Resources & References: Uyuni

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

Offline Maps
Google Maps, Maps.me for navigation.
Translation
Google Translate for quick phrases.
Messaging
WhatsApp for communication with guides/others.
Currency Converter
XE Currency for exchange rates.
Weather
AccuWeather or similar for forecasts.

Useful Websites

Reputable Tour Operators
Websites for Red Planet Expeditions, Quechua Connection, Andes Salt Expeditions.
Travel Forums
TripAdvisor forums for recent traveler experiences.
Airline Websites
Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) for domestic flight bookings.
Train Operator
Ferroviaria Andina (FCA) for train schedules.
Social Media
Instagram hashtags like #SalarDeUyuni for visual inspiration.

Print Resources

Guidebooks & Maps

General guidebooks cover Bolivia, but Uyuni sections might be brief. Specific Salar de Uyuni maps are not widely available or necessary as tours are guided.

A general Bolivia travel guide is useful.

Books About Bolivia

"Bolivia: A Story of People, Culture, and Geography" (various authors) for general historical and cultural context. "The Serpent and the Jaguar" for Amazonian insights. "The Motorcycle Diaries" for a broader South American travel view.

Local Publications

Local newspapers or magazines are found in La Paz or Santa Cruz (in Spanish). Limited publications are available in Uyuni itself.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

Police: 110
Fire: 119
Ambulance: 160
Your Travel Insurance Emergency Line (24/7).

Health & Security

Uyuni Hospital: Hospital Eduardo Avaroa (basic public hospital). Small private clinics may also exist.
Lost Passport: Report to local police. Contact your embassy/consulate for an emergency travel document.
Lost Credit Cards: Contact your bank immediately to cancel.
Embassy/Consulate: List your country's embassy details in La Paz.

Important Notices

Altitude Sickness Awareness

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

Headache
Nausea/Vomiting
Dizziness
Shortness of breath

Preventative Measures

Acclimatize gradually for 1-2 days
Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water
Avoid alcohol and heavy meals
Consult your doctor about medication (e.g., Diamox)

Emergency Protocol

Inform your guide immediately if symptoms worsen
Descend to lower altitude if severe
Seek medical attention

Staying Healthy

Hydration & Diet

Drink bottled water. Tap water is not safe.
Eat well-cooked food.
Be cautious with street food.

Personal Hygiene

Wash hands frequently.
Carry hand sanitizer.
Use bottled water for brushing teeth.

Travel Insurance

Why Travel Insurance

Medical emergencies are costly.
Lost luggage or cancelled trips.
Unexpected delays or disruptions.

What to Look For

Coverage for high-altitude activities.
Emergency evacuation coverage.
Adequate medical expense limits.

Financial Security

Managing Your Money

Carry small denominations of Bolivian currency.
US Dollars are useful, but clean, new bills are necessary.
ATMs outside major cities can be unreliable.
Inform your bank of your travel dates.
Consider a travel-friendly debit card with low foreign transaction fees.

Protecting Valuables

Use a money belt for passports and large sums of cash.
Keep valuables out of sight.
Use hotel safes when available.
Be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.
Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics openly.

Language Learning

Apps & Tools

Utilize apps like Babbel or Duolingo for quick learning.

Phrasebooks

A physical Spanish phrasebook can be invaluable for reference.

Health & Safety Advisory

Consult local health advisories and your doctor before travel. Stay informed on conditions and any specific guidelines.

Cultural Insights

Cultural Etiquette

Greetings & Communication

Polite Greetings
Always use "Buenos días," "Buenas tardes," or "Buenas noches."
Smile & Patience
A friendly smile goes a long way. Be patient in conversations.
Language Effort
Even basic Spanish words are appreciated by locals.

Social Conduct

Observe & Adapt
Pay attention to how locals interact and adjust your behavior.
Photography Consent
Always ask permission before photographing people.
Generosity
Tipping is appreciated for good service, especially for guides and drivers.

Community Engagement

Support Local Economy

Purchase handicrafts directly from artisans in local markets. This supports families.

Respectful Photography

Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially children.

Learning Local Phrases

Simple Spanish greetings or phrases will go a long way in showing respect.

Bolivian Heritage

Respect cultural sites and traditions.
Listen to traditional Andean music.
Appreciate local art and textiles.

Colonial Influences

Colonial architecture visible in larger cities like Potosí and Sucre.
Explore historical sites to understand Bolivia's past.
The influence of Spanish colonial rule shaped much of the country.
Bolivia's history is intertwined with the exploitation of silver.

Environmental Awareness

Waste Management

Carry out all your trash, including organic waste.
Reduce plastic by using a reusable water bottle.
Dispose of waste properly.
Avoid campfires in unauthorized areas.

Wildlife Viewing

Observe wildlife from a distance.
Stay on marked paths to protect fragile ecosystems.
Keep noise levels low to avoid disturbing animals.
Never feed wild animals.

Traveler's Code

Respect nature and local cultures. Your actions shape the travel experience for yourself and others.

Resources & References