Uyuni
Uyuni serves as the main gateway to the world’s largest salt flats, the Salar de Uyuni, drawing travelers who seek the endless white expanse of mineral crust. The town lies in the southwest of Bolivia, perched on a high plain at 3,700 m (12,139 ft) above sea level. With a population of about 29,700 recorded in the 2012 census, it functions as a hub for both tourism and cross‑border traffic to Chile.
The landscape surrounding Uyuni is a stark alpine cold desert, classified as BWk in the Köppen system, where mild summers give way to cold winters and night‑time temperatures remain chilly throughout the year. To the east the plain rises into more mountainous terrain, while the flat itself stretches toward the horizon, creating a sense of openness that amplifies the altitude’s thin air. The town’s climate and elevation shape daily life, limiting agriculture to hardy crops such as quinoa and to livestock like llamas and sheep.
Founded in 1890 as a trading post, Uyuni retains an extensive street‑market where visitors can browse local produce and crafts. A customs and immigration post occupies the downtown area, underscoring the town’s role as a conduit for commerce between Bolivia and neighboring Chile. Each year roughly 60,000 tourists pass through, many arriving to embark on tours of the salt flats that lie just beyond the town’s edge. The combination of high altitude, desert climate, and immediate access to the Salar de Uyuni makes Uyuni the most striking point of entry to that surreal landscape.
Experiences in Uyuni
Explore hand-picked Uyuni tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
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Where to stay in Uyuni
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Uyuni accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Cielo & Sal Hotel
Cielo & Sal Hotel is nestled in the picturesque town of Uyuni, Bolivia, providing an inviting gateway to the stunning natural wonders of the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. This charming boutique hotel embraces guests with its warm and welcoming ambiance, ensuring a memorable stay for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation in this unique region.
Hotel Sal Casa de Sal
Hotel Sal Casa de Sal is a unique and welcoming destination located in the enchanting town of Uyuni, Bolivia, nestled at the edge of the world-renowned Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat on the planet. This remarkable location sets the stage for an unforgettable experience, where guests can explore a landscape unlike any other.
Jardines de Uyuni Hotel 3*
Jardines de Uyuni is 1312 feet from the bus and train terminal. Rooms are styled with lively colors and rustic décor. Wi-Fi is free. Hotel Jardines de Uyuni has rooms with cable TV and heating. All rooms are fitted with private bathrooms and regional décor. A daily breakfast is included. Arce Square is 656 feet away and the tour desk can offer tips for getting around the area. Guests can enjoy regional dishes at the on-site restaurant which is open from 19:30 to 21:30. Joya Andina Ciudad Uyuni Airport is 3.1 mi from the hotel. The reservations department informs that the pool and sauna service at the Jardines de Uyuni hotel is suspended until further notice. Couples in particular like the excellent location
Hotel Palacio de Sal
Solid salt forms every wall and building component at Hotel Palacio de Sal. This hotel sits four kilometers deep within the Salar de Uyuni salt flats near Colchani, in Bolivia. Unbroken saline landscape surrounds the property, which lies eighty kilometers outside the central district of Uyuni.
Hotel Luna Salada
Hotel Luna Salada stands 2.5 kilometers from Salar de Uyuni, placing the salt flats a 10-minute drive from the building. The 49-room hotel sits in the Uyuni region of Bolivia, requiring a credit card deposit upon arrival. Shuttle transfers connect the property to surrounding destinations within a 30-kilometer radius, alongside a 24-hour airport transfer option.
Insider-led Bolivia Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
