Salar de Uyuni

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia is the world’s largest salt flat at 10,582 sq km (4,086 sq mi). It is a much sought after film location particularly for car and beauty commercials. Documentaries have also been filmed on the subject of the landscape, wildlife, and local mining industry (an estimated 50% of the world’s lithium comes from Salar de Uyuni). Isla Incahuasi is a rocky island in the middle of Salar de Uyuni.

The southwestern town of Uyuni is the main entry point for shooting the salt flats.

Getting there you would first fly into La Paz. If you are travelling light then you can fly into Joya Andina Airport in Uyuni. If you are a larger production, you will need to transport your team and gear by land from La Paz to Uyuni which takes around 8hrs. Salar de Uyuni is a short drive away from the town of Uyuni.

Film permits to shoot at the Salar de Uyuni are quick and easy to obtain.

When To Shoot?

April to October is the best period to film salt-crusted dry lake looks. Much like filming in desert conditions, the nights get freezing cold and the days have very strong sun so appropriate weather gear is essential. Light also rebounds from the salt surface so make sure to apply sun protection accordingly.

November to March is the rainy season when the salt flats flood and offer beautiful mirrored-sky looks.

Located at an elevation of 3,656 meters (11,995 ft), altitude sickness is also something to plan for.

Accommodation

The town of Uyuni has plenty of accommodation options.

Palacio de Sal is a hotel built of salt blocks. It is located at the edge of Salar de Uyuni.

Bolivia Film Crew & Production Support

Bolivia has some local supporting crew and equipment based in La Paz. Uyuni has no local crew or equipment.

If you are looking to film at Salar de Uyuni and require a film fixer or full production service support, please contact us. Likewise, we are able crew projects that require a director, DoP, videographer, cameraman, photographer or any other shooting crew

Image attribution.