Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest mirror and the main reason travellers head to Bolivia. The salt flats make you feel like you accidentally joined a tour to the moon and will leave you wondering if your body will ever not be covered in salt. There are plenty of different Salar de Uyuni tours to choose from.
Some experiences cater to people who are simply after some out of this world reflection shots, anyone who wants to marvel at a star riddled sky in the salt desert, or wants to embark on a three to five-day adventure. WOW, too much choice? Read on and you will find the right option for you.
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WHICH TOUR TO BOOK
Doing It On Your Own.
You can hire a car and head to the salt flats by yourself, nonetheless, this is not recommended. The 4×4 Jeep drivers are experienced and make it look easy to drive across the salty desert. In reality, cars get stuck easily.
One-Day Tours.
The different one-day Salar de Uyuni tours offer plenty to satisfy your appetite for the salt flats. There are two options. You can either embark on the one-day sunset or stargazing tour. I recommend you do both tours. The sunset tour finishes before the sky turns star riddled.
Sunset Tour.
We drove directly to a part of the salt flats that was covered by water. Do not worry. You will be provided with wellies (rubber boots) in order for your shoes not to be ruined. To begin with we had a couple of hours of free time in bright daylight to take pictures with the extraordinary reflections. I am much more comfortable behind the camera than in front, so if you are like me, bring props and look up some poses on social media beforehand. The picture opportunities are endless, and you will most likely never be at an extraordinary location like this again.
The guide then circulated us with the car, taking pictures and videos of different poses. At this point we were left wondering if we accidentally signed up to a yoga class. Great work out, even better pictures! The sunset was incredible, and we had plenty of time getting more shots with the brilliantly pink and yellow scenery, before the guide set up his camera for the big photo shoot in the dark.
Be mindful of who you book your tour with. Compare prices and see what the differences are between the operators. I went with Oasis who take great videos and pictures, not all tour companies offer that, and the price at BOB 160 was lower than other agencies.
Stargazing Tour.
I have one regret about my time in Bolivia, not having booked onto the stargazing tour. The pictures look incredible. On a non-cloudy day this will most likely be one of the most star riddled skies you will ever get to witness. The stargazing tour starts early morning around 2.30 – 4 am depending on the time of year and company. Prices at BOB 160 are in-line with the sunset tour.
Things To Note.
Bring your camera. You need a phone torch and Whatsapp for the in the dark shots. Bring warm socks, a woollen hat, maybe even gloves, I went in early February and it was very cold at night. Bring snacks, you will be starving.
The Different Salar de Uyuni Multi-Day Tours.
Not just here for the salt flats, but also want to explore the red, green and white lagoons, emerge yourself in the steam of geysers, take a dip in the dark in thermal baths, and surround yourself with alpacas and vicuñas? Well, then book yourself onto a three, four or five-day tour, either ending in Uyuni or San Pedro Chile. The four and five-day tours include additional stops and have a less jam-packed itinerary. I booked the three-day tour due to budget and time. Head here for the full three-day adventure.
Prices for the three-day tour range from BOB 700-1000, tours without an English-speaking guide can be found for BOB 600. I booked my tour through Evergreen for BOB 700 + additional costs of up to BOB 186 for the Incahuasi island, Eduardo Avaroa national park entrance, and the thermal baths.
The tour was operated by Red Planet, which has an excellent reputation, but please note that anyone booking with them directly paid more than me.
The whole experience was great, and there was much more offered than anticipated, with additional stops to what was being sold by the agencies, delicious food, treats, and a passionate team.
On the last day, it did feel like we had been in the 4×4 Jeep for a lifetime, leaving us with numb bums. If you aren’t a big fan of extensive long car journeys the three-day tour might not be for you.
My Suggestion For Choosing One Of The Different Salar de Uyuni Tours.
I think you get the most by booking a multi-day tour and add a one-day tour at the end or beforehand. I recommend you book the stargazing tour only, unless you want the reflection instead of just perspective shots, as the multi-day tours do not take you to the water covered parts of the salt flats.
WHAT TO PACK
You will get covered in salt. This is unavoidable. I recommend you wear clothing that can get stained. Some fabrics are less forgiving to salt stains than others, for example coloured cotton. I washed all my clothing as soon as we returned to avoid stains and that worked out fine for me. Bring warm clothing, it tends to be very cold at night.
WHERE TO STAY
The Bunker Hostel is opposite the square. My room had a bathtub! I almost had forgotten about them. The breakfast is included and one of the best I have had with a rich choice of fresh fruit, scrambled eggs mixed with onion and tomato, juices, cereal, three options of bread, coffee, and teas.
ATMs
ATMs in Uyuni can be a painful experience with many reports of no money availability and some not accepting Mastercard. Ecofuturo was the only one that allowed me to withdraw for free with my Mastercard. To avoid a painful experience, take enough cash out before visiting Uyuni.
WHERE TO NEXT
Looking for another adventure? Then head to La Paz for high altitude cable-car rides, Cholita Wrestling, or an above 6,000-metre climbing attempt. On your way there you can take an unforgettable train journey to Oruro. Other popular destinations are Bolivia’s capital Sucre, or Tupiza for more countryside.
Did I do a good job of sharing my love for this unique experience? Ready to get salty? Let me know in the comments which one of the different Salar de Uyuni tours you have chosen.
Now go ahead and explore! Try not to lose your towel.
