Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, is situated on the Bolivian plateau, about 350 kilometers from La Paz. Recognized by Lonely Planet and many travel websites as a must-visit natural wonder, it covers an area of around 3,800 meters. Everyone hopes that this unique place remains untouched, even though it has been discovered to contain lithium.

Most tourists visit the lake from the town of Uyuni, although you can also start from Tupiza, which isn’t far away. Uyuni has a small airport serviced by Líneas Aéreas Canedo, with flights from Cochabamba taking about 1.5 hours. However, since it’s a small airline, flights may not always be available. Alternatively, you can take a bus from La Paz (a journey of 12-15 hours) or from Potosi (6-7 hours). Keep in mind that the standards of local bus companies may not match those you might be used to, so cancellations and delays are possible. Another option is taking the Expreso del Sur Andean railway, or renting a 4×4 vehicle in La Paz or Potosi, which is highly recommended due to the challenging terrain and climate conditions.

Tour operators in Uyuni are adept at navigating the area’s transportation, legal requirements, customs, and language barriers. It’s a good idea to travel in groups for safety and peace of mind. When selecting tour operators and accommodations, go for reliable options like the Palacio Del Sal hotel.

A few practical tips: be mindful of sober drivers and be prepared for altitude sickness—spending a day acclimatizing and drinking Coca Leaf Tea can help. The best time to visit is during the dry season from April to November. Make sure to come well-equipped with essential items like hats (preferably with ear coverage), sunglasses, sunscreen (especially for your lips), layered clothing (nights can get cold), small change for toilets, flashlights with extra batteries, thermos flasks for hot drinks, water bottles, and photocopies of your travel documents.

Enjoy your trip to Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia!