How to get to Uyuni from Arequipa? | Complete guide for travelers
If you’re planning an adventure to the Salar de Uyuni and you’re in Arequipa, Peru, you’re probably wondering about the best way to get there. While there’s no direct route, several combined options will allow you to reach this magical destination in Bolivia, crossing the border safely and enjoying breathtaking scenery along the way.
Below, we explain all the alternatives for getting to Uyuni from Arequipa, step by step, with approximate travel times, transportation options, and helpful tips for your trip.
✈️ Arequipa – La Paz – Uyuni (Combining bus and flight)
One of the most comfortable and fastest ways to travel is from Arequipa to La Paz, and from there take a direct flight to Uyuni.
Arequipa to La Paz
🚍 You can take an international bus from Arequipa to La Paz with companies like Tour Peru, Transzela, or Ormeño.
- Travel time: approximately 12 to 14 hours.
- Departures: generally in the afternoon or evening to arrive in La Paz in the morning.
- Border crossing: via Desaguadero or Yunguyo–Kasani.
Flight La Paz – Uyuni
- Once in La Paz, you can take a direct flight to Uyuni with BoA (Boliviana de Aviación).
- Duration: approximately 1 hour.
- There are daily flights, generally in the morning or late afternoon.
📌 This route is ideal if you prefer to avoid long bus rides and make the most of your time on the salt flats.
🚍 Arequipa – Desaguadero – La Paz – Uyuni (All by land)
- If you prefer to travel the entire route by land to save money, this is a viable and adventurous alternative.
Arequipa to Desaguadero (Peru-Bolivia border)
- You can take a bus from Arequipa to Desaguadero, with a stop in Juliaca or Puno.
- Estimated duration: 8 to 10 hours.
Desaguadero to La Paz
- Cross the border on foot and take local transport or a minivan to downtown La Paz.
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic.
La Paz to Uyuni
- From La Paz, you have two options:
🚍 Overnight bus: with companies like Todo Turismo, Trans Omar, or Panasur.
- Duration: 8 to 10 hours.
- Departures: usually between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
- ✈️ Direct flight as in Option 1.
📌 This option is more economical but involves more travel time and layovers.
🚆Arequipa – Puno – Copacabana – La Paz – Uyuni (Ruta turística)
Perfecta para quienes desean explorar el Lago Titicaca y Copacabana antes de llegar a Bolivia.
Etapas:
- Arequipa a Puno: en bus turístico o regular (6–7 horas).
- Puno a Copacabana: en bus por la ruta Kasani (4 horas).
- Copacabana a La Paz: en bus (4 horas).
- La Paz a Uyuni: en bus o vuelo directo.
📌 Esta es la ruta más pintoresca y cultural, ideal si quieres conocer más del altiplano andino en el camino hacia el Salar de Uyuni.
💡 Consejos prácticos para el viaje
✅Compra tus pasajes con antelación, sobre todo si viajas en temporada alta (junio a septiembre).
✅Lleva siempre tu pasaporte a la mano para el cruce fronterizo.
✅Revisa el estado de las carreteras y el clima, especialmente en temporada de lluvias.
✅Lleva dinero en efectivo en soles y bolivianos, ya que no todos los puntos fronterizos tienen cajeros.
✅Si tienes tiempo, considera pasar una noche en La Paz o Copacabana para aclimatarte.
📍 ¿Cuál es la mejor opción para llegar a Uyuni desde Arequipa?
Todo depende de tu presupuesto, tiempo y estilo de viaje:
- Si buscas comodidad y rapidez, la mejor opción es bus a La Paz + vuelo a Uyuni.
- Si deseas economizar, opta por la ruta terrestre completa vía Desaguadero.
- Si prefieres una experiencia cultural completa, toma la ruta vía Puno y Copacabana.
