How to get to Uyuni from Lima? A practical guide for your adventure to the salt flats
If you dream of visiting the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest white salt flat, and you happen to be in Lima, Peru, don’t worry: there are several ways to get to Uyuni, combining flights, buses, and trains. While there isn’t a direct route between Lima and Uyuni, this journey is part of the experience and will allow you to discover other fascinating destinations along the way, such as La Paz or Santa Cruz. Below, we explain the best available routes.
✈️ Flight Lima – La Paz + Bus to Uyuni (fast and comfortable option)
One of the most convenient ways to get to Uyuni from Lima is via La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia.
Travel steps:
- International flight Lima – La Paz
You can take a direct flight from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) to El Alto International Airport (LPB). Airlines such as LATAM, BOA (Boliviana de Aviación), and Sky Airline offer this route, with flights of approximately 2 hours.
- Land transfer La Paz – Uyuni
Once in La Paz, you have two options:
- Overnight bus (recommended): Companies like Todo Turismo and Trans Omar offer sleeper or semi-sleeper buses to Uyuni, with overnight departures (8 to 10 hours of travel time).
- Domestic flight La Paz – Uyuni: If you prefer greater comfort and speed, you can take a flight with BOA or Amaszonas to Uyuni (approximately 1 hour). This is the fastest option.
👉 Tip: If you have time, you can stay overnight in La Paz to acclimatize and visit the cable car or the Valley of the Moon.
🛫 Flight Lima – Santa Cruz – Uyuni (with layovers)
If you can’t find convenient flights to La Paz, another option is to fly first to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, another major city in Bolivia.
Travel stages:
- Flight Lima – Santa Cruz (VVI)
Several airlines fly this route with or without layovers. The journey takes approximately 3 hours.
- Flight Santa Cruz – Uyuni
From Santa Cruz, take a domestic flight to Uyuni with a layover in La Paz. This option can take between 3 and 5 hours in total, depending on the airline.
👉 Ideal if you want to avoid bus travel or if you are already exploring eastern Bolivia.
🚌 Bus Lima – Cusco – La Paz – Uyuni (budget-friendly and adventurous option)
If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative or want to explore parts of Peru and Bolivia by land, this route is for you.
Travel stages:
- Bus Lima – Cusco
Take a bus from Lima to Cusco (approximately 20 hours). Companies like Cruz del Sur or Civa offer comfortable service.
- Bus Cusco – La Paz
You can continue to Puno and then cross into Bolivia via Desaguadero or Copacabana. From there, continue to La Paz. The entire journey takes 12 to 16 hours with a layover.
- Bus or flight La Paz – Uyuni
From La Paz, choose between an overnight bus (8-10 hours) or a domestic flight (1 hour) to finally reach Uyuni.
👉 Recommended for backpackers, budget travelers, or those who want to explore other places along the way.
🚂 Bonus: Oruro – Uyuni Train Trip (Unique Experience)
If you choose to travel to Oruro from La Paz (by bus or train), you can take the Expreso del Sur or Wara Wara del Sur tourist train operated by Ferroviaria Andina.
- The Oruro – Uyuni train journey takes approximately 7 hours.
- A comfortable and scenic option, ideal for those seeking a unique experience.
📍 Which route to choose to get to Uyuni from Lima?
Route Estimated Time Approximate Cost Recommended for…
- Lima – La Paz – Uyuni 1-2 days Medium Travelers with limited time
- Lima – Santa Cruz – Uyuni 1-2 days Medium to high Frequent travelers, with fewer layovers
- Lima – Cusco – La Paz – Uyuni 3-4 days Budget Backpackers and explorers
- Lima – La Paz – Oruro – Uyuni 3 days Budget to medium Train lovers and those who prefer alternative routes
🧳 Final tips for your trip from Lima to Uyuni
Documents: Bring your passport or national ID (for Mercosur countries) and be sure to check the immigration requirements.
Currency exchange: Exchange your soles for bolivianos at reliable exchange bureaus or at airports.
Weather: Uyuni has a cold and dry climate, especially between May and August. Bring warm clothing.
Altitude: Uyuni is located at over 3,600 meters above sea level, so take precautions if you are sensitive to altitude.
Best time to visit: To see the mirror effect, travel between January and March. To explore the dry desert and its formations, travel from April to October.
