The fabulous salt flats of Uyuni are Bolivia's most important salt deposit, situated in the southwestern corner of the country. This sparkling, ivory ocean of white stretches away towards the distant horizon and offers splendid bush camping locations. Camping at the Salar de Uyuni is an adventure, albeit not without risk. The following tips and ideas on campsites and what camping gear to bring secure a proper preparation.
Camping Gear for a Bushcamp at Salar de Uyuni
Before setting off to camp at the salt flats be well prepared in terms of drinking water, food, clothes and camping equipment:
- Bring quality camping gear from home [or rent a camper-type car] – don't expect to be able to buy decent tents, sleeping bags or camping stoves in Bolivia.
- During the Bolivian winter [June-Sep], temperatures at night may reach -25 degrees Celsius; bring enough warm clothes, for example thermal underwear.
- Bring sun protection articles [hat, sunglasses and sun lotion].
- Don't forget to bring a camera with enough film / memory sticks.
- Uyuni is a good town to stock up on drinking water and food [Colchani – the entrance to the Salar – has no proper facilities to do so].
- Rough camping asks for independent transportation and road navigation.
Camping Locations on Uyuni's Salt Desert
During dry season [Apr-Nov] it is easy to follow existing tracks on the salt flats. However, during the rainy season [Dec-March] there may be a layer of water on the salt, which hide ojos de salar [lit: "salt eyes", i.e. deep water holes] making them invisible, which is disastrous for the vehicle [and the camping trip].
Beautiful bush camping spots on Salar de Uyuni are:
- Isla de los Pescadores, about 25 kilometres northwest of Isla Inca Huasi.
- Jiriri, a village located at the base of the Tunupa Volcano, north of the Salar. A place of flamingos, llamas, hikes to the volcano or ancient burial grounds.
- The immediate surroundings of San Juan, south of the Salar de Uyuni.
- Note that it may sound adventurous or romantic to pitch a tent in the middle of the Salar. However, there may be traffic at night [local bus and tours] and incredible as it may sound, drivers do not always use the car's headlights at night. Avoid the camping adventure to end in disaster by bush camping on an island – or ensure that the campsite is well lit.
Another campsite is Isla Inca Huasi, the island most visited by tour groups. It is a beautiful island with facilities such a restaurant and bathroom. There will probably be a small charge to camp there [regular entrance fee to visit the island is 15 Bolivianos / 2 US dollars].
A Bush Camping Adventure at the Salt Flats of Uyuni
Rough Camping at Salar de Uyuni is an awesome and unique travel experience in Bolivia. However, travellers should prepare themselves for such a bush camping trip in terms of proper camping gear, water, food and [warm] clothes. Adventurous travellers may also be interested in an off-road trip to Laguna Colorada and other remote corners of southwest Bolivia.
Karin-Marijke Vis - Karin-Marijke Vis is a bilingual writer (Dutch-English) who has been traveling in Asia and South America since 2003.
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