The short packing list
Pack for two climates in one day: strong sun at midday and freezing air at night. Warm clothing, a windbreaker, a change of clothes, a towel and water are on the usual packing lists. Add sunglasses, sun protection and a hat. A sleeping bag is recommended in winter. If you are still choosing a route, our guide to 3-day Uyuni tours shows where you sleep.
The cold is the part most visitors underestimate. Average winter nights fall well below freezing, and the lodging on multi-day tours may not be heated.
How cold is it by month
Monthly averages at Uyuni airport, in °C. Single days and nights can differ.
| Month | Average high | Average low |
|---|---|---|
| January | 20.7 | 4.9 |
| February | 20.4 | 4.2 |
| March | 20.4 | 3.0 |
| April | 18.4 | −1.8 |
| May | 14.8 | −7.4 |
| June | 12.4 | −10.3 |
| July | 12.4 | −11.7 |
| August | 14.9 | −9.4 |
| September | 16.1 | −6.6 |
| October | 19.1 | −3.3 |
| November | 21.0 | −0.5 |
| December | 21.4 | 2.6 |
For most visitors in May to September, a warm sleeping bag and several layers matter more than anything else on the list. From December to March the nights are milder, but the rains arrive, and waterproof boots matter. For the season in detail, see the best time to visit.
Our pick: sleeping bag included
This three-day tour includes a sleeping bag from May to September, so there is one big item less to pack for the basic overnights.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Uyuni salt flat tours and day trips
Day trips, multi-day jeep tours and sunset tours, with live prices and availability.
What goes in the bag
Grouped by what it protects you from.
Cold
Bring warm clothing in layers, a windbreaker and a change of clothes. A sleeping bag is advised in winter. One 3-day offer includes a sleeping bag and basic lodging but not heating in the rooms, so assume a cold room.
Sun
The sun is strong at this height. Pack sunglasses, sun protection and a hat. A hotel at the edge of the salt flat also recommends lip balm.
Water and wet ground
Take water and a towel. If you plan to use the thermal pools on a multi-day trip, add swimwear. In the wet season, waterproof boots keep your feet dry, and some tours hand out rubber boots in the rains. Ask what your tour provides.
Altitude
Plan the first two days with light activity and no alcohol. Medication questions belong with your doctor. See altitude and acclimatization for general advice.
Money and cash
Cash is useful once you leave town.
Bolivianos for fees
Entrance fees are paid on the spot in cash. The protected area costs BOB 150 per person on the 3-day route and Isla Incahuasi costs BOB 30. Thermal pool fees run between BOB 6 and BOB 30. Water, snacks and park entries are often extra, so ask what the tour price covers.
Cash machines
There are cash machines in Uyuni, and none once you leave town. Do not count on a particular card or on dollars, and do not assume a machine will pay out on the day.
Cards and online payment
Some operators accept card payment online, and one accepts PayPal. An economic crisis and a dollar shortage do not mean that cards fail everywhere. Pay the tour online if you can and carry the rest in cash.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where the gear comes into play.
What to pack for Uyuni: frequently asked questions
Do I need a sleeping bag?
Operators recommend one in winter, and one 3-day offer includes a sleeping bag with basic lodging but no room heating. Ask your operator what is provided.
How cold does it get at night?
Monthly average lows are −10.3 °C in June and −11.7 °C in July, and about 5 °C in January. These are averages, so single nights can differ.
Do I need waterproof boots?
In the wet season, yes. Some tours hand out rubber boots then. Ask before you buy a pair.
Can I pay by card at Uyuni?
Some operators take cards online. On the road, entrance fees are paid in Bolivian cash, and there are no cash machines once you leave Uyuni.
How much cash should I bring?
Enough for park entries and small extras. Park fees of BOB 150 and BOB 30 for Isla Incahuasi apply in 2026, plus water and snacks, which are often not included.
Is this an official tourism site?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the Bolivian tourism authorities, the protected-area administration or any tour operator.