Unlike other tourist attractions across South America, there is absolutely no best or worst time to visit Salar de Uyuni! The world’s largest salt flat will amaze you no matter the time of year.
Between December and March the salt flat becomes a giant mirror because of the rainfall. The largest natural mirror in the world is created, which of course brings tourists in large numbers! These months create spectacular images but are also some of the busiest, the days are quite often wet too, so prepare yourself!
Towards the end of March the rains are significantly less, therefore the mirror effect will be less than at the start of the year. The temperatures are still warm and the fewer tourists mean that deals can be had!
Winter arrives in June and it is cold until at least August. Rather than being a huge mirror, Salar de Uyuni becomes similar in appearance to a desert! Rain is very uncommon during these months but frigid temperatures make it advisable to wrap up warm.
From September to November, temperatures begin to rise after winter and rain becomes a possibility as you move closer to the summer.
Salar de Uyuni is an all-year-round destination. It all depends on what you want to get out of your visit, there isn’t really a best or worst time to visit!
Reaching Salar de Uyuni from La Paz
Despite being one of two landlocked countries in South America, Bolivia has so much to offer; Lake Titicaca, the world’s most dangerous road, the Amazon basin, the Andes, there is so much to do! Your first stop in this country is likely to be La Paz, the worlds highest capital city. This short guide will help you reach Salar de Uyuni from the capital.
To reach Salar de Uyuni you will have to first reach the nearby town of Uyuni and to do this there are three modes of transport; plane, bus or train. If time isn’t a problem then I recommend the train, if time is short but money is tight the then bus is for you, however, if you have little time but sufficient money then flying is wise!
Taking a flight between La Paz and Uyuni (or vice versa)
Flying is the quickest way to reach Uyuni as it takes less than 1 hour. There are daily flights operated Amaszonas from the morning until the evening.
Though flying might be the quickest, it is the most expensive and least environmentally friendly mode of transport. A one-way flight may cost around £50 or more depending on the time of year and how far in advance it is booked.
The bus between La Paz and Uyuni (or vice versa)
Buses are a good option for travel, they are often cheaper and if you travel at night you can even save on a night’s accommodation! The buses are comfortable with toilets, reclining seats (cama) and food provided. The journey takes about 8-10 hours overnight and will arrive first thing in the morning.
The train between the two
Without a doubt the most scenic way of travelling between La Paz and Uyuni. The timings sadly aren’t the best and unfortunately the train does not start in La Paz, instead it departs Oruro which is a 3-4 hour bus journey away. Frequent buses mean Oruro is easy to reach and tickets cost as little as £8.
Trains depart from Oruro on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The journey takes about 7 hours and tickets cost less than £15 even for the first-class. The timings are best on Tuesdays and Fridays, when the train leaves at 14:30 and arrives at about 21:30, providing scenic views for much of the journey. On Wednesdays and Sundays the train doesn’t leave until 19:00 and arrives at 2:30am, this isn’t the best time to arrive into Uyuni. If you want to travel by train, we recommend the earlier one. Be sure to book the tickets in advance.
When does the Salar de Uyuni become the biggest mirror on earth?
The Bolivian salt flats (Salar de Uyuni) are located in the southwestern department of Potosí. These salt flats have become a staple visit for anyone travelling through South America. The salt flat exists because of a prehistoric lake that dried up thousands of years ago and today it has left behind a salt desert. It isn’t just any salt flat, in-fact it is the largest in the world and you’ll be bemused by it.
The salt flat becomes the largest mirror on the planet in the rainy months of December and April. The rain sits atop of the salt flat and reflects the sky and surrounding mountains off the surface. The mirror becomes a huge optical illusion that excites tourists from all over the world. It is beautiful at all times of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially fascinating with the oranges and dark colours reflecting off the water.
When the salt flat is not a mirror outside of these months it is still fascinating.
A sea of white extends far into the horizon and you can still take illusional photos and explore for miles and miles.
Tours of Salar de Uyuni depart all-year-round and begin in many different places, these tours are a great way of
exploring the expansive salt flats and provide you with a guide who knows the best spots!