Spend three days crossing the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding high desert: train graveyard, Colchani saltworks, Incahuasi’s cacti and the red lagoons. Expect extreme altitude, basic lodgings and otherworldly photo opportunities.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A thin white horizon stretches until the sky meets it — a blank so bright it redefines distance. On day one the land opens: rusting locomotives crouch at the Train Cemetery, Colchani’s salt artisans shape bricks and handicrafts, and by afternoon the Salar de Uyuni unfolds into an endless, geometric plain.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness recommended: able to manage long vehicle days, short hikes up to 30–60 minutes at high altitude, and daily walking over uneven ground.
Wildlife
History
Uyuni grew from 19th–20th century railroad ambitions; abandoned locomotives at the Train Cemetery reflect regional trade history and shifting transport routes.
Conservation
The region faces pressure from lithium extraction and tourism; stick to marked paths, avoid salt removal and support local cooperatives selling salt crafts.
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Acclimatize before you go
Arrive in Uyuni a day early or spend time in Potosí/La Paz to reduce altitude sickness risk; carry acetazolamide only if prescribed.
Sun protection is mandatory
High-altitude UV is intense — use SPF 50+, wide-brim hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses to avoid burns and snow-blindness.
Bring cash for fees and tips
Many park entry fees, island tickets and local vendors accept only Bolivianos; ATMs in Uyuni can be limited.
Footwear for mixed terrain
Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes handle salt crusts and occasional wet patches better than sneakers; gaiters help in windy salt spray.
Insulating layers (fleece/down)
Nighttime temperatures drop well below freezing; layered insulation keeps you comfortable in basic accommodations.
winter
High-SPF sunscreen & sunglasses
Strong UV at altitude can burn quickly and produce glare on the salt surface.
summer
Sturdy waterproof hiking shoes
Salt crusts, wet patches and rocky island trails require supportive, grippy footwear.
Reusable water bottle with purifier tablets
Hydration is key at altitude; filtered water or purification tablets reduce reliance on bottled water.