Trips to the Uyuni Salt Flats are an unforgettable experience but unfortunately the general standard of facilities and services are not very high in the area. We would like to make it clear that things are not as reliable, comfortable and professional as we would like on these budget tours so for this reason we do not promise more than what you will receive for your money. The accommodation & food will be basic, the driver is just a driver and acts as a basic guide plus he is unlikely to speak any English. Due to the harshness of the terrain vehicle breakdowns are common.
Although the bus from Uyuni to La Paz is comfortable, the road is not. Over half of the driving time will be on unsealed and bumpy roads, and you must secure your carry-on luggage as it is likely to jump around.
Still interested? Good, you should be because if you can put up with a bit of hardship you should have a great time. You don't really need a guide for this tour as most of it is looking at landscapes and these are pretty self-explanatory. Take some extra snacks, plenty of warm clothes and a sleeping bag and the accommodations won't worry you. The drivers are used to breakdowns and are pretty adept at fixing their vehicles, they are always willing to help each other out and you are usually not stuck for long - so a bit of patience is often all you need.
We believe if you are informed truthfully about the possible negative aspects of the tours you can prepare yourself better and will have a more positive experience.
Uyuni Salt Flats Photography
A trip to the salt flats makes you an instant photographer as you´ll find unique shots everywhere! For instance, there are giant cacti and salt piles in the middle of a white salt landscape, where also sometimes recent rains cause an incredible reflection effect which your camera will capture for you to make your friends back home extremely jealous. The endless whiteness of the landscape also allows you to play with perspective in your photography and by bringing everyday objects (or kids toys) you can make them life-size, appearing eye to eye with them in photos! To see examples on our Facebook page click here: Uyuni Salt Flats Photos! (Important: if you are in the middle of making a booking, right click and open link in a new tab to avoid losing what you have done so far!)
Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat, located in Bolivia. Photographers flock here to capture the unique landscape.
The Salar de Uyuni was formed by the disappearance of an inland ocean that covered most of the Altiplano and extended all the way to the Titicaca Lake. This body of water disappeared about 13.000 years ago.
It is an extraordinary experience to cross this lake of salt by car, especially during the winter, because at that time the sky is completely clear and the bright blue color of the sky contrasts brilliantly with the salt. On a cloudy day there is a "white-out" effect: the horizon seems to blend in with the sky and you can hardly tell where the salt lake actually ends.
The Salar de Uyuni or 'salt flats' is a one of the highlights of a trip to Bolivia and shouldn't be missed as it is a unique place in the world.The terrain in this area is harsh and conditions are basic so you should not expect a lot of comfort but if you can rough it for a few days the rewards are well worth it.
Flight Option: If you wish to upgrade your package by adding a flight to La Paz instead of the 11 hour bus, consult us for the current price and departure times using this email address: bolivia@greentoadbus.com
You will have to stay the night in Uyuni and fly to La Paz the next morning! If you select to fly to La Paz an additional night will need to be added to the Uyuni Sector.
Recommended Nights: 3
Recommended Activities: Bike the Death Road, Tiwanaku Tour, Copacabana/Isla del Sol Tour
La Paz is the highest capital city in the world and features a unique urban landscape which trickles into an impossible valley. Spend a couple of days or weeks even, to soak in the energy of this enchanting city. Visit the witches market, the valley of the moon, and dare to take on the world's most dangerous road. No trip to South America is complete without a visit to the La Paz!
Please Note: It is not unusual for Jeep Tours to stray from advertised itineraries due to road and weather conditions, especially during the months of January & February. We reserve the right to change the Jeep Tour and bus to/from La Paz route if such conditions make it necessary to do so!