Destination scores
Practical info
Uyuni offers an otherworldly experience that extends beyond the famous salt flats. The Train Cemetery, located on the outskirts of town, is a haunting yet fascinating site where rusted locomotives from the early 20th century lie abandoned under the vast sky. This open-air museum tells the story of Bolivia's railway past, which was once lively with activity but now serves as a photographer's playground. The town of Uyuni itself is a gateway to adventure, with Avenida Ferroviaria serving as the main thoroughfare. Here, you can find local eateries serving up Bolivian specialties like salteñas, a savory pastry filled with beef or chicken and vegetables. The town comes alive during the annual Carnaval de Uyuni, usually held in February, adding a splash of color and music to the high-altitude desert. Beyond the salt flats, the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve lies to the south, home to the striking Laguna Colorada. This red lagoon, dotted with flamingos, is framed by the peaks of the Andes, offering a dramatic contrast of colors that shifts with the light and weather.
Best time to visit
May to October — dry season with clearer skies and cooler temperatures, ideal for visiting the salt flats.
Month by month
Wet season begins, with occasional rain turning the salt flats into a mirror.
Carnaval de Uyuni brings festivities to town; salt flats may be flooded.
End of wet season; the salt flats still have reflective surfaces.
Transition to dry season; pleasant weather for exploring.
Dry season starts; clear skies and cooler nights.
Cold, dry conditions; perfect for exploring without crowds.
Peak of dry season; coldest month with clear skies.
Continues dry and cold; good for photography.
Temperatures rise slightly; still dry and clear.
End of dry season; warmer days, still good for visits.
Start of wet season; occasional showers begin.
Rain increases; salt flats begin to flood, creating mirrors.
Highlights
- ✦Salar de Uyuni — Largest salt flat in the world, creating a mirror effect when covered with water.
- ✦Train Cemetery — Abandoned locomotives from the early 1900s, a relic of Bolivia's railway history.
- ✦Laguna Colorada — Red-colored lake in Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, habitat for thousands of flamingos.
- ✦Isla Incahuasi — Cactus-covered island in the middle of the salt flats, offering panoramic views.
- ✦San Cristóbal Church — Historic church relocated stone by stone to avoid flooding, showcasing colonial architecture.
Hidden gems
Practical tips
- ·Bring layers — Temperatures can vary greatly between day and night due to high altitude.
- ·Cash is king — ATMs are limited, and not all places accept credit cards.
- ·Book tours in advance — Popular tours to the salt flats and surrounding areas can fill up quickly, especially in high season.
- ·Altitude sickness precautions — Uyuni is at over 3,600 meters; consider acclimatization and medication.
Budget estimate
$50–80 USD / day (mid-range)
