Salar de Uyuni Circuit
Bolivia
In short: Salar de Uyuni Circuit is a about 900 km to Hito Cajón; longer with return to Uyuni desert road trip in Bolivia, typically driven over 3 days, best in May–Nov (dry). Highlights: Uyuni, Incahuasi Island, Palacio de Sal.
Across the world's largest salt flat, a 10,582 km² mirror of white that becomes a perfect sky reflection after rain, then through volcanoes, lagoons of pink flamingos, and geysers at 5,000m into the Altiplano.
Make this route yours
Set your dates, pace, and taste, and RoadAtlas AI rebuilds this trip day by day with real, verified places.
Included with Traveler and Explorer plans.
Plan this trip
Third-party planning links may be affiliate links. RoadAtlas stays independent, and you should verify details with the provider.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Uyuni, Colchani and Salar de Uyuni; overnight San Juan
Train Cemetery · Colchani Salt Factory · Booked tour breakfast, packed lunch and refuge dinner
Day 2South Lípez lagoons and Laguna Colorada
Eduardo Avaroa National Park · Laguna Colorada flamingo circuit · Booked refuge breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
Day 3Sol de Mañana, hot springs, Laguna Verde and Hito Cajón
Sol de Mañana and hot springs · Laguna Verde Viewpoint · Booked tour breakfast and packed lunch
Stops along the route
Things to Do
Show 3 more
Where to Eat
Nearby and similar drives
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Salar de Uyuni Circuit drive?
The Salar de Uyuni Circuit covers about 900 km to Hito Cajón; longer with return to Uyuni from start to finish.
How long does the Salar de Uyuni Circuit take to drive?
Most travellers spend 3 days on the Salar de Uyuni Circuit, depending on stops and pace.
When is the best time to drive the Salar de Uyuni Circuit?
The recommended season for the Salar de Uyuni Circuit is May–Nov (dry).
Where does the Salar de Uyuni Circuit start and end?
The Salar de Uyuni Circuit runs from Uyuni to Hito Cajón.
What are the main stops on the Salar de Uyuni Circuit?
The Salar de Uyuni Circuit passes through Uyuni, Incahuasi Island, Palacio de Sal.
How difficult is the Salar de Uyuni Circuit to drive?
The Salar de Uyuni Circuit is rated hard and is best handled with 4wd only.
Do I need a 4WD for the Salar de Uyuni Circuit?
Yes — the Salar de Uyuni Circuit includes off-road or rough sections that require 4wd only.
Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Salar de Uyuni Circuit?
Yes — the Salar de Uyuni Circuit requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: Travel only with a reputable salar/Sur Lípez operator using a maintained 4WD with working seat belts, oxygen, first aid, communications and an emergency plan. Confirm fuel, refuge, Eduardo Avaroa reserve controls (normally 08:00–16:30), ABC road status, weather and blockades immediately before departure; never cross a blockade. Carry water, snacks and very warm layers and plan for severe altitude, cold and isolation. State whether the tour ends at Hito Cajón or makes the much longer return to Uyuni.
How many fuel stops are needed on the Salar de Uyuni Circuit?
Plan around 1 refuels (or about 3 EV charges) along the Salar de Uyuni Circuit, based on its about 900 km to Hito Cajón; longer with return to Uyuni length.
Is the Salar de Uyuni Circuit safe to drive?
Travel only with a reputable salar/Sur Lípez operator using a maintained 4WD with working seat belts, oxygen, first aid, communications and an emergency plan. Confirm fuel, refuge, Eduardo Avaroa reserve controls (normally 08:00–16:30), ABC road status, weather and blockades immediately before departure; never cross a blockade. Carry water, snacks and very warm layers and plan for severe altitude, cold and isolation. State whether the tour ends at Hito Cajón or makes the much longer return to Uyuni.
What scenic tier is the Salar de Uyuni Circuit?
The Salar de Uyuni Circuit is a legendary drive — The world's most extraordinary drives — once-in-a-lifetime road trips with cinematic scenery, legendary roads, and unmatched cultural depth.