Preparing for the altiplano
Altitude and what to pack for Uyuni
Thin air, fierce sun and freezing nights — arrive ready for all three.
Respect the altitude
The Salar sits above 3,600 m and the expedition routes climb higher still, into air thin enough to affect almost everyone. Altitude symptoms are common, so it pays to acclimatise beforehand — spending time in La Paz or another high town first — to take the early days gently, stay hydrated, and tell your guide promptly if you feel unwell. The altitude, not the terrain, is the main physical challenge.
Dress for extremes in one day
The altiplano swings from intensely sunny, warm afternoons to sub-zero nights and mornings, so layering is everything. A warm insulated jacket, thermals, hat and gloves for the cold, plus lighter layers for the day, mean you can adapt as the temperature plunges after dark. Many first-timers pack for a 'desert' and are caught out by just how cold the nights get.
Protect against the sun and glare
At this altitude the sun is brutal, and on the white salt flat the glare is doubled by reflection. Strong sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, lip balm and a hat aren't optional — sunburn and eye strain are common among the unprepared, even on cold-feeling days. The bright white surface makes protection more important here than at almost any other destination.
Practical essentials
Bring cash for the remote town and tour extras, a reusable water bottle, any personal medication (services are limited and far away), and a power bank, since charging can be scarce on multi-day trips. Sturdy footwear, a small daypack and wet-weather gear in the rainy season round out the basics. Packing well for a place this remote makes a real difference to how much you enjoy it.
Come prepared, travel easy
None of this is meant to deter — the Salar is one of the most rewarding places on the continent — but it is genuinely remote, high and harsh, and a little preparation transforms the trip. Acclimatise, pack for cold and sun alike, carry what you need, and you'll be free to simply take in one of the strangest and most beautiful landscapes on earth.
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