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Uyuni salt flats

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Bolivia: Uyuni salt flats

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In the remote bleak southern plains of the altiplano, at 3,656m, the visually stunning Salar de Uyuni salt lake stretches as a blinding white sheet of surreal, ethereal beauty. It is embossed with hexagonal patterns which look to be carved by man. In the rains it is covered with mirror-like surface water reflecting faithfully the ice blue sky and clouds, dissolving the horizon. Nearby are two vividly coloured lakes, Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde, their gemstone hues created by their high mineral content. The red lake is next to hissing geysers, while the green one sits at the foot of the 5,920m Licancabur volcano.

Our holidays to Uyuni salt flats

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Our insider tips for Uyuni salt flats

Mary Anne

Mary Anne Nelson

The landscapes in Uyuni are remarkable and varied, so try to give the area at least 3 nights. Best known is the vast Salar de Uyuni, which famously becomes a giant mirror in the wet season, but you will see countless other surreal sights, such as hundreds of pink flamingos seemingly dancing ballet on the bright red Laguna Colorada! Any journey to this remote high altitude area entails a lot of driving, so a carefully chosen soundtrack to match the surreal road trip is a must!

Jamie

Jamie Swan

Watch the local people mining salt by hand, as they have done for hundreds of years at the minuscule settlement of Colchani, on the edge the vast salt pans. Not far away is the locomotive graveyard - a collection of rusting steam engines and rolling stock, defaced by decades of often amusing political graffiti, plundered by oxyacetylene and abandoned to the wind-swept sands.

 

Hannah

Hannah Donaldson

Accommodation options are limited in this remote corner of Bolivia, but spending a night at one of the area’s unique small hotels built entirely from salt is a fun and novel experience. Alternatively, if you want complete privacy and a bit of luxury, then you can even sleep under the stars on the Salar de Uyuni in your own fully serviced retro air-stream camper!

What our clients say

97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.

Uyuni salt flats | Rating: Excellent

The salt flats was very memorable, but more generally it was our introduction to lifestyles and nature in the altiplano that was very satisfying.

TG, London | August 2019 | 50 - 65

Uyuni salt flats | Rating: Excellent

Customer rating Rating 5Rating 5Rating 5Rating 5Rating 5

The high altitude landscapes of Bolivia - from the Salar de Uyuni to the lagoons near the Chilean border - the Chilean border were simply stunning.

PP, Halesworth | November 2018 | 50 - 65 | With Partner

Uyuni salt flats | Rating: Excellent

Guide Liz and driver Serapio were both charming, understood our obsession with birds and wildlife, and had excellent knowledge. Serapio proved to be an excellent wildlife spotter! Simply stunning landscapes!

PP, Halesworth | November 2018

Uyuni salt flats | Rating: Excellent

"So many memories but visiting the red lagoon in Bolivia - has got to be the most amazing site on earth, we'll never forget it. The salt flat was also so spectacular and surpassed expectations."

GG, Sunbury-on-Thames | December 2014 | 65 and over | With Partner

Uyuni salt flats | Rating: Excellent

"We had a feast there in the middle of the Salar. We were completely alone, surrounded by the whiteness of the salt, and with mountains in the distance. It was a most memorable occasion."

SG, London | June 2014 | 65 and over

Uyuni salt flats | Rating: Excellent

“Amazing scenery, a must see to all Bolivian trips. Visiting the Salt Flats is something that will stay with me forever. It is breathtaking and nothing prepares you for what you see once you are there."

JO, Borough | June 2013

Uyuni salt flats | Rating: Excellent

'“Bolivia salt flats - wow, what a view!”

DR, Birch Vale | June 2013

Uyuni salt flats | Rating: Excellent

"We had visited the salt flats before and thought that this might be exactly the same, but as the road and weather conditions necessitated changes, this was like a completely new experience - we visited places and followed routes which we hadn't last time. One thing we particularly liked was the little museum and stone garden in Coquesa on northern edge of the salt flats - this really should be on the itinerary of anyone visiting the area."

Dj, Cardiff | June 2013

Uyuni salt flats | Rating: Excellent

Amazing scenery, a must see to all Bolivian trips... Visiting the Salt Flat is something that will stay with me forever. It is breathtaking and nothing prepares you for what you see once you are there. 

JO, Borough | November 2012 | 35 - 50 | With Friends

Uyuni salt flats | Rating: Excellent

All wonderful but especially the Uyuni salt flats.

AG, Norwood | June 2012 | Under 35 | With Partner

Uyuni salt flats | Rating: Excellent

Bolivia Highlights? Impossible to single out any one aspect. We had visited the salt flats before and thought that this might be exactly the same, but as the road and weather conditions necessitated changes, this was like a completely new experience - we visited places and followed routes which we hadn't last time. One thing we particularly liked was the little museum and stone garden in Coquesa on northern edge of the salt flats - this really should be on the itinerary of anyone visiting the area. 

DJ, Cardiff | August 2011 | 65 and over | With Partner

Uyuni salt flats | Rating: Excellent

The trip from La Paz to Uyuni was very long - I believe that they are building an airport! But it was worth it for the spectacular scenery during the 3 day trip. 

SC, Worcester | October 2010 | With Partner

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97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.

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Kathryn Rhodes, Travel Consultants

Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.
 

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