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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.

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Our insider tips for Uyuni salt flats

Isabelle

Isabelle Mazille

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!

Mary Anne

Mary Anne Nelson

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.

 

Jamie

Jamie Swan

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!

Hannah

Hannah Donaldson

Make an early start to see the boiling mud pools, geysers and fumaroles of Sol de Manana in the frosty morning, when they are at their most visibly active, a magnificent site best appreciated just after the sun has risen above the surrounding mountain range.

What our experts say

An overnight in the middle of the salar (salt flats) is a unique experience.  I have been to Uyuni many times over the years but I had never experienced it so closely.  Being on your own in the middle of the salt pan on a clear night with stars falling from the sky is quite something.  It felt like I was discovering the secrets of Uyuni, it's peaceful enough during the day but at night everything is so still, it makes it truly magical.

Isabelle

Isabelle Mazille

Product and Marketing

What our clients say

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

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour 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

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour 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

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour 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

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour rating: Excellent

Amazing

“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

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour rating: Excellent

WOW!

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

DR, Birch Vale | June 2013

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour rating: Excellent

Wonderful experience

"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

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour 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

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour rating: Excellent

All wonderful but especially the Uyuni salt flats.

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

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour 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

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour 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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