A quick guide for your trip

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Useful information

In order to make your stay more pleasant and to take with you the best memories of this wonderful place, it is very important that you know that the Uyuni Salt Flats have distinctive climatic characteristics, a particular environment and other singularities that can condition notably the access, the permanence and the enjoyment of your stay. We want to make sure you are aware of all the variables, before booking this part of your adventure.

Seasons

The Uyuni Salt Flats are known for having two very different seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. For each one there are details worth taking into account.

DRY SEASON

It runs from the end of April to the beginning of December, during which time there is no rainfall and therefore the salt flat can be crossed from one end to the other. From May to September the average temperature is 5ºC and can often reach a few degrees below zero, especially at night. In the months of October, November and December the temperature rises, reaching 14ºC approx. For the winter months (May to September) it is advisable to wear very warm clothes, preferably thermic, windbreakers, gloves and hats.

RAINY SEASON

Also called the “Water Reflection” season, it runs from the end of December to mid-April. During this time, due to the amount of rainfall, the salt flat fills up with water and – for the safety of visitors, according to regulations of the department of Potosí – it is forbidden to enter more than 15 km into the salt flat. During this season, the average temperature is usually 14 ºC and the weather can offer days that are very cloudy or rainy. Light clothing, water boots, sandals, raincoats and a hat are recommended for protection from the sun. The hotel has boots to lend out to the guests.

General recommendations

•Sunglasses should be worn all year round to protect the eyes from the reflection produced by the whiteness of the salt and abundant sunscreen on all areas exposed to the sun.

• Because the climate is very dry, it is also recommended to carry lotion for skin and some lip moisturizer.

HEALTH

The Salar is more than 3600 meters above sea level. It is recommended that people who are not used to this altitude consume a lot of water and eat moderately before and during their stay in the place. In some cases, digestion can be slightly affected by the altitude. Likewise, it is recommended not to subject the body to intense activities, such as long walks, without resting intervals.

CHILDREN

Although there are many people who travel with children, the Uyuni Salt Flat is a 100% natural destination in which there are not many attractions for kids. However, if your children are used to spending extended periods of time touring in a vehicle, don’t hesitate to bring them along.

ELECTRICITY

The Uyuni Salt Flats, as well as the city of Uyuni and its surroundings, do not have their own electrical power grid, so there may be occasional random power outages that can last for several hours. However, the hotel has a power generator to provide electricity to its guests during peak hours.

INTERNET

Given the area where the hotel is located, the internet service available to the hotel is by satellite system. Any weather problem, such as windstorms or heavy rain, may limit the speed or produce a partial interruption of the service.

Getting there

BY PLANE

You can use the Amazonas and Boliviana de Aviación (BOA) airlines that have flights from the city of La Paz.

BY TRAIN

Taking the one that goes from the city of Oruro to Villazón or vice versa, it has a stop in Uyuni.

BY BUS

• From Potosi: direct bus with an approximate travel time of 5 hours. Buses leave in the morning and at 7pm. The road is paved.
• From Oruro: a direct bus with an approximate 7 hour trip. They leave every day from 19:00 hours. The road is paved.
• From La Paz: direct bus service between 12 and 14 hours. They leave every night at 19:00 hours.

Driving your own car:

•  It is recommended that you use a 4×4 vehicle as the only asphalted roads to Uyuni are from Oruro and Potosi and in the rainy season it is very difficult to get there.
•  It is also important to consider getting fuel in the bigger cities, since there are no gas stations outside of Uyuni.

Payment methods

The most frequent form of payment in Uyuni is cash and you will find ATMs there. On the other hand, although the locals are not adhered to the card payment system, the US dollar is accepted in all shops.

Frecuently asked questions

  • What is the schedule for transfers?

    The transfer schedules may vary according to flight schedules. We have three entirely free shuttles to the city of Uyuni: one in the morning, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. If you must use one of the shuttles at a different time, you can request it with an additional cost.

  • Where are you located?

    It is located on the shores of the Salar de Uyuni, entering through the town of Colchani, Uyuni, Potosi. Bolivia.

  • What are the best dates to travel?

    You can travel all year round but you must have the seasons in mind, to estimate the route and the activities during your trip.

  • What are the cancellation policies?

    You can cancel free of charge up to 7 days before the check in date. In case the cancellation is after this period, the customer must pay 100% of the cost of the first night, as a penalty.

  • How far in advance should I make my reservations?

    We receive reservations up to one year in advance.

  • Do you have any agreements with institutions?

    Yes, all you have to do is contact us.

  • Do you have 24/7 room service?

    Our hotel is characterized by being an experiential accommodation. In that sense, we prefer to encourage our visitors to visit our spaces dedicated to gastronomy and cocktails during business hours.

  • Can I pay by card?

    Yes, but we advise you to have cash in case your payment method fails. The Palacio de Sal is in a privileged location, but far from the city.

  • What does the fee include?

    Buffet breakfast by Tika Palace, free Wifi Internet, complimentary mate and tea, all amenities inside the room, welcome drink, access to the pool in our Spa.

  • Do you offer boot rental services to enter the Salar?

    The use of the boots is free and is only subject to availability.

  • For how long do you rent bikes?

    Bicycle rental is per day.

  • Does the hotel offer 24-hour package tours?

    No, the person in charge of selling tourist packages works until 8:00 pm, which is the time until which a tour can be programmed for the following day.

  • Does the rate include any special detail for birthday, anniversary or honeymooners?

    Yes, as long as the guest informs us at the time of booking.

  • Does the hotel have rooms suitable for people with reduced mobility?

    Yes.

  • Do the rooms have a basic first aid kit?

    No, the first aid kit is at the reception and we will be there to help you solve any incident.

  • Can I use the pool before checking in?

    Yes, you can use most of our facilities while waiting for your room to be ready.

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