warm up in the freezing high-altitude air.
Visit the Dakar Rally Monument: Take a photo at the iconic salt-sculpted monument and the nearby “Islands of Flags,” where travelers from around the world leave their national flags.
Marvel at the Red Lagoon (Laguna Colorada): Witness thousands of James’s flamingos feeding in the blood-red waters, colored by specific algae and plankton.
Walk Through the Siloli Desert: Discover unique rock formations shaped by wind erosion, including the famous Árbol de Piedra (Stone Tree).
Watch the Sunset over the Salt Crust: Experience the dramatic shift in colors as the sun dips below the horizon, turning the white expanse into shades of pink, purple, and gold.
Stay in a Salt Hotel: Spend a night in a hotel built entirely from salt blocks—including the beds, tables, and chairs—for a truly unique architectural experience.
Local Tips & Transport
4×4 Tours are Essential: The Salar is vast and lacks marked roads or reliable GPS signals in many areas. Hiring a professional guide with a 4×4 vehicle is the safest and most common way to explore. Tours typically depart from the town of Uyuni.
The Town of Uyuni: This serves as the primary hub. It is accessible via:
- Flight: Amaszonas and BoA operate flights from La Paz to Uyuni Airport (UYU).
- Bus: Overnight buses run from La Paz and Potosí. Be prepared for bumpy roads, though the main route from Potosí is paved.
- Train: The Expreso del Sur and Wara Wara del Sud connect Uyuni with Oruro and Villazón (near the Argentinian border).
Walking within Uyuni: The town itself is small and easy to navigate on foot. Most tour operators, hostels, and restaurants are concentrated within a few blocks of the main plaza.
Beware of Distances: Distances in the Altiplano are deceptive. A “short drive” between lagoons can take several hours due to the rugged terrain.
Manage the Altitude: Uyuni sits at approximately 3,700 meters (12,139 feet), and the surrounding lagoons go even higher. Spend a few days in La Paz or Cusco first to acclimate. Drink plenty of water and try mate de coca (coca leaf tea) to help with symptoms.
Layer Up: Temperatures can swing wildly. While the sun is intense during the day, temperatures plummet below freezing as soon as the sun sets. Thermal base layers, a heavy down jacket, and a windbreaker are non-negotiable.
Protect Your Eyes and Skin: The white salt reflects nearly 100% of UV rays. High-SPF sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and polarized sunglasses are essential to prevent “snow blindness” and severe sunburn.
The Two Seasons:
- Dry Season (May to October): The ground is a hard, white hexagonal salt crust. Best for driving across the entire flat and visiting Incahuasi Island.
- Wet Season (December to March): The “Mirror Effect” occurs. Travel is more restricted as some areas become impassable, but the photography is world-famous.
Respect the Environment: The Salar is a delicate ecosystem. Always pack out your trash and follow your guide’s instructions to stay on designated tracks to preserve the salt crust patterns.
Hidden Gems:
- Tunupa Volcano: Located on the northern edge of the Salar, you can hike the lower slopes to see ancient mummies in a cave and get a bird’s-eye view of the flats.
- Ojos del Salar (Eyes of the Salt): Small openings in the salt crust where cold water bubbles up from underground rivers; they look like small, bubbling “eyes” in the ground.
- Galaxy Caves (Grutas de las Galaxias): Remarkable underwater-formed caves that look like lace or bone, created when the Salar was still a massive prehistoric lake.
- The “Salt Eyes” Bubbles: Look for the small holes where the water below the crust is acidic; the locals believe these waters have medicinal properties for skin and joints.
Cash is King: While some hotels in Uyuni town take cards, once you are out on the salt flats or in the desert, you will need Bolivianos (BOB) for park entrance fees (like the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve), toilets, and small snacks.
Top Restaurants
Minuteman Pizza [$15-$25] – Tucked inside the Toñito Hotel in Uyuni town center, this legendary spot is a traveler favorite for its thin-crust pizzas and spicy llama toppings in a cozy, warm setting.
Donna Isabella [$10-$20] – A no-frills, beloved local joint in Uyuni town known for serving massive portions of traditional Bolivian silpancho and milanesa at very honest prices.
Restaurante El Cactus [$15-$25] – Located on the main Avenida Potosí in Uyuni, this rustic eatery is famous for its “Llama a la Piedra” (stone-grilled llama meat) and quinoa-based soups.
La Locomotora [$10-$20] – Situated near the Train Cemetery at the edge of town, this casual spot serves hearty stews and “almuerzo completo” (set lunches) popular with tour drivers and locals.
Breakfast at the Market [$5-$10] – Located in the central Mercado Modelo in Uyuni town, these small stalls offer the most authentic experience for api (purple corn drink) and fresh buñuelos.
Bar de Sal [$15-$25] – A unique small bar in Colchani where the tables and chairs are carved from salt blocks, serving local beers and quick Bolivian snacks.
Pizzería Donna Fugata [$15-$25] – A warm, wood-accented restaurant in the heart of Uyuni town providing a reliable mix of pastas and pizzas for those needing a break from Andean tubers.
Brisa Salada [$12-$22] – Located on the outskirts of Uyuni, this spot is known for its traditional chairo soup and tender llama steaks served in a simple, friendly environment.
Lithium Club [$15-$30] – A centrally located Uyuni bar and restaurant that focuses on “comfort food” like burgers and steaks, catering to the evening crowd with local craft beers.
Kachi [$15-$25] – A small eatery in Uyuni town specializing in quinoa salads and Andean grains, offering a lighter alternative to the typical meat-heavy Bolivian fare.
Kactus 2 [$15-$25] – The sister branch of the original, located near the Uyuni clock tower, offering the same reliable llama steaks and local sides in a slightly more modern setting.
Restaurante Tunupa [$15-$25] – Located in the village of Coquesa at the base of the volcano, this is a prime spot for a traditional “Pique Macho” after visiting the nearby mummies.
Bar Marthita [$10-$18] – A classic Uyuni town tavern where locals gather for a late-night “trancapecho” (sandwich) and a bottle of Paceña beer.
Tika [$25-$45] – Located within the Palacio de Sal in Colchani, this upscale restaurant uses modern techniques to elevate local ingredients like salt-crust lamb and colorful quinoa.
Extreme Fun Pub [$20-$40] – A vibrant, eclectic spot in Uyuni town known for its creative cocktails, neon lights, and a menu that blends Bolivian ingredients with international pub grub.
The Guardian [$25-$45] – A modern bistro in Uyuni town that offers a “gourmet” take on traditional Andean ingredients, featuring beautifully plated dishes in a stylish, minimalist interior.
Vicuña [$20-$40] – Located in the center of Uyuni, this restaurant experiments with fusion flavors, such as llama medallions with red wine and blueberry reductions.
The Salt Kitchen [$25-$50] – A contemporary dining room in Colchani that focuses on “Salt Gastronomy,” using the local mineral to season and cook high-altitude fish like trout.
Artesana [$20-$40] – A boutique restaurant in Uyuni town that highlights artisanal products from the Altiplano, offering a rotating seasonal menu focused on sustainability.
Quinoa Soul [$18-$35] – A creative café in Uyuni town center that reimagines the “superfood” quinoa in everything from burgers to desserts and smoothies.
Andean Fusion [$20-$40] – A popular spot in Uyuni for those looking for a mix of Peruvian and Bolivian flavors, specifically their creative “ceviche de trucha” (lake trout ceviche).
The Boiler Room [$22-$45] – A modern, industrial-themed restaurant in Uyuni town center that specializes in slow-cooked meats and craft cocktails.
Salar Bistro [$25-$50] – A polished dining option in Colchani offering a fusion of French techniques and Bolivian ingredients, served in a room with panoramic views of the flats.
Llama & Co [$20-$40] – A trendy Uyuni town spot that serves “tapas-style” Bolivian dishes, allowing travelers to sample multiple local flavors in one sitting.
The Alchemist [$22-$45] – A cocktail bar and kitchen in Uyuni known for its experimental drinks and a small menu of refined appetizers using local herbs.
Palacio de Sal Restaurant [$50-$80] – The signature dining room of the world’s first salt hotel in Colchani, offering a refined three-course menu in a breathtaking room made entirely of salt.
El Mesón de Sal [$40-$70] – An elegant restaurant located in the Hotel Luna Salada (Colchani), featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and high-end Andean cuisine overlooking the white expanse.
Ojo del Sal [$40-$70] – A sophisticated dining experience inside the Hotel de Sal Casa Andina, focusing on premium cuts of Bolivian beef and an extensive list of high-altitude wines.
Mapiri [$50-$90] – Located in one of the luxury domes on the Salar, this exclusive dining experience provides a private chef who prepares contemporary Altiplano dishes under the stars.
Cristal Samana Dining [$45-$75] – A high-end restaurant in Colchani designed according to Feng Shui principles, serving refined international and local dishes on salt tables.
The Dome Kitchen [$60-$100] – A ultra-private dining experience for those staying in luxury “glamping” domes on the Salar, featuring tasting menus inspired by the surrounding landscape.
Hotel Jardines de Uyuni Restaurant [$30-$60] – A stylish, upscale dining room in Uyuni town that provides a more formal atmosphere and a sophisticated take on traditional Bolivian stews.
Vino de Altura [$40-$70] – A specialized wine and dining cellar in Uyuni town that pairs high-altitude Bolivian wines (from Tarija) with gourmet local cheeses and cured llama meats.
The Train Cemetery Picnic [$25-$40] – Many tour operators arrange a “gourmet picnic” right among the rusted steam engines, providing a surreal and photogenic lunch experience.
Incahuasi Island Café [$15-$30] – A small, basic café located on the giant cactus island in the middle of the Salar, offering a simple but unforgettable lunch spot with 360-degree views.
Salar Sunset Aperitivo [$20-$40] – A mobile “bar” experience where guides set up tables in the middle of the flooded flats to serve wine and snacks as the sun goes down.
The Salt Museum Snack Bar [$10-$20] – Located at the original Salt Hotel (now a museum) in the center of the Salar, this is a historic spot for a quick tea or coffee.
Pueblo de Sal [$15-$25] – A community-run eatery in Colchani where you can watch salt being processed before sitting down to a meal of locally caught trout.
La Casa de las Momias [$12-$22] – A very simple, unique spot in Coquesa where you can eat a hearty soup before hiking up to the ancient burial caves.
Galaxy Cave Café [$12-$22] – A remote stop near the “Grutas de las Galaxias” (south of the Salar) offering basic meals in a landscape that looks like another planet.
Starlight Dinner [$50-$80] – A specially arranged night-time meal in the middle of the Salar, focusing on the experience of eating in total darkness under the Milky Way.
The Quinoa Cooperative [$10-$20] – A small visitor center near Uyuni town where you can learn about quinoa production and sample various traditional ways the grain is prepared.
Llama Shepherd’s Lunch [$15-$25] – A unique cultural experience in the rural outskirts of the Salar where you can dine with a local family on traditional “pampaku” (food cooked underground).
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Extreme Fun Pub: Located in the heart of Uyuni town, this is the most famous traveler hangout in the region. It is known for its “Salt Room” and a massive menu of creative cocktails, including the signature Coca Leaf Mojito.
LIT Bar: A modern and sleek establishment on the main avenue of Uyuni, offering a sophisticated atmosphere and a wide array of international spirits and expertly mixed gin tonics.
Pizzeria Donna Isabella: While primarily a restaurant near the central plaza, its bar area serves some of the best Singani-based cocktails (Bolivia’s national spirit) in a warm, rustic setting.
Cactus Restaurant & Bar: Found in the center of Uyuni, this spot features a unique décor made of cactus wood and offers a relaxed environment for enjoying local craft beers and pisco sours.
Kactus Bar: A lively spot on the Avenida Ferroviaria known for its “happy hour” specials and a vibrant mix of traveler stories shared over shots of local firewater.
La Locomotora: Situated near the entrance to the town, this bar pays homage to the nearby Train Cemetery with industrial décor and a strong selection of warm, spiced cocktails to combat the desert cold.
Taverne: Located within the Hotel Jardines de Uyuni, this refined bar offers a quiet, upscale environment to enjoy a glass of Bolivian wine or a classic Martini by the fireplace.
The Rusty Rail: A themed bar located on the outskirts of Uyuni near the tracks, providing a rugged, atmospheric setting inspired by the abandoned steam engines of the Train Cemetery.
Hot Rock: A popular central venue that pairs classic rock music with a wide variety of cocktails; it is the go-to spot for those looking for a high-energy bar vibe.
Palacio de Sal Bar: Located in Colchani (the gateway to the Salt Flats), this unique bar is built entirely of salt blocks, offering a surreal atmosphere to enjoy a drink while overlooking the Salar.
Luna Salada Terrace: Part of the salt hotel on the edge of the flats, this bar offers panoramic views of the Salar de Uyuni, specializing in Andean-inspired cocktails using local herbs.
Onkel Inn Bar: A cozy, glass-walled bar in Colchani that allows you to watch the sunset over the salt flats while staying warm with a “Chuflay” (Singani and ginger ale).
Salt & Sky Rooftop: One of the few elevated views in Uyuni town, this bar provides a clear view of the surrounding altiplano and a menu of colorful, fruity cocktails.
Vino Tinto: A specialized wine and cocktail bar in the city center that focuses on high-altitude Bolivian vintages and wine-based cocktails.
The Meeting Point: A friendly, casual bar on the main tourist strip of Uyuni, perfect for a quick beer or a shot of tequila before heading to the clubs.
Oliver’s Club: The most iconic nightlife venue in Uyuni, located near the main plaza. It functions as a cozy pub by day and transforms into a high-energy dance club at night with a mix of Latin pop and international hits.
Pizzas y Pastas Club: Despite the name, this central venue hosts legendary late-night parties where the tables are pushed aside for a dance floor fueled by reggaeton and electronic music.
Discoteca Ferroviaria: A local favorite near the Train Cemetery station, offering an authentic Bolivian clubbing experience with Andean Cumbia and modern pop.
Camel Club: A vibrant, underground-style disco in the center of Uyuni town, popular for its neon lights and themed party nights that last until the early morning hours.
Buda Bar & Disco: A multi-level venue in Uyuni featuring a chill lounge on the bottom and a high-intensity dance floor on the top, playing a mix of house and techno.
Pulse Nightclub: A modern addition to Uyuni’s nightlife scene with a state-of-the-art sound system and guest DJs playing contemporary electronic dance music.
Salar Party Bus: A unique mobile clubbing experience that takes groups from the town of Uyuni out to the edge of the Salt Flats for a starlit dance party.
The Engine Room: A club located in a converted warehouse near the Train Cemetery, featuring a gritty, industrial aesthetic and a focus on heavy bass and alternative beats.
Uyuni Sky Disco: A lively rooftop club in the city center that offers a mix of open-air dancing and indoor VIP booths, popular for celebrating the end of a 3-day Salt Flat tour.
Latino’s Bar & Grill (Late Night): While it serves food, after midnight this central Uyuni spot turns into a crowded dance hall featuring live local bands and high-energy Latin dance music.