10 Ultimate Adventures to Have When Visiting Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Whether you favor working out with friends or opt for solo fitness outings, tour companies such as the Nomada Experience provides the bikes and equipment necessary for a fast-paced adventure of viewing the Uyuni Salt Flat on two wheels. You can even create your own personalized tour if you want to travel off the typical globetrotter biking path. True stamina enthusiasts can ride 40+ miles mostly off road with or without a guide.

The main nesting center of three species of flamingos, the Laguna Colorado (translated means “Colored Lagoon”) provides Instagram-worthy photos needing no filter. This lagoon, located within the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve near the Chilean border, is famed for bold red water caused by algae, which provides nourishment for pink flamingos. You will also find a sprinkling of white borax for additional noteworthy hues. Bring a yoga mat and take some time to meditate in the reserve.

The first train line running through Bolivia was located in Uyuni in 1899 and mainly used by the mining companies. The Bolivian president heralded this new form of public transportation because he believed it would elevate Bolivia’s economy, but at the same time, the indigenous people worked to destroy it. You can see and touch this part of Bolivian history at the machine cemetery known as the Train Graveyard. While there, climb and stand atop these turn-of-the-century machines for a novel view of the Bolivian desert countryside.

Little known Portugalate makes for a reprieve from the tourist hoards you find at Uyuni, but this locale will still allow you to experience the rich, natural landscapes of Bolivia. Back in the day, Portugalete was a silver and lead mining town once invaded by the Spaniards. Now you can see its archaeological ruins in the form of cemeteries, old-fashioned mines, and stone shrines. Tour companies such as the WIZ Tours will pick you up from your hotel and take you to view the entire abandoned ruins.

Standing above all of Salar de Uyuni lies the ominous Tunupa Volcano. You do not need to feel scared; the volcano remains dormant. However, it peaks at mountainous height of 17,457 feet. Not surprisingly, the volcano often contains snow-covered peaks and requires mountaineering experience to reach the top. But less-practiced hikers can still join a tour, such as the La Torre Tours, that allows you to scale the volcano with professionals. Bonus: You do not need to be in CrossFit-five-days-a-week-level shape. Reaching the 15,000-foot mark should take three to four hours for those in decent shape.

After climbing the Tunupa Volcano, you can shake out your legs by walking to the Cave of Mummies, a nearby well-preserved ancestral burial ground. The tour inside teaches you about the culture and customs of the now called “Coquesa Mummies.” Many salt flat tours, such as the Candelaria Tours, include a visit to the cave.

One of the highest cities in the world, be sure to acclimatize to the elevation before heading out to enjoy a football (or soccer in the U.S.). Potosí is home to the football team Club Real Potosí who play at the 32,000-seat capacity Estadio Victor Agustín Ugarte. The players no doubt are true athletes, as this stadium is one of the highest in the world.

As an alternative to Salar de Uyuni, this salar (translated means salt reserve) combines the desert with white borax and is surrounded by lagoons and a thermal spring. It remains a relatively unknown gem, as you will find only one road through it. Visitors must head to the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve to reach this salt flat, and while there, you can catch a glimpse of a mining company that exploits borax and glass.

You can get a first-hand view of geysers that arrive at first sunlight at the Sol de la Mañana (translated means “Morning Sun”). Visitors will find a geothermal field approximately six miles by six miles in size and located about 16,000 feet above sea level. The entire field contains volcanic activity, mud springs, and steam pools. It is one of the few geysers in the world that allow you to get up close—so watch your step. Be sure to dress warmly due to the elevation. The smell might bother those with a queasy stomach. If you are experiencing jet lag or are sensitive to smells, you should exercise caution during this adventure.

As a memento to your Uyuni adventure, stop by the mining ghost town Colchani to purchase salt crafts made by hand. A town with less than 700 residents, Colchani houses the salt cooperative and is the perfect locale to visit if you are short on time and cannot go out onto the salt flat or you wish for more peaceful adventure trips.