The Salar de Uyuni salt flats, south of the town of Uyuni, are part of the Altiplano that reaches from Bolivia across into northern Chile, and are the largest in the world.
At over 12,000 sq km, this breathtaking and unusual landscape high up in the Andes is truly spectacular. Sunglasses and sun cream are essential as you journey by four-wheel drive across a blinding white salt crust, bordered by azure blue skies and small islands dotted with giant cacti, to great expanses of red desert, where mineral rich and vividly coloured lakes support flocks of rare James’ flamingos.
Getting to Salar de Uyuni
Within Bolivia the most popular ways of reaching the Salt Flats are either by flying from La Paz down to Uyuni or travelling overland from Sucre, one of Bolivia's most charming cities with a stop en route in Potosi. The Salar de Uyuni can also be reached overland from San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile, which is an incredible journey through a world of clear blue skies, smouldering volcanoes, snow-capped mountain peaks and brightly coloured lakes.
See photos of the Salar de Uyuni on the Rainbow Tours blog
Kristen Lanskail-Morris
Travel Specialist
Looking for inspiration?
You'll find expert travel guides, holiday ideas and insider tips now on the Rainbow blog
Top 5 First Time Safari Destinations
10 Strange Animals and Where to Go to See them
Salar De Uyuni - The World's Largest Salt Flat
Top five South Africa Safari lodges
Sustainable Tourism In Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
){kind=icon}