Spend a full day crossing Bolivia’s iconic salt flat: visit the Train Cemetery, Colchani salt village, the vast Salar de Uyuni and (season permitting) Incahuasi Island, finishing with a spectacular sunset. Learn practical tips for altitude, timing and what to bring.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You arrive as the plain of white unspools to the horizon and the sun begins to tilt; the Salar either throws the sky back at you like a careful mirror or, in the dry season, reveals a honeycombed crust you can walk across. A single-day circuit from Uyuni threads through the Train Cemetery, the salt-working town of Colchani, the vast salt flat itself and, when conditions allow, Incahuasi Island, where giant cacti silhouette against cobalt sky.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness for a long day at high altitude; be comfortable walking short uneven trails and getting on/off a 4x4.
Wildlife
History
The Salar sits on the basin of prehistoric lakes; 19th-century rail development and salt extraction shaped Uyuni’s growth and tourism today.
Conservation
The salt flat is delicate — stick to established routes, avoid leaving waste, and respect local community fees that fund conservation and services.
Reserve your spot on the Salar de Uyuni Tour 1 day with Sunset today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before you go
Spend a day in Uyuni or Sucre at altitude to reduce headache and fatigue; drink water and avoid alcohol the night before.
Sun protection is critical
Bring high-SPF sunscreen, UV sunglasses and a wide-brim hat — reflected light on the salt intensifies sun exposure.
Bring layered clothing
Temperatures swing; pack a warm mid-layer and a windproof outer shell for sunset and higher winds.
Carry cash for local fees
Bring small Bolivianos for optional entrances (Incahuasi ~30 Bs) and local vendors in Colchani.
Sunglasses with UV protection
Protects eyes from intense reflected sunlight across the salt.
Layered clothing (base, warm midlayer, wind shell)
Temperature swings and wind at sunset require flexible insulation.
Reusable water bottle (1–2 L)
Hydration reduces altitude symptoms and keeps energy up during the 9‑hour day.
Sturdy walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots
Salt crust can be uneven and bicycle sections need supportive footwear.