This guide explains how to access the Salt Flats in Bolivia, what options you have and details on what I did when travelling.
Where are the salt flats in Bolivia?
The salt flats are just off a town called Uyuni which is fairly remote. A lot of backpackers travel to the city of La Paz and then use the overnight buses to visit the salt flats or some travel directly to Uyuni. As a solo female traveller, I felt more comfortable going to a more built up city like La Paz and travelling to the salt flats with a reputable tour company as local buses in South America can be very hit or miss.
What tour options are there?
If you’re travelling to both Bolivia and Chile then I’d recommend doing the 3 day tour which will take you to either border (rather than returning to La Paz). You’ll get the chance to see more of the salt flats including flamingos.
Personally, I did the 1 day tour of the salt flats with overnight buses either side back to La Paz due to time constraints.
The best company to book with is Todo Truism for your buses to and from La Paz to Uyuni. Very comfortable seats and meals included.
I booked the 3 day tour through Get Your Guide (From La Paz: Uyuni Salt Flat Tour and Overnight Roundtrip Bus). Although it says 3 days this includes the 2 overnight buses so it’s just 1 full day at the salt flats.
Can you visit the salt flats from Peru?
Yes. I only went to Bolivia to see the salt flats and came back to Peru after. I highly recommend booking the hop on hop off bus pass through Peru Hop/Bolivia Hop. The pass I bought went from Cusco–La Paz–Arequipa–Huachachina–Lima with various stops/tours on the way including Copacabana in Bolivia. It was especially important to choose this bus as you have an English speaking guide who helps you cross the border between Peru and Bolivia (and back again) which also includes a water crossing. Land border crossings can be stressful and result in immigration issues if you don’t get stamped properly so it is well worth the slightly extra money to have a smooth experience.
Is it worth visiting Bolivia just for the salt flats?
I would say 100% yes. I had around 4 nights sleeping on buses from Peru and back over the course of one week but I certainly thought it was worth it. The salt flats were like being on the moon, such as interesting landscape and not one I could get back home. The sunset was spectacular, met some amazing people on the tour and got the chance to experience another country for a few days.
Even with a 1 day tour you get to see the abandoned train station, cactus island, have wine at sunset.
What else is there to do in La Paz other than the salt flats?
I had a day spare either side of my tour and I used this time to do the free walking tour (you can book on Viator). This was amazing and included going on the gondolas across the city.
I’m not a confident bike rider but if you are then Death Road tours were highly recommended by my friends. There’s also the Huayna Potsi mountain climb where you hike through snow and ice to 6000m altitude (not for the faint hearted). Some friends also went to see the Cholitas wrestling and they really enjoyed it (personally I stayed at the hostel as I was so tired from all the overnight buses).
I’d also recommend trying the wine and chocolate it was some of my favourite in South America.
Where to stay in La Paz before visiting the salt flats?
If you’ve been backpacking Peru you’ll be well aware of Wild Rover hostels who also have a site in La Paz. I really enjoyed these hostels as they have a great social scene which is important when travelling on your own particularly in those first few weeks where you still have lots of energy. It was in a very central location and had free activities like cocktail making and Spanish lessons. As always I booked through Booking.com.
Other tips for visiting the salt flats in Bolivia
When changing countries in a small timeframe, get an e-sim so you can quickly get online. Most buses don’t have working wifi so it’s important to be able to stay online particularly if you have any issues going through immigration. I use Airalo as I find it really quick and simple to use, plus the more you use it you get money off your future sims.