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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

The Southwest, Bolivia

Accommodation Types in Uyuni

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Hostels:

    Mainly in Uyuni town, offering dormitory beds and basic private rooms. Shared bathrooms are typical.

  • Budget/Mid-range Hotels:

    In Uyuni town, featuring private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, some with heating.

  • Basic Salt Hotels:

    On the edge of the salt flats. Very simple, shared bathrooms, limited heating, basic power. Frequently part of budget 3-day tours.

  • Refuges/Albergues:

    Dormitory-style in the remote Eduardo Avaroa Reserve. Often cold, shared bathrooms, little to no electricity or hot water.

Unique Local Accommodation Types

  • Luxury Salt Hotels:

    High-end options, like Palacio de Sal or Hotel Luna Salada, near the salt flats. They offer private bathrooms, consistent hot water, and superior amenities.

  • Camping:

    Not a standard option for Salar de Uyuni tours due to extreme cold and lack of facilities. Some specialized adventure tours might include it.

  • Vacation Rentals:

    Very limited to non-existent in Uyuni town. This is not a common lodging option for tourists here. See Vrbo for alternatives in other locations.

  • Homestays:

    Some tours or specialized operators may offer community-based experiences, less common for standard Salar de Uyuni tours. Consider TrustedHousesitters for unique stays elsewhere.

Neighborhood Guide

Uyuni's lodging options concentrate in the town center or specific points along the tour route.

Uyuni Town Center

Pros:
  • Convenient access to all services, tour agencies, food, transportation.
  • Easy to explore on foot.
  • Most hostels and hotels are here.
Cons:
  • Can be noisy due to traffic and activity.
  • Limited choice for luxury accommodation.

Salt Hotels near Salt Flats

Pros:
  • Unique experience of sleeping in a salt structure.
  • Closer to the salt flats for early morning starts.
  • Stunning views.
Cons:
  • Can be isolated from town amenities.
  • Basic salt hotels may lack heating and hot water.

Basic Refuges Reserve

Pros:
  • Integral to the 3-day tour experience.
  • Access to remote natural wonders.
  • Authentic local feel.
Cons:
  • Very basic (cold, shared facilities, limited power/water).
  • Not for individual booking; part of the tour package.
  • Challenging conditions for some travelers.

Considerations

Safety Considerations:

Uyuni town is generally safe for tourists. Standard precautions for personal belongings apply, especially at night. Remote areas within the reserve are safe regarding crime but pose environmental challenges (extreme cold, altitude) if travelers are unprepared or without a reliable tour.

Proximity & Ambiance:

Uyuni Town has excellent proximity to tour agencies and transport. Salt hotels near the flats offer quiet ambiance. Refuges are directly within the reserve's attractions, providing a quiet, peaceful stay under vast skies.

Booking Strategies

Strategic booking assists in securing your preferred stay and tour in Uyuni.

Advance Booking

  • High Season (July-September): Booking accommodation and tours 1-2 months ahead is strongly suggested, specifically for specific hotels or private tours.
  • Shoulder Seasons (April-June, Oct-Nov): A few weeks in advance is usually sufficient for bookings.
  • Low Season: Availability is often found a few days ahead, though tour booking upon arrival is still common.

Booking Platforms

  • Online Travel Agencies: Booking.com and Hostelworld are common for Uyuni town hostels and hotels. Agoda also has selections.
  • Direct Booking: For luxury salt hotels like Palacio de Sal, direct booking through their website is common. IHG Hotels does not operate in Uyuni; consider them for larger cities via IHG Hotels.
  • Local Tour Agencies: Most multi-day Uyuni tours are booked directly with agencies in Uyuni town or La Paz. Many travelers book upon arrival for flexibility; for reputable agencies, consider online booking ahead.

Policies and Fluctuations

Negotiation Customs:
  • For some budget hostels or smaller hotels in Uyuni town, a slight discount might be possible for walk-in rates, especially during the low season.
  • Tour prices are generally fixed, but some agencies might offer a small incentive for larger groups.
Deposit and Cancellation:
  • Policies vary by hotel and tour operator. Always confirm before booking.
  • Many tour operators request a deposit (20-50%) to confirm a tour, with the remainder payable in cash upon arrival.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

High Season:

Accommodation and tour prices are higher during the high season (July-September) due to demand.

Shoulder & Low Season:

Prices are generally more stable year-round, but demand can affect availability and minor price adjustments.

Tour Pricing:

While tours keep stable pricing, high demand seasons may see less flexibility or discounts.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are options for various needs.

Budget & Mid-Range Stays

Budget Options

Hostels in Uyuni town are ideal for budget travelers, offering a social atmosphere and lower costs.

  • Hostel Boonka (Uyuni Town): Known for cleanliness and social vibe.
  • Hostal La Roca (Uyuni Town): Basic but reliable.
  • Hostelworld for more hostel choices.
Mid-Range Comfort

These properties offer more privacy and comfort without breaking the bank.

  • Hotel Jardines de Uyuni (Uyuni Town): Good location, clean, often with heating.
  • Hotel Kory Wasi (Uyuni Town): Decent comfort and service.
  • Find more on Booking.com or Agoda.

Unique & Luxury Stays

Luxury Salt Hotels

Experience lodging crafted partially or entirely from salt blocks, offering an unique stay near the flats.

  • Palacio de Sal (Colchani): The most famous and luxurious salt hotel, with unique ambiance.
  • Hotel Luna Salada (Colchani): Another well-regarded salt hotel with excellent views and amenities.
Basic Tour Accommodations

These are part of the standard 3-day tour, offering very rustic overnight stays.

  • Basic Salt Hotels (e.g., Colchani): Part of basic tours, simple, limited power/hot water.
  • Basic Refuges (Eduardo Avaroa Reserve): Dormitory beds, no hot water/electricity, challenging conditions.

Family & Solo Travel

  • Family-Friendly:

    Mid-range hotels in Uyuni town often have family rooms. For the salt flats tour, a private 4x4 tour is highly suggested for families for more flexibility and comfort. Consider Vrbo for vacation rental options in larger cities as Uyuni has limited family apartments.

  • Solo Traveler:

    Hostels in Uyuni town are ideal for meeting other travelers and finding people to share a tour. Joining a shared 3-day tour is also a great approach for solo travelers to manage costs and travel in a group.

Special Interest Accommodation

  • Long-Stay:

    Uyuni is typically a short-stay destination for most tourists (1-2 nights in town plus the 3-day tour). Long-stay accommodations are not common. For alternative long-stay options elsewhere, TrustedHousesitters is a possibility.

  • Cultural Significance:

    The Salt Hotels (especially Palacio de Sal and Luna Salada) offer an unique cultural experience. Their construction from salt blocks showcases local ingenuity and the region's main resource.

Accommodation Type Summary

Diverse Options

From budget-friendly hostels to unique luxury salt hotels, Uyuni caters to a range of travel styles, though remote tour accommodations are universally basic.

  • Hostels: Economical, social.
  • Hotels: Increased comfort, privacy.
  • Salt Hotels: Unique stay, varied luxury.
  • Refuges: Basic, tour-integrated.
Booking & Planning

Advance booking is good practice, especially during high season. Tour accommodations are generally pre-arranged as part of your package.

  • Book ahead for high season.
  • Understand tour package inclusions.
  • Prepare for basic conditions on multi-day tours.

Additional Accommodation Notes

Altitude

All Uyuni accommodations are at high altitude. Give yourself time to acclimatize upon arrival.

Heating

Many budget options and basic refuges may not have consistent heating. Pack warm sleeping bags for tours.

Water/Power

Remote tour accommodations often have limited access to hot water and electricity (sometimes only for a few hours).