Uyuni Salt Flats Day Trip Review: Is It Worth It?

Okay, you’ve probably seen the pictures. The unbelievable, mind-bending images that seemingly show people holding dinosaurs or standing on top of each other with gigantic forced perspective. Very likely, these all came from the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. That crazy expansive salt flat stretches out like a bizarre dreamscape, and that’s perhaps got you thinking about visiting. Maybe you’re even considering one of those day trips specifically built around getting those funky photos. But hey, is it really worth the hype, though? As someone who’s been there and snapped plenty of those kinds of pictures, let me break down exactly what you might expect from a “From Uyuni Excursion: 1 Day Uyuni Salt Flat and Fun Photos” tour. Hopefully, this provides a realistic picture, so you can determine if it belongs on your bucket list.

What the One-Day Tour Typically Covers

Most one-day salt flat tours out of Uyuni basically follow the same kind of route, which is something that’s quite important to keep in mind. First off, expect an early start, almost brutally early really, like around 10:00 AM, usually so it’s something you definitely have to prepare for. Typically, tour operators cram everyone into a sturdy 4×4 vehicle—almost always a Toyota Land Cruiser, it seems, by the way. That very vehicle becomes your trusty companion for the day. The initial stop, it seems, tends to be the train cemetery. This graveyard for abandoned locomotives offers a very atmospheric photo op, though arguably it’s probably seen better days, honestly.

Next, the tour often heads toward the tiny village of Colchani, that sits right on the edge of the salt flats, and that village offers perhaps a peek at how the locals process the salt, by the way. It’s really rather a basic process, actually, but very interesting nonetheless. Soon enough, you’ll drive directly onto the Salar de Uyuni itself. This feels like landing on another planet to many people, but like it’s a flat, unbelievably white surface that stretches as far as the eye can see. You get tons of time to simply wander and soak it all in, or snap those aforementioned wacky forced perspective photos. Those photos become a major highlight, surely, so prep your poses and bring some funny props. The day usually wraps up with a visit to Incahuasi Island, too, that’s basically a rocky outcrop covered in giant cacti. It’s located in the middle of the salt flat and offers some truly remarkable views.

The Photo Opportunities: Making the Most of the Illusions

The “fun photos” part of the excursion that’s extremely attractive to tourists, of course. However, achieving them definitely requires some pre-planning and a willingness to embrace your inner goofball, though. The vast emptiness of the salt flats really is what makes these perspective tricks so effective, actually, so use it to your advantage. Gather some props. This can truly involve anything from toy dinosaurs (a classic!) or Pringles cans to miniature figurines or even costumes if you’re especially dedicated. Then, talk things over with your tour guide. They usually know the prime spots for setting up these shots. They may too even have some prop suggestions or sample poses from previous tours. Don’t be shy with your poses. Go big, that tends to be the rule for those really shareable results. Jump, act surprised, pretend to be squashed, be creative about it and silly, really.

For composition, remember the perspective tricks work because of the distance and the flat horizon. So, one person is very close to the camera, exaggerating their size, while others are far away. It could look like they are in the palm of the first person’s hand. Make several attempts for each idea, also, adjusting positions slightly, and checking the results. The lighting can be harsh on the salt flats, mostly, so consider shooting during the early morning or late afternoon to get softer light which reduces the shadows. Be sure to protect your camera equipment, too. The salt dust can get into everything and really do damage. That’s probably something people should keep in mind going into this.

What to Expect From the Tour Operators

Selecting the proper tour operator may possibly be an enormous part of making sure you truly have a great time. There’s truly lots of agencies in Uyuni providing day trips. But the thing about them, is that their qualities can vary. Read reviews from a load of several resources — TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, travel blogs, social media groups. Find recurring patterns in the reports — good and awful. Some operators are known to prioritize pace and security, even as others have a tendency to be a little more easygoing. Know what’s included, too, while reserving. Usually, tours cowl transportation in a 4×4, a manual (generally talking Spanish, even though English-talking guides may be requested and located), lunch, and entry prices to attractions like Incahuasi Island. Confirm whether or not they offer particular gadget for the images or props, which could potentially be a nice bonus.

Throughout the tour, it’s good to talk really evidently together with your manual regarding your pursuits. When you’ve got specific thoughts for photos or if there are spots you definitely need to see, make certain they are conscious. Tour courses are, by and large, bendy, within cause, but they possibly can not examine your mind! Ultimately, be organized that some Uyuni tour operators may not be as refined or organized as the ones you locate in, say, Europe or North America. A sense of adventure and the willingness to go together with the flow assist plenty in making sure the excursion runs smoothly. And it would likely be important to not expect a 5-star resort type of experience. This is meant to be rugged, even.

Things to Consider Before Booking

Altitude sickness is potentially one of the greatest considerations with any journey to the Uyuni Salt Flat. The city of Uyuni sits around 12,000 feet above sea level (3,650 meters). This probably does mean the air is significantly thinner. It might cause headaches, dizziness, or nausea. Spending a day or of at least to acclimatize in a city which includes Uyuni or Potosi is extremely advised previous to starting your excursion. Hydrate regularly. Steer clean of alcohol. Keep away from heavy food. That surely assist your body modify. Those who know they’re at risk of altitude sickness will also need to speak to their medical doctor to peer if medicinal drug inclusive of Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a viable alternative.

The weather in Uyuni can potentially be intense, as well, specifically depending on the time of year. For the duration of the day, the solar glare on the salt flat could be fairly brutal, so shielding yourself from it could be the most important aspect of the plan. You could also, to illustrate, want to put on UV-defending shades and apply a broad-spectrum sunblock liberally. Taking a hat is actually usually beneficial to preserve the sun off your face. At night time or during the cooler seasons, the temperature can drop unexpectedly. Deliver layers to wear so you may modify as the temperature changes. Consider that the rainy season (typically December to April) can occasionally cause flooding on the salt flat. This also might make certain regions inaccessible. It actually could, too, make for lovely mirror outcomes for your images. But it will disrupt common tour routes, possibly.

What to Bring With You

Making ready is clearly key to experiencing a secure and a stress-free excursion. Apart from the solar block and shades stated above, be certain you have got secure walking shoes. You may be doing lots of trekking on the salt flat and across the rocky regions. Deliver a digital digicam or telephone with a fully charged battery to seize the superb landscape and fun photo opps. A portable energy bank, too, may be very beneficial, seeing as the 4×4 cars possibly have restrained charging points. A small backpack enables you to carry your private items like water bottles, snacks, and any props you desire to use in your photographs.

Bring a few Bolívanos, also. Although a few locations receive credit score playing cards. Having local cash is handiest, particularly for small purchases and guidelines. Additionally, it’s nice to carry a few primary first-resource items. Which includes band-aids, pain relievers, and any non-public medications. To illustrate, even when lunch is furnished, bringing some extra snacks can keep starvation at bay, mainly if you have dietary regulations. Having digestive drugs on your first resource package deal might be particularly a good concept when you have a sensitive stomach. The alternate in meals and the excessive altitude on occasion can have an effect on a few tourists.

Is the One-Day Uyuni Salt Flat Tour Worth It?

So, getting again to the large query: Is it definitely really worth spending your cash and time on that particular journey? Nicely, the solution is arguably primarily based on what you would probably be hoping to get from the one-day adventure. If you’re specifically keen on seeing the maximum famed sections of the Salar de Uyuni. Even making some extremely imaginative photographs. The single-day excursion arguably gives an extremely good, while brief, creation. The vast majority of travelers usually leave feeling like that’s an enjoy that can’t ever, seemingly, be copied. You’ll see the sizable salt flats, test out some cool points of interest. However the real highlights truly entail shooting these unusual, perspective-bending photos.

That is possibly stated, even in case you are extra focused at the region’s geology, flora, or a comprehensive immersion within the local culture. Possibly a multi-day tour would give you a lot more of an experience, though. Those more lengthy adventures delve deeper into the surrounding desolate region. It goes into rarely explored locations, even along with thermal springs, colored lagoons, and strange rock formations. Either manner, a experience in the Salar de Uyuni is surely some thing really unique. Hopefully, all of that allows to get a good plan that helps your decision making process.

Key Takeaways:

The one-day tour focuses on the essential salt flat experience and photo opportunities.
Altitude sickness can affect you so get adjusted ahead of time.
Pack properly with sunglasses, sun block, layers, and props for photos.
Selecting a good tour company would provide a better tour experience.
The “fun photos” are truly fun and require a few planning to come out well.

#UyuniSaltFlats #BoliviaTravel #SaltFlatsTour #SouthAmericaAdventure #TravelPhotography