da La Paz a Uyuni

About the ride from La Paz to Uyuni

When traveling between La Paz and Uyuni, you’re only a night’s ride away from out of this world beauty! The world-famous salt flats, Salar de Uyuni, are located just outside of town. For those who want to continue their journey towards Chile, Uyuni is a great transportation hub that will take you there.

When traveling the 524 kilometer (326 mile) distance between La Paz and Uyuni, you have one option. You can book an overnight bus ticket that will get you to Uyuni in less than 10 hours. The departures are late in the evening, so you’ll arrive fresh and early in Uyuni, ready to explore the town’s wonders.

The best time to visit Uyuni depends on what you want to see. If you want to see the wet salt flats that form a giant mirror effect, the best time to visit is between December and April. However, the rainfall can be heavy at this time of the year. In case you’re looking for a better climate, then the best time to visit is between September and October.

If you want the best of both worlds, a bit of the dry salt desert, and the mirror effect, late April is a good time to visit.

 

What to see when traveling from La Paz to Uyuni

Since most of the buses that travel between La Paz and Uyuni are overnight, there won’t be much besides darkness to see outside of your window. Use this time to catch up on your sleep, so that you’ll be able to enjoy Uyuni in its full glory. Even though there’s heating on the bus, it’s recommended to have extra layers of clothes with you anywhere you go in South America.

You’ll arrive in Uyuni early in the morning. As the town slowly wakes up, find a place to grab your morning coffee and breakfast before you go on to explore Uyuni’s attractions.

The thing you must see in Uyuni is probably why you traveled here in the first place - the world’s largest salt flats. Located at about 3,800 meters above the sea level, Salar de Uyuni is the kind of place you must see to believe it actually exists!

If you want to see the flats from a higher point, visit the Isla Incahuasi, which is an island in a sea of salt covered in giant cactuses. The panoramic views over the flats are truly spectacular. There’s also a restaurant where you can try llama steaks!

There are many ways to experience the flats, and one of them is to watch a sunset next to them. If the salt is covered with water, the sunset will reflect and make beautiful colors. If you want to feel like you’re walking among stars, visit the flats during the rainy season, but come during a clear night. The flats will act like a giant mirror reflecting the starry sky.

The salt flats are the top attraction in Uyuni, however, there are many more exotic spots that are a bit further away from the town. One of them is the Siloli desert, which is famous for its huge rock formations. The desert is located at an altitude of 5,000 meters. 

If you’re someone who likes to hike and isn’t afraid of a challenge, you can go on a hiking tour on Tunupa volcano, which is considered sacred by all of the communities that live around it. The hiking tour takes between 3 and 4 hours to get to the highest, 4,700-meter viewpoint. From the top, you’ll have a stunning view of the Salar de Uyuni.

Bolivia’s nature doesn’t stop to surprise you there but goes even further with The Sol de la Manana Geyser, which bursts hot steam and bubbling hot mud from the ground. Even though this is a spectacle you’ll want to capture with your camera, don’t get too close to the geyser, as burns can be fatal.

Closer to the border with Chile lies the Laguna Colorada, the Red Lagoon, which is home to more than 30,000 flamingos. The sight of pink flamingos roaming around the shallow red lake is spectacular!

 

How to get from La Paz to Uyuni

Taking a bus

Taking a bus from La Paz to Uyuni is a convenient way to travel between these two places. The journey takes between 9 and 10 hours, and all buses travel overnight. For travelers on a budget, this is a great way to save on accommodation too. Buses are well-equipped with reclining seats, blankets, A/C, TV, and toilets on board. Drivers will make frequent stops for rest and food during your journey.