Best time to travel to Bolivia

Walk the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia

It's easy to explore the world's largest salt flats during the dry season

Best time: May–October

Walk the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats
Walk the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats
Walk the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats
Walk the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats

The massive Bolivian salt flats become accessible for walking and biking when they get dryer. You get the chance to explore many beautiful areas located within the flat​, namely islands, that are inaccessible during other times. The dry season is beneficial​ for true adventurers. Between May and October, the water dries up so you can rent a 4x4 car or take a guided tour to move across the famous Salina de Uyuni, as well as find a dry patch for a break or a camp. Salt flats are incredibly beautiful at any season even without the mirror-like effect that can be observed during the wet season.

Practical info

What is the ideal time to visit Salar de Uyuni for walking and biking?

If you are planning to visit Salar de Uyuni for an eventful walking and biking tour, the best time to visit is from May to October, which is the dry season. During this season, water dries up, opening up access to magnificent and spectacular places located within the flat. However, it can be visited anytime, but the mirror-like effect observed during the wet season is absent, which makes the experience less fascinating. Show more

Is it possible to visit the islands within Salar de Uyuni during wet season?

With the water level rising during the wet season, accessing islands within Salar de Uyuni like during the dry season can be hard. Moreover, driving on the water covering the salt flats can also be challenging. The perfect time to visit them is between May and October, the dry season. Hence, exploring the islands during a wet season may not be ideal due to the challenges of accessing them due to the high water levels. Show more

Which items are necessary to pack when planning a trip to Salar de Uyuni?

Preparation is vital when planning a trip to Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats. Essential items to pack include warm clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, camera or smartphone, and extra batteries for the camera. Additionally, one should have a waterproof bag for their electronics due to the presence of water during the wet season. If visiting during rainy days, be well-equipped for muddy terrain. Show more

From where can I rent a 4x4 car to explore the Uyuni salt flats?

Various rental car companies provide 4x4 car renting services for exploring Salar de Uyuni. One can either book a car on the internet beforehand or physically visit and arrange renting. Generally, Uyuni town, located near the salt flats, is the most popular place to rent a car. However, it is advisable to be careful of scams and conduct deals with trustworthy car renting services. Show more

What are some highly-recommended tour providers for exploring Salar de Uyuni?

Red Planet Expedition and Cordillera Traveller are two highly-recommended tour providers for exploring the breathtaking beauties of Salar de Uyuni. Red Planet Expedition offers a luxurious tour package with a night's stay at a salt hotel. While Cordillera Traveller offers economic tour packages, they are not lacking in quality and come with numerous daily guided tours in English and Spanish. Other providers to consider are Quechua Connection and Tayka tours. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin