Salar de Uyuni Trip: Where It Is and How to Get There

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Last Updated on 3 June, 2026 by Daniel Silvente

Are you planning your Salar de Uyuni Trip? Then the first thing you need to know is where it is. Salar de Uyuni is located in southwestern Bolivia, in the department of Potosí, very close to the town of Uyuni and the border with Chile. It is the largest salt flat in the world and one of South America’s most impressive landscapes. Its immense white surface attracts travelers from all over the world every year.

Beyond its size, one of the most fascinating things about the salt flats is how much the landscape changes depending on the season and time of day. At sunrise or sunset, the light creates a spectacular mix of colors over the salt. During the rainy season, when a thin layer of water covers the surface, the famous mirror effect appears, making the sky and ground seem to merge into one. That’s why, before planning your route, it’s also important to know the best time to visit Salar de Uyuni.

Although it is located in Bolivia, you can reach the salt flats from different points in South America. The most common routes start from Uyuni, La Paz, or San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. In this guide, we’ll explain where Salar de Uyuni is, the best ways to get there, and which option may fit your travel route best.

Where Is Salar de Uyuni?

Salar de Uyuni is located in southwestern Bolivia, in the department of Potosí, very close to the town of Uyuni. This town is the main reference point for visiting the salt flats, as it is located just a few miles from the first access areas.

Although people often talk about Uyuni as if it were only the salt flats, Uyuni is actually the town where most tours begin. From there, you can easily reach the largest salt desert in the world. This huge white expanse sits at more than 11,800 feet above sea level in the heart of the Bolivian Altiplano.

Because of its location, the salt flats are also relatively close to the border with Chile. That’s why many travelers arrive from San Pedro de Atacama, especially if they are exploring northern Chile and want to cross into Bolivia during the trip.

In short, the most common starting points for visiting the salt flats are the town of Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama. The best option will depend on your itinerary. If you’re already in Bolivia, starting from Uyuni is usually the most convenient choice. If you’re coming from Chile, San Pedro de Atacama can be a very practical alternative to begin your Salar de Uyuni Tour.

How to Get to Salar de Uyuni

Once you know where Salar de Uyuni is, the next step is deciding where you want to start your route. The most common starting points are the town of Uyuni, La Paz, or San Pedro de Atacama in Chile.

The best option will depend on your itinerary. If you’re already traveling through Bolivia, the easiest choice is usually to get to Uyuni first and book a tour from there. If you’re exploring northern Chile, San Pedro de Atacama is one of the best gateways for a Salar de Uyuni Trip. It’s especially convenient if you want to cross into Bolivia as part of the route.

How to Get from Uyuni

The town of Uyuni is the most direct starting point for visiting the salt flats. It is located just a few miles from the salt desert, and most 1, 2, and 3-day tours depart from there.

This is the most practical option if you’re already in Bolivia or if you arrive in Uyuni from other cities such as La Paz or Oruro. From the town, you can choose between a quick visit to the salt flats, a multi-day route through the Bolivian Altiplano, or even a tour that ends in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

If you’re looking for comfort, the best option is usually to book a Salar de Uyuni Tour from Uyuni, as the terrain inside the salt flats and nearby areas can be difficult to explore on your own.

How to Get from San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama is one of the most interesting options for reaching Salar de Uyuni, especially if you’re traveling through northern Chile and want to continue your journey into Bolivia.

Although the distance between San Pedro de Atacama and Salar de Uyuni is almost 310 miles, the most common option is not to take a direct transfer, but to enjoy the route as part of a 3 or 4-day tour. This way, the journey becomes part of the experience and allows you to discover some of the most impressive landscapes of the Bolivian Altiplano.

Along the way, you can visit places such as the Altiplano lagoons, Laguna Colorada, the Sol de la Mañana geysers, the Polques Hot Springs, the Salvador Dalí Desert, rock formations, and finally, Salar de Uyuni.

This option is perfect if you want to connect Chile and Bolivia in one single route without organizing transportation, accommodation, and meals separately. Depending on your trip, you can choose between ending in Uyuni or returning to San Pedro de Atacama.

How to Get from La Paz

If you’re in La Paz, you can first travel to the town of Uyuni by plane, bus, or private vehicle. Flying is the fastest option, while taking the bus is usually more affordable, although the journey takes much longer.

Once you arrive in Uyuni, the best option is usually to book a tour to visit the salt flats and the surrounding area. Even though the distance from the town to the salt flats is not very long, the terrain, internal distances, and lack of clear signage can make organizing the visit on your own less practical.

Can You Get to Salar de Uyuni Without a Tour?

Yes, it is possible to reach the town of Uyuni on your own and then look for transportation to some areas of the salt flats. However, exploring the salt flats without a guide is not always the most recommended option.

Salar de Uyuni is enormous, distances are long, and many of the most interesting places are located in isolated or hard-to-reach areas. Also, if you want to visit places such as Incahuasi Island, the Altiplano lagoons, the geysers, or the hot springs, you’ll need a suitable vehicle and good knowledge of the route.

That’s why, although visiting without a tour is possible, the most comfortable, safe, and complete way to enjoy your Salar de Uyuni Trip is usually to book a Salar de Uyuni Tour from Uyuni or from San Pedro de Atacama.

So, What Is the Best Way to Get to Salar de Uyuni?

As you can see, there are several ways to get to Salar de Uyuni, and the best one will depend on your route and how much time you have. If you’re already in Bolivia, starting from Uyuni is usually the most convenient option. If you’re coming from Chile, San Pedro de Atacama is a perfect starting point to cross the Bolivian Altiplano during the tour.

Although you can organize part of the trip on your own, our recommendation is to choose a Salar de Uyuni Tour for a more comfortable, safe, and complete experience.

Now that you know where Salar de Uyuni is and how to get there, check out the tours available with Howlanders and choose the route that best fits your adventure.