Standing watch like an ancient sentinel, the Tunupa Volcano towers over the vast salt flats of the Bolivian Altiplano. At more than 5 km above sea level, the huge dormant volcano dominates the landscape and is a major attraction for visitors to the central American nation. Steeped in myth and legends, the volcano is an iconic feature of the barren landscape that has stirred the imaginations of the area’s inhabitants for countless generations.
In the Andean mythology, the volcano is said to have once been a goddess whose tears formed the huge salt flats below, while other folklore reveres the volcano as a manifestation of a thunder god. And in modern times, the surrounding Quechua-Aymara communities still consider the Tunupa to be a sacred protector of the land – and it’s easy to see why when you visit the giant volcano for yourself!
Visitors to the volcano can climb up to a spectacular viewpoint at around 4,700 meters altitude and be rewarded by spectacular views of the otherworldly salt flats and hexagonal salt crusts glittering in the valley below. The climb up the slopes of Tunupa takes about 3 to 4 hours and is suitable for anyone with moderate levels of fitness. In the surrounding area, the town of Uyuni makes a good base for exploring the salt flats, visiting Tunupa, and immersing yourself in the culture of this unique corner of the planet.
A must-visit region for landscape photographers, cultural travelers who are drawn to Tunupa by its mythological histories, or adventurous travelers seeking out one of the world’s most unusual vistas, Tunupa Volcano and the surrounding attractions are sure to impress.
How Do You Get To the Tunupa Volcano in Bolivia?
The easiest way to get to the Tunupa Volcano is to fly into Bolivia’s El Alto International Airport (LPB) in La Paz. Once you arrive in La Paz, the Bolivian administrative capital, you can catch an ongoing domestic flight to Uyuni’s Joya Andina Airport (UYU) or take a local bus, such as the Titicaca line, to Uyuni. After arriving in Uyuni, you’ll be within easy striking distance of the salt flats and Tunupa Volcano itself.
Uyuni has a nice range of hotels to choose from to suit most budgets, making it the perfect base camp for your upcoming explorations of the Tunupa Volcano, the salt flats, and the other cultural attractions in the area. It’s worth noting that due to the relatively high altitude of the salt flats, you should allow yourself at least one night in Uyuni to rest and relax before you ascend any higher up into the plateau. This will give your body time to acclimatize to the altitude and reduce your chances of getting altitude sickness. Remember to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, especially when you first arrive in the region.
What’s the Best Time to Visit the Tunupa Volcano, Argentina?
The ideal time of year to visit Tunupa Volcano is between May and October, during Bolivia’s dry season. At this time of year you’ll have clear sunny skies, very little, if any, rain, and superb visibility while out on the salt flats. This is perfect for star watching and great for hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the Bolivian Altiplano at its very best. Temperatures in the dry season range from around 13 to 20 Degrees Celsius in the day but can often dip below freezing at night – so you’ll definitely need to pack some warm clothes and a weatherproof jacket.
If you’d like to save a little money on hotels and travel, you can visit during the wet season. At this time of year you’ll be rewarded with the mirror-like reflections of the water pooled across the salt flats but you will have to contend with a lot of mud, cloudy skies, and poor visibility. And so overall, your best bet is to visit Tunupa Volcano in the dry season.
What is there to Do at Uyuni and the Tunupa Volcano?
Join a Private Full-Day Tour of Tunupa Volcano and the Uyuni Salt Flats
Departing from Uyuni, this all inclusive full-day tour takes you on an exclusive trip to explore the magnificent Salar de Uyuni salt flats and the famous Tunupa Volcano. Your small group, with a maximum of 12, will also visit the Cementerio de Trenes and drive deep into the salt flats in a sturdy 4×4 vehicle. Later in the day you’ll visit the Cave of Mummies at Tunupa Volcano – where a number of ancient mummies were discovered – enjoy a complimentary lunch with wine, and learn all about the area’s history from your English speaking guide.
The tour includes hotel pickups and drop offs in Uyuni, and is the most convenient way to see all the top attractions around Tunupa Volcano and the sweeping salt flats of Bolivia’s Altiplano.
You can find out more and book your place on this exclusive full-day tour, here.
Climb the Great Tunupa Volcano with a Professional Guide
Join this guided ascent of the Tunupa Volcano and experience the thrill of reaching the top at over 5000 meters altitude. This guided climb is completed within a single day – although you will need to have a moderate level of fitness and some good trekking boots. From the vehicle to the first viewpoint and rest spot takes about 2 hours, and then it’s another 3 to 4 hours up to the top.
From the uppermost view point you’ll be able to experience the stunning vistas of the vast salt flats below with its islands of cacti and salt crusts. Along the way you’ll see a surprising array of rare flora and fauna, including beautiful hummingbirds and camelids, visit the mummy caves of the Lords of Lipez, and finally, at the top you’ll be rewarded with one of the finest views in the hemisphere!
You can find out more and book your place on this guided ascent of Tunupa Volcano, here.
Take a Private Night Tour of Uyuni Salt Flats with Telescope Star Watching
The Uyuni salt flats are spectacular during the day time, but at night, the scenery is transformed into a truly dream-like landscape. With wide open skies and absolutely no light pollution, you can see an infinity of stars as they continue their timeless procession around the land below. On this incredible private tour, you’ll be driven far out into the Uyuni salt flats to gaze at the starry heavens above. You’ll also have the chance to look up at the sky through a powerful telescope while sipping complimentary wine.
The tour’s professional, bilingual guide will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Uyuni, and if it’s the rainy season, provide you with boots to keep your feet dry out on the salt flats.
You can book your place on this unique experience, or find out more, here.
Whispers of Uyuni – A Cultural and Historical Promenade of Uyuni
The town of Uyuni has a fascinating cultural and historical heritage that you can learn about on this relaxed walking tour of the old town. The tour starts at the large Clock Tower in the town center, and then takes you on a journey through the very heart and soul of the community. Along the way your guide will recount local stories and legends of the town and its folklore, and answer any questions you may have. You’ll visit the Plaza Principal Aniceto Arce and the Monumento al Rally Dakar, as well as exploring the flavors and arts and crafts on offer at the traditional marketplace.
All in all, this is a wonderful way to find out more about your host town while getting the chance to discover the hidden gems that lie waiting around every corner.
You can book your spot on this tour, or find out more, here.
Taste the Multi-Cultural Cuisine at the Tika Restaurant, Uyuni
The Tika restaurant in central Uyuni is a true feast for the senses. Situated within the famous Palacio del Sal, the renowned hotel made of salt, the restaurant serves a delicious mixture of local Bolivian classics and many international and fusion dishes. With great service, a warm friendly atmosphere, and a superb, uniquely creative menu, the Tika restaurant should definitely be on the itinerary for your stay in the Bolivian Altiplano.
You can reserve your table, or find out more, on the restaurant’s official website, here.
Stay at the Hotel Casa del Sal – The World’s First Hotel Made of Salt
Located in central Uyuni, the Hotel Casa del Sal is a lovely place to stay during your visit to the Tunupa Volcano and the Uyuni salt flats. Incredibly, the hotel was largely constructed using blocks of salt, excavated from the surrounding salt flats, making this accommodation pretty unique in architectural terms!
Beyond its unusual construction, the hotel has great amenities, including free high speed WiFi, private on-site parking, free breakfast, multilingual front desk staff, games and billiards rooms, a bar, an associated restaurant, and a selection of excellent rooms. The hotel offers single, double, triple and quadruple rooms as well as luxury suites, all at competitive prices; while the friendly staff are always on hand to help you book any activities or assist you in planning your stay in the area.
A convenient location for exploring the town and the surrounding area, the Hotel Casa del Sal is certainly one of Uyuni’s premier accommodations.
You can reserve your room, or find out more about the hotel, at the official website, here.
