Major city · Bolivia
Uyuni
Stay 2 nights: one before your salt-flat tour, one after. The town itself needs half a day; the Salar is the reason you came.
Uyuni is a cold, wind-scoured railway town at 3,670 m with one job: it is the gateway to the Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat. Almost nothing here competes with the tour. Book a tour, sleep either side of it, and leave. Plan around altitude and around the fact that buses and trains run on thin schedules.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- BOB
- Best months
- May–Oct (dry season, clear skies, cold nights)
- avoid Jan–Mar (rain and mud; the mirror effect is spectacular but tours reroute), Jun–Jul nights (well below freezing)
- Airport
- UYU
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Bolivia ↗Visa rules depend on your passport (some nationalities need a visa in advance): check with Bolivia's migration authority or a Bolivian consulate.
- Bolivia ↗Most of the tourist route is above 3,500 m: ascend gradually, rest on arrival, and see a doctor before travel if you have heart or lung conditions.
- Bolivia ↗Protests and road blockades (bloqueos) are frequent and can close routes and cities for days; watch local news and keep plans flexible.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Uyuni110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Uyuni, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the boliviano (BOB, Bs).Bolivia-wide
- SIM or eSIMEntel, Tigo and Viva sell SIMs with passport registration in their own shops.Bolivia-wide
- Tap waterNot safe from the tap; bottled or filtered.Bolivia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Round up; about 10% in tourist restaurants.Bolivia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/C. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Bolivia-wide
- SafetyUyuni is a small town, but the real risks are altitude, cold and a bad tour operator.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPay a boliviano or two; bring paper.Bolivia-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 118 ambulance · 119 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysBlockades and strikes close shops and roads; Sunday is quiet.Bolivia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportUYU Joya Andina Airport (Small airport about 3 km (1.9 mi) from town; flights from La Paz and Cochabamba, operated by Boliviana de Aviación.UYU Joya Andina Airport (Small airport about 1.9 mi (3 km) from town; flights from La Paz and Cochabamba, operated by Boliviana de Aviación.
- Getting aroundThe town is flat and small enough to walk end to end in about 20 minutes.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or teaBs 5–15
- Street or quick mealSet lunch (almuerzo: soup and main)Bs 10–25
- Beer1 L bottle in a shopBs 15–25
- Metro or bus rideBus to Potosí3–4 hBs 30
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personBOB 50
- Mid-range bedDouble room, private bathroom, a night, per roomBOB 250
- High-end bedDouble room, private bathroom, a night, per roomBOB 450
A day, not counting the bed: Budget BOB 180 · Mid BOB 320 · High BOB 600
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- UYU Joya Andina Airport (Small airport about 3 km (1.9 mi) from town; flights from La Paz and Cochabamba, operated by Boliviana de Aviación. Schedules change often — check.)UYU Joya Andina Airport (Small airport about 1.9 mi (3 km) from town; flights from La Paz and Cochabamba, operated by Boliviana de Aviación. Schedules change often — check.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Feb
Avoid
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Mar
Avoid
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Apr
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Care
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Care
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Aug
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
not flagged
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Dec
not flagged
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Best: May, Aug–Oct. Mixed: Jun–Jul. Avoid: Jan–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Nov (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jul (−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C) low), wettest Jan (14 rain days), driest Jun (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Uyuni: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
14 rd
Feb
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
Mar
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
4 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
1 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
0 rd
Jul
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
0 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
1 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
2 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
4 rd
Nov
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
6 rd
Dec
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is flat and small enough to walk end to end in about 20 minutes. No local buses worth using. For the airport and the Train Graveyard, ask your hotel to arrange a taxi or remise and agree the fare first (check). For the Salar you go by tour vehicle only.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Salar de Uyuni (day trip)
goDoor to door: Full day
Organised 4x4 tour from a town agency; departure times vary by operator — check
Most day circuits include the salt flat and a cactus island stop; confirm the exact stops and inclusions with the operator before you pay (check). Bring sunglasses, water and sunblock.
Salar de Uyuni and the southwest lagoons (3–4 days)
goDoor to door: 3–4 days
Multi-day 4x4 tour, often ending at the Chilean border for San Pedro de Atacama
Sleeps in basic refugios at altitude. Confirm whether onward transport to Chile is included or extra.
Train Graveyard
goDoor to door: 1–2 h
Walk or short taxi ride about 2 km (1.2 mi) south of town along the railwayWalk or short taxi ride about 1.2 mi (2 km) south of town along the railway
Rusted locomotives and wagons in the open; usually folded into the start of a salt-flat tour.
Pulacayo
cautionDoor to door: Half day
Road toward Potosí, about 20 km (12 mi)Road toward Potosí, about 12 mi (20 km)
A locomotive stands here; the source gives no other sights, and transport is irregular, so go only with a booked vehicle.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Around Avenida Ferroviaria and the train station
Where the tour offices, hostels and mid-range hotels cluster. Walkable to everything.
Avenida Arce and Avenida Potosí
Bus company offices, ATMs, market and cheap eats. Five minutes on foot from the station.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- Bs 150–250 excl. bed and tour
- Mid
- Bs 250–450 excl. bed and tour
- High
- Bs 450+ excl. bed and tour
Trip budget
| Double room, private bathroom1 × 2 nights × BOB 250 | BOB 500 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × BOB 320 | BOB 1,280 |
| 3-day Salar de Uyuni tour2 × BOB 700 · varies by operator and inclusions | BOB 1,400 |
| Onward transfer to San Pedro de Atacama2 × BOB 100 · often paid separately | BOB 200 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × BOB 80 | BOB 160 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | BOB 354 |
| Trip total≈ BOB 974 per person per day, bed included | BOB 3,894 |
2026 estimate in bolivianos; long-distance transport and the salt-flat tour are extra. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Set lunch (almuerzo: soup and main) | Bs 10–25 |
| Pizza, individual | Bs 35–60 |
| Coffee or tea | Bs 5–15 |
| Beer, 1 L bottle in a shop | Bs 15–25 |
| Laundry, per kilo | Bs 15 |
| Internet café, per hour | Bs 5–6 |
| Bus to Potosí3–4 h | Bs 30 |
| Bus to TupizaAbout 5 h | Bs 40–60 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Altitude: the town sits at about 3,670 m and 3–4 day tours climb to roughly 5,000 m. Arrive from La Paz or Potosí already acclimatised, and do not fly in and tour the same morning.
- Cold: without sun the town and the flats drop below freezing in winter. Bring thermal layers, hat, gloves and a sleeping bag for night buses.
- Cheap tours: the lowest price often means an old vehicle, a cold night and a driver in a hurry. Pay for a mid-priced operator and check the vehicle before you leave.
- ATMs run out of cash, especially at weekends. Bring dollars as a backup and change them at a casa de cambio.
- Do not walk into the desert or attempt to cross the salt flat on foot. People have died doing it.
- Keep your bag in sight on public buses; luggage has gone missing between Uyuni and other cities.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Ambulance
- 118
- Fire
- 119
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
UyuniUyuni
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Ambulance118
- Fire119
Embassy
No embassies in Uyuni; most countries are represented in La Paz. The US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand all have embassies there — check the address before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Uyuni → Potosí: Bs 30, 3–4 h
- Bus Uyuni → Tupiza: Bs 40–60, about 5 h
- 3-day salt-flat tour: from about Bs 600–700, plus a fee for onward transport to Chile
- Taxi in town: Bs 10–20; agree the fare first
Say or show
- Buenos días — Hello (BWEH-nos DEE-as)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syas)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-to KWES-ta)
- ¿Dónde está la oficina de buses? — Where is the bus office? (DON-de es-TA la o-fi-SEE-na de BU-ses)
- Necesito un médico — I need a doctor (ne-se-SEE-to un ME-di-ko)
- ¿A qué hora sale el tour? — The tour leaves at what time? (a ke O-ra SA-le el tur)
Altitude 3,670 m. Drink water, eat light on arrival, and skip alcohol the first night.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Uyuni. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Oct (dry season, clear skies, cold nights) · avoid Jan–Mar (rain and mud; the mirror effect is spectacular but tours reroute), Jun–Jul nights (well below freezing) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for UYU: confirm the BoA schedule the week you fly, taxi fallback, and a hotel that holds reception after midnight.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: the station and Ferroviaria, Arce and Potosí, the market blocks, and the Train Graveyard road.
- Tour-operator pages with verified inclusions (meals, park fees, border transfer) and a vehicle-check line before departure.
- Altitude and cold fixtures so the arrival rungs can go green.