MileHacker Logo
Trip Durations

Trip Durations

The Southwest, Bolivia

-Hour Layover

A quick taste of the Salt Flats.

Note: This is very rushed and does not allow for acclimatization, a risk at altitude.

Itinerary

  • Arrive by early morning flight or bus.
  • Take a 1-day Salar de Uyuni tour (approx. 8-10 hours).
  • Covers Train Cemetery, Colchani, Salt Flats, Incahuasi Island.
  • Dinner in Uyuni town. Depart by late night bus or early morning flight.

Standard Trips

Itineraries for classic Uyuni experiences.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

The classic Salar de Uyuni experience.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive Uyuni, acclimatize, explore town, finalize tour booking. Stay in Uyuni.
  • Day 2-3 (or 2-4): Embark on 3-day/2-night Salar de Uyuni tour.
  • Accommodations on tour are basic refuges.
  • Day 4 (or 3): Tour ends back in Uyuni (around 4-5 PM). Take an overnight bus or evening flight.
Note: This is the most common Uyuni itinerary. Find experiences on GetYourGuide.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

Altiplano highlights, combining regions.

Itinerary Bolivia & Uyuni

  • Day 1-2: Arrive La Paz, acclimatize, explore city.
  • Day 3: Overnight bus (or flight) from La Paz to Uyuni.
  • Day 4-6: 3-day/2-night Salar de Uyuni tour.

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

Broader Bolivian cultural and natural highlights.

Itinerary Bolivia & Uyuni

  • Day 1-3: La Paz & Lake Titicaca (Copacabana, Isla del Sol).
  • Day 4-5: Travel to Sucre, explore the White City.
  • Day 6-7: Travel to Potosí, explore colonial city and mine (optional).
  • Day 8: Travel to Uyuni.

Two-Week Continuation

Concluding the in-depth journey.

Later Stages

  • Day 9-11: 3-day/2-night Salar de Uyuni tour.
  • Day 12-14: Return to La Paz or cross border to Chile/Argentina.
  • Or explore another Bolivian region (e.g., Cochabamba or Santa Cruz if interested in lowlands).
  • Plan onward travel or departure from Bolivia.

Long-Term Stays

Uyuni is not a long-term stay destination.

City Focus

For longer stays in Bolivia, focus on cities like La Paz, Sucre, or Santa Cruz.

Purpose

These cities work for cultural immersion or language learning.

Activities

Consider combining city life with regional excursions.

Acclimatization

Prioritize acclimatization for any itinerary involving high altitudes.

Themed Journeys

Tailor your Uyuni trip to your specific interests.

History & Heritage

Focus on historical aspects.

Historical Itinerary

  • Uyuni: Train Cemetery as industrial heritage.
  • Potosí: Cerro Rico, colonial city.
  • Sucre: Colonial architecture, independence history.
  • Combine these destinations.
A journey through Bolivia's past.

Food & Culinary

Less a culinary destination, more for natural wonder.

Culinary Focus

  • Uyuni: Less a culinary destination.
  • La Paz: For urban Andean cuisine.
  • Santa Cruz: For tropical lowland flavors.
  • Include Uyuni for its natural beauty.

Adventure & Outdoors

Adventure activities.

Outdoor Pursuits

  • Salar de Uyuni 3-day tour: The core experience.
  • Trekking: Add on Tunupa Volcano.
  • Mountain biking: If skilled and self-sufficient.
  • Cordillera Real: Integrate with trekking routes from La Paz.
Bolivia for the active traveler.

Family Travel

A family-friendly itinerary.

For Families

  • Private 3-day Uyuni tour: Recommended for flexibility.
  • Children: Flexible scheduling for young travelers.
  • City stays: Supplement with La Paz (Mi Teleférico, cultural shows).
  • Santa Cruz: City parks, zoo for family enjoyment.

Art & Architecture

Emphasis on art and architectural beauty.

Aesthetic Focus

  • Sucre and Potosí: For colonial architecture.
  • La Paz: For contemporary urban art and unique architecture.
  • Uyuni: mainly a natural attraction, less so for art.
  • Explore expressions.

Spiritual & Wellness

Wellness and spiritual journeys.

Inner Exploration

  • Uyuni: Vastness offers spiritual space.
  • Dedicated retreats: Not available in Uyuni.
  • Hot springs: Termas de Polques.

Budgeting

Backpacker's Guide

Overnight bus from La Paz. Hostel dorm in Uyuni. Shared 3-day tour. Eat "menu del día." Carry snacks.

Mid-Range Traveler

Flight or comfortable overnight bus. Mid-range hotel. Reputable shared tour. Dine at mid-range restaurants.

Luxury Experience

Fly to Uyuni. Luxury salt hotel. Private bespoke tour with English-speaking guide. Gourmet meals and tailored stops.

Budget Flexibility

Prices can fluctuate with season and demand. Book tours locally for best pricing.

Seasonal Visits

Different seasons offer unique experiences for visiting Uyuni.

Wet Season Nov-Apr

Highlights and considerations.

Summer Visits

  • Mirror effect: On the salt flats.
  • Warmer nights.
  • Higher chance of rain and tour route changes.
  • Be ready for wet conditions.
Prepare for reflections and wet conditions.

Dry Season May-Oct

Clear skies and accessibility.

Winter Visits

  • Clear skies.
  • Reliable access to all tour sites.
  • Very cold nights.
  • Ideal for stargazing.

Festival & Off-Season

Event-centered visits and strategies.

Periods

  • No major festivals in Uyuni specifically.
  • Wet Season (Jan-Mar): Focus on the mirror effect. Be ready for delays.
  • Bring waterproof gear.

Shoulder Seasons

  • Fewer crowds.
  • Mix of conditions, potential for reflections.
  • Good balance of experiences.

Planning Your Visit

Strategic considerations for seasonal travel.

Climate and Crowds

  • Best time: Depends on your preference (mirror effect vs. Clear skies/accessibility).
  • Crowds: Dry season sees more tourists.
  • Pricing: Can fluctuate with demand.
  • Views: Stunning year-round, just different.

Important Notes

Safety and preparedness advice.

Safety & Preparedness

  • Altitude Sickness: Acclimatize before your tour, especially if arriving by flight.
  • Road Conditions: Wet season can lead to difficult road conditions; tours adapt.
  • Basic refuges: Expect simple facilities on multi-day tours.
  • Layered clothing: for varied temperatures.

Year-Round Beauty

Uyuni offers stunning views in all seasons, each with unique characteristics.
← Previous
Environmental Focus
← Back to Uyuni
Next →
Practical Tips & Hacks

Next Up: Practical Tips & Hacks

Continue to Practical Tips & Hacks