Uyuni

Uyuni is a town in southwestern Bolivia, in the Potosí Department. It serves as the administrative center of the Uyuni Municipality, within the Daniel Campos Province, and sits at a high elevation of about 3,650 meters above sea level. The town functions as a regional hub for transportation and services in the area.

The town lies adjacent to Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, a major tourist destination known for its vast white expanse and, after rain, mirror-like reflections. Nearby features include Colchani, a village on the edge of the flats where salt is processed, and Isla Incahuasi, an island in the salar famous for its large cacti and viewpoints.

History and economy: Uyuni developed as a railway hub in the early 20th century, linking mining regions with ports and neighboring countries. Today the local economy blends traditional activities such as salt production with growing tourism. A notable site is the Cementerio de Trenes, a field of rusting locomotives from the early railway era, which draws visitors curious about the area's industrial heritage.

Geography and climate: Located on the Altiplano high plateau, Uyuni experiences a cold, dry climate. Nights can be very chilly, while daytime temperatures vary with the season. Rainfall is scarce and concentrated in the austral summer, producing clear, sunny days for most of the year.

Travel and access: Uyuni serves as a gateway for tours of the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding lagoons. The town has facilities for visitors, including markets and lodging, and is connected by road to La Paz and other regional centers; a small airport provides domestic connections.