Where to Stay in Uyuni: Is It Worth Staying in Town or Better in Colchani?

I’ve been to Uyuni more times than I can count — okay, I can count. Six times. Six journeys to this otherworldly corner of Bolivia, and each trip has taught me something new about how to survive it, enjoy it, and, most importantly, where to stay in Uyuni so you can make the most of the experience without freezing or regretting your choices.

Uyuni isn’t Paris. It’s not Cusco. And it’s definitely not one of those charming Andean towns where you linger in cafés, sipping cappuccinos under a jacaranda tree. Uyuni is functional — a dusty, wind-battered outpost on the high plateau. The kind of place where the air is so thin it leaves you lightheaded and the cold creeps under your skin no matter how many alpaca sweaters you’re wearing.

But it’s also the gateway to one of the most surreal landscapes on the planet: the Salar de Uyuni. That’s why people come. And before you step onto that endless white expanse, you have to decide: where to stay in Uyuni — or maybe, not in Uyuni at all.

Is it Worth Staying in Uyuni Town?

If you’ve ever asked yourself where to stay in Uyuni town, the answer depends on your priorities. Uyuni town is a means to an end. If the Salar didn’t exist, it wouldn’t make it into any travel guide. It’s not dangerous, but it’s not charming either. Think wide dusty streets, low brick buildings, a handful of restaurants serving pizza or llama steak, and the occasional dog trotting by like it owns the place.

The pros?

• You’re right in the middle of the tour hub. Agencies, buses, and guides are here.

• If your bus or flight gets in late, you can check in, crash, and start fresh.

• You’ll find ATMs, basic shops, and supplies for your trip.

The cons?

• It’s cold. I mean, really cold at night — even indoors.

• Limited nightlife or cultural attractions.

• The town itself isn’t photogenic unless you have a fascination with train graveyards.

For travelers who just want convenience, knowing where to stay in Uyuni is about picking a reliable, warm place for one night. But if you’re looking for atmosphere, magic, or Instagram-worthy streets, you won’t find them here.

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Colchani: The Better Option for Most Travelers

Ask me where to stay in Uyuni or Colchani, and I’ll almost always say Colchani. Twenty kilometers from Uyuni lies this tiny settlement on the edge of the salt flats. This is where the magic starts. It’s where the asphalt ends and the white infinity begins.

Twenty kilometers from Uyuni lies Colchani, a tiny settlement on the edge of the salt flats. This is where the magic starts. It’s where the asphalt ends and the white infinity begins.

Colchani is famous for its salt hotels — yes, literally built from salt blocks. The walls, the beds, even some of the furniture. The first time I stayed in one, I couldn’t stop running my hands along the grainy surface, half expecting it to taste like the Salar itself. (Spoiler: it does.)

You’ll find a range of options:

• Luxury lodges with panoramic windows, fireplaces, and gourmet dining.

• Mid-range hotels with cozy rooms and guided activities.

• Budget salt hostels for backpackers who want the experience without the price tag.

The big advantage? You’re right next to the salt flats. Sunrise over the crystalline surface? You can roll out of bed and be there in minutes. Night photography of the Milky Way? Step outside, and the sky is yours. If you’re serious about the experience, knowing the best place to stay in Uyuni often means looking just outside of it — in Colchani.

Flying into Uyuni and Starting Your Tour the Same Day

If you’re short on time, you can fly into Uyuni in the morning and start your Salt Flats adventure right away. Flights from La Paz to Uyuni run daily at 7:40 am, landing at 8:40 am — just in time for you to grab a quick coffee before your tour.

The good news? All group and private tours start at 10:00 am, so you have plenty of time to land, settle in, and meet your guide.

Now, here’s the not-so-good news: sometimes buying tickets online with BOA Airlines can feel like playing roulette with a very slow internet connection. The site freezes, payments don’t go through… Viva Bolivia.

The better news? We can help. PIE Experiences has a team in both La Paz and Uyuni who will literally go, chasqui-style, to buy your tickets in person. No stress, no error screens — just your seat confirmed and ready for take-off.

Not a fan of flying?

The overnight bus from La Paz is another solid option. “Coche cama” buses (full-reclining bed seats) depart around 9:00 pm and arrive in Uyuni at 6:00 am the next morning. They’re surprisingly comfortable, warm, and a good way to save on a night’s accommodation.

That gives you enough time to stretch your legs, grab breakfast, and jump straight into your Salt Flats tour that same day.

And yes — we can also help you with those bus tickets. You can simply add them to your Uyuni tour booking with us, and our team will handle the reservations for you. Easy, no drama, no running around bus terminals at night.

For Photographers: Why You Should Stay Near the Salt Flats

If you’re into photography and still deciding where to stay in Uyuni, consider this: the best light doesn’t wait for tour schedules. In Colchani, you can:

In Colchani, you can:

• Catch sunrise and sunset without racing against the tour schedule.

• Photograph the night sky with zero light pollution.

• Explore unusual angles and spots not included in standard tours.

I’ve done photo sessions in the rain season where the sky and the ground blend into a seamless mirror, and others in the dry season where the cracked hexagonal patterns stretch into infinity. You can’t plan that magic from a distance — you need to be there.

Cities in Bolivia Worth More Time than Uyuni Town

Sometimes, people who ask me where to stay in Uyuni really mean “where should I spend more of my Bolivia trip?” And honestly, Uyuni town isn’t that place.

Instead, give your time to:

• Sucre: Bolivia’s white city, with colonial architecture and a lively café scene.

• La Paz: A chaotic, colorful capital where you can ride cable cars over entire neighborhoods.

• Santa Cruz: Warm weather, nightlife, and tropical markets.

• Potosí: A city with a mining history that shaped the world.

Uyuni is for the salt flats. That’s it.

Practical Tips for Choosing Accommodation

• Book early — Even though Bolivia can feel like organized chaos on a good day — socially and politically unpredictable — booking in advance is one of the smartest moves you can make. From December to March, Uyuni becomes a magnet for Asian travelers, especially passionate photographers who come for the mirror effect and snap up the most beautiful salt hotels in Colchani. If you want one of those prime spots, reserve your tour and accommodation at least two months in advance. When you know exactly where to stay in Uyuni, you can plan around the rush and avoid missing out.

• Layer up — Even indoors, nights are cold. Pack thermals, a warm jacket, and good socks.

• Avoid the absolute cheapest tours and hotels — Safety and comfort matter at this altitude.

• Ask about heating — Not all hotels have it, and it can make or break your night.

Best Salt Hotels in Colchani (with salt )

1) Palacio de Sal
Iconic salt hotel with panoramic views and impeccable service.

• Why stay: If you’re looking for where to stay in Uyuni for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Palacio de Sal is the answer. Every wall, arch, and bed frame is carved from salt blocks, and the sunsets here look like something straight out of a dream. Heating is reliable, the food is refined, and you wake up to pure Salar magic outside your window.[modula id=”28095″]

• 🔗 Booking Link

• 📍 Google Maps

2) Luna Salada Hotel
Cozy rooms with large windows facing the salt flats.

• Why stay: For travelers wondering where to stay in Uyuni or Colchani for unbeatable views, Luna Salada delivers. Open your curtains to a blinding white horizon that stretches forever, enjoy rustic salt walls paired with warm Andean textiles, and step outside for sunrise photography without needing a tour car.

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• 🔗 Booking Link

• 📍 Google Maps

3) Cristal Samaña Salt Hotel
Traditional salt architecture and peaceful location.

• Why stay: If your priority is finding the best place to stay in Uyuni that’s budget-friendly yet unique, Cristal Samaña is a winner. Hand-crafted salt furniture, quiet surroundings, and easy access to the Salar at dawn make it perfect for slower, more intentional travel.

• 🔗 Booking Link

• 📍 Google Maps

Best Hotels in Uyuni Town – Convenience and Comfort Before or After Your Tour

1) Jardines de Uyuni
Comfortable, warm interiors and a reliable restaurant.

• Why stay: A warm lobby, good heating, hot showers, and an on-site restaurant that saves you from braving the evening wind. Ideal for one night before or after your Salt Flats tour.

• 🔗 Booking Link

2) Casa de Sal – Salt Hotel in Town
Salt design in the center of Uyuni.

• Why stay: Enjoy the charm of salt-block walls with the convenience of being close to agencies, shops, and restaurants.

• 🔗 Booking Link📍

3) Toñito Hotel (with Minuteman Pizza)
Simple rooms with legendary pizza downstairs.

• Why stay: Clean rooms, friendly service, and the bonus of one of Bolivia’s most famous pizzerias right downstairs — the perfect end to a long day on the flats.

• 🔗 Booking Link

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• FAQs about Where to stay in Uyuni

1. 1. 1. Where is the best place to stay when visiting the Uyuni Salt Flats?
         If you want convenience, Uyuni town is fine. For a unique experience, stay in Colchani in a salt hotel right next to the flats.

      2. Is Uyuni town worth staying in?
         Only if you need to be close to transport or arrive late. The town is functional but not particularly scenic — most travelers prefer Colchani.

      3. Can I start a Salt Flats tour the same day I arrive?
         Yes. Morning flights and overnight “coche cama” buses arrive in time for the 10:00 am tour departures.

      4. What is a salt hotel like?
         A hotel built almost entirely from salt blocks, offering a truly unique atmosphere. Comfort levels vary, so choose carefully — and bring warm clothes.

      5. Is it safe to travel cheaply to Uyuni?
         Cheap travel options exist, but in Uyuni, extreme budget choices can mean outdated vehicles, poorly maintained equipment, and unqualified guides. For safety and comfort, we recommend reputable operators.

      6. When should I book my Uyuni hotel and tour?
         From December to March, Asian travelers flock to Uyuni for photography season, and the best hotels book out fast. Reserve at least two months ahead.

      7. What’s the difference between wet and dry season for where to stay?
         In the wet season (roughly Jan–Mar), access to some remote lodges can be restricted by flooding; staying in town or Colchani is safer for logistics. In the dry season (Apr–Oct), remote desert lodges are easier to reach and nights are colder—bring warm layers.

      8. Do Uyuni tour operators pick up from hotels?
         Yes. Most agencies pick up from hotels in Uyuni town and many pick up from salt hotels in Colchani (confirm when booking). For remote lodges, you may need a private transfer or to meet in town.

      9. Is altitude a concern when choosing accommodation?
         Uyuni sits around 3,650 m (12,000 ft). Choose a warm hotel with heating, hydrate, avoid alcohol your first night, and consider acclimating in La Paz or Sucre first. Some lodges provide extra blankets and oxygen on request.

      10. Is there Wi-Fi in hotels in Uyuni and Colchani?
          Most hotels in Uyuni town offer Wi-Fi, though speeds can be slow and connections unstable at times. In Colchani, luxury salt hotels such as Palacio de Sal, Luna Salada, and Cristal Samaña provide Wi-Fi with more consistent coverage, but it may still be slower than in major cities.

      11. How do I get to Uyuni and which location is most convenient?
          Flights from La Paz or buses from La Paz/Potosí/Sucre arrive directly to Uyuni town—staying in town is most convenient for late-night/early-morning arrivals. If you land mid-day, staying in Colchani for a salt hotel experience is easy with a short transfer.

          Choosing the right place to stay can make your Uyuni adventure even more unforgettable. Our Where to Stay in Uyuni guide helps you find the best hotels, from unique salt accommodations to cozy budget stays. Whether you’re here for the magical mirror effect or a multi-day tour, comfort matters. Start planning today and secure your perfect stay in Uyuni.