TIPS Bolivia Salt Flat

Salar de Uyuni is the world´s largest salt flat and the most famous tourist site in Bolivia.

Some tips that you have to consider if you decide to visit it:

- If you go from La Paz city by bus you will arrive in Uyuni between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM, it depends on the departure time in La Paz (approximate travel time is around 9 hours by bus)

- Don´t worry if you couldn´t book a tour before you will have the chance to get it directly in Uyuni.

- Private Tours Vs Group Tours, which is the best? In my case I prefer to take Group Tours because I like making new friends specially if they come from another country I don´t usually take private tours because it´s expensive but if you are able to pay one you will get some advantages for example you can organize the tour according to your interest and expectancy. On the transportation you will go more comfortable than in a group tour because from my point of view most of the vehicles are designed for Bolivian population probably shorter than you, and considering that most of the time you will stay on the jeep (most common type of transportation used for the tours) that´s a good idea otherwise you will have to share your space with some other people. On the contrary if you decide to take a group tour, you will have the chance to make new friends specially if you travel by yourself. I ran into tourists who met each other in Uyuni and now they are really best friends. The downside is the travel agency decides what kind of accommodation you will get, so please keep in mind these suggestions:

• make sure that the travel agency give you a receipt after you got an all-inclusive tour or paid for specific services such as private rooms, entrances fees, etc.
• If you take a group tour, which are cheaper, it’s probably that you have to pay an extra charge for the shower service (10 or 15 bolivianos) even some accommodations aren´t in a position to offer hot water, so be mentally prepared.

-I would recommend taking your perspective pictures before sunset around 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM, this way you will avoid having shades on your pictures like in this one.

-if taking photographs is one of your motivations, take with you a yoga or camping mat or else you will get wet at the moment of taking a perspective picture because you will have to lie down on the salt ground to take it.

-The most amazing places (mirror effect) are covered by rain water so don´t forget your flip flops or sport sandals this way you will avoid having your shoes covered by salt and also the vehicle will keep clean. Maybe you think you can walk barefooted, try it and you will get some pain auch!

-To take care of your eyes bring with you some sunglasses, and to protect your skin sunscreen and lip moisturizer (salt could dry your skin)

- if you forget some accessories for a perspective picture no worries in Colchani you will have an opportunity to buy some handicrafts and toys like the famous dinosaur or a cute alpaca for your creative pictures.

-Always bring in your backpack or handbag toilet paper roll and please be patient with some hygienic services. (rate 1 to 5 bolivianos)

-I would suggest taking cash money with you because most of the services won´t accept credit cards.

6 bolivianos

In Uyuni you will find different tours (full day, 2 day and 3 day tours) all depends on your interests and priorities sometimes people don´t have much time for those ones I suggest the full day tour, you won´t miss  the Train Cemetery, Colchani Town, Flag of various nations or the Slat Flats; however if you want to explore and see more, why not? take the 3 day tour, it includes others places to visit like Colored Lagoons, geysers and one of the best areas to relax and appreciate the nature with the company of flamingos and llamas “Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve”. So make sure the entrance is included in your tour otherwise, you will have to pay around 150 bolivianos if you are a foreigner. To finish the 3rd day get your bathing suit, you might as well want to jump in the andean hot springs in the middle of the nowhere.