This Iconic Salt Hotel In Bolivia Offers Its Guests A Once-in-a-lifetime Experience

Experiencing the salt flats of Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni is truly otherworldly. Situated at an altitude of 12,000 feet, this expansive, pristine-white expanse, spanning 4,000 square miles, resembles snow but is entirely composed of salt. When seeking accommodation in Salar de Uyuni, look no further than Palacio de Sal, a hotel crafted entirely from salt.

Every aspect, from the floors and walls to the furniture, ceilings and sculptures, is fashioned from this unique material. Conceived by hotelier Juan Quesada Valda in 1998, the idea of constructing a salt hotel initially raised eyebrows. Managed now by his daughter Lucia Quesada, she recalls sceptics saying, “You’re crazy, how can you build a hotel of salt? No one will go there.” However, reality has proven otherwise—Palacio de Sal is among the most sought-after and luxurious accommodations in the region, drawing guests from across the globe throughout the year.

Each room at Palacio de Sal boasts a unique domed ceiling made of salt bricks, often adorned with small stalactites that allow guests to sample the salt with a gentle touch. However, while this tactile experience is encouraged, licking the walls is discouraged to prevent any potential disruption to the hotel’s structure. Additionally, during the rainy season from November through April, the hotel faces structural challenges due to moisture. Sections of the hotel may require replacement as they deteriorate, highlighting the ongoing maintenance required to preserve this extraordinary property.

The temperature fluctuations in the Salar can be dramatic—you may find yourself sweating during the day but feeling chilly at night. In such moments, you’ll appreciate the comfort of having an electric blanket and heater in your room, amenities that cheaper hotels and hostels in the area might lack. Another perk of staying at the hotel is the plentiful dinner and breakfast buffet, which will leave you feeling energised. Here, you can indulge in fresh fruit and sample local delicacies like llama or alpaca. Vegetarians will also find plenty of options, including vegetable dishes and the popular South American superfood, quinoa.

The first hotel, constructed from 1993 to 1995 using salt blocks in the heart of the Salar de Uyuni, swiftly emerged as a sought-after tourist spot. With 12 double rooms, a shared bathroom and lacking showers, it offered basic accommodation amidst the desert landscape. However, its central location posed sanitation challenges, requiring manual waste collection. Unfortunately, mismanagement led to severe environmental pollution, ultimately necessitating the dismantling of the hotel in 2002.