Uyuni Salt Flat Sunset & Night Stars: Honest Review & Tips

Alright, picture this: you are standing on the world’s biggest mirror, is that right, reflecting a sky absolutely bursting with stars. It’s almost the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, and let me tell you, it is truly something else. If you’re thinking about doing a sunset and nighttime stargazing tour here, let’s just say, you are in for a treat! I am going to break down what you should probably expect, what you should certainly bring, and a handful of insider tips to just really get the absolute most out of this, arguably once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Booking Your Uyuni Sunset and Stargazing Tour

First, it is picking the right tour. There’s a whole host of agencies in Uyuni offering this package, yet not every package is built exactly alike, you know? Do a bit of reading beforehand, and that’s pretty important. Look into those agencies, perhaps check out the reviews, and ask around a little bit. The super cheap tours might just cut corners on the equipment, like perhaps telescopes, or the guide’s experience. We actually opted for a mid-range tour. It wasn’t exactly the cheapest option, yet we felt very safe, and it certainly included a guide with actually a solid background in astronomy, plus fairly decent telescopes for viewing planets, stars and constellations. The tour was, more or less, worth what we invested. Also, make sure to confirm what’s really included in the tour: transportation, snacks, hot drinks, telescope use and, basically, if they provide warm blankets!

What to Pack: Essential Gear for the Salt Flats

Okay, what do you certainly bring? Let me tell you, even though the sun could be blazing during the day, things totally shift when that sun slips down. That dry desert air can get shockingly chilly, pretty darn quickly. Warm layers are totally critical: think thermal underwear, a decent fleece, a heavy coat, maybe even some gloves and a hat. Regarding footwear, sturdy boots are totally ideal, very especially if it has been raining, is that right, as the salt flats could be a bit damp in certain areas. Don’t just simply forget sunscreen and sunglasses for sunset time! The glare reflecting off the salt is genuinely powerful. A headlamp or flashlight can also prove really helpful for moving around in the dark. If you are planning to do any photography, of course bring your camera equipment, plus perhaps a tripod; you can bet those long exposures of the night sky actually need stabilization, as it would normally! Most tours will supply blankets, however perhaps think about taking your own for added coziness. A power bank for your phone can certainly come in pretty useful as well, just simply since you might find yourself snapping tons of photos, or videos, right? High altitude can affect your devices, and the cold really drains batteries. You should prepare a small backpack to hold these necessities.

The Sunset Spectacle: Capturing the Moment

It’s almost here, it is that magic moment when the sun begins sinking below the horizon. The Salar de Uyuni changes into a totally immense canvas. The whole sky bursts into a rainbow of hues – pinks, oranges, purples – plus, because of the perfectly reflective surface, you get to appreciate twice as much of it. The guide is often good to help you with creative perspective shots, which you definitely want to try! Get low to the ground, make use of props (some tours basically provide them, is that right, like dinosaur toys, Pringles cans, etc.) to generate really cool optical illusions. Have patience, however; that golden hour actually goes by super quickly, then get those photos snapped just before that sunlight fades.

Stargazing on the Salt Flats: A Celestial Experience

Alright, now here’s where the experience gets really magical. When complete darkness falls, far, far away from light pollution, it reveals possibly one of the darkest, clearest night skies on planet Earth. I’m going to say the Milky Way just unfolds, a massive river of stars arching across the heaven. With the telescopes, we could make out planets like Jupiter, Saturn, then clearly see the moons. That guide certainly pointed out diverse constellations, is that right, plus shared myths regarding the southern sky. Stargazing out on the Salar seems just simply unreal, almost like you’re standing within an infinite space. Remember to definitely listen to your guide as they show you the stars. It makes the sky that much better when someone knowledgeable actually explains what’s up there, don’t you know?

Dealing with the Altitude and Weather Conditions

Uyuni does sit at a very lofty altitude – we are talking above 11,000 feet! So, give yourself a little bit of time to properly acclimatize just before embarking on a tour like this. Drink enough water, maybe avoid really heavy meals, then pass on strenuous activity upon your arrival. Should you suffer from altitude sickness signs (headache, nausea, dizziness), definitely inform that guide and potentially think about turning back to Uyuni, as they say. Keep your eye on weather patterns too, really! The salt flats may become just basically inaccessible following substantial rain, for example tours sometimes get called off if conditions are bad. In case your trip actually does get cancelled, get hold of the tour company to rearrange for an alternative date, as the situation may be.

Food and Comfort on the Tour

You’d agree, staying cozy and actually fed truly makes any adventure even better. The majority of tours give you snacks and hot beverages (tea, coffee, hot chocolate), yet you can bring an extra one of your personal goodies just in case. Some have brought along biscuits, nuts, fresh fruit and other bite-size treats, because really, you do feel hungry as you’re at height, after that it has become freezing. Make sure you’re staying hydrated to fend off symptoms of altitude illness. Regarding comfort: facilities are generally genuinely fundamental out in the salt flats, is that right. Most tours basically have a portable restroom put in place. Be certain to have tissues and hand sanitizer handy.

Photographing the Night Sky: Tips and Tricks

Taking awesome night pictures takes a tad bit more effort, as it is to be expected, though I will definitely offer some advice here. You really need a tripod – very stable! Make use of a low ISO to help prevent too much noise within those photos (start round 800, adjust based on effects) and get hold of a broad aperture. Think about utilizing a distant shutter release or possibly a timer to avoid digicam shake if getting pictures. Focus is absolutely a must. Manual actually often functions far better within darkness, as they say; then take a look at practicing on getting those focus perfect during day so you’re well prepared as darkness will get there. Edit images to offer those stars really standing out after capturing the pics; it enhances things a fair bit, does it not?

Is the Uyuni Sunset and Night Tour Worth It?

Basically, my response to you is, unequivocally yes. Okay, yes, you do probably need to brave cold temps, maybe cope with some altitude signs. I mean, actually getting to witness a sunset melting into stars while out on this definitely otherworldly terrain, is very unforgettable, as they say. The photos, they would never do justice actually capturing those views for real with one’s personal eyes. It’s really just, you have to be there! If one does this tour just somewhat ready, it has all the makings to be that very, very memorable highlight from any journey by Bolivia. Make it possible – I can’t advise this adequate.

Hopefully, I’ve managed to give you a clearer picture of what you can get from doing a Salar de Uyuni sunset, then a night of viewing the stars trip. With the correct preparing and expectations, you will generate mind blowing experiences and moments!