Uyuni Joya Andina Airport (UYU)
Quijarro, BO 🇧🇴 Small Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
SLUY
IATA
UYU
Elevation
11136 ft
Region
BO-P
Local Time
Loading...
Loading...Airport Information
GPS Code: SLUY
Local Code: Not available
Location: -20.441304° N, -66.857553° E
Continent: South America
Type: Small Airport
About Uyuni Joya Andina Airport
Updated: Jan 2, 2026Uyuni Joya Andina Airport (IATA: UYU, ICAO: SLUY) serves as the primary air gateway to Bolivia's famed Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat. Located in the Antonio Quijarro Province of the Potosí Department, the airport plays a crucial role in the region's tourism-based economy by providing a vital connection for international and domestic visitors. Its modern infrastructure offers a stark contrast to the remote, otherworldly landscapes that draw travelers to this high-altitude corner of South America.
Inaugurated in 2011, the airport was a significant development project aimed at boosting accessibility to the Salar de Uyuni. Previously, reaching the remote town of Uyuni required long and arduous overland journeys. The construction of "Joya Andina" (Andean Jewel) dramatically reduced travel time from major Bolivian cities, transforming the area into a more accessible global tourist destination. Its opening marked a key moment in the development of Bolivia's tourism sector. The airport is situated approximately 5 kilometers northwest of the town of Uyuni, and travelers typically reach it via pre-booked taxis or transfers arranged by tour operators, a journey of about 10-15 minutes on a paved road.
Operations at Uyuni Joya Andina are exclusively domestic. The airport primarily handles scheduled flights to and from Bolivia's main hubs, including El Alto International Airport (LPB) in La Paz and Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz. The principal carrier servicing these routes is the state-owned airline, Boliviana de Aviación (BoA). While flight schedules can vary seasonally, the airport accommodates a steady flow of tourists year-round.
Reflecting its role as a functional transit point, the airport's facilities are modern but modest. The single terminal building is small and efficient, containing several check-in counters, a single baggage claim area, and a main waiting hall with seating. Amenities for travelers are limited to basic restrooms and a few small kiosks selling snacks, beverages, and local souvenirs. There are no full-service restaurants, executive lounges, or currency exchange services within the terminal.
For travelers using the airport, it is advisable to arrive 90 minutes to two hours prior to a scheduled departure. Given the limited availability of on-demand transport, pre-arranging a taxi or shuttle for both arrival and departure is highly recommended to ensure a smooth transfer. Visitors should also be mindful of the airport's high elevation, approximately 3,700 meters (12,000 feet) above sea level, and take precautions to acclimate. Flight schedules can occasionally be affected by weather conditions, so checking with the airline for any changes is a practical measure.
What Travelers Say
Share Your Tip
Help fellow travelers by sharing your experience at Uyuni Joya Andina Airport. Tips are reviewed before publishing.
Online Reviews Summary
Travelers generally view Uyuni Joya Andina Airport (SLUY (UYU)) as a functional, albeit basic, gateway to the famous Salar de Uyuni. Overall satisfaction for aspects like getting to the airport, check-in, and security is moderate, reflecting its role as a small regional hub primarily for tourist access.
What Travelers Love
- Efficient Gateway to the Salt Flats: The airport is highly valued for providing a quick and convenient aerial connection to the Salar de Uyuni, saving travelers significant time compared to long bus journeys from cities like La Paz.
- Manageable Size: As a small airport with one terminal, it is generally easy to navigate, with all facilities located on the ground floor.
- Reasonable Security and Immigration Times: Recent estimates (November 2025) show average security wait times around 21-28 minutes and passport control wait times of approximately 8-25 minutes, which are generally acceptable for a regional airport.
- Accessible Location: The airport is located just a 10-minute drive (4 km) from the center of Uyuni, making onward travel to the town relatively quick.
Common Complaints
- Limited Amenities: The airport lacks basic facilities such as ATMs, bank offices, restaurants, and coffee shops in its main hall.
- Poor Public Transportation: There are no public buses connecting the airport to Uyuni town. Taxis are the sole option, and a dedicated taxi stand is absent, sometimes leading to insufficient availability.
- Mandatory Airport Fee: All departing travelers must pay an 11 BOB airport fee at the information desk before their flight.
- Basic Terminal Facilities: Traveler satisfaction with terminal facilities is relatively low (54%), indicating a basic and perhaps underdeveloped infrastructure.
Uyuni Joya Andina Airport serves its primary purpose as an entry point to the Salar de Uyuni effectively, offering a time-saving alternative to overland travel. However, travelers should be prepared for its minimal amenities and limited transportation options, making pre-arranged transfers advisable.
Researching traveler experiences online...
Community Tips
No community tips yet for Uyuni Joya Andina Airport.
Be the first to share a helpful tip for fellow travelers!
Current Weather Conditions
Loading weather data...
Search flights from this airport
Compare ticket prices across hundreds of booking sites
Airport Routes
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Alto Int'l | LPB |
La Paz | 737 | Boliviana de Aviación | 24 flights · 286 mi |
Top Airlines
Operating at Uyuni Joya Andina AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Boliviana de Aviación
BOV
/ OB
|
1 | 24 | 1 | May 8, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
13/31 |
13123 ft | 148 ft | CON | Active |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxis are the most common and reliable option for getting to the town of Uyuni. They are readily available outside the terminal, timed with flight arrivals. The journey to the town center is short, about 10-15 minutes. Fares are generally fixed, and it's common to share a taxi with other travelers to reduce the cost.
Rental Cars
Major international car rental companies do not have desks at Uyuni airport. Renting a car, especially a 4x4 required for the region, must be arranged in advance through local agencies or tour operators in the town of Uyuni itself. Self-driving is not common for tourists, as most visitors opt for all-inclusive guided tours.
Public Transportation
There is no scheduled public bus or shuttle service that connects Uyuni Joya Andina Airport with the town center. The main transportation methods are taxis or pre-arranged private transfers provided by tour companies or hotels.