Accommodation Guide: Salar De Uyuni

Diverse Lodging Experiences

Lodging Options

Hostels
Budget-friendly with dorms/private rooms. Shared bathrooms common. Good for backpackers.
Mid-range hotels
Private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, sometimes include heating. Better service than hostels.
Limited higher-end hotels
More comfort, amenities, and reliable heating for added convenience.
Salt Hotels (Hotel de Sal)
Unique hotels constructed mainly from salt blocks. Comfort varies from basic to more equipped.

Tour Accommodation Types

Basic Refugios (Hostales/Albergues)
Very basic dorm-style rooms, no heating, limited electricity, shared/cold bathrooms.
Unique Local Accommodation
Salt Hotels: Buildings made of salt present a memorable cultural and architectural experience.
Vacation Rentals / Apartments
Very limited or non-existent in Uyuni town. Most accommodation is traditional hotel or hostel style.
Camping and Outdoor
Not a standard option on multi-day Salar tours due to extreme temperatures and lack of infrastructure.

Uyuni Town: Your Tour Hub

Uyuni town is the main departure point for Salar de Uyuni tours. Its compact nature means a central area serves most tourist needs.

Town Center

Pros

Most tour agencies, restaurants, and hotels are within blocks of Plaza Arce and Av. Potosí.
This area serves as the commercial and tourist heart.

Cons

Can be dusty and noisy due to traffic and activity, especially around the bus station.

Train Cemetery

Location

Located a short distance (about 3 km) outside of town.
Usually the first stop on Salar tours.

Accommodation

Not an accommodation area.

General Safety & Ambiance

Safety Notes

Uyuni town generally is a safe environment.
Basic precautions against petty theft apply.

Ambiance Notes

Can be noisy due to traffic and activity.
Earplugs are a consideration for light sleepers.

Central Convenience

Proximity to Hubs

Practical Base

All tours depart from and return to Uyuni town. This location is a practical base for your Salar adventure.

Smart Booking Approaches

Advance planning supports securing your preferred accommodation and tour, specifically during busy travel periods.

Advance Booking Recommendations

High Season (July-August, December-March): Booking a few weeks to a month ahead. This is true for mid-range/higher-end hotels, which have limited options. Hostels usually have more availability.
Shoulder Season: Booking a few days to a week ahead is generally sufficient. More flexibility and potential deals may be found.

On-Arrival Negotiation

For tours, especially if shopping around multiple agencies, some negotiation may be possible. This is more likely for larger groups or during the shoulder season.
Be aware that significantly cheaper prices sometimes indicate cost-cutting that compromises quality.

Policy & Pricing

Deposit and Cancellation Policies

Tour deposits vary; some operators seek partial upfront payments, others full payment.
Review the cancellation policy, specifically regarding weather-related tour changes or cancellations during the wet season.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Prices for both accommodation and tours generally rise during the high season (July-August and December-March) due to greater demand.
Expect to pay more during these times. Conversely, lower prices may be found during the low season.

Trusted Booking Tools

Accommodation Platforms

Booking.com (Global accommodation platform)
Agoda (Strong presence in Asia for accommodation)

Hotel Chains & Rentals

IHG Hotels (International hotel chain)
Vrbo (Platform for vacation rentals)

Specialty Stays

Hostelworld (Specialist for budget stays)
TrustedHousesitters (House and pet sitting exchange)

Suggested Stays

A selection of properties is available for various budgets.

Budget & Mid-Tier Comfort

Budget-Friendly Uyuni Town

For economical stays.

Hostal La Magia de Uyuni: Simple, clean, good value.
Hostal Le Ciel: Straightforward, often praised for helpful staff.

Mid-Tier Comfort Uyuni Town

A step up in amenities.

Hotel Jardines de Uyuni: Comfortable, often has heating, and gathers good reviews.
Hotel Palacio de Sal (outside Uyuni): A more luxurious salt hotel experience, a bit further from town.

Luxury & Specific Travelers

Premium Choices On Salar or near

For high-end experiences.

Luna Salada Hotel & Spa: A well-known, high-end salt hotel on the edge of the Salar. Features more comfort, warmth, and amenities.

Family & Solo Travelers

Considerations for different travel styles.

Family Groupings: Private rooms in mid-range hotels provide more space.
Single Travelers: Hostels include common areas, making meeting other travelers more straightforward.

Family Groupings

Space and Privacy
Private rooms in mid-range hotels in Uyuni town provide more space and privacy.
Tour Accommodation for Families
Booking a private jeep and confirming the tour operator can provide better accommodation (e.g., private rooms in salt hotels on the first night) is a consideration for families.

Single Travelers

Meeting Other Travelers
Hostels in Uyuni town include common areas, making meeting other travelers more straightforward.
Salar Tour Experience
Joining a shared 3-day tour is a common and economical way to experience the Salar as a solo traveler. You will be grouped with others in the 4x4.

Long Stays & Cultural Stays

Extended Stays

Uyuni typically offers short stays for visiting the Salar. Long-stay options are limited and not commonly sought. Most travelers spend 1-3 nights in the area.

Culturally Distinct Properties

The concept of "salt hotels" embodies cultural significance due to their unique construction from local materials. While the original Palacio de Sal is a museum, others continue this tradition, presenting an unique lodging experience.

Helpful Hint

Cold Sensitivity

If you are sensitive to cold, pack an extra sleeping bag even if your tour provides blankets. The basic refugios are not heated.

No Long-Term Stays

Uyuni mainly serves as a short-term base for Salar excursions, with limited options for extended stays.

Booking Early

For mid-range and luxury accommodations, especially during high season, securing your booking well in advance is advisable.

Accommodation Guide