Uyuni Overview

Population: 14,000

Elevation: 3669 m

Tel Code: 02

The desolate town of Uyuni exists as a tourist destination for one reason only—its proximity to one of Bolivia’s greatest attractions, the Salt Flats. If you haven’t already booked your tour, and you’re set to leave from here rather than Tupiza, it’s likely you’ll end up in Uyuni a day or so before you begin your jeep ride. If this is the case, know that the majority of visitors spend as little time as possible in this town, enough only to book that tour, and then just enough to work out how to leave.

Uyuni is essentially a transport hub, made up of tour and bus companies, set in place for transport to and from the Salar. The trains and buses that connect the town to the rest of Bolivia, north toward La Paz or south to Tupiza, ensure that there is always a steady flow of tourists present. The fact that there is only one ATM, however, shows the lack of infrastructure here. You will find acceptable hotels, but nothing extraordinary; restaurants are mediocre as well. What’s more, Uyuni is has windy days and bitter nights, generally making it an “only if you have to…” destination.

Despite its cold temperatures and isolated feel however, Uyuni has a certain chilly charm and altogether, it’s not the worst bad place to spend a night. The town’s one “attraction” is its central market set up for locals and travelers alike. Here you’ll find kitchy Bolivian handicrafts alongside giant sacks of potatoes. The aforementioned hotels and restaurants may not be top notch, but they will do for the night, and there are plenty of them at that. Most line the central square as well as the road that runs parallel to the train station. Also, when the sun is out, the square’s pleasant outdoor seating is the best place to waste time waiting for your jeep or bus out of town.