Uyuni
Uyuni
Uyuni is one of those places that feels otherworldly, sitting at the edge of Bolivia's vast salt flats. The Salar de Uyuni covers over 10,000 square kilometers, making it the largest salt flat on Earth. When it rains, the surface transforms into a massive natural mirror, creating jaw-dropping reflections of the sky that blur the line between heaven and earth.
The town of Uyuni itself is small and functional, originally built as a trading post because of its connection to the railroad. Today, it's the gateway to the famous salt flats and has developed around tourism while maintaining its authentic Bolivian character. The locals are incredibly resilient, having adapted to life at high altitude (over 3,600 meters above sea level) in this harsh landscape.
Beyond the famous salt flats, the surrounding region offers bizarre rock formations, colorful lagoons filled with flamingos, and geothermal fields with bubbling mud pots and steaming geysers. The area was once part of a prehistoric lake called Lake Minchin, which dried up thousands of years ago, leaving behind this extraordinary landscape rich in minerals like lithium.
The stark contrast between the blindingly white salt and the deep blue sky creates perfect conditions for perspective-bending photography. The temperature swings are extreme here - blazing sun during the day and freezing conditions at night, so visitors always need to come prepared for both!
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Things to do in Uyuni
Top things to do in Uyuni by www.across-southamerica.com
Where to stay in Uyuni
Best hotels in Uyuni:
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Hotel de Sal Atipax (luxury hotel)
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.
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Casa de Sal - Salt Hotel (medium range hotel)
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.
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Best hostels in Uyuni:
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Piedra Blanca Backpackers Hostel (hostel)
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.