Uyuni Travel Forum

I have the choice of either taking the 3-day tour of the Salar de Uyuni either right now (Feb 5-16) or in mid-March (the 12th and beyond). I want to see the salar's breathtaking mirror effect work on the sun and clouds, but weather.com says that it is raining and overcast both day and night in uyuni for the next ten days!

Has anyone traversed the Salar in mid-March? What kind of weather would I expect? Should i go now, and chance having a flooded/overcast experience, or later, and risk missing the rainy season? (dry salt flats do not sound as appealing...)

Thanks to anyone who can answer my question...

-an avid photographer

(apologies if this post appears more than once...I accidentally posted it in the wrong place at first)

I went in the summer and the dry salt flats are amazing. I guess its a different experience but dont miss the trip just for the sake of the water because you won't be disappointed

Sounds like some pretty difficult timing. You want the mirror effect from standing water but also the sun to be out with a few clouds. Maybe after 10 rainy days the sun will come out and there might be standing water remaining. I agree with the previous reply though. Dry or wet, you will not be disappointed with the Salar de Uyuni or the rest of the trip south. Save some film/bytes for the high elevation lakes with the flamingos.

Thanks so much for replying, you two. I just returned from my trip to the Salar and it was hands down the most beautiful and bizarre experience of my life. I ended up not making it until the end of March, at which time I got the best of both worlds...parts of the flats were still flooded, making for that breathtaking mirror effect, while other parts were dry enough to grant us passage to the island of the giant cactuses, marooned in a blinding white infinity of salt. If anyone else is considering this trip...it is not to be missed.

Well said, Hsienko. It sounds like your timing was perfect after all. I would love to see your photos. There are some things in life that should not be missed and southern Bolivia is one of them.

i completely agree.

i have a few photos of the salar already posted on my blog, if you're interested:

http://www.thedoxa.com/2005/03/bolivia-beyond-words.htm

i will be posting the rest of my photos presently...i'll notify you once i finish putting them together!

I took a look...outstanding, especially the dawn shot! I'll be looking forward to the rest of your photos. It was strange to see the salt hotel surrounded by water. It was dry when I was there.