Global Staci

Bolivia boasts yet another superlative, which in my opinion is not to be missed. I spent five days acclimatizing in La Paz, took a three-day trip to Lake Titicaca, returned to La Paz to meet my Global Builders team with The Fuller Center for a week, then flew from La Paz to Uyuni and back (rather than a nine-hour bus ride, although, admittedly, it’s a lot cheaper).

[PRO TIP: We needed to book our airfare ahead of time which proved to be challenging. The only airline flying between La Paz and Uyuni at the time (April 2023) was BOA, and my experience purchasing airfare online was difficult, so I had to book with a third party (Kiwi) which I will NEVER use again. BOA cancelled the flight, which I had to rebook at my own expense.]

Yes, you’ll see an enormity of white stretching out before you, which feels more like being on a snow-covered lake than ten billion tons of salt. But the region offers so much more. My group and I did a four-day tour with Hidalgo (I highly recommend), and I could have stayed another day or two, even if it was just at the fabulous Palacio de Sal Hotel relaxing.

I read so much on blogs and websites educating myself on the best time to go. I was there in April, and we were able to see the mirror effect, but there is so much more beauty to experience. I’ll save it for your tour guide to give you all the fun facts and figures, but here are some highlights from mine. My best advice is, go for longer than a night or two; it’s worth it. And if you can afford to splurge, do.

Day 1

Our flight arrived at Uyuni Airport (UYU) early morning and our guide collected us and, after a quick stop in the town of Uyuni, we visited the Train Cemetary, colonial church of San Cristobal, lunch, the Black Lagoon, Valley of the Rocks and finally Villamar Village to stay at the Mallku Cueva. After a shower, wine and dinner, remember to go outside and look at the stars.

Day 2

Because I’d seen so many iconic photos of the white salt of the flats, I was blown away by all the other amazing landscapes and wildlife we saw! The Red Lagoon, James Flamingos, geysers, a dip into the hot springs, Dali’s Valley, and the Green Lagoon. Another awesome overnight at Mallku Cueva.

[PRO TIP: Our guide walked us into the village in the evening to buy snacks and drinks, which was a fun cultural experience. Look up!]

Day 3

It wasn’t until this day that we made it out onto the salt, which was amazing! We explored Fish Island and its giant cacti, and a traditional Apthapi lunch served to us right out in the middle of the flats. Later we took those fun perspective photos and watched the sunset while enjoying wine and charcuterie~! We stayed the night at the Palacio de Sal, the world’s first hotel made of salt, which is, as they say, out of this world.

Day 4

Sadly, this was the day we had to fly back to La Paz. I wish we had another day!