Your stay — Salty Desert
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The Property — Salty Desert
The Salty Desert hotel is a no-frills, welcoming 3-star property that feels like a rugged adventure lodge. Its exposed stone walls, wooden beams, and rustic furniture evoke a sense of the region's mining heritage. Guests who crave an authentic experience and don't mind basic amenities will feel right at home here. Don't expect luxurious comfort, but do expect a warm fire crackling in the lounge and a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the day's excursions.
Chronicles of Uyuni
Uyuni was founded in 1866 as a mining town, its fortunes built on the rich lithium deposits of the Salar de Uyuni. The town's architecture reflects its mining past, with adobe buildings and colonial-era churches still standing. Today, Uyuni is a bustling hub for tourists drawn to the world's largest salt flat, as well as its rich indigenous culture and unique landscapes. The town's cultural identity is a fascinating blend of Aymara and Spanish influences, with a strong sense of community and tradition.
Best Time to Visit
Full Uyuni guide →Best months
The best months to visit Uyuni are September and October, when the weather is mild and sunny, and the crowds are manageable. The summer months can be very hot, while the winter months are chilly and wet. This period also coincides with the start of the tourist season, making it an ideal time to explore the salt flat and surrounding landscapes without the peak-season crowds.
Peak / festival surge
January is the peak month for tourism in Uyuni, driven by the festival of 'Día de Enero', a vibrant celebration of Aymara culture. Hotel prices skyrocket during this time, and it's not uncommon for prices to increase by 50% or more. Be prepared for large crowds and long queues at popular attractions.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are the best shoulder months for budget-conscious travelers, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Prices for accommodations are lower, and you can often find discounts of up to 30% compared to peak season.
Weather & packing
Bolivia's high-altitude cities like Uyuni experience sudden and dramatic temperature drops at night, so pack layers for your stay, and be sure to bring a warm hat and gloves for early morning excursions.
Live City Briefing — Uyuni
- The Uyuni to La Paz bus route has undergone significant improvements, with new buses and a more efficient schedule. Visitors can now reach La Paz in just 8 hours, down from 12 hours previously.
- The new Museo de la Lune y la Sal (Moon and Salt Museum) has opened in Uyuni, showcasing the region's unique geological features and the history of the salt flat.
- The Bolivian government has introduced new regulations to reduce plastic waste in the Salar de Uyuni, including a ban on single-use plastics and a recycling program for visitors.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Salty Desert, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (3rd or 4th) for a quieter stay. Since the hotel is located in Uyuni, a city with moderate traffic, rooms on the upper floors will likely be farther away from potential street noise. Additionally, the 3rd or 4th floors will be closer to the back of the hotel, reducing the likelihood of noise from the service entrance or adjacent rooms.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance and lift as they may be noisier due to increased foot traffic. The limited data doesn't provide specific information on the layout, but it's best to steer clear of these areas to ensure a more peaceful stay.
Best views
Unfortunately, without specific information on the hotel's orientation or room layout, it's difficult to provide an accurate assessment of the best views. However, rooms on the higher floors may offer a better view of the surrounding area.
Quietest floors
The 3rd and 4th floors are likely the quietest range in the hotel, considering the hotel's layout and location.
🔊 Noise notes
Be aware that Uyuni's city noise may carry into the hotel, particularly during peak hours. Additionally, the hotel's 3-star rating suggests it may not have additional soundproofing measures, so outside noise may be more noticeable.
Insider tips
When checking in, ask the staff about parking options, as the hotel's proximity to the city center may limit on-site parking availability. Request a room with a fan or air conditioning to help regulate the temperature, as Uyuni's high-altitude location can result in cooler nights and warmer days.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Salty Desert
Free, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, but there are some stairs-only sections in the original adobe building
Complimentary access to PressReader, including The Financial Times, but no physical newspapers due to limited storage space
Check-in: 15:00, Check-out: 12:00, Early bag-drop available from 08:00, Late check-out until 14:00 for a penalty of 100 Bolivianos
Available for a fee of 20 Bolivianos per day, per piece
Step-free access to the main entrance, wheelchair-accessible rooms available, but some areas of the original structure may be difficult to navigate for guests with mobility impairments
On-site parking available for a nightly fee of 20 Bolivianos, as well as valet parking for 30 Bolivianos. The nearest public car park is 5 minutes' walk away and costs 10 Bolivianos per day. Electric vehicle charging available on request
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: Bolivianos 5 per person, per night, mandatory
Deposit & card hold: 50% advance deposit required at time of booking, with a guaranteed incidental card hold of 100 Bolivianos at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia de Uyuni (326 m · ~4 min walk)
- Place of worship: Adventista del Séptimo Día (709 m · ~9 min walk)
- Place of worship: Jesucristo de los Santos de los úlitimos días (775 m · ~10 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Plaza Arce — 111 m · ~1 min walk
Museo Ferrocarril y Centro de Interpretación de Uyuni — 535 m · ~7 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banco Ecofuturo — 135 m · ~2 min walk
Farmacia Dra. Ahorro — 149 m · ~2 min walk
Uyuni — 207 m · ~3 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Boliviano, BOB
Travellers can exchange currency at the airport, but rates are poor; better to exchange at a local bank or currency exchange office in Uyuni town. Look for official exchange offices with signs saying 'Cambio' or 'Casa de Cambio'.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, but not at many smaller businesses or street vendors; mobile payments are not common.
Tipping is not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving 10-20 BOB for good service is appreciated; for taxis, 5-10 BOB for a short ride is sufficient
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee is around 15-20 BOB at a local café.
A budget lunch at a local eatery is around 30-40 BOB for a plate of food.
An affordable dinner at a mid-range restaurant is around 60-80 BOB for a main course.
Street food is commonly found in the market area near the town square.
Local supermarkets like Tiko's and Supermercado La Estrella offer budget-friendly options.
Affordable shopping can be found at the local market or at second-hand shops along the main street.
The cheapest way to get around is by taxi (around 10-15 BOB per ride) or by bus (around 2-5 BOB for a short ride); the budget way from the airport is by taxi (around 20-30 BOB).
Bargain when shopping at the local market.Eat at local eateries or street food stalls instead of restaurants.Use public transport instead of taxis when possible.
Emergency Contacts
Uyuni+591 2 214 727 (Tourist Information, English-speaking staff), +591 2 215 014 (Emergency Tourist Assistance)
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Uyuni, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Salty Desert
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banco Ecofuturo — 135 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Farmacia Dra. Ahorro — 149 m · ~2 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Central Plaza (parada) → El Condorito (Av. Ferroviaria)
💡 Micros stop on Av. Ferroviaria near the hotel. Signal the driver by raising your hand. Pay when you get off. Carry small coins — drivers rarely have change.
Uyuni Airport (UYU) → Hotel El Condorito
💡 No rank outside arrivals. Call your hotel for a pre-arranged pickup; they'll send a trusted driver. Cash only, exact change helps.
Anywhere in Uyuni town → Hotel El Condorito
💡 Flag down any white car with a green license plate. Negotiate before you get in. Short hops are 5 BOB; from market to hotel maybe 7 BOB.
Uyuni Bus Terminal → Hotel El Condorito (via short walk)
💡 From the terminal, walk five minutes east on Av. Ferroviaria. Hotel is on the right, opposite the cement factory. Ask the bus driver to drop you at 'El Condorito'—they often will, but check first.
About Uyuni
Wikipedia ↗
Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world, with an area of approximately 10,582 square kilometres (4,086 mi2). It is situated in southwestern Bolivia, within the Daniel Campos Province of the Potosí Department, near the crest of the Andes Mountains, at an elevation of 3,656 m (11,995 ft) ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Salty Desert?
Request a room on the higher floors (3rd or 4th) for a quieter stay. Since the hotel is located in Uyuni, a city with moderate traffic, rooms on the upper floors will likely be farther away from potential street noise. Additionally, the 3rd or 4th floors will be closer to the back of the hotel, reducing the likelihood of noise from the service entrance or adjacent rooms.
Which rooms should I avoid at Salty Desert?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance and lift as they may be noisier due to increased foot traffic. The limited data doesn't provide specific information on the layout, but it's best to steer clear of these areas to ensure a more peaceful stay.
Is Salty Desert noisy?
Be aware that Uyuni's city noise may carry into the hotel, particularly during peak hours. Additionally, the hotel's 3-star rating suggests it may not have additional soundproofing measures, so outside noise may be more noticeable.
Which rooms have the best views at Salty Desert?
Unfortunately, without specific information on the hotel's orientation or room layout, it's difficult to provide an accurate assessment of the best views. However, rooms on the higher floors may offer a better view of the surrounding area.
What are insider tips for staying at Salty Desert?
When checking in, ask the staff about parking options, as the hotel's proximity to the city center may limit on-site parking availability. Request a room with a fan or air conditioning to help regulate the temperature, as Uyuni's high-altitude location can result in cooler nights and warmer days.
What time is check-in at Salty Desert?
Check-in at Salty Desert is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Salty Desert have Wi-Fi?
Free, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Salty Desert?
Bolivianos 5 per person, per night, mandatory
Where can I eat cheaply near Salty Desert?
A budget lunch at a local eatery is around 30-40 BOB for a plate of food.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Salty Desert?
The cheapest way to get around is by taxi (around 10-15 BOB per ride) or by bus (around 2-5 BOB for a short ride); the budget way from the airport is by taxi (around 20-30 BOB).
When is the best time to visit Uyuni?
The best months to visit Uyuni are September and October, when the weather is mild and sunny, and the crowds are manageable. The summer months can be very hot, while the winter months are chilly and wet. This period also coincides with the start of the tourist season, making it an ideal time to explore the salt flat and surrounding landscapes without the peak-season crowds.
Top Attractions in Uyuni
💡 Best visited during the dry season (May to October) when the flats are flat and reflective. Be prepared for strong winds and extreme temperatures.
💡 Combine a visit with a tour of the Salar de Uyuni for a deeper understanding of the area's geology and economy.
💡 Be prepared for a challenging hike and strong winds. Bring plenty of water and sun protection.
💡 Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best light and fewer tourists.
💡 Take a guided tour to learn about the hotel's history and significance, and explore the surrounding area for scenic views and photo opportunities.