Uyuni Salt Flats Tours: Shared Tour with Hostel vs Private Tour with Hotel

The Uyuni Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni), the largest salt desert in the world, is one of the most popular destination in Bolivia. When planning your trip, an important decision arises: should you choose a shared tour with salt hostels or a private tour with salt hotels?

Both options allow travelers to explore unique landscapes, colorful lagoons, deserts, and unforgettable starry skies. However, the experience differs significantly depending on your choice.

1. Shared Tours with Salt Hostels: the Affordable and Social Option

Shared Uyuni tours are ideal for travelers looking for an authentic, budget-friendly experience while connecting with people from all over the world.

• Small groups: Tours are organized with a maximum of 6 passengers per vehicle.

• Accommodation in salt hostels: Nights are usually spent in shared rooms at hostels built with salt blocks. For an extra fee, you may book a private room with a bathroom, but facilities remain very basic.

• Rainy season (January–March): when the Salt Flats are flooded, it is often impossible to reach the traditional salt hostels. In those cases, overnight stays are arranged in the town of Uyuni, and alternatives are provided whenever possible.

• Multicultural experience: A great opportunity to meet backpackers and travelers from different countries.

• Standard itineraries: The schedule is fixed, with little flexibility for changes. The advantage is high availability—this tour can often be booked at the last minute.

Important from May to August (winter season): we include sleeping bags in all shared tours, as temperatures drop dramatically. However, salt hostels do not have heating, and pipes often freeze, meaning hot water may not be available.

This option is perfect for travelers who value price, adventure, and social interaction over comfort.

If you wish, for an extra cost, you can access a single, double or twin room with private bathroom.

Also keep in mind that shared tours do not involve spending the night in a hostel. There are several, but most look like this:

2. Private Tours with Salt Hotels: Comfort and Exclusivity

Private Uyuni tours are the most comfortable option, designed for couples, families, or small groups looking for personalized service.

• Tailored itinerary: While attractions are located far from each other, the tour can be adjusted to the group’s needs. You can spend more time at certain sites—for example, enjoying a sunset or taking extra time for photos. In shared tours, visits are usually limited to 10–15 minutes per stop.

• Advance booking required: Due to the limited number of salt hotels and their high demand, reservations should be made at least one month in advance.

• First night in a salt hotel: Guests stay in a salt hotel with higher standards—private rooms, private bathrooms, heating, and much better service than hostels. Common options include Luna Salada, Tayka de Sal, Cristal Samaña, or Palacio de Sal.

• Second night: simpler but comfortable: Since this stage of the trip is in the most remote part of the Bolivian highlands, accommodations are simpler but still more comfortable than hostels. During winter, the cold can be intense, but they remain the best available option in the area. Lodging usually includes Tayka del Desierto or Eco Hotel Los Flamencos.

• Attractions covered: All main highlights are visited, although the order may vary depending on hotel locations.

• Personalized service: A private guide and driver are dedicated exclusively to the group.

• Improved dining: Meals are more complete, with the ability to accommodate special dietary needs such as vegetarian or gluten-free.

Winter season (May–August): even salt hotels can experience frozen pipes, but they usually have backup systems to guarantee hot water, sometimes with slight delays.

This tour type is ideal for those who value comfort, privacy, and better infrastructure, even in the most remote areas of the Bolivian Altiplano.

3. Which Uyuni Tour to Choose?

• Shared tour with salt hostels: perfect for backpackers, young travelers, and those looking for a budget-friendly option. Rooms are usually shared, with the possibility of very basic private rooms.

• Private tour with salt hotels: recommended for couples, families, or travelers who want higher comfort, personalized service, and quality accommodations—though the second night remains simple due to the remote location.

Conclusion

The Uyuni Salt Flats are a destination that amazes every traveler. The difference between a shared hostel tour and a private salt hotel tour is not only the price but also the comfort, service, and overall experience.

During winter (May–August), the contrast becomes even more noticeable: while hostels may run out of hot water and lack heating, salt hotels are usually able to provide solutions, even if with some delays.

Whether you choose the budget-friendly, social adventure of a shared tour or the comfort and personalized service of a private tour, one thing is certain: the mirror effect of the salt flats, the colorful lagoons, and the starry night skies of the Bolivian Altiplano will remain in your memory forever.