A trip to the world's largest salt flat, the 11,000-sq. km Salar de Uyuni is like traveling to another dimension. Completely flat for miles and dotted with colorful mirrored lakes, the flats are contained by the Andes mountains in the distance. Between 30-40,000 years ago, this expansive salt-covered desert was submerged under the giant Lake Minchin, which since dried up completely and left only the briny remains of its existence. Located in southwestern Bolivia in the Altiplano plateau, it is truly a land of extremes. The Adventure Life team has put together several fascinating tours exploring Bolivia's impressive landscape, including stops at Lake Titicaca, and can be combined with Chile's Atacama Desert, just across the Chilean border from Bolivia. Contact one of our South American experts to plan the perfect trip.

5 Best Salar de Uyuni Tours for 2022-2023

Name: Bolivia Tours & Travel
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.9 (376 reviews)

All Salar De Uyuni Tours

Uyuni and Colored Lagoons

4 Days from $1,733

This 4-day tour will give you a taste of Bolivia's geological diversity from volcanoes to ancient salt flats. Explore the region of Uyuni famous home of the world's largest salt flats, visible from space, before traveling south where the lagoons are vibrantly colored from the thermal activity.

High Deserts of Bolivia & Chile

10 Days from $3,462

Explore Bolivia and Chile on this 10-day adventure tour revealing an extreme geography of deserts, mountains, canyons, and lagoons. Visit Salar de Uyuni, Lake Titicaca, and the Atacama Desert while viewing breathtaking landscapes every step of the way! Starting in La Paz, Bolivia you'll journey to Tatio Geysers, the Valley of the Moon, and more.

Bolivia Backroads

10 Days from $4,489

Explore what many call the Tibet of the Americas on this 10-day tour of Bolivia. Enjoy family hospitality at Hacienda Candelaria, meet village weavers and maybe try your hand at the loom, visit the Tarabuco Market, travel across the largest salt flat in the world at Uyuni, and visit the mines of Potosi before heading back to La Paz.

Atacama Desert Trek

7 Days from $1,652

Venture into the Atacama Desert! This 7-day tour includes flexible Chile itineraries that explore this unique region, including a visit to the Valley of the Moon and the El Tatio geysers. Evenings are spent at the renowned Terrantai Lodge in San Pedro de Atacama.

La Paz and Uyuni

3 Days from $648

On this 3-day tour, you will get a taste of Bolivia's geographical diversity from volcanos to ancient salt flats. Visit the capital city of La Paz, where you can wander through the colorful markets and marvel at the historic architecture before flying to Uyuni to explore the famous region of the world's largest salt flats, visible from space.

10 Best Combine With a Trip to Chile or Argentina for 2022-2023

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Atacama Desert	$1643	4-5	May 22, 2022	Venture into the Atacama Desert! Three to five night extensions include flexible itineraries that explore this unique region, including a visit to … 0
Atacama Multisport	$4413	6	May 22, 2022	Explore the Atacama Desert! Six day trip includes hiking through the Valley of the Moon, horseback riding through Death Valley, mountain bike to the … 0
Awasi Atacama Desert	$2700	4	May 22, 2022	Spend your nights in San Pedro de Atacama on these 3 to 5-night luxury Chile tours with flexible itineraries that explore the best of the Atacama … 0
Taste of Argentina	$2257	9	May 22, 2022	Join this 9-day journey to discover the delicious local dishes and wines, as well as the inviting culture and landscape of northern Argentina -- a … 0
Chile North to South	$3305	13	Sep 1, 2022	This 13-day tour of Chile takes you from Northern Chile's Atacama Desert, to Santiago, the Lake District, then Torres del Paine. Along the way, … 0
Andean Northwest	$1504	4	May 22, 2022	Salta province in Northwest Argentina has the culture and scenery to fascinate any inquisitive traveler. Explore the stunning rock formations of … 0
Chile Astronomy Adventure	$3746	8	Dec 1, 2022	Experience the astronomical highlights of Chile and more during this 8-day adventure. Explore the arid Atacama Desert, stroll La Serena's streets, … 0
Cumbres All-Inclusive: San Pedro de Atacama	$1898	3-7	May 22, 2022	Explore San Pedro de Atacama and let yourself be pampered with this all-inclusive program that includes everything you need to live a great … 0
Humahuaca	$320	1	May 22, 2022	Enjoy this full-day trip from Salta city to Humahuaca, a colorful ancient village with beautiful surroundings. On your way, see "Cerro de colores" … 0
Explore Cafayate	$310	1	May 22, 2022	On this Argentina day trip, explore the geography and history of Cafayate, famous for its vineyards. Drive along the Lerma Valley and see the … 0

Salar De Uyuni Tour Ideas for 2022-2023

Bolivia Backroads

10 Days from $4,489

High Deserts of Bolivia & Chile

10 Days from $3,462

All Bolivia Articles

Salar De Uyuni Travel Guide & Tips

Salar de Uyuni

Pictures of Salar de Uyuni leaves you wondering where this other-worldly landscape could possibly be! What look like scenes from a different planet are actually accessible to travelers in Bolivia. Visit the largest salt flat in the world during your South America adventure.

Salar de Uyuni: Highlights
What was once a prehistoric lake is now the world's largest salt flat, stretching out over 11,000 sq. km. on Bolivia's Altiplano plateau. It fuels a huge salt mining industry and has been recognized by Travel & Leisure Magazine as one of the world's strangest natural wonders.

So what is there to see on this peculiar barren plain in the heights of the Bolivian mountainscape?

Salt Lakes! Obviously. Just witnessing this salt desert will leave you with a sense of awe and wonder. The cracked and broken desert stretches out interminably in a dry sea of whiteness. Like many deserts, you might see mirages as the sun dances on the reflective surface, but unlike most deserts, you won't find even a grain of sand.
Flamingos. Interestingly, the salty lagoons that have formed make for a delightful home for the scores of pink flamingos that live here.
Other nearby destinations worth visiting on your Bolivia trip include the Atacama desert and other places in the Altiplano like the Laguna Colorada.

Best Time of Year to Travel to Bolivia

Like most of its South American Andean neighbors, Bolivia’s climate varies based on altitude and time of the year, making it an excellent destination throughout the whole year. However, most agree that the best time to travel to Bolivia is during the dry season between May to October, with a tourism spike around August.

Salar de Uyuni Named One of World's Strangest Places

Learn about the bizarre characteristics of the Uyuni Salt Flats

Best Time of the Year to Visit Salar de Uyuni

You can visit Uyuni any time of the year as the seasonal differences are small. The altitude is at 3600 meters (feet), which makes for cool days and nights.

The rainy season is from November until March, when the temperatures are warmer and more importantly, there's a better chance of seeing the salt lake beds filled with water, which gives them a mirror effect, and that million dollar photo opportunity that you came to Uyuni for.

The winter months of June, July, and August are drier, almost without rainfall, and see lower temperatures, averaging below freezing at nights with highs around 15 degrees celsius (60 F).