The Uyuni Salt Flats are one of the most unreal places we’ve ever visited. Spanning over 10,000 square kilometres in southwest Bolivia, the vast white landscape feels endless and completely other-worldly. Depending on the season, it either turns into a giant mirror reflecting the sky(this is what we recommend) or a blinding white desert with perfect hexagon salt patterns, making it feel like another planet.
There are a few ways to experience Uyuni. You can do a day tour, or opt for a multi-day 4WD adventure that explores far beyond the flats into the surrounding high-altitude desert. Longer tours are especially worth it if you want to see:
Flamingo-filled lagoons
Steaming geysers and hot springs
Remote landscapes that feel completely untouched
Salt Sculptre park
Salt Hotel
During the wet season (Jan–March), a thin layer of water creates the famous mirror effect. Calm mornings and evenings are the best time for photos, tour providers will provide you with boots so no need to worry about the water. In the dry season (April–Dec), the water disappears and the flats reveal their iconic cracked patterns, perfect for walking and playing with perspective photos. Days are bright and intense, while nights on multi-day tours can get freezing cold.
Tours & Costs:
Day trips: USD $30–$60, usually including transport and a guide
Multi-day tours: USD $150–$300, often including meals, accommodation, and extended stops
Photo Tips:
Bright clothes and props make your shots pop against the white salt, like bright colours or you can buy ponchos along the way they normally stop at little village that sells souvenirs along with colourful ponchos.
Forced perspective photos work best in the dry season (but can still be done in wet season)
Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the vastness, but phones work fine too
Drone if you have it takes INCREDIBLE SHOTS!
What to Pack:
Layers (it gets cold in the mornings and evenings)
Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm
Hat and sturdy shoes
Reusable water bottle and snacks
Cash for tips or small extras
Whether you spend a few hours or several days, Uyuni Salt Flats are a bucket-list destination that’s surreal, wild, and completely unforgettable, one of the best things we did on our 2 year away trip!
Our tour was amazing and would highly recommend we did the wet season and couldn't recommend it enough below we have linked the exact one we did.