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Things to do in Uyuni

• Take a Dip in Polques Hot Springs

  
  

  After a long day of exploring the salt flats, there's nothing better than soaking in the Polques Hot Springs. These natural pools are surrounded by stunning scenery, including volcanoes and colorful lagoons. The water is comfortably warm, usually around 95°F (35°C), and rich in minerals that are said to have healing properties.

  What makes this experience truly unique is the contrast between the warm water and the chilly air outside. On a cold morning, you can watch steam rising from the surface of the pool while you relax in the soothing water. It's a great way to unwind and take in the breathtaking Andean landscape. Just remember to bring a towel and some flip-flops, as the ground can be rocky.

  
  

• Uyuni Salt Flats Sunset and Stargazing Adventure

  
  

  An evening at the Uyuni Salt Flats offers a mesmerizing experience as the landscape transforms under the fading sunlight. The journey begins with a stop in Colchani, where visitors can observe traditional salt harvesting methods still used by the locals. This glimpse into the region’s craftsmanship provides insight into the long-standing practices that shape the area's economy.

  As the sun sets, the salt flats take on a surreal appearance, with the sky and vast white surface blending into a dreamlike panorama. The shifting colors create an almost ethereal atmosphere, making it an ideal setting for capturing stunning photographs. As darkness sets in, the absence of light pollution reveals a sky filled with countless stars, displaying constellations with remarkable clarity.

  The experience is further enhanced by the opportunity for creative night photography, where visitors can experiment with techniques such as light painting and capturing star trails. The reflective salt surface amplifies the celestial display, resulting in breathtaking images even for those unfamiliar with advanced photography. With temperatures dropping after nightfall, dressing warmly ensures comfort throughout this immersive four-hour exploration of the salt flats from sunset to starlit night.

  
  
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• Uyuni Salt Flats Sunset Adventure

  
  

  A journey through the Uyuni Salt Flats offers a surreal and unforgettable experience. The tour begins with a visit to the train cemetery, where old, rusted locomotives provide a unique backdrop for photographs. From there, the vast white expanse of the salt flats unfolds, stretching endlessly in every direction. Guided stops along the way allow visitors to capture creative perspective shots, making the most of this remarkable landscape.

  Midway through the day, a lunch break offers a chance to recharge before continuing to Incahuasi Island. This rocky formation, rising in the middle of the salt desert, is dotted with towering cacti, creating an almost alien-like setting. The contrast between the rugged terrain and the endless salt plain enhances the otherworldly atmosphere of the location.

  As the tour concludes, the fading sunlight casts warm hues across the landscape, creating a striking visual display. The sky transforms with shades of orange and pink, reflecting off the salt flats in a mesmerizing way. With a glass of wine in hand, visitors can take in the peaceful surroundings, marking the perfect end to a remarkable day.

  
  
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• Explore the Train Cemetery

  
  
  
  
  

  Just outside Uyuni, you'll find a bizarre and fascinating attraction: the Train Cemetery. This open-air museum of sorts is filled with rusted locomotives and train cars from Bolivia's once-booming railway era. As you wander among these metal giants, you can't help but feel like you've stepped into a post-apocalyptic movie set.

  The trains, abandoned in the 1940s, have been slowly corroding in the salty air, creating surreal, oxidized sculptures. Climbing on the old engines and boxcars is allowed, offering great photo opportunities and a chance to imagine the bustling past of this now-quiet place. The contrast between the decaying trains and the vast, empty landscape around them is truly striking.

  
  

• Visit the Galaxy Cave

  
  

  The Galaxy Cave, or Gruta de las Galaxias, is a hidden gem near Uyuni that's often overlooked by tourists. This small cave is filled with fascinating rock formations and ancient fossilized algae that look like they're from another world. The name comes from the patterns on the cave walls, which resemble a starry night sky.

  As you explore the cave, you'll see structures that look like coral reefs, but they're actually stromatolites – some of the oldest fossils on Earth. These date back millions of years to when this area was underwater. It's a mind-bending experience to touch these ancient life forms and imagine the prehistoric landscape. The cave isn't very big, but it's packed with geological wonders that'll leave you in awe of our planet's history.

  
  

• Explore the Chiquini Cave

  
  

  The Chiquini Cave is a fascinating geological site near Uyuni. This lava tube was formed by ancient volcanic activity and is now a window into the area's geological past. As you enter the cave, you'll be amazed by the smooth, curved walls and the interesting rock formations.

  Inside, you can see evidence of different lava flows and how they cooled and solidified over time. The cave is also home to some interesting plant life that's adapted to the unique environment. It's not a very long cave, but it's definitely worth exploring. Remember to bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes – the floor can be uneven and slippery in places. It's a great way to escape the heat of the day and learn about the volcanic forces that shaped this landscape.

  
  

• Visit Incahuasi Island

  
  
  
  
  

  In the middle of the Salar de Uyuni lies Incahuasi Island, a rocky outcrop covered in giant cacti. This otherworldly spot feels like you've landed on another planet. The island is actually the top of an ancient volcano, and walking its hiking trails gives you incredible 360-degree views of the salt flats stretching to the horizon.

  The cacti here are massive, some over 1,000 years old and reaching heights of 39 feet. It's mind-blowing to see these towering plants thriving in such a harsh environment. The island also has some basic facilities, including a small restaurant where you can grab lunch with an unbeatable view. Don't forget your camera – the contrast between the white salt, blue sky, and green cacti makes for some truly stunning photos.

  
  

• Visit the Tunupa Volcano

  
  

  The Tunupa Volcano is a dormant volcano on the northern edge of the Salar de Uyuni. While it's a challenging hike to the top, even a trip partway up offers incredible views of the salt flats and surrounding landscape. The volcano is considered sacred by local indigenous communities, adding a cultural dimension to your visit.

  As you climb, you'll pass through different vegetation zones, from cacti at the base to hardy Andean plants higher up. Near the summit, you might spot viscachas (rabbit-like rodents) hopping among the rocks. The panoramic view from the top is breathtaking, with the white expanse of the salt flats stretching as far as the eye can see. It's a tough climb, but the sense of achievement and the stunning vistas make it all worthwhile.

  
  

• Watch Flamingos at Laguna Hedionda

  
  
  
  
  

  Laguna Hedionda is a shallow, salty lake that's famous for its large flamingo population. Three different species of flamingos – James's, Chilean, and Andean – gather here to feed on the algae-rich waters. The sight of hundreds of these pink birds against the backdrop of the Andean mountains is truly spectacular.

  The best time to visit is early morning when the flamingos are most active and the light is perfect for photography. Bring binoculars if you have them, as the birds can be a bit shy and tend to stay in the middle of the lake. The area around the lake is also worth exploring, with interesting rock formations and other wildlife like vicuñas. Just be careful not to disturb the flamingos or other animals – this is their home, after all.

  
  

Where to stay in Uyuni

Best hotels in Uyuni:

• Hotel de Sal Atipax (luxury hotel)

  
  
  
  
  
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  Hotel de Sal Atipax in Uyuni is a cozy spot to recharge after exploring the salt flats. The rooms are big and comfy, with warm beds that are perfect for those cold Uyuni nights. What really stands out are the hot showers - such a nice treat after a long day out on the salar.

  The people working here are incredibly nice and always ready to help. They'll sort out your transportation or whip up an early breakfast if you've got an early flight. The food at the restaurant is tasty too, with a mix of local dishes and international favorites. It's a great place to stay if you want a comfortable home base for your Uyuni adventures.

  
  

• Casa de Sal - Salt Hotel (medium range hotel)

  
  
  
  
  
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  Casa de Sal in Uyuni is a truly one-of-a-kind place to crash. The whole building is made from salt blocks, which is pretty wild when you think about it. It fits right in with the famous Salar de Uyuni salt flats nearby. The rooms are big and comfy, with all the modern stuff you'd expect like TVs and heating - which is super important when the nights get cold up there.

  The location is spot-on, right in the heart of Uyuni. It's perfect for wandering around town or jumping on a tour to the salt flats. There's a restaurant on-site with some nice views, great for grabbing a bite before you head out exploring. The staff are really friendly and helpful too. They speak good English and can sort you out with tours, transport, or pretty much anything else you need while you're in town.

  
  

Best hostels in Uyuni:

• Piedra Blanca Backpackers Hostel (hostel)

  
  
  
  
  
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  Piedra Blanca Backpackers Hostel in Uyuni is a cool spot for travelers watching their wallet. The place has a chill atmosphere with lots of shared spaces to relax and chat with other backpackers. You can choose from dorms or private rooms with their own bathrooms, all kept nice and tidy. The kitchen is well-stocked if you're in the mood to whip up your own meals.

  The staff here are super nice and can help you set up tours to check out the famous salt flats nearby. While it's not smack in the middle of town, you can easily walk to restaurants and shops. Piedra Blanca gives you good bang for your buck with up-to-date facilities, a social vibe, and a tasty breakfast to start your day. It's a great base for exploring Uyuni and the surrounding area without breaking the bank.