How to get to Uyuni from Copacabana? | Overland route from Lake Titicaca to the Salar
If you’re exploring the Andean highlands and want to travel from Copacabana, on the shores of majestic Lake Titicaca, to Uyuni, the gateway to the stunning Salar de Uyuni, we’ll tell you all the possible ways to make this trip, with practical tips, recommended routes, and useful information to ensure your adventure is safe and comfortable.
🚐 Overland route: Copacabana – La Paz – Uyuni
The most common and economical way to get from Copacabana to Uyuni is by taking a land route through La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia.
🛣️ From Copacabana to La Paz
- Approximate duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Transportation: Tourist bus or minibus
- Frequency: Daily departures from the Copacabana bus terminal, in the morning and afternoon.
- Route: The road skirts part of Lake Titicaca and crosses the Strait of Tiquina (where passengers cross by boat and the bus by raft).
- Recommendation: Take tourist buses or reliable agencies that offer safe stops and comfortable vehicles.
🚌 From La Paz to Uyuni
- Travel time: between 10 and 12 hours
- Transportation: Overnight bus with daily departures from the La Paz bus terminal.
- Frequent departures: between 8:00 and 9:00 PM
- Recommended companies: Todo Turismo, Cruz del Norte, Panasur, Trans Omar (with sleeper or semi-sleeper options).
- Tip: Book in advance during peak season and bring warm clothing, as the buses cross cold areas of the Altiplano. 🚩Journey Summary
✨Medium Travel Time Approximately
Copacabana – La Paz Bus or minivan 4 to 5 hours
La Paz – Uyuni Overnight bus 10 to 12 hours
Estimated Total
14 to 17 hours
✈️ Can you fly from Copacabana to Uyuni?
Currently, there are no direct flights from Copacabana. The only way to fly to Uyuni is to take a bus from Copacabana to La Paz, and then a flight from El Alto International Airport to Uyuni.
- Nearest Airport: El Alto (La Paz)
- Operating Airlines: Amaszonas, Ecojet
- Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Recommendation: Ideal if you’re looking to save time and are traveling on a more flexible budget.
✅ Travel Recommendations
- Weather: Pack warm clothing, especially if you’re traveling at night.
- Cash: There are few ATMs in Copacabana and Uyuni, so bring some cash in Bolivianos.
- Documents: If you’re a foreigner, make sure you have your passport and immigration card ready for police checks.
- Reservations: If you’re going to Uyuni during peak season (December to March due to the mirror effect), book your tour and transportation in advance.
- Food: Pack snacks or light meals for the trip. Some buses include dinner, but not all.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the trip from Copacabana to Uyuni cost?
The total cost can vary between $35 and $60 USD, combining both legs (Copacabana – La Paz and La Paz – Uyuni), depending on the type of bus and service.
- Are there direct buses from Copacabana to Uyuni?
There are no direct buses. You will always have to make a stopover in La Paz.
- Can I buy the entire ticket through a single agency?
Some travel agencies offer combined packages, but most travelers buy the legs separately (Copacabana – La Paz and then La Paz – Uyuni).
- What is the best time to leave Copacabana?
Ideally, you should leave in the morning or around midday to arrive in La Paz with enough time to catch the overnight bus to Uyuni.
