The highs were high and the lows were pretty low. Best way I can describe what I was hoping would be the perfect trip.

Alright so the tours saved Uyuni for the most part. I do have to say, I don’t recommend the hotel I stayed in. Ah yes, Luna Salada. Perfect in pictures. Beautiful hotel made of salt. Even the floors are made of salt! For the most part, the people who worked there did an alright job as well… but I’m pretty sure something I ate nearly killed me. As I write this, I’m currently hoarding my own personal supply of oxygen in the hopes that it will give me life. I’ll save my true review for another post 🙂

Tips for an awesome time!

1. Keep expectations low but pocketbooks loaded. My hotel was way more expensive than anything else I’ve seen in Bolivia. They charged for taxis in USD. The food was underwhelming. The town of Uyuni is underwhelming. The arts and crafts in Colchani are double what you would pay in La Paz. “Tourist Tax” I like to call it.
2. Know what you want to book, but wait until you get there. I saw the trip I wanted on Viator for $150 I believe. Same tour provider had it for $70 the day of. I went with Red Planet– amazing! I’d also book based on demographic. Had a lovely time with an older couple from my hotel, but had an even better time in a group with 6 other people in their late 20s/early 30s.
3. Day trips or overnight trip? This stuff gets confusing. We had other overnight trips with Red Planet come along with us… and I guess they go back to a hotel to spend the night and continue on the next day? Then stay elsewhere so they can see the red and green lagoons that are far away? I was completely happy seeing the volcano, Incahausi island, Playa Blanca, and train graveyard over 2 day trips. Any more than that would be exhausting… Plus I hear you’re more likely to freeze to death on those overnight trips. I guess it builds character and lasting friendships though.
4. Get creative on how you’ll pass time. I was stuck on my hotel complex with little more to do other than eat at the restaurant, pass out, or watch TV at the bar. Not a ton of nightlife in the middle of the salt flats. In town it’s a little better; there are some pubs. Still– Uyuni is a good place to catch up on reading (or work remotely!)
5. Sunscreen and coats! I got sunburnt as it was hot during the day, but at sunset and after it is literally frigid. Near freezing temps. This changes throughout the year so check it out and be prepared. Put sunscreen on your hair part, ladies! A forgotten area that is giving me all the angst today. It can also be very windy throughout the day and you’ll want those layers.
6. Commit to transportation the day before or day of. I planned my trip in advance and booked a flight and then overnight bus out. Changed my mind once I hated my hotel and decided to book a one way flight back to La Paz the day before. Didn’t lose much on the bus fare as they are SO cheap, but still. You can really book stuff in Bolivia the day of or day before!
7. Check out the Vicunas. Did you know there are 4 types of animals descended from camels in South America? This one looked like an llama mixed with a deer. Pretty stinkin cute! Apparently their wool is like 50x more expensive than llama or alpaca wool.
8. Browse unique perspective photo ideas, then make it your own. I spent a ton of time researching what I liked and disliked online. There are a lot of cliché ones that involve a dinosaur and I wasn’t about that. Super happy with what I ended up with, and even happier I chose the day tour I did so I could have a partner in crime for the photos. FYI, tour providers will have some props but if you have something in mind you can bring your own or buy some props in the market. The major issue with getting the photo perfect is having both the foreground and background focused. Not easy on an iPhone, and not easy with a photographer who doesn’t know how to use an iPhone or the burst function!

The Salt Lake has a rich history that shouldn’t be ignored, and the right tour and photos make this an amazing experience! Choose accommodation wisely 😉