With an extent of 10,582 km², it is the largest salt flat in the world. It is situated at an altitude of 3660 m, and the average annual temperature is between –25°C in the night and 20°C during the day. Because of the extremely high rate of evaporation in the southern altiplano, extensive salt plains have formed. The salt beds are relics of Lake Minchin that existed in the Pleistocene era. Because of the loss of their waters they have been left as various salt pans or salt lakes, of which the Salar of Uyuni is most notable, both for its size and its great beauty.

HOW TO GET THERE

By land - Paved highway: Sucre - Potosí 155 Km (2 and ½ Hours)

All weather non-paved road: Potosí – Uyuni 210 Km (5 to 6 Hours).

ALTITUDE

The height of the city of Uyuni is 3620 meters over sea level

CLIMATE

Cold with an annual average temperature of 3° C.

Rain mostly in the months of December - March.

WHAT TO EAT

There are a few restaurants that feature some International dishes and many varieties of pizza.
Regional cuisine is based on Llama meat and Quinua, the traditional grain of the Andes.

WHERE TO STAY

There are some Hostels and Hotels in the city of Uyuni.

The curious rustic Salt Hotels on the borderof the Salar de Uyuni are considered among the most exotic in the world. There are some small boarding houses in San Juan, around the Salar and on the area of Eduardo Avaroa National Park.

New hotels are starting to work in all this area.

WHAT TO BUY

Diverse handcrafts and salt statues.