Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere by staying a night in one of the truly incredible salt hotels in Bolivia, located near Salar de Uyuni. Locals have creatively capitalized on the surrounding environment by creating alternative hotels in which everything from the beds to the walls and floors are constructed from salt blocks.
The most iconic of these salt hotels in Bolivia is the Palacio de Sal, located just outside Colchani. A whopping one million blocks of compressed salt grains went into creating this hotel, which proudly calls itself the “World’s Premier Salt Hotel.” Employees have to repeatedly shave down the salt walls to keep the place looking sculpted and fresh. Each room has an igloo-style dome made of salt which is insulated with plastic tarps. The hotel also boasts a spa, swimming pool, on-site restaurant and even a salty golf course. As it can get chilly at night, the beds have built-in warmers and layers and layers of blankets. Alternatively, you won’t need these if you choose to fire up the heater.
Likewise, Hotel Luna Salada is made entirely of salt, offering guests the essence of the Andes. Just down the road from El Palacio del Sol, Hotel Luna Salada offers another luxurious but slightly cheaper option. Guests will enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the salt flats from the hotel, a great opportunity to relax and get lost in the vast expanse of white. The rooms are comfortable and designed with colorful Andean art and furniture. Guests can also enjoy a wealth of amenities such as a spa, a games room and an on-site restaurant.
Another option is the Hotel de Casa Andina, located near the Uyuni bus station. The rooms here are also built with salt blocks and feature details of Andean décor. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom, a seating area, a dining table, flat-screen TV with cable channels and heating. Bed linen and towels are included.
Interesting fact: Salt hotels have a lifespan of only 10-15 years, as rain causes them to disintegrate and they must be entirely rebuilt.
The salt hotels in Bolivia near Salar de Uyuni are some the most unique places in the world and one of South America’s must-see attractions. No trip to Salar de Uyuni is complete without a stop off in one of these incredible wonders.