Plaza Arce, Uyuni - Image 1
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Plaza Arce Uyuni

3.9
·1k reviews·Uyuni, Bolivia

The vibrant heart of Uyuni, Plaza Arce is your gateway to the Salar de Uyuni, offering budget stays and tour booking convenience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Bustling with activity

CrowdMedium
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Plaza Arce, Uyuni - Image 1

Plaza Arce Uyuni

Best Time

Daytime

Bustling with activity

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The vibrant heart of Uyuni, Plaza Arce is your gateway to the Salar de Uyuni, offering budget stays and tour booking convenience.

3.9
(1k reviews)

"Excellent price-quality ratio for a central location, perfect for Salar de Uyuni adventures."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Salar Tours Here

Many tour agencies are clustered around Plaza Arce, making it easy to compare prices and book your Salar de Uyuni trip. :admission_tickets:

Central & Convenient Stays

Accommodations near Plaza Arce offer great value and easy access to town amenities and tour departures. :bed:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Uyuni's Central Square

Uyuni's Central Square

Uyuni Town Center

The vibrant heart of Uyuni, perfect for people-watching and soaking in local life before or after your desert adventures.

Tour Operator Hub

Tour Operator Hub

Surrounding Plaza Arce

Conveniently book your Salar de Uyuni tours from numerous agencies clustered around the plaza.

Local Artisan Shops

Local Artisan Shops

Pedestrian street near Plaza Arce

Find unique souvenirs and local crafts, offering a glimpse into Bolivian artistry.

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Planning Your Visit

Central Hub for Uyuni Adventures

Plaza Arce is the heart of Uyuni, serving as a crucial starting point for Salar de Uyuni tours. Many tour operators are located nearby, making it convenient for booking last-minute trips. Expect it to be bustling with activity as travelers prepare for their desert excursions.

Budget-Friendly Basecamp

While not a luxury destination, Plaza Arce offers excellent value for budget travelers. Many accommodations nearby provide private rooms at affordable rates, often including basic amenities. It's a practical choice for those prioritizing cost savings for their Salar de Uyuni adventure.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Bustling with activity
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Quieter, good for dining
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🌍✨ ¿Cómo llegar al lugar más mágico del planeta? ✨ Primera parada: ✈️ Bolivia. Desde ahí, un bus nocturno desde Sucre (¡paciencia y auriculares!) hasta llegar a Uyuni al amanecer. Allí contratamos a un conductor local y tuvimos la suerte de no estar solos. ¡Nos acompañaron nuestros colegas Iain y Ciara! 🚐💨 Antes de adentrarnos, parada obligatoria en el monumento del Dakar (🏍️📸). Pero el verdader...
@thecrazymile
453.2K likes • 4.6M views

Book Salar Tours Here

Many tour agencies are clustered around Plaza Arce, making it easy to compare prices and book your Salar de Uyuni trip. :admission_tickets:

Central & Convenient Stays

Accommodations near Plaza Arce offer great value and easy access to town amenities and tour departures. :bed:

@Sueños y Leyendas parque temático by #PalacioDeSal con las puertas abiertas al público 🎠🎡✨ ¡Los esperamos! #PalacioDeSal #SalarDeUyuni #uyuni #parquetematico #Viaja #hoteldesal #sueñosyleyendas #fypシ゚
@palaciodesalhotel
41.8K likes • 736K views
Estamos ubicados a pocos pasos del centro de Uyuni 🗻 Mientras paseas por la Plaza Aniceto Arce, donde encontrarás souvenirs y regalos propios únicos de la región, podrás asegúrate de tener acceso conveniente a servicios financieros con la proximidad de cajeros automáticos y bancos para que tu viaje sea aún más cómodo. 💰👌🏼 - - We are located a few steps from the center of Uyuni 🗻 As you stroll t...
hoteljardinesdeuyuni
15 likes • 901 views

Local Dining Options

Explore restaurants around the plaza for traditional Bolivian dishes and pizza after your adventures. :pizza:

ATM Access

Find ATMs and banks near the plaza for convenient cash withdrawals for tours and souvenirs. :moneywithwings:

29 Mar 2025 #BoliviaTrip #LaPazBolivia #SouthAmerica #RainySeason #AndesMountain #HikingTrip 📍Plaza Central 📍Plaza Arce 📍Camel Pizzeria 📍Train Cemetary 📍Colchani Poblacion 📍Juanito Salt Processing Plant 📍Salar de Uyuni 📍Plia Blanca
kayens_world
38 likes • 477 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Salar Tours Here

Many tour agencies are clustered around Plaza Arce, making it easy to compare prices and book your Salar de Uyuni trip. :admission_tickets:

Central & Convenient Stays

Accommodations near Plaza Arce offer great value and easy access to town amenities and tour departures. :bed:

Local Dining Options

Explore restaurants around the plaza for traditional Bolivian dishes and pizza after your adventures. :pizza:

ATM Access

Find ATMs and banks near the plaza for convenient cash withdrawals for tours and souvenirs. :moneywithwings:

What Travellers Say

3.9
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Plaza Arce is a functional and central hub in Uyuni, praised for its excellent value accommodations and convenient access to Salar de Uyuni tour operators. While it lacks luxury, its affordability and the friendly nature of its service providers make it a highly recommended base for budget-conscious travelers. Some guests note noise issues and basic shower facilities.

"Yes the place is oldish and boheme-style but I found it an excellent price-quality ratio for the 120 BOB I paid mid March for a PRIVATE room with PRIVATE shower-room. The queen bed was very comfy with enough blankets, I always had hot water (open shower so use your flip-flops), I found soap, shampoo, toilet paper and towel. Sharon was always available, gave me a hair-dryer and hot water with cup in the morning, so I had my own breakfast just in front of my room (there’s a couch with low table). She also kept my luggage for free during my trip to the salar. Nights were always quiet, location is very central on the pedestrian street. Would stay there again."

Isabeau Lavmon

"Really nice place.
The people who run this place are so nice, very friendly, and kind people.
Price is great, room is comfortable.
Cannot ask for much more.
I was paying for a double room with my friend, and when he had to leave earlier than expected, the lovely women let me keep my room, and pay just for me. So half the price.
Would highly recommend, not fancy, but super cheap private room, with lovely honest people running it. 10/10 for me"

Liam

"Small plaza in Uyuni. There are many restaurants and a few stores that provide tourists with a good selection of dishes to eat after spending most of the day at the Salt Flats.
We enjoyed the pizza in a couple of places and some tradicional Bolivian dishes."

Rene B

What People Like

Great value for money
Central location
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Basic amenities
Occasional noise
Limited atmosphere

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Plaza Arce is the central square in Uyuni town. If you arrive by bus, it's a short walk from the bus terminal. Many accommodations are located within easy walking distance of the plaza, making it a convenient base. TikTok

Yes, numerous tour operators are located around Plaza Arce. You can easily book 1-day, 2-day, or 3-day tours to the Salar de Uyuni from agencies here. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Plaza Arce is a public square and is free to enter and explore. Entry fees apply to specific attractions within the Salar de Uyuni itself, which are usually included in tour packages. Reddit

Most shops and restaurants around Plaza Arce operate during daylight hours and into the early evening. Some may close for a few hours in the afternoon. It's best to check individual establishments for their specific hours. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Plaza Arce is a great place to orient yourself, book tours, grab a meal, and find souvenirs. It's also a good spot to observe local life and the comings and goings of travelers. InstagramReddit

Plaza Arce is generally considered safe, especially during the day. As with any busy tourist area, be mindful of your belongings and avoid displaying valuables. Reddit

Yes, there are ATMs and banks located near Plaza Arce, which is convenient for withdrawing cash for tours and purchases. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You'll find a variety of dining options, including restaurants serving traditional Bolivian cuisine, pizza, and international dishes. Many are located right on or very close to the plaza. Reddit

Yes, while some restaurants cater to tourists, you can find more affordable local eateries offering set menus or simpler dishes. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The plaza itself offers opportunities for street photography, capturing local life and the surrounding architecture. It's also a good starting point for photos before heading out to the more iconic landscapes of the Salar. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Plaza Arce itself is a safe and open space for families to stretch their legs. The surrounding restaurants offer varied menus that can often accommodate picky eaters. Reddit When booking Salar de Uyuni tours, inquire about family-friendly options, as some tours might involve long drives or basic accommodations that could be challenging for very young children. Consider shorter day tours if you have limited time or younger kids. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

Plaza Arce is your best friend. Accommodations here offer fantastic value, often with private rooms at very low prices. Reddit You'll also find numerous tour operators for the Salar de Uyuni, allowing you to compare and find the most affordable options. Eating at local eateries around the plaza will also help keep your food costs down. Reddit

🚶 Solo Travelers

Plaza Arce is a great place to meet fellow travelers, especially if you're looking to join a Salar de Uyuni tour. Many solo travelers find it easy to connect with others to share tour costs or simply for company. TikTok The central location makes it easy to navigate Uyuni town and access amenities. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Getting to Uyuni and Plaza Arce

The most common way to reach Uyuni is by overnight bus from major cities like La Paz or Sucre. While the journey can be long and require patience, arriving in Uyuni allows you to immediately immerse yourself in the town's atmosphere. TikTok Upon arrival, Plaza Arce is typically a short walk from the bus terminal, serving as the central point of reference for most travelers. Many accommodations are also conveniently located within a few blocks of the plaza, making it an accessible starting point for your adventures. Reddit

For those flying, Uyuni has a small airport (Uyuni Airport - UYU) with limited domestic flights. From the airport, a taxi or pre-arranged transfer will take you to the town center and Plaza Arce. Regardless of your arrival method, the plaza is the natural hub for organizing your excursions into the breathtaking Salar de Uyuni. Instagram

Accommodation and Value near Plaza Arce

Plaza Arce is surrounded by a good selection of budget-friendly accommodations. Travelers often highlight the excellent price-quality ratio, with many offering private rooms and bathrooms for around 120 BOB. Reddit While these places might not be luxurious, they are clean, comfortable, and provide essential amenities like hot water, blankets, and towels. Some even offer complimentary services like luggage storage and breakfast items. Reddit

The proximity to the plaza means you're within walking distance of tour operators, restaurants, and shops. This convenience is a major draw for travelers on a tight budget who want to maximize their experience without overspending on accommodation. The friendly and honest nature of the people running these establishments is frequently praised, adding to the positive experience. Reddit

Booking Salar de Uyuni Tours

Plaza Arce is the undisputed center for booking tours to the Salar de Uyuni. Numerous tour agencies are clustered around the square, offering a competitive market where you can compare prices and itineraries. Instagram It's advisable to shop around and inquire about what's included in each tour, such as meals, accommodation (if applicable), and entrance fees. TikTok

Most tours depart directly from Uyuni town, often starting in the morning. While booking in advance is possible, many travelers find it convenient to book their tours upon arrival in Uyuni, allowing them to finalize plans and potentially negotiate prices. The agencies around Plaza Arce are accustomed to catering to international tourists and can provide information in multiple languages. Reddit