There are places in the world that feel like they belong on another planet. Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni is one of them. Imagine an endless sea of salt stretching to the horizon, a mirror that swallows the sky when it rains, and nights so cold they’ll bite into your bones.
It’s not Paris, it’s not Bali, it’s not meant to be easy. That’s the beauty of it.
And if you’re going to make the pilgrimage here — to stand in the middle of this white desert and feel very small — you’d better be prepared. Packing for Uyuni isn’t about looking good on Instagram. It’s about survival, comfort, and squeezing every ounce of wonder out of this strange, magical place.
The Clothes That Save You
Here’s the truth: Uyuni will trick you. The sun will roast you alive at noon, and by midnight you’ll wonder if you accidentally booked a trip to Siberia.
- Layers are your religion. Start light: T-shirts, long-sleeves. Add a fleece. Top it with a windbreaker or down jacket when the night comes.
- Thermals. Yes, you’ll look like a wannabe Arctic explorer, but at 3 a.m. when you’re watching the stars explode above the salt flats, you’ll be grateful.
- Pants that move. Hiking pants, not jeans. Jeans freeze. Jeans kill joy.
- A hat and gloves. When the wind cuts across the flats, you’ll thank yourself.
The Sun Is Not Your Friend
Forget gentle Mediterranean sunshine. At 3,600 meters above sea level, the sun here doesn’t just shine — it attacks.
- Sunglasses. Polarized, if you can. Without them, the salt flats will blind you.
- Sunscreen. Industrial strength. SPF 50+. Slather it on like it’s war paint.
- Lip balm. The dry air will shred your lips if you don’t.
The Photographer’s Playground
Everyone wants the shot: the endless reflections, the toy dinosaur chasing your friends, the Milky Way stretching across the night sky.
- Bring a camera that won’t die in the cold. Extra batteries too — Uyuni eats them alive.
- A tripod, unless you want blurry stars and shaky selfies.
- Props. Silly, yes. But a plastic dinosaur or soda can becomes legendary when used for those mind-bending Uyuni perspective photos.
Small Things That Matter More Than You Think
The desert is merciless. It will strip your skin, dry your throat, test your patience.
- Moisturizer. Your face will feel like paper without it.
- Reusable water bottle. Hydrate, always. Altitude sickness is not romantic.
- Snacks. Chocolate, nuts, anything that feels like comfort when you’re miles from the nearest store.
If You’re Staying Overnight
Many Uyuni tours run 3 days. You’ll sleep in salt hotels or barebones lodges, far from what you’d call luxury. This isn’t the Four Seasons — it’s Bolivia’s wild frontier.
- Sleeping bag. Even if your operator provides blankets, extra warmth is life-saving.
- Headlamp. Electricity isn’t guaranteed, and finding the bathroom in the dark isn’t fun.
- Toiletries and towel. Don’t expect hotel kits. Bring what you need.
The Practical, Boring but Crucial Stuff
- Passport. Always.
- Cash in Bolivianos. Don’t count on cards. ATMs are scarce.
- Travel insurance. The road is rough. Be smart.
A Few Hard-Learned Tips
- Spend a day in La Paz or Potosí first to adjust to the altitude. Uyuni will knock you out if you don’t.
- Don’t overpack. A medium backpack is better than dragging a giant suitcase across the desert.
- Respect the land. Don’t litter, don’t carve your name in the salt, don’t be that tourist.
Final Words
The Salar de Uyuni isn’t comfortable. It isn’t easy. That’s why it’s unforgettable. It strips away the noise, the distractions, and leaves you standing in the middle of a vast white nothingness that somehow feels like everything.
Pack smart. Travel light. Bring warmth, protection, and curiosity. And when you’re out there, under a Bolivian sky so full of stars it makes you dizzy, you’ll realize that the salt doesn’t just reflect the world — it reflects you.
And that’s a trip worth taking.
