Getting to Uyuni and the Salt Flats is an adventure in and of itself. Both locations are quite remote and aren't exactly easy to get to.
However, the journey certainly isn't impossible nor dangerous, provided you are willing to travel with a flexible schedule and a great amount of patience.
Most Bolivians, and many tourists, choose to travel in Bolivia by bus.
Bus travel in Bolivia rarely requires reservations--most local bus companies do not accept reservations prior to the day of travel. It's rather simple--you show up to the bus ticket, purchase your ticket and go.
As far as bus fares go: the Bolivian Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications Regulations put together a handy graph of maximum bus fare between various cities in Bolivia.
Though some internet services have emerged to offer "advance reservations" and allow you to purchase tickets from outside of Bolivia, these services are 50/50 shots at best, and outright scams at worst.
Even the well-intentioned companies have problems with bus companies who don't receive the reservations, won't honor the reservations, or sell-out the buses anyway, leaving tourists with the option to stand in the aisles.
Having a flexible schedule is very important when traveling in Bolivia--roadblocks are a common form of social protest in Bolivia and will appear with little to no advance notice. On most major highways there are no detours--a well-placed blockade will completely shut down travel between major cities, including Uyuni.
Contents
Roadblocks in Bolivia
We put together an entire article about roadblocks to answer all of your questions.
Take a pit-stop and check it out here:
Never try to bypass a roadblock in your vehicle or in a bus. Roadblocks are rarely dangerous to tourists, but tensions can rise very quickly if people try to bypass the roadblock. Miner and police/military blockades/strikes are notable exceptions to this rule, and should be treated with extreme caution.
The roads themselves aren't up to first world standards either. The road to Uyuni is no exception--it's unpaved, can get icy in winter, runs over 13,000 feet above sea level, and is always cold.
Always ask about road conditions before traveling in Bolivia. Ask locals or read major newspapers in Bolivia for latest news.
In addition, the Bolivian ministry of Transportation keeps a map of current road "closures" relatively up to date. Alerts in red represent road closures due to maintenance or poor road conditions while alerts in purple represent blockades.
How to Get to Bolivia
Do You Need a Visa?
Note: Always check with your nearest Bolivian embassy or consulate as visa requirements frequently change with little notice. In fact, check with various consulates (if you live in a country with more than one), as requirements seemingly vary between consulates.
Having said that...
Most nationalities from Europe and South America do not need visas to visit Bolivia. Neither do passport holders of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.
Two notable countries that do require tourist visas to visit Bolivia are Israel (since August 2014), and the United States (since 2007).
Can You Get a Visa on Arrival?
Technically, you cannot get a visa on arrival to Bolivia, if you need one (see above). However, in practice, it's nearly always possible to get a tourist visa on arrival in Bolivia. There have even been many cases of tourists who were able to acquire the visa with none of the technical requirements, save for the visa fee in cash, of course.
Having said that, it's advisable to strongly consider acquiring a visa before your travel to Bolivia if time allows. This is especially true if your entry point to Bolivia will be at an airport--Airlines are much more likely to harass and deny boarding to tourists without visas than Bolivian customs agents are.
Tourist Visa Requirements for American Citizens
Again, requirements vary and enforcement varies widely by consulate and by point of entry into Bolivia.
Typically, as of mid 2017, a Bolivian consulate will ask for the following documentation for entry into Bolivia:
- A sworn statement and application form (link)
- One passport-sized photo
- A letter of invitation or a hotel reservation (see more below)
- Flight ticket or itinerary
- Bank account statement
- $160 Visa Fee
- Passport with empty pages and with at least 6 months of validity
What Does My Letter of Invitation Need to Have?
A letter of invitation is typically a personal invitation from a Bolivian citizen to an American citizen. It should specify that the American is being invited to visit and/or spend their vacations and should specify that they are coming to stay at their home.
In addition, the letter should also have:
- The host's full name
- The host's national identification number (DNI/C.I.)
- The host's full address
- The host's telephone number
- The host's signature
- The guest's full name
- The guest's nationality & passport number
- The guest's approximate dates of travel
Keep this letter with you as you travel to Bolivia! Do not discard after mailing in your tourist visa. It's not uncommon for airlines to ask for this letter.
Do I Need a Vaccination Against Yellow Fever to Visit Bolivia?
At one time, a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever was required to visit Bolivia. It no longer is.
However, many understand that the Bolivian government reserves the right to make a certificate of vaccination a requirement for entry into Bolivia at any time.
Many areas of Bolivia are not affected by Yellow fever, including Uyuni. Unless you are traveling into the jungle, outside of cities, then it is unlikely you will be exposed to the threat of Yellow fever.
Having said that, it's not a bad idea to get a vaccination against Yellow Fever. There are a handful of countries that will want to see the certificate if they know you have visited Bolivia. Australia is an example of a country that will want to see a certificate, even from its own citizens returning home! (link).
From North America
Major international airlines do not have partnerships to fly to smaller Bolivian cities, including Uyuni. For that reason, it's advisable to purchase flight tickets to Bolivia on separate reservations: one reservation for international travel, and one reservation for domestic travel.
Flying to Bolivia from North America is fairly straightforward. The only direct flights from the United States to Bolivia are to and from Miami, via American Airlines and . Delta and United do not fly to Bolivia.
However, there are numerous other international airlines that serve Bolivia from North America, including but not limited to:
Prices vary, but tend to fall in the USD $700-$1000 range for a roundtrip flight.
Most international flights server El Alto International Airport in La Paz and Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. El Alto is much closer to Uyuni.
From Europe
Major international airlines do not have partnerships to fly to smaller Bolivian cities, including Uyuni. For that reason, it's advisable to purchase flight tickets to Bolivia on separate reservations: one reservation for international travel, and one reservation for domestic travel.
Currently, all international flights to Bolivia from Europe fly via Madrid. Boliviana de Aviación and Air Europa both fly to Santa Cruz de la Sierra regularly from Madrid.
Often times, travelers between Europe and Bolivia will transit in Miami, Lima or Bogotá via the airlines listed in the previous section. Less often, travelers coming from Europe will transit Buenos Aires or Sao Paulo on Aerolineas Argentinas, Gol, Boliviana de Aviación, or other airlines.
Most international flights server El Alto International Airport in La Paz and Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. El Alto is much closer to Uyuni.
From Asia & Australia
Major international airlines do not have partnerships to fly to smaller Bolivian cities, including Uyuni. For that reason, it's advisable to purchase flight tickets to Bolivia on separate reservations: one reservation for international travel, and one reservation for domestic travel.
Most travelers to Bolivia from Asia and Australia will transit the United States. Even travelers from Australia, who have more direct access to South America via direct flights to Santiago and Buenos Aires, often fly via the United States because of cost considerations.
Having said that, travelers from Asia and Australia can access South America via:
- Qantas (Flights to Santiago from Sydney)
- Air New Zealand (Flights to Santiago and Buenos Aires from Auckland)
- Qatar (Flights to Santiago and Buenos Aires from Doha)
- Turkish Airlines (Flights to Buenos Aires an Bogotá from Istanbul)
- LATAM (Flights to Santiago from Sydney)
Most international flights server El Alto International Airport in La Paz and Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. El Alto is much closer to Uyuni.
La Paz to Uyuni
Taking a Flight
There are currently two airlines that serve Uyuni: Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) and Amaszonas. BoA is Bolivia's national government-subsidized airline, while Amaszonas is a smaller, private airline.
BoA typically flies twice per day to Uyuni from La Paz, once in the morning and once in the evening.
Amaszonas also typically flies twice per day from Uyuni to La Paz, also once in the morning once in the evening.
Both airlines are rather similar in quality, performance and customer service. Expect to pay roughly USD $115 for a roundtrip flight from La Paz to Uyuni on either airline.
If you catch the morning flight on either airline, you should get into Uyuni with enough time to book and embark on a tour that same morning. However, you should strongly consider spending a night in Uyuni if you are flying in from sea level--the very high altitude at Uyuni and at the Salt Flats is not kind to those who don't respect
Taking the Bus
Uyuni is not a common transit point for locals, or others who aren't traveling with the intention of visiting the salt flats.
As such, there are no local buses that travel directly to Uyuni from La Paz. If you want to avoid tourist buses, you can take a local bus to Oruro, and then another bus to Uyuni from there. All buses, including tourist buses, pass through Oruro regardless.
Tourist buses, direct to Uyuni, will always leave in the evenings, around 7-9pm. Many will fill up, so you might have to wait an extra day--check-in at the bus terminal the day before if at all possible.
Local buses to Oruro leave at practically every hour of the day. There are plenty of options between different companies--if you don't make a bus, there will be another one leaving within twenty to thirty minutes.
Actual departure times vary, so be sure to go early to the bus terminal and ask the companies directly.
Tourist Buses to Uyuni from La Paz
There are two main companies that regularly make this trip: Trans Omar and Todo Turismo. I wouldn't use either of these websites to purchase tickets--always purchase tickets in-person at the bus terminal.
Also note: neither of these companies come explicitly recommended by Uyuni Guide, however they do present some limited upside to making the bus trip from La Paz to Uyuni more bearable. Namely:
- Blankets to combat the cold
- A reasonable chance that the bathroom on-board will be unlocked--probably about 75%
- No need to transit Oruro
However, no touristic service should guarantee:
- A smoother ride--all buses have to transit the same mediocre dirt road to Uyuni
- On-time departures--road conditions, blockades and other factors prevent this
- Heated buses--that's why they bring so many blankets
- A significantly safer ride--local buses are much more uncomfortable than unsafe. Even Trans Omar has had a history of major accidents.
Having said that, Trans Omar charges a very reasonable 100 Bs for a semi cama. You can upgrade to a full cama seat at 150 Bs. Buses leave in the evening, typically 8pm, and arrive in Uyuni between 6 and 7 am the next morning.
Todo Turismo, on the other hand charges 250 Bs for the privilege of bouncing up and down all night on the rocky road to Uyuni. If you're pondering forking over 500 Bs for the roundtrip, you should seriously consider purchasing a flight instead.
Local Buses to Oruro
Buses to Oruro leave from the main bus terminal in La Paz, take between three and four hours, and typically cost anywhere from 20 to 40 bolivianos, depending on the class of bus/seat that you select.
The Bolivian Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications Regulations establishes that the maximum cost of a normal bus to Oruro should be no higher than 26 Bolivianos, while the maximum cost of a semi-cama bus should be no higher than 38 Bolivianos, and the cost of a full-cama bus should be no higher than 61 Bolivianos (link).
If you're traveling during the day, a normal local bus should do the trick to get to Oruro. Uyuni Guide recommends Trans Azul as a reasonable bus company to make the trip from La Paz to Oruro.
Taking the Train
The train to Uyuni does not make it all the way to La Paz, it terminates in Oruro.
If you are looking to take the train to Uyuni you will have to first catch a local bus to Oruro, following the instructions in the previous section above.
Again, Trans Azul is our go-to bus company for this route.
Oruro to Uyuni
Taking the Bus
Most buses to Uyuni run overnight and take at least 7 hours on a notoriously cold and bumpy unpaved road. You can typically find tickets between 50 and 60 Bs for a semi-cama.
Buses typically don't need recommendations ahead of time, although it's always a good idea to get to the bus terminal early to check-in early--ask about road conditions and any blockades.
Uyuni Guide suggests Trans Azul as a reasonable bus company that regularly makes this trip.
The Bolivian Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications Regulations establishes that the maximum cost of a normal bus to Uyuni should be no higher than 49 Bolivianos, while the maximum cost of a semi-cama bus should be no higher than 76 Bolivianos, and the cost of a full-cama bus should be no higher than 110 Bolivianos (link).
Be sure to bring plenty of blankets and water.
If you're looking for something slightly smoother and a little bit warmer, you can try the train from Oruro to Uyuni.
Taking the Train
The train from Oruro to Uyuni is a reasonable and inexpensive alternative to taking the bus. However, the irregular schedule of the trains mean that many take the bus because they can't fit into the train's schedule.
There are two trains that make the journey from Oruro to Uyuni: Expreso del Sur and Wara Wara del Sur.
Expreso del Sur runs from Oruro to Uyuni only on Tuesdays and Fridays, leaving Oruro at 2:30pm and arriving in Uyuni at 9:20pm, subject to delays.
It runs the return trip, from Uyuni to Oruro, only on Thursday and Sundays, leaving Uyuni at five minutes past midnight and arriving in Oruro at 7:10am the next morning. Remember, this means, for all intents and purposes, that this service actually leaves late Wednesday night and late Saturday night.
Wara Wara del Sur runs from Oruro to Uyuni only on Wednesdays and Sundays, leaving Oruro at 7pm and arriving in Uyuni at 2:20am the next morning.
It runs the return trip, from Uyuni to Oruro, only on Tuesdays and Fridays, leaving Uyuni at 1:45am and arriving in Oruro at 9:10am. Remember, this means, for all intents and purposes, that this train actually leaves late Monday night and late Thursday night.
Expreso del Sur charges 60 Bs and up per trip and Wara Wara del Sur charges 32 Bs and up per trip.
All trains leave from the Estación de Trenes in Oruro.
San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni
Taking the Bus
Though it's possible to tour the salt flats with companies leaving directly from San Pedro de Atacama, it's not a great idea--tours are more expensive, and there is less selection of tour companies.
If you are traveling from Chile and hoping to tour the salt flats, it is advisable to travel to Uyuni and select a tour from there.
Cruz del Norte offers regular bus service from San Pedro de Atacama and Calama to Uyuni.
Buses leave San Pedro at 3:45am, leave Calama at 5:30am, and arrive in Uyuni around 9 to 10 hours from Calama. Prices fluctuate from 9000 to 13000 chilean pesos (USD$14-20).
Atacama2000 and Frontera del Norte also make this trip, departing around 6am from San Pedro de Atacama.
Getting to San Pedro de Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama is a popular tourist destination in Chile, and is well. connected to other cities in Chile. It also lies on the main northern road to Salta, making it easy to transit Northern Argentina from San Pedro as well.
There are several buses a day from Calama to San Pedro, which take about an hour and a half, and cost around 2500 pesos (USD $5). Transfers from Calama to other cities in northern Chile are easy.
Buses also continue to Salta (12 hrs, $40-$50).
Sucre to Uyuni
Taking the Bus
6 De Octubre is only one bus company that makes a direct trip from Sucre to Uyuni, leaving at 9:30am. Expect the total travel time to take between 8 to 10 hours, costing about 85 Bs.
Again, a big reason behind this is that Uyuni is almost purely a tourist destination, and not heavily transited by locals.
For this reason, we suggest connecting in Potosí. There are many options to make the quick 3-4 hour trip to Potosí, with most costing about 30 Bs. (USD $4.34).
Additionally, trufis (shared taxis on a fixed route) regularly run from Sucre to Potosí, from the bus station, and cost about 50bs. The trip takes about two and a half hours.
Flying from Sucre to Uyuni
Amaszonas now offers quick 30 minute flights from Sucre to Uyuni on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (link). Prices start at 374 Bs (USD $54) for a one-way flight.
Transporte Aereo Militar (TAM) once flew infrequent but inexpensive flights from Sucre to Uyuni but have since discontinued this service.
Potosí to Uyuni
Buses from Potosí to Uyuni are relatively frequent, and take around three to four hours on a paved road. They leave throughout the day, meaning you can grab a bus in the morning or take a semi-overnight bus.
Note that buses traveling to Uyuni still leave from the old bus terminal--you will have to change terminals if you arrive at the new terminal.
Expreso 11 de Julio (link) and Trans Emperador both regularly run buses from Potosí to Uyuni, with fares ranging from 30 to 60 bs.
Cuzco to Uyuni
Taking a Flight
There are no direct flights from Cuzco to Uyuni. In fact, there is only one company that even services both airports: Amaszonas, via a layover in La Paz.
Service from Cuzco to La Paz is sporadic at best--it appears that Amaszonas has also scaled back the service to only run in "summer" months (November to March).
Prices start at 1636 Bs (USD $235) for a one-way flight from Cuzco to Uyuni.
If this sounds a little steep, it's because it is. For whatever reason, Cuzco to La Paz is a very seldomly flown route, and doesn't get a lot of travelers.
Taking the Bus
Similar to flying, there is no direct bus that will take you from Cuzco to Uyuni.
In order to travel from Cuzco to Uyuni via bus, set aside a good two days, because you will have to travel via Puno and La Paz.
Cuzco to Puno takes nearly 7 hours--Cruz del Sur runs an affordable trip (by their lofty standards) starting at 40 soles.
Crossing from Puno to La Paz can be tricky. On one hand, there are overpriced and unnecessary tourist buses, ranging from USD$17 to USD$49 (!!) to make the (longer) trip.
On the other, you can ride with the locals on the faster minibuses to La Paz via Desaguadero and pay between USD$4 and USD$7. Going via Desaguadero shaves a good 2-3 hours off of the trip time as well.
The problem is that the minibus route is a decidedly intermediate traveler route, and those minibuses can leave you in some rather unsavory and dangerous areas of La Paz if you arrive after dark. Don't ever get into a taxi with people you don't know in La Paz, be hesitant to accept help from strangers near minibus drop-off locations, when in doubt, choose a well-populated public transportation bus that'll take you to the bus terminal.
Once safely in La Paz, follow instructions on traveling via bus to Uyuni previously mentioned in our guide. Again, it'll be a solid 12-14 hours still.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra to Uyuni
Taking a Flight
Amaszonas now offers direct flights to Uyuni from Santa Cruz de la Sierra. It is currently the only airline to offer such flights. Prices start at 611 Bs for a one-way flight from Santa Cruz to Uyuni.
If that fails, you could probably fly with Boliviana de Aviación via La Paz as well.
If you arrive to Uyuni from Santa Cruz, take a day to stay in Uyuni and acclimatize to the altitude.
Taking the Bus
Don't say we didn't warn you!
At 20 hours plus, this trip is always going to be long. If you take the direct route, via Sucre, you're taking the scenic route through one of Bolivia's worst maintained and roughest roads. Not dangerous per sé, but a ride guaranteed to be uncomfortable.
You could take the smoother, paved route through Cochabamba, but that'll add a good 5 hours to an already long trip.
Definitely skip this one.
Getting to Tupiza
Tupiza is a fantastic alternative start point to a salt flats tour. Undoubtedly, more tourists would start their tours here if it weren't for the fact that Tupiza is rather small and difficult to get to--it's out of the way enough that most people don't bother to take the extra effort to get there.
Having said that, it's certainly not impossible to reach Tupiza. In fact, Tupiza is rather easy to reach if you're coming to Bolivia from Northern Argentina.
Heading north from Salta and Jujuy, cross the Bolivian border to Villazón. From Villazón, you can catch either a bus (3-4 hours, 15-20 Bs) or the train to Tupiza.
Expreso del Sur leaves Villazón Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3:30pm, arriving at Tupiza at 6:15pm and continuing onwards to Uyuni (11:50pm arrival).
Wara Wara del Sur leaves Villazón Mondays and Thursdays at 3:30pm, arriving at Tupiza at 6:25pm and continuing onwards to Uyuni (1:15am arrival, next day).
Prices start at 14 Bs on Wara Wara Del Sur to Tupiza, 38 Bs to Uyuni. Expreso del Sur starts at 25 Bs, 72 Bs to Uyuni.
This also means that Tupiza is accessible from Oruro as well, on the same trains coming in the other direction.
Tupiza is also accessible via bus from Potosí, for around 50 Bolivianos. The journey takes five to six hours, depending on road conditions.