Simply one of the lovely spots on the planet, the Uyuni Salt Flats are unfold out over a whopping 4,086 sq. miles in southwest Bolivia. They’re the world’s largest salt flats and nicely definitely worth the journey.
Whereas South America is a superb place for backpacking, the Uyuni Salt Flats are the sort of place the place you want a tour firm. Because it’s such an enormous space, you’ll need to have someone with a 4×4 truck who is aware of get round. To maximise your time in Bolivia, it’s important to return ready…
right here’s the whole lot it is advisable learn about visiting the Uyuni Salt Flats!
Getting There
You can begin your journey in Uyuni, Tupiza, or San Pedro de Atacama. Finally, the very best route will depend on the place you’re staying and the way a lot time you possibly can spend on the tour.
Nearly all of worldwide flights will arrive at La Paz or Santa Cruz. From both metropolis, you possibly can fly into Uyuni or take the bus. I used to be staying in Sucre and took the bus to Tupiza to start out my tour. The tour can be carried out in reverse beginning in Uyuni.
Be sure you learn up on the main points of my 4-day 4×4 tour to Uyuni: Half 1 & Half 2
Bolivia is larger than it would look on the map. The nation is in regards to the dimension of California and Texas mixed so that you’ll need to map the whole lot out to have a transparent image of how lengthy it’ll take to get round.
Choosing a Tour Firm
Not all Uyuni Salt Flats tour corporations are equal. Truly, a few of them are a bit scary. I’ve heard horror tales of a surprisingly excessive variety of vacationers getting caught in the midst of the flats with a drunk driver. Typically talking, you get what you pay for. I wouldn’t advocate going for all-time low costs, and also you’ll undoubtedly need to learn some critiques earlier than reserving.
I used Tupiza Excursions and had an excellent expertise. The tour guides have been pleasant and educated. The group provides an unbelievable four-day tour both to or from Uyuni that may take you thru the entire greatest spots.
What to Anticipate
This isn’t a five-star expertise. Not one of the excursions are very snug or luxurious, and the journey out to the salt flats it lengthy. That mentioned, you’ll overlook about each bump and trouble if you see the view.
You 100% need to get to the Uyuni Salt Flats earlier than dawn and most excursions plan to depart nicely earlier than the solar comes up. You’ll have the ability to snap some wonderful pics because the solar rises over the land. The very first mild of day is the very best alternative to get images with none shadows.
Most tour operators arrange far sufficient aside from each other so that each one you see in each route is an limitless blanket of white.
Throughout sure instances of 12 months when there may be rain, the sky displays within the puddles and creates an unbelievable show.
Our tour guides introduced espresso and tea and breakfast in our automobiles in order that we might benefit from the salt flats for a number of hours earlier than heading again to city.
What to Convey
Uyuni has a moist season, from November to March, and a dry season, from Might to October. In the event you journey throughout the winter, which is from Might to August, anticipate chilly climate. It’s common to see climate barely above zero on the coldest nights; make sure you carry layers at any time of 12 months.
- Plenty of layers!
- There are scorching springs alongside the salt flats excursions, so that you’ll additionally need to pack a bikini, towel, and a few flip flops.
- Whereas many tour corporations supply meals, would possibly need to carry your personal snacks and drinks. It’s additionally advisable to carry alongside one two-liter bottle of water per particular person per day to remain hydrated!
- A lot of the bogs are paid bogs, so carry loads of small change and a few further TP.
- It may get very darkish at night time, and among the extra primary lodging flip off their lights at night time, so carry a flashlight or headlamp.
- Convey all your pictures gear! That is simply among the finest picture ops on earth, so don’t accept cellphone images. Seize your tripod, lenses, and digicam to get images that you may treasure for a lifetime.
The Uyuni Practice Cemetery
Apart from the salt flats, Uyuni can also be dwelling to a cool prepare cemetery playground. The steel is rusted (so watch out to not lower your self!), however you possibly can go to and swing, seesaw and slide your approach via an previous, deserted prepare!
