The town of Uyuni located in the department (state) of Potosi in southwestern Bolivia, is the main starting point for a Salar de Uyuni visit (though not the only one as we shall see below).

Uyuni has always been a transport hub in southwest Bolivia. In the mining days of the 1920’s, it was born as a hub for mineral transportation and nowadays serves as a hub for tourists looking to visit the salt flats and the southwest circuit including Eduardo Avaroa Reserve.

Today, Uyuni can be reached from almost all directions and we will let you know every possible entry below.

FROM THE NORTH (ORURO, LA PAZ)

There is no doubt that the vast majority of people get to Uyuni from the northern part of the country, either taking a bus from La Paz via Oruro or a direct flight from La Paz. It is also possible to take a southbound train starting in Oruro.

Buses leave La Paz daily and travel only by night (semi and full bed buses are available) and from La Paz will first drive into the nearby town of Oruro through a modern highway (3hrs.). From Oruro, buses continue southbound passing the town of Challapata and others through a semi-paved road (the road is still under construction soon to be finished as of Nov. 2015). If you take this route, expect some bumpy and dusty sections but this is the shortest way (total travel time from La Paz is around 9hrs.). There are also buses that get into Uyuni from La Paz via Potosi taking a fully paved road although travel time can be up to 12hrs. Some companies that drive this route are Trans Omar, Todo Turismo and Panasur.

Flying is of course the fastest and most comfortable way, with several flights leaving La Paz every day. Rates are flat and often more expensive for foreigners, but many people who want to avoid the long bus drive choose this option. Look for your flight with Amaszonas which as of now, is the only airline that covers this route.

Trains do not leave daily and take longer than both options mentioned above, but are the safer and more comfortable option to the buses if you have more time to spare. Visit the website of Ferroviaria Occidental to see schedules and prices.

FROM THE SOUTH (TUPIZA, VILLAZON, CALAMA)

People traveling from south to north either from Argentina or Chile use the towns of Villazon/Tupiza or San Pedro de Atacama/Calama as starting points if coming from any of those countries respectively.

Buses leave daily from any of these towns (Tupiza and Calama are the next direct towns) headed for Uyuni, although you must expect very basic buses on dirt, dusty roads and long drives.

From Villazon or Tupiza, it is also possible to take a northbound train and get off in Uyuni although services are not daily and are longer though more comfortable and safer. See Ferroviaria Occidental.

FROM THE EAST (POTOSI, SUCRE)

Fewer people will choose to arrive into Uyuni via the old city of Potosi, but it is a good option especially if you have been visiting the nearby city of Sucre as well. Both Potosi and Sucre keep Bolivia’s colonial heritage the best, so it is no surprise that many people choose to not miss these beautiful towns. Potosi is located approximately 3hrs. drive from Sucre and Uyuni is about the same distance from Potosi. All roads are paved and there are many regular services daily connecting these towns by bus and shared taxis, although expect basic vehicles and no amenities.

WITH AN ORGANIZED TOUR

Many people arrive in Uyuni not to start an organized tour but instead to end it. Four-day tours are available starting in Tupiza and ending in Uyuni. From San Pedro de Atacama, three-day tours are more common ending in Uyuni as well.

Since most people visiting Bolivia will start their trip in La Paz, we offer a relatively new option proving highly popular because of the high value it offers as an inclusive tour from La Paz to Uyuni via Sajama National Park, allowing our customers to see everything that most people miss when taking an overnight bus or direct flight to Uyuni from La Paz. Sajama National Park is Bolivia’s oldest protected area and it holds many natural secrets thanks to very few people knowing of its existence. It has been mentioned in international publications highlighting its natural values although it still hasn’t attracted much attention making it even more special without the crowds and plenty of nature to put on a great show.

We also offer private tours from Tupiza to Uyuni as well as our La Paz to Uyuni via Sajama NP tour but starting in San Pedro de Atacama (reverse itinerary).