uyuni local tour

THE 10 BEST Uyuni Tours & Excursions

Uyuni tours.

• Multi-day Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Private Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 3-Days Tour to the Uyuni Salt Flat and Colored Lagoons +Sunset+Mirror Effect

2. Uyuni Salt Flat 1 Day Tour +Sunset in the Salt Water Region with Mirror Effect

3. Uyuni Salt Flat 2 Days/1 Night +Sunset at Salt Water region with Mirror Effect

4. Private Multi Day Tour At Uyuni Salt Flat and Laguna Colorada

5. SALT FLATS PRIVATE FD+SUNSET (water region/mirror effect photography)

6. Full day Salar- Sunset and Stars; Magic Salar

7. Full Day Private Tour to Salar de Uyuni

8. 6 Hour Sunrise Tour to Salar de Uyuni with Breakfast

9. Uyuni Salt Flats 3 Day Tour from La Paz city

10. 2-Days Uyuni Salt Flats including Laguna Colorada

11. Uyuni Salt Flats (Day Trip) English Guide

12. Salar de Uyuni with lodging - 3 full days - With lagoons

13. Uyuni Salt Flats And Colored Lagoons_3 Days_shared Tour_english Speaking Guide

14. 3-Day Tour to Salt Flats and Lagoons

15. 3 Days Tour Uyuni Salt Flats, Sunset plus Funny Photos

16. Uyuni Salt Flats Private 3 day tour (Palacio Sal 5* & Tayka 3* hotels)

17. Uyuni Salt Flats 3 Days/ 2 Nights with English Speaking Guide

18. Salar de Uyuni - 1 full day tour

19. Uyuni Salt Flats Full Day Tour

20. Uyuni Salt 1 day Tour with guide in English

21. Private Day Trip Salar de Uyuni

22. Private Tour in Uyuni Salt Flat Bolivia With Lunch and Bikes

23. Private: Sunset and starlight tour in Uyuni salt flats.

24. Standard Uyuni Salt Flats 3 Days with Spanish-speaking driver

25. 2-Day Tour to the Salar de Uyuni from San Pedro de Atacama by Bus

26. Uyuni Salt Flats (3 Days) English Speaking Guide

27. Uyuni Salt Flats _ 3 Days/2Nights _ Shared Tour_English Speaking Guide

28. Uyuni Salt Flats Private Night Tour from Uyuni

29. Private experience Biking in the Uyuni Salt Flats

30. 3 Days Uyuni salt flat and colored lagoons from Uyuni

What travelers are saying.

• Uyuni Salt Flat 1 Day Tour +Sunset in the Salt Water Region with Mirror Effect
• 3-Days Tour to the Uyuni Salt Flat and Colored Lagoons +Sunset+Mirror Effect
• Uyuni Salt Flat 2 Days/1 Night +Sunset at Salt Water region with Mirror Effect
• 3-Day Tour to Salt Flats and Lagoons
• 3-Days and 2-Nights Tour Salar Uyuni ending in Atacama Chile
• Salt Dream Travel
• Andes Salt Expeditions
• Uturunku Travel
• Tours Transandino
• Salty Desert Aventours
• Skyline Traveller
• Extreme Fun Travel
• Joker Expedition, Bolivia.
• Atacama Mistica Travel
• Uyuni Expeditions
• Nomada Experience
• Andrea Tours
• Turismo Ollague
• Tito Tours - Private Day Tour
• Banjo Tours
• Perla De Bolivia

• Av. Ferroviaria Nro. 332 (entre Av. Arce y Sucre)
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• +591.72418032
• Special tour: 1 day tour plus star tour
• Special tour: 2 days and 1 night plus stars tour
• Classic tour: 3 days and 2 nights
• Private Tour: 4 days and 3 nights
• PARAGLIDING TOUR
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Pure Adrenaline

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Infinity White

Deep Silence

Captivating Textures

Golden Sunrise

Pionners and founders of tourism in uyuni, extreme paragliding, surreal photography, expedition in 4x4, bath in hot springs, train cemeteries, uyuni tours: verified, experienced, safety-focused., uyuni tours bolivia.

Discover Uyuni's breathtaking beauty and magic.

The Best Tours in Uyuni

The Bolivian Salt Flats have become Bolivia’s most popular attraction and a must-see for anyone traveling through South America. Their otherworldly nature and surreal beauty attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. Read below to find everything you need to choose the perfect Salar de Uyuni tour!

Quick tips:

• If you have a bit more time, choose a 3 or 4 Day Tour to get to enjoy everything Salar de Uyuni has to offer!
• Unfortunately, there have been cases of tour operators scamming tourists who try to book a tour when they arrive to the salt flats. If possible, book in advance through a trusted operator.
• Findlocaltrips.com is a highly recommended website that finds and compares local tour operators. Check them out to find the best Salar de Uyuni tours.

Salar de Uyuni tour options

With the natural beauty of Salar de Uyuni and all its breathtaking surroundings, it’s no wonder the Bolivia Salt Flat is one of the world’s most popular tours. Luckily, theres an option for all travelers, whether short on time or traveling at a slower pace. Let’s take a look in more detail.

One-day tours are a great way for those who don’t have much time to see the salt flats. Due to the time restriction, you won’t get a chance to visit the incredible surrounding attractions. However, you will be far from disappointed when you leave as these tours still give you plenty of time to soak in the magic of Salar de Uyuni and capture jaw-dropping photos that you didn’t even know were possible.

One-day tours can only be taken from Uyuni. Buses arrive here very early in the morning to allow enough time for those on board to do take the tour the day they arrive. These tours start at around 10am and finish at around 5pm, allowing enough time for those on the tour to catch an overnight bus to their next destination.

The historical and intriguing train graveyard is the first stop on the one-day tours. This is followed by Colchani, the salt production site, where you will be taught the process of producing salt and visit one of the iconic salt hotels. A trip to Isla Incahuasi follows, where you’ll be able to discover giant cacti up to 10m high, incredible rock formations made of petrified coral and a enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of the tremendous salt flats.

Lunch is also served here as groups get their props at the ready for crazy, perspective photos set on the blinding white surface of the salt flats. The tour ends in magnificent fashion as you observe the sun magically set over the flats.

1 Day Tour include:

• The train graveyard
• A Salt hotel
• Isla Incahuasi

Recommended 1 Day Tour

Uyuni Salt Flat Full Day Tour

Red Planet Expedition

Perla de Bolivia

3/4 Day Tour

The most popular and recommended way to discover Salar de Uyuni is by taking a 3 or 4 day tour in a 4×4 jeep. Three day tours depart from either Uyuni or San Pedro de Atacama and finish in Uyuni. The three day tour starting in San Pedro de Atacama and ending in Uyuni is ideal for those looking to continue traveling north after their visit to Salar de Uyuni. Alternatively, you can do the 4 day tour which starts and finishes in San Pedro de Atacama. This tour visits the same places as the 3 day tours but requires an extra night in order to make the relatively long journey back to Chile.

Day one is the same as the one day tour – departing from Uyuni at the same time and visiting the same places. Following a long day of exploring, you will spend the first night in one of the iconic salt hotels or salt hostels. These remarkable designs are made up almost entirely of salt blocks, from the bed and toilet to the walls and ceilings. Get yourself an early night sleep here as days two and three begin at the crack of dawn, with breakfast at 7am and 5am respectively. Across the next two days you will see everything that Salar de Uyuni has to offer. Of course, you will also be given plenty of time to capture an abundance of photos of one of the picturesque places on Earth The second night is spent in very basic accommodation beside the Polques hot springs, where you will find yourself blown away by the magical stars of the Salar.

The itinerary for those who start their tour in San Pedro de Atacama is reversed as they visit the desert, lagoons, hot springs etc. at the beginning of the tour and the salt flat at the end. The third night of the 4 day tour is spent in a basic hostel in Villa Mar village. You will wake up at 4.30 am to continue your journey, finally arriving back to San Pedro de Atacama at around 2pm.

3/4 Day Tour include:

• The lagoons Polques hot springs
• Arbol de Piedra
• Valle de Rocas
• Sol de Mañana geyser
• Dali Desert
• San Cristobal de Lipez
• A salt hotel
• Chiguana desert

Recommended 3/4 Day Tour

Uyuni Salt Flat Tour 3 Days / 2 Nights

Visit the largest salt mine

in the world in 2021

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Bolivian Salt Flats 2024

The most complete guide ever written with tips and advice to ensure you have the best possible experience at the bolivian salt flats..

Our guide to Bolivian Salt Flats in 2024 is extensive and based on almost 10 years of experience as well as hundreds of surveys from ex-travelers. Click any section below to read more information or scroll down to read the full complete guide of the Bolivian Salt Flats.

Bolivian Salt Flats of Uyuni – Quick Facts

Uyuni is around 8 hours South of La Paz

Access via overnight bus or small plane – options below

Salt Flat tours – 1 day and 3 day options – tips below

Known as the “world’s largest mirror”

Complete Guide to Uyuni Salt Flats Bolivia

(click any link to go direct to that section or scroll down to read the whole guide)

How To Get To Uyuni Salt Flats

Salt Flats Tour and Tips

The Perfect Salt Flats Plan – Itinerary Information

How To Take Amazing Photos At The Salt Flats Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni - FAQs - Your Questions Answered!

Bolivia Salt Flats Guide - Summary

Salar de Uyuni is accessible from Bolivia (for those going south) from La Paz, and from Chile (for those going north) via San Pedro de Atacama Desert.

From La Paz, it is usually 8 hours on a bed (cama) bus overnight, allowing you to arrive early morning, which is the best time to arrive to Uyuni.

From San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, buses take around 11 hours, factoring in the border crossing from Chile to Bolivia and involve a combination of buses. Tours are usually more recommended for when going from San Pedro to Uyuni or vice/versa.

Buses from La Paz to Uyuni

Bolivia Hop has been officially voted Bolivia’s best bus company in from 2016 to 2020 but as of December 2023, they still do not operate from La Paz to Uyuni. Bolivia Hop is the best way to get to and from La Paz, and then Todo Turismo is probably the best way to get from La Paz to Uyuni or from Uyuni back to La Paz. When booking with Todo Turismo, always try to get the Cama (bed) option. Do NOT go with other companies such as Transporte Omar or anybody else…safety records are suspect so we strongly recommend to travel with Todo Turismo to/from Uyuni, and Bolivia Hop to/from La Paz. Once in Uyuni, you can start your Salt Flats tour (1 day or a 3 day tour that ends in San Pedro de Atacama in Chile).

Quick Tip: The best way to book your Bolivian Salt Flats tour is by visiting Find Local Trips , a tour comparison website that allows you to choose tours from the top-rated operators throughout South America..

Buses from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni

There are NO direct buses from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni and it is strongly recommended to take a 3 day tour from San Pedro to Uyuni (or from Uyuni to San Pedro if you are traveling South) instead of trying to do this route via bus. This is because you will need to change buses, cross borders, and quite often this is a logistical nightmare.

If you insist on trying to travel from San Pedro to Uyuni by bus, or from Uyuni to San Pedro by bus. Cruz del Norte are usually the best bus company to go with.

The Bolivian Salt Flats in Uyuni are a MUST see for any trip to South America. It is STRONGLY recommended to book your tour in advance where possible and to NOT book your tour in Uyuni (book in La Paz or online) as many companies scam tourists, so be very careful with your choice of tour operator.

There are 2 types of tours of Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats:

Full Day Tour of the Salt Flats, start and finish in Uyuni on same day

A one-day tour of Salar de Uyuni in 4×4 jeeps are common and the shortest tours possible. The one day tour is also the cheapest way to visit the Salt Flats. Tours start in Uyuni around 10am (allowing you to have breakfast after your overnight bus from La Paz to Uyuni) and finish around 5pm (allowing you to take an overnight bus back to La Paz on the SAME day or to another destination.

A visit to the train cemetery is followed by a stop in Colchani before arriving to the Salt Flats and getting the first glimpse of this vast environment. Salt hotels, salt mounds, isolated ‘islands’ covered in cacti, lunch, and plenty of time for taking photos before returning to Uyuni at 5 pm. This is approximately how most of these tours run but for a more detailed itinerary check FindLocalTrips here .

Prices are from $70 USD to $90 USD

Start and finish in Uyuni, or finish in San Pedro de Atacama. If coming from San Pedro de Atacama, this 3 day tour will finish in Uyuni

3 Day Tours of Salar de Uyuni in 4×4 jeeps are the most popular tour type. The first day is the same as the one day tour – usually spending the first night in one of the basic Salt Hotels on the Salar itself. These hotels are almost completely constructed out of bricks made from dried salt!

The second and third days are spent seeing the colored lakes, hot springs, flamingo flocks, hot geysers, crazy rock formations – such as Arbol de Piedra (Rock Tree) , and painted volcanoes. You will be sleeping in tents and truly immersing yourself in this rugged part of the world. The stars alone in this unpolluted place can take your breath away.

3 day tours ending in San Pedro de Atacama – It’s also possible to hop over the border at the end of the tour, connecting to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

No attractions are missed by leaving the tour at the Chilean border before it heads back to Uyuni.

3 days tours STARTING From San Pedro de Atacama – There is also the opportunity to do this Salt Flat tour starting in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile and ending in Uyuni on the last day or returning to San Pedro the following day. Tours from San Pedro can be somewhat more expensive than those from Uyuni. This is the best way to get to Bolivia from Chile and the itineraries are the same as above just in reverse order with the final day being the Salt Flats themselves.

The best and most popular way to visit the Salar de Uyuni is by taking a 4×4 tour across the salt flats.

Most Salt Flats tours are safe and reliable; however, the conditions are basic in this area and you should be aware of this. The Salar de Uyuni is one of the harshest environments for vehicles on the planet and occasional vehicle issues can happen, this to a certain extent is unavoidable. The drivers are used to breakdowns and are pretty adept at fixing their vehicles. They are always willing to help each other out and you are usually not stuck for long – so a bit of patience is often all you need. Food will be basic.

As with all tours, pick your tour operator carefully. There have been occasional issues with tour drivers drinking alcohol while driving 4×4 jeeps laden with travelers and causing some nasty crashes. It is why we strongly recommend to go with one of the best tour operators available. FindLocalTrips is probably the best place to compare operators and from our experience, they only work with the safest and most reliable operators. More information can be found here

Some basic information:

• If you are traveling South, you will usually take the La Paz to Uyuni trip
• If traveling North, you will either come from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile or from Salta in Argentina
• 3 day tours of the Salt Flats are the most popular and most complete options. 1 day tours are ideal for those short on time
• On 3 day tours, you do NOT have to return to Uyuni if you do not wish…you can finish the 3day your in San Pedro (if going to Chile after Bolivia)
• It IS possible to do the following if short on time:
• Night bus from La Paz to Uyuni (9hrs)
• Arrive Uyuni AM and take full day (1day) tour
• On same day, take a night bus back to La Paz (9hrs)
• For buses to/from La Paz, we strongly recommend using the Bolivia Hop bus
• For buses to/from Uyuni, we strongly recommend using Todo Turismo

If you want detailed information on a full day (1 day) tour or the 3day tour, click on any of the tabs below to get a full and detailed itinerary and tips on what to bring etc.

The unique setting of endless salt flat at Salar de Uyuni make all kinds of crazy perspective photography possible. Here we have our top tips for great Salt Flats photos to add to your collection.

• Bring as much small and interesting items as possible: toy animals and action figures, toy vehicles and regular props such as sunglasses, hiking boots, and water bottles can all be turned into something funny and useful
• To set up for the shot the photographer needs to lie on their stomach and rest the camera on the ground to make positioning much easier; holding the camera in your hand makes it next to impossible
• Advice from an old photographer: “Shoot, shoot, shoot!!” Take lots and lots of shots since it’s not so easy to see your camera screen in the glare and you might never be back here again
• Making everyone jump in the air is a last resort shot that can always come out well!!!

Will I get problems with altitude sickness at the Salar de Uyuni?

IMPORTANT: IF TRAVELING FROM LA PAZ (also at high altitude) you should be fine in Uyuni, once you have spent 1 or 2 days in La Paz, or even Cusco (Machu Picchu) in Peru.

Altitude sickness can catch many travellers a little bit off guard. Not everyone gets sick at high altitudes and it is difficult to predict who is likely to be badly affected by it. For most people it is nothing more than a headache and some dizzy sensations that diminish over a short period of time, 1 to 2 days for most people.

If you want to limit your chances of getting sick though, there are a few things you can do.

Drink lots of water and slow down!! This sounds simple but both of these things are very important. Your body is struggling because you don’t have enough oxygen so avoiding any extraneous activity is a good idea. Chew Some Coca Leaves. The native people of South America have been chewing coca for centuries thanks to its ability to alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms. Coca leaves can be bought in any supermarket and even souvenir shops or street stalls.

Take (Soroche) Altitude Sickness pills, these are sold over the counter all over Peru and Bolivia and are just a few dollars. If you are flying straight into altitude over 2500meter, without spending any time at a intermediate elevation and you’re worried about getting sick, you can ask your doctor for more specific and stronger altitude sickness medication in advance.

From where do the tours of the Salt Flats start? Can I start from La Paz?

All of the tours of Salar de Uyuni start in Uyuni. The tours will not include your transfer from La Paz, you will need to organise and pay for this separately. The buses to Uyuni are overnight and depart La Paz every night and arrive into Uyuni the next day at approx. 7am. All the tours start at 10am-11am. It is strongly recommended to book your Uyuni tour online or in La Paz, NOT in Uyuni itself.

Do I need to stay one night in Uyuni before and after my tour?

You will arrive into Uyuni early in the morning and it is possible to start a tour the day you arrive. Most of the tours will start 10am-11am in the morning. You will return to Uyuni by 5:30 – 6:00 pm and will have time to eat and head back on the overnight bus to La Paz or take a bus onto Potosi / Sucre. It is advised that you book these buses in advance of taking your trip of the Salt Flats so no it is not necessary to stay in Uyuni.

Are there ATMs?

Bring money with you. Sometimes the ATMs do not work in Uyuni so it is best to take out any money you need in advance.

Will I have internet connection on a tour?

No, there is no internet connection on the tours. It is a very remote location.

We all agree that the Salt Flats in Uyuni, Bolivia are a MUST for any trip to South America. Uyuni is accessible mainly via La Paz, although other entrances are via San Pedro de Atacama and Patosi or Salta in Argentina. It is strongly recommend to book Salt Flat Tours in advance and only book with reputable companies (those with good reviews online or who allow you to book and pay online). Use Bolivia Hop to get to/from La Paz, use Todo Turismo to get to/from Uyuni, and use Find Local Trips to compare tour operators and book directly with them.

BOOK A BOLIVIA SALT FLATS TOUR

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Uyuni Salt Flats Tour In Bolivia – A Complete Guide

A Uyuni Salt Flats Tour is a must-do on everyone’s Bolivia itinerary!

Uyuni Salt Flats (also known as Salar de Uyuni) is the world’s largest salt flat, stretching for more than 11,000km². It truly is one of the most remarkable vistas on planet earth!

I spent one full day exploring the incredible Bolivia Salt Flats and have put together this detailed guide with everything you need to know about the Uyuni Salt Flats Tour including where to book and what to expect.

Table of Contents

WHERE IS SALAR DE UYUNI?

The Uyuni Salt Flats are so massive that it actually crosses the borders of three countries in South America – Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.

Click here to see the location on Google maps.

Most Salar de Uyuni tours operate out of Uyuni in Bolivia, a small dusty town approximately 540kms south of La Paz.

HOW TO GET TO SALAR DE UYUNI

There are two options to consider when looking at how to get to Salar de Uyuni and they are by bus or plane.

Bus from La Paz to Uyuni:

The cheapest and most common way of reaching Uyuni is by taking an overnight bus from La Paz to Uyuni and the journey takes around 8 hours.

You can book your bus ticket online in advance for just $30 USD and the bus leaves from Terminal De Buses Lapaz.

You can then travel back from Uyuni to La Paz by bus after the one-day Salt Flats Tour.

La Paz to Uyuni flights:

A faster and more convenient way of reaching Salar de Uyuni is by taking a 50-minute flight from La Paz to Joya Andina Airport in Uyuni.

La Paz to Uyuni flights operates on a daily basis.

The BEST Backpack For Backpacking!

Less is more with the Atmos AG 50L , the newest arrival in the Osprey backpacking range!

From weekend explorations to month-long expeditions, this EPIC backpack is up to the task and will stand the test of time.

WHERE TO BOOK A UYUNI SALT FLATS TOUR?

There are dozens of tour operators and offices located in both Uyuni and La Paz to book a Uyuni Tour, but in my experience, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which operator to book a tour through without being ripped off.

Alternatively, you can book your tour online in advance to avoid the hassle of having to organize a trip once you have arrived.

I recommend finding a tour that best suits you on the Get Your Guide website . They have thousands of travel deals worldwide that are affordable and reliable!

Click Here to search for all Salar Uyuni Tours and book online ahead of time.

Have you got travel insurance for your trip?!

We all know accidents can happen and having Heymondo Insurance will save you thousands of dollars if something goes wrong.

Heymondo offers low-cost Travel Insurance to keep you covered on all your adventures.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE TOUR

A one-day Uyuni Salt Flat Tour not only includes a 4×4 trip out onto the world’s largest salt flat but also a visit to the Uyuni Train Cemetery, lunch at a local restaurant, salt museum and village markets, Hotel de Sal (the world’s first salt hotel), giant cacti at Incahuasi island and an unforgettable sunset at the largest mirror in the world!

The tour begins at 10 am and finishes after sunset at around 6 pm.

Book Now → Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

Best time to visit bolivia salt flats.

The best time to visit Bolivia Salt Flats, funnily enough, is in the rainy season which is December to April in order to witness the reflective mirror effect on the salt flats.

During the dry season, from May to November, temperatures are much cooler and the ground hardens.

The peak season is typically from June to August and prices are known to rise during this time.

SALAR DE UYUNI FACTS

Before visiting, here are some Salar de Uyuni facts you may find interesting:

• Uyuni altitude is 3,700m above sea level
• The salt flats measure 11,000km² making it the world’s largest salt flat
• 11 billion tonnes of salt are believed to be within Salar de Uyuni
• NASA uses Uyuni Salt Flats to figure out the positioning of its satellites
• Formed by prehistoric lakes that evaporated long ago
• Pink flamingos have been spotted at Uyuni

WHERE TO STAY IN LA PAZ

La Paz has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of my favorite places to stay in La Paz to fit the needs of budget backpackers and luxury travelers.

See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:

Luxury:  Ritz Apart Hotel

Ritz Apart Hotel, a modern 5-star hotel centrally located in La Paz, provides air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms, a fitness center, hot tub, sauna, in-house restaurant, room service, and free WiFi.

Perfect for travelers with a larger budget.

Mid Range:  Selina La Paz

Selina La Paz is a 3-star property that is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers!

Great location in La Paz offering double, triple, and dormitory rooms at an affordable price. Selina also features a billiards table, an in-house restaurant, and a bar for all guests.

Budget:  The Rooftop Bolivia

The Rooftop Bolivia is rated one of the best accommodations in La Paz for budget travelers.

Featuring a bar, shared lounge, city views, restaurant, shared kitchen, free wifi, and a nightclub!

The Rooftop has dorms and private rooms available and breakfast is included.

For all other La Paz accommodations, Search on Booking.com

What to pack for bolivia.

When visiting Bolivia, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you;

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden money wallet.

Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!

Reusable Water Bottle

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!

Travel Backpack

The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!

Quick-Dry Travel Towel

The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!

Portable PowerBank

Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

MORE CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA TRAVEL GUIDES

• Mexico: 4 Week Mexico Itinerary
• Cuba: 10 Day Cuba Itinerary
• Peru: Backpacking Peru – 3 Week Itinerary
• Bolivia: Things To Do In Bolivia
• Brazil: 2 Day Rio De Janeiro Itinerary
• Argentina: Things To Do In Argentina
• Chile: Things To Do In Chile

FINAL THOUGHTS – SALAR DE UYUNI TOUR

If you have any questions about Salar de Uyuni, please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

Search all rental cars in your next destination.

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

Click here to find out how you can support the site organically .

Many thanks!

PIN IT FOR LATER

4 thoughts on “Uyuni Salt Flats Tour In Bolivia – A Complete Guide”

Hey Jonny, Thank you for the insightful blog.

I am not sure if they are still running the 50-minute flight from La Paz to Joya Andina Airport in Uyuni or if they still operate on a daily basis as I am unable to find any direct flight from La Paz airport to Uyuni. I understand you took the overnight bus but do you know by any chance the name of the airline that goes directly there and how to find it online?

Hey Ali, unfortunately I am not sure about this flight, perhaps since the pandemic things may have changed. I hope you can find your way and have a safe trip!

Hey Jonny, We are planning our South America trip for next year. A question about using the overnight bus to and from La Paz to Uyuni Salt Flats with the 1 day tour like you did. Did you travel with only a day pack? And if so where did you leave your main bag? Or did you travel with your main bag as well and then what did you do with it during the tour? Many thanks Natalie x

Hi Natalie, great question, I traveled with just an overnight bag and left my main luggage in storage at my hotel in La Paz, they had no issues holding it for me so this is something that I’m sure you could do also! Have a great trip!

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Tours & Trips including Salar de Uyuni

Find the right tour for you through Uyuni Salt Flat. We've got 103 adventures going to Uyuni Salt Flat, starting from just one day in length, and the longest tour is 127 days. The most popular month to go is October, which has the largest number of tour departures.

103 Uyuni Salt Flat tour packages with 169 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

UYUNI SALT FLATS FULL DAY GROUP TOUR

THE BEST OF UYUNI (2 DAYS): THE SALT FLATS & LAGOONS

• In-depth Cultural
• Local Living

Southern Divide

Was a good tour but needs a few changes to make it great. We’re a 57 and 60 year old married couple who love adventure. For us too much time was spent in cities (Cusco 4 nights way too much) and not enough time in desert. Our guide Antonio saved the trip from disaster with his positive, happy attitude. G Adventures really needs to check the tour operators they use for the Salt flats and a few other tours as they’re not up to scratch. Disappointing that G Adventures didn’t perform when we had a situation in the Salt Flats and Bolivian border.

La Paz to Buenos Aires: Andes & the Atacama Desert

Wonderful tour. Made wonderful friends.

Bolivia Highlights

Amazing tour in Bolivia with wonderful landscape and beautiful cities. As for the itinerary I'd suggest 1 more night in Potosi'.

By flight from La Paz: Visit Uyuni Salt Flats 4days 3 nights.

Our experience was excellent! We don't have to worry any single thing. Everything was taken care for from flight, to accommodation, to airport transfer and the tours. Our guide, Marco is even more exceptional. He made sure that we are all ok especially those who feel the altitude sickness. My friend is asthmatic and he always checks on her & make sure she is ok. Marco is not only an excellent guide but also a good photographer, director and creator. We are lucky to have him and having a good pictures for us to remembering by, he made sure that we have all the best experience and memorable time in Uyuni and most especially the Salt Flats!

Highlights of Bolivia National Geographic Journeys

Excellent tour. So much to see and do. Highly recommended

Uyuni Salt Flats Air-Expedition 3D/2N (Budget)

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Bolivia: Hito Cajón & Uyuni - 3 days

Bolivia: Uyuni Salt Flat & Hito Cajón - 2 days

Uyuni Salt Flats & Desert Adventure 3D/2N (Uyuni to Uyuni)

Had a very nice trip con Felix. Took very good care of us and gave a lot of information

3-Day Salt Flats and Colored Lagoons Tour from Uyuni

Too much waiting around and on the last day 2 cars broke down and we were stuck for 4 hours and only narrowly made the bus back to La Paz

Get to know Bolivia at the speed of light 3 days 2 nights.

Bolivia Adventure – 6 Days La Paz Uyuni Salt Flat Pulacayo Tomave

3 days in the Uyuni Salt Flat and the Colored Lagoons

What people love about uyuni salt flat tours.

Fantastic tour! Perfect mix of activities and down time. All must do’s included with great optionales. Very well organised by G Adventures with the best tour guide! Absolutely recommend.

Some of the hotels/hostels were not up to expected standard with cleanliness and amenities. We also had a 10 hour bus journey and didn't even see Salta before getting up early to fly to Buenos Aires. Apart from that very good itinerary and especially enjoyed the Salt Flats.

The tour was excellent including our guide Marisol Maydana She made me feel safe , gave good information daily on what we saw , always looked after us well like a good friend. I enjoyed the bus rides as got to see the countryside side of Boliva accommodation was comfortable. All the places we went were good. I would suggest in future maybe include dates for the LaPaz Carnival. I was lucky and although didn’t know about LaPaz carnival I was in LaPaz 5 days before carnival started so got to enjoy it , I think future customers would also. Thank you. My first trip with Tour Radar was a success. Kathryn Fink

Salar de Uyuni – How to Visit The Bolivia Salt Flats

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: June 21, 2023

The Salar de Uyuni is the biggest salt flat in the world and the most famous tourist draw in Bolivia, South America . In fact, for many travelers, the Bolivian Salt Flats is the sole reason they visit Bolivia. We do recommend that you visit more of Bolivia than just the salt flats, but if you want some epic pictures and an unforgettable experience you will want to put the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats on your bucket list.

Ever since the Bolivia Salt Flats played host to the world-famous Dakar Rally in 2014, it has gained even more attention amongst travelers. “You will love it!” These were the words we had heard from other travelers every time we mentioned our plan to travel to the Bolivia Salt Flats. As you might imagine our expectations were sky-high and we couldn’t wait to see the white endless scenery.

Table of Contents

What is the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia?

The Salar de Uyuni is one of the most spectacular adventure-travel destinations on Earth. Think 10 billion tons of salt sprawling across an endless desert. The Salar de Uyuni is a 10,582 square kilometer expanse of cracked white salt, left behind when an ancient salt lake named Coipasa dried up thousands of years ago.

Located in the Bolivian Altiplano, it is the world’s largest salt flat and is located at a high altitude of 3,656 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level.

Salar de Uyuni is made primarily of salt. It is a vast expanse of dried-up prehistoric lakes, and the salt flat itself is the result of the evaporation of water from these ancient lakes. Underneath the salt crust lies a thick layer of brine, which is a concentrated solution of salt and water.

The salt crust on the surface is composed mainly of sodium chloride (table salt) along with other minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and lithium. These minerals give the salt flat its unique colors and patterns. In fact, Salar de Uyuni is not just a salt flat but also contains significant lithium reserves, making it a valuable resource.

During the dry season, the salt crust hardens and forms a vast white landscape, creating a surreal and otherworldly appearance. However, in the rainy season, the flat transforms into a massive reflective surface, resembling a giant mirror due to a thin layer of water that covers the salt crust. This phenomenon creates stunning optical illusions and unique photo opportunities for visitors.

Uyuni Salt Flats Day Tours

The beauty is that the tours are flexible. There are options for 1 day, 3 days, or 4 days, depending on what your schedule is and how much time you want to spend in the area itself. We recommend the 3 or 4-day option as it covers the most.

Most Salar de Uyuni, including ours, meant spending four days locked in a jeep with three other travelers and a cook while our amiable Bolivian driver took us through an increasingly unbelievable array of natural wonders. This is the best way to see the Uyuni salt flats in my opinion.

We have included a map below to give you an idea of where in Bolivia the slat flats are in relation to the rest of the country.

Where do Bolivia Salt Flats Tours Start From?

The beauty of the Salt Flats being so popular is that tours to the area start from a number of different places. For the most part, the length of your salt flats tour will determine where you start.

Start and End in Uyuni

Most tours of Salar de Uyuni leave from the town of Uyuni itself, a dry desert settlement located near the salt flats. It’s by far the cheapest place to pick up a tour, with trips on offer for as low as B$600 (about $80 USD). This is most likely the place you will start out if you are doing a 1 Day tour of the salt flats . We do recommend being cautious and doing your research as we found that quite a few of the tour agencies in Uyuni tout unreliable cars and dangerous drivers.

If you are planning a 3 or 4-day tour then there are a lot more options to choose from when it comes to a starting point and an ending point.

Start in Tupiza End in Uyulni

A more pleasant (if slightly pricier) experience can be had by taking the back road to the Salar, leaving from the south-Bolivian city of Tupiza. Home to a handful of tour agencies and a pleasant main plaza, Tupiza is a relaxing place to spend a couple of days while researching agency options. Tours from here usually last 4 days and at the end, you can return to Tupiza from Salar de Uyuni if you like.

Start in Uyuni End in San Pedro de Atacama in Chile

This is the most popular option, especially if you are looking at a multi-day tour. Alternatively, if you have money to burn, you could begin your tour from San Pedro de Atacama , a beautiful (if absurdly touristy) village in nearby Chile.

Located on Chile’s border with Bolivia, San Pedro de Atacama is surrounded by spectacular scenery of its own to explore–but it’s not for the faint of wallet. This is one of the reasons we recommend booking the tour that starts in Uyuni and ends in Chile at San Pedro de Atacama.

Altitude Sickness

If you do decide to start in San Pedro remember that you will be at a high altitude, so there is a risk of altitude sickness if you don’t take care to acclimate. Drink plenty of water and don’t over-exert.

At this high of elevation, there is a real threat of getting sick. Keep an eye out for altitude sickness symptoms which include headache, nausea, and vomiting when severe. We recommend visiting a travel clinic before visiting Salar de Uyuni. Your doctor may prescribe Diamox. Locals also recommend coca tea made from coca leaves.

La Paz or Sucre

If you are looking just for a quick day tour of the salt flats then you can easily jump on one in either La Paz or Sucre, if you are in those cities and you have a limited amount of time.

How Many Days in the Bolivia Salt Flats Do You Need?

We recommend the 3 or 4-day tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats. Although you can do a 1-day tour of the salt flats themselves you really do miss out on the other attractions that are covered in the 3 and 4-day tour. The longer tours are more popular for this reason.

Of course, it will all depend on your budget and travel itinerary which length of trip you choose. Just be aware that on the 1-day tour you miss out on the hot springs, the volcano, and the flamingoes and you don’t get the chance to see this amazing sight at sunset. Being a photographer this is a must!

The 3-day tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats is the perfect amount of time to balance being at altitude and seeing it all.

How to Choose Your Bolivia Salt Flats Tour

There are many tour agencies and many drivers offering tourists an Uyuni experience-but not all of them are reliable. Drunken drivers and sham agencies abound, so be sure to research your options carefully and meet your driver before putting down money. If things seem shady, don’t be afraid to back out.

Some tour operators are all too good at pressuring tourists to ignore their better instincts. The agency I chose was named Natural Adventure , an operator based out of the small Bolivian city of Tupiza.

I had a very good experience with them; though my driver didn’t speak much English, he made up for it with friendliness, verve, and expressive hand gestures.

The truth is that all the tours will cover the same things. It is pretty standard. They will try and upsell you and convince you that they have faster cars or better accommodation just to get more money out of you. If you ask the right questions you will definitely up your chances of getting a great tour.

Recommended Tours to Book Ahead of Time

Questions to Ask Before Booking a Tour to the Uyuni Salt Flats

• How Many People will be in my car? Obviously the smaller amount of people the better. But most tours try and get 6 people plus a driver in a vehicle.
• What type of accommodations are offered? Will you be staying in a salt hotel, sharing a room, or all in one big room?
• Does my driver speak English? Most drivers are also your guide and cook and don’t speak much english. It helps if you know some spanish or you are good at acting things out.
• Is the entrance to the National park included? The usual answer to this is no, but some do offer it. If it is not then be prepared to fork over an extra of 150 Bob ($22 USD). If you plan on visiting “Fish Island” within Uyuni salt lake that will cost you extra as well.
• Where does the tour end? Will you be coming back to Uyuni or doest t finish in another destination like San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. The coice is usually yours.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit the Bolivia Salt Flats?

As we said above, all of the tours are the same and follow the same route. Do not be fooled by people trying to upsell you to a better tour. The car and the accommodation may change but the tours themselves are identical. That being said the price varies widely, so you are going to have to negotiate the best price.

You should not pay more than 850-1350 Bob for a 3-day tour ($125 – $195 USD) . This price is all-inclusive of food, transportation, accommodation, and a Spanish-speaking guide. If you want an English-speaking guide prepare to pay double. What it does not include is the $20 fee to get into the National Park, so make sure you have cash for that. If you are planning on going to San Pedro de Atacama then you will also need 50 Bob for the border crossing. It is always good to have some cash on you.

It is important to note that the prices above are if you book your tour on arrival or in Bolivia itself. If you book your tour online before you travel the cost can be almost double.

What are the Accommodation Options on the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats Tours?

While tours themselves are markets as basic, I would say that we were pleasantly surprised. We have stayed in some basic places over the years but were fairly impressed when you consider the cost of the tour.

You will spend the first night of the tour in a salt hotel, which we loved. Now when I say a salt hotel, I mean everything is made of salt. The hotel exterior is made of salt blocks, the chairs, ground, and bed are also made of salt. We were happy to have private rooms on the first night to really enjoy it. There was also a shower which cost 10BS and had enough water for 2 people. Take advantage of it as there are no other showers on the tour.

The other nights we slept in dorm-type rooms, but you can pay an extra 150Bs for a private room, which we did. The buildings are clean and well taken care of so you never felt like you were on an ultra-budget tour.

There is no WIFI out here so you will be disconnected which we found a welcome reprieve from constantly checking phones each day.

The way the meals are set up is that breakfast and dinner are served at the accommodation and the lunch is always on the road. The food itself was not fine dining but it was tasty and there was always enough.

Where to Stay Near Salar de Uyuni

While there aren’t many accommodation options directly on the salt flats themselves, the nearby town of Uyuni offers various choices for visitors. Here are some suggestions on where to stay:

Uyuni town: This is the most convenient place to stay as it offers a range of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses catering to different budgets. You’ll find options ranging from basic accommodations to more luxurious hotels. Staying in Uyuni allows you to easily access Salar de Uyuni and other nearby attractions.

Colchani: Situated on the edge of Salar de Uyuni, Colchani is a small village known for its salt processing industry. It offers a few accommodations that provide a unique experience closer to the salt flats. Keep in mind that the options may be limited compared to Uyuni town.

Salt hotels: Some unique accommodations are built entirely from salt blocks, providing a distinctive experience for visitors. These hotels are typically located on the outskirts of Uyuni and offer a blend of comfort and the chance to immerse yourself in the salt flat surroundings.

Palacio de Sal is a luxury hotel and spa that was the first salt hotel. Located near the entrance of Salar de Uyuni near Colchani, this is a popular place to stay.

Salt flats camping : For an adventurous experience, you may consider camping on the salt flats. There are tour operators that offer overnight camping trips, providing tents, sleeping bags, and meals. This option allows you to witness the stunning sunsets and starry nights of the salt flats.

How to Dress for a Salar de Uyuni Tour

Travel through Bolivia’s southwest corner means splitting your time between extreme warmth, under the startlingly hot midday sun, and extreme cold, when the chilly high altitude nights creep in.

It’s a good idea to dress in layers–that way, you can layer up as the sun drops, then shed clothing again when it rises. During parts of the Uyuni tour, temperatures can drop as low as -15 degrees celsius, so it’s vital to make sure that you have some warm clothes packed. Read our  layering tips for packing. 

How to Get to Salar de Uyuni

From La Paz to Uyuni

The buses from the de facto capital of La Paz to Uyuni are increasingly geared to tourist comfort, as the Salar de Uyuni becomes a more and more ubiquitous stop among backpackers in South America. The bus from La Paz takes 8 hours and gets you into Uyuni at about 6 am.

This is plenty of time as most tours do not start until 10 am. It is an overnight bus, so you will save on a night’s accommodation if you sleep. It will cost you about $25 USD for the overnight bus and you can check out tickets with https://www.ticketsbolivia.com/

It is recommended to stay a night in Uyuni to acclimate to the altitude.

If you have some extra cash or are limited on time then you can also fly to Uyuni from La Paz. It costs about $100 USD and is often included with private tours from La Paz.

From Sucre to Uyuni

If you are coming from the capital of Bolivia, Sucre, you can catch a direct bus to the Uyuni Salt Flats. The bus ride usually takes about 8 hours. It leaves from the bus terminal on Avenida Ostria Gutierrez in Sucre at 9:30 am and 8:00 pm. It will cost you approximately 11 USD. Make sure to check the times and cost on  TicketsBolivia .

If you want, you can book an organized 1-day tour from La Paz to Uyuni salt flat . At the end of the tour, you will return to La Paz.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Bolivian Salt Flats?

There is no bad time to visit the Bolivia Salt Flats. It really depends on the experience you are looking for.

Rainy season: If you want to see reflections of the salt lake, the rainy season is a good time to visit. The salt flats flood and transform into a massive mirror that reflects the sky and creates an other-worldly experience. During this time of the year there is little to no wind and usually clear skies. Perfect for a photographer. The rainy season in Bolivia is from December to April. Just be aware that during the rainy season a lot of the surrounding attractions are closed.

Dry Season: We visited during the dry season and it was spectacular as well. It is warmer during this time from May to November. Since we visited during the dry season, our SUV produced a giant cloud of dust when we crossed the stunning moon-like landscape of Bolivia’s Andean Plateau making for surreal images.

What you will See on a Bolvian Salt Flats Tour

Isla del pescado.

Have you ever seen an island that is NOT surrounded by water? Welcome to Isla del Pescado, the Fish Island! The Salar de Uyuni has a few islands and we enjoyed an awesome view from the top of this one. From up there, we got an impression of the true dimension of the salty landscape.

Steam Locomotives – Train Graveyard

We arrived in Uyuni and jumped out of the SUV and climbed up the giant wrecked old steam locomotives. At that point, we did not know that the adult’s playground was just behind the corner, Uyuni’s train cemetery. The trains are leftover from a time when they carried minerals from the Salar de Uyuni to the Pacific Ocean.

Bolivia’s Andean Plateau

In the Andean Plateau, at an altitude of about 4,000 meters, not only the air is breathtaking. This is what real adventures look like. This is where the SUV feels at home.

The chain of volcanoes and mountains along the horizon gave us the feeling of being far away from any civilization. And for a second we thought we reached the “end of the world”.

The tracks might look like remains from centuries past but they are still in use and connect Bolivia with Chile. The moon-like landscape surrounded us as we drove on the red and brown sand when unexpectedly, behind a hill, a beautiful lagoon appeared.

Lunar Landscape

The Andean Plateau and its mysterious rock formations have been formed over millions of years through wind and sand. And sometimes nature is very creative and forms rocks like the Arbol de Piedra, the Stone Tree.

Our guide told us before that we would get to see a lagoon more beautiful than the one we had seen before. But we did not want to believe him as we could not imagine that it would be possible.

Hundreds, probably thousands of flamingos were wading through the shallow water in search of food. It was such a contradiction to see an oasis of life in the middle of the barren scenery.

Laguna Colorada

The silence was around us when we approached the Laguna Colorada, the Red Lagoon. Everything around us felt unreal. Do you know how it feels when you see something and cannot believe it is real? It was hard to believe that this lagoon, with its shades of yellow, black, white, red, brown, and the blue sky above it, was not a canvas.

Now and then we saw these little pink spots again, flamingos that enjoyed the delicious alga which makes the water appear red. It was almost sad to see that the last lagoon we visited, the beautiful Green Lagoon with the picturesque volcano in the background was void of flamingos.

As we learned this green type of algae was poisonous. Too bad, the water looked so inviting with those beautiful reflections on the surface.

Sulfur Geysers

Visiting a steaming geyser is a highlight of the Uyuni Salt Flats tour; I was so distracted taking pictures, I almost fell in! It was a very special place our driver took us to watch the sunrise in the early morning.

We were surrounded by geysers and holes in the ground filled with boiling mud. The cold air of the morning intensified the steam and the area looked like a mystic place. After leaving the salt flat we thought it could not get any better. But we were so wrong!

Photos of Salar de Uyuni

The Uyuni Salt Flats is THE photo spot to play with proportions and perspectives when taking photos. It’s a place where people sit on potato chips cans, toy dinosaurs come to life chasing travelers, and jumping over an SUV is a breeze.

On short photo stops, it can be hard to decide whether to take pictures of the scenery or simply take the scenery in. For those inclined to snap, it’s important to pace your photographic zeal. The landscape is so marvelous, it’s simply impossible to catch it all. In other words, it’s a road trip like no other, and absolutely worth doing.

Common Questions About Doing a Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

Do you need an English Speaking Guide?

The answer here is it depends. If you speak fairly fluent Spanish then you can definitely forego an English guide. If you do not speak Spanish at all then we recommend paying the extra money (it can be up to 500 Bs per person) and getting an English guide.

We like to understand our guide as they can provide a lot of background information on the area and there is the added advantage that if you pay extra for the English guide you will have only English speaking people in your car. When you are together for 3 or 4 days this was important to us.

That being said, if you want to save some money and you are on a tight budget, the Spanish-speaking guide is fine. You will be able to make out most of what he is saying anyways. It is important to note that if you opt for the English-speaking guide that there is usually one guide for every 2 or 3 cars from that tour company.

What altitude are you at in the Salar de Uyuni?

You are at altitude when you are in Uyuni, Bolivia. The town itself sits at more than 3500m or 12,000 feet and that is just where you start. During the tour, you will reach altitudes of up to 4800m or 15,000 feet at the Laguna Colorada, in the Eduardo Avaroa National Park. So be prepared.

We recommend spending at least one day in Uyuni before your tour to acclimatize to the altitude. Dring plenty of liquids and don’t exert too much effort physically. You will be out of breath a little on the first day but should get used to the lack of oxygen quickly.

Will it get cold?

The short answer is yes. Even though the weather during the day can be pleasant, you have to remember that you are at altitude so the nights can get quite cold. If you are someone who gets cold easily you might want to bring your own sleeping bag or ask to rent one from the tour operator.

Will I have phone or internet during the tour?

The fact is you will be in the middle of nowhere so there will be little to no internet or phone signal during the entire trip. It is a good time to relax and disconnect from the world and enjoy the nature that is all around you. If you are in desperate need of internet or a phone there is a place on the second day that offers paid internet access.

Cash or Credit Card? Which is Best?

Cash is king when you are on your trip to the salt flats in Bolivia. There are some ATMs in Uyuni but we suggest having local currency on hand before you arrive just in case. Make sure that you have local currency as that is required especially if you want to visit the following:

• National Park Entrance Fee: 150 Bs ($22 USD) per person
• Fish Island: 30 Bs ($5 USD)
• Hot Springs: 6 Bs ($1 USD)

What should I pack?

Packing for the salt flats is really dependent on where you are going to finish your tour. If you are carrying on to The Atacama Desert in Chile you will bring your full backpack. We do suggest putting the everyday items in a day pack so they are easily accessible as your pack will be on the top of the 4X4 each day.

If you are starting and ending in Uyuni then it is possible to leave some items in the hotel so you don’t have to bring everything. That being said, the shifts in temperature can be quite drastic so you want o to be prepared. Here is a list of things you should pack for your tour of the Salt Flats in Bolivia:

• Sunscreen  with high SPF,  sunglasses ,  hat and  lip balm  are a must.
• Layers of warm clothes. Temperature fluctates drastically between day and night.
• Hiking boots (Older ones if you are visiting during the wet season)
• Travel towel for the first night shower and the hot springs.
• Gold Bond: To keep yourself fresh.
• Camera and extra batteries fully charged.
• Water bottle and water. Even if it is provided it is good to have extra.
• Cash in local currency.
• Swimsuit if you pan on going in the hot springs.
• Flip flops or running shoes for at the hotel.

How Do you Describe the Salt Flats in Bolivia?

Salty, white, endless… these three words best describe the Salar de Uyuni. The sun burned from the sky and the reflections from the salt were so strong that it was impossible to open the eyes without sunglasses while looking over the massive salt desert. After a while, the awe can be a bit overwhelming. It’s as if nature is trying to beat you into submission with so many amazing things.

Most Salar de Uyuni tours can feel very start and stop, with the driver rendezvousing with other tourist jeeps at designated points for all-too-rapid photo opportunities. It’s a surreal sight, as the southwest roads of Bolivia appear entirely deserted but for the jeeps gathering in small groups to disgorge their tourist cargo.

Final Thoughts

We drove across Bolivia’s scenic southwest corner, a staggeringly beautiful region bursting with mountains, lagoons, and inactive volcanoes. Equipped with many big containers of drinking water and thick sleeping bags our driver put the SUV into first gear and an amazing adventure through barren surroundings began.

It’s an experience that involves gorgeous vistas, extreme cold, and days without showering.

At the end of our 3-day trip, we were exhausted. Exhausted because of all the incredible things we had seen.

It started with an endless white salt flat, continued with moon-like sandy and dry landscapes of volcanoes and mountains, and ended with the most colorful lagoons we had ever seen. Every one of us needed some time to digest the past days.

There are many amazing places on our blue planet but the Salar de Uyuni and everything around it truly belongs to one of its most beautiful places! The Salar de Uyuni remains one of the world’s most fantastic locations–and since it’s in Bolivia, one of the most affordable, too.

Bolivia’s frontier feel means the trip sometimes seems akin to stepping out of the charted territory, onto a succession of different planets.

Sticking Around Bolivia

But while the Salar is undoubtedly a highlight, the rough remainder of Bolivia should not be ignored.  From the grungy mining city of Potosi to the gothic streets of La Paz to the verdant j ungle reaches of the Amazon, Bolivia is filled with breathtaking and bizarre sights. Once you’ve seen the Salar (or even before), consider sticking around to take a few extra destinations in. 

If you’re looking to venture along the edge of the world or race across some of nature’s most striking vistas, there is no better destination. So strap in, buckle up, and don’t forget to bring shades. There’s a white desert waiting, made of salt and blinding sunlight.

Have you been to the Bolivia Salt Flats? What do you think? Is Bolivia’s Andean Plateau one of the most beautiful places in the world?

This article was originally written by Liane and Lars of bobaroundtheworld.com who have since stopped blogging, but we have kept it on ThePlanetD as it is a destination that is worth visiting.

Plan Your Next Trip to south America with These Resources

• All You Need to know about the Top 10 Best Hikes in South America

10 Reasons You Should Travel To Bolivia

• Everything You Need to Know About Visiting the Bolivian Amazon
• 5 Things to do in Bolivia
• Chile Travel Guide

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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11 thoughts on “Salar de Uyuni – How to Visit The Bolivia Salt Flats”

Chile is a very nice place to visit.

This is relay amazing picture. i am from country of world hugest peak Mt Everest 8848 m and light of Asia. Nepal is on of the best destination for hiking and sightseeing, so traveler get lots of opportunity to take unlimited amazing capture during the adventure and the tour. where the incredible scenery attract to the traveler as well as photographer to explore them on unique feature. which may motive to the traveler.

What a great photo and article, this is really awesome!! thanks for sharing with us and keep posting such a great pics

Me from Everest Country Nepal, As a traveler all pics are so amazing and thanks for sharing such a great pics and articles. We have the big mountains like Everest 8848m. but we don’t have such awesome places.You are a really wonderful photographer.

wow, this are the most beautiful pictures, I rally love it, thanks for sharing

Incredible adventure. Hope that you have enjoyed a lot on this trip.

Appreciate for your great effort to share your travel experience.

Great Adventure. There is a quietness and bareness of these lands that makes you feel like you are at the end of the world. The flamingos in the salt/soda lakes are similar to what we have in Kenya and Tanzania lakes nakuru, bogoria and lake manyara. Awesome.

Wow, what an incredible place! I’ve seen tonnes of photos of the flats but never of the surrounding regions/sites/wonders. Great insight into somewhere I’d absolutely love to visit! Thank you.

Wow, incredible journey. It seems like you have enjoyed your trip. Awesome photographs. Your blog is very informative to all those travelers who pursue adventure. Appreciate it for sharing your travel experience.

Incredible pictures! you shared awesome place to visit and great detail.. Really want to go there, Thank you so much for sharing a nice experiences.. keep posting!

Awesome photos guys. What company did you go with and did you like going with them?

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Uyuni salt flat 1 day (private tour), uyuni salt flat sunrise (private tour), uyuni salt flat sunset (private tour).

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Uyuni Salt Flat – Volcan Tunupa 2 Days

Uyuni Salt Flat – Volcan Tunupa 2 Days (Private Tour)

Uyuni, Bolivia, boasts a captivating array of natural and cultural marvels that beckon travelers from across the globe.

The Uyuni Salt Flats, stretching as far as the eye can see, present an otherworldly landscape, perfect for surreal photography and stargazing. Incahuasi Island, nestled within this immense salt desert, enchants visitors with its towering cacti and panoramic views.

Uyuni Salt Flat – 2 Days 1 Night – Private Tour

$550.00/Person

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• CLASSIC UYUNI SALT FLATS & EDUARDO AVAROA RESERVE - 4 DAYS

UYUNI SALT FLATS & EDUARDO AVAROA RESERVE - 4 DAYS

ITINERARY DRY SEASON

Uyuni to mallku villamar.

Our journey begins in Uyuni, Bolivia. We meet you at your hotel or at the airport if you are flying from La Paz or Santa Cruz. We leave Uyuni behind and travel southwards through the Altiplano - the Andean highlands that stretch for thousands of kilometers - after making a short stop at the Train Cemetery just out of Uyuni.

Our drive is quite smooth on a wide dirt road that leads to several town of southwestern Potosi department. We stop at San Cristobal town, home to Bolivia’s largest open-pit mine. The town has gone through a restoration and improvement period, boasting a beautiful colonial-era church and colorful market that serves as a break on our drive.

Leaving San Cristobal we continue our drive headed southwest and stop at the hidden Black Lagoon on the way. We continue toward the ‘valley of rocks’ where we have the opportunity to walk among giant boulders shaped as anything your imagination can make of. Another attraction of the day is the ‘Anaconda Canyon” where the jaw-dropping views are unmatched.

Later in the afternoon we have the opportunity to visit another small, secret lagoon that allows for some wildlife viewing and scenic hike.

We will then arrive at the village of Mallku Villamar where we spend the night with fresh dinner/supper and a warm bed.

ACCOMMODATION BASIC: Simple room, shared bathroom, may have lukewarm shower STANDARD: Simple private room with private bathroom & hot shower PLUS: Jardines de Mallku Cueva

MEALS INCLUDED LUNCH, DINNER

Eduardo Avaroa Reserve

This morning we leave Mallku Villamar and continue our drive south headed for Eduardo Avaroa Reserve. Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa as it is known, is Bolivia’s most visited protected area and with good reason. Among the natural highlights we will be delighted with, are Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon), Desierto de Siloli, Polques hot springs, Sol de Mañana geyser field and Laguna Colorada - Red Lagoon - with its thousands of pink flamingos.

It will be an intense day but full of dramatic and otherworldly sights. It’s a remote, high altitude desert region, so accommodation options are very limited but we have lodging ready for us to spend the night and get ready for more adventure the following day.

ACCOMMODATION BASIC: Basic dormitory-style shared accommodation with shared, unisex bathroom. No hot shower STANDARD: Simple private room with private bathroom. Lukewarm shower PLUS: Hotel Tayka del Desierto

MEALS INCLUDED BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

SPECIAL INFORMATION Accommodation is very basic to say the least on our Basic and Standard packages. The buildings are built with rock bricks from the area and are unheated. At 4500m it is a cold night combined with altitude, so it’s advised you bring warm clothes and take altitude medication if your doctor has prescribed any. It is the trip’s most basic night but most travelers are able to go through it with plenty of blankets provided and warm layers

Lagunas & flamingos

Today we continue our expedition now headed north and experience a number of exciting places along the way. For starters, we stop at Arbol de Piedra (Stone Tree, visited a day earlier if taking our Plus package). Located in the middle of [nowhere] the Siloli Desert, the Stone Tree is a quirky rock formation famous for its tree shape caused by thousands of years’ erosion.

The afternoon will be dedicated to visiting a chain of several lagoons known as the ‘Andean jewels’. The real highlight are the hundreds of pink flamingos that you can photograph up close and the pristine isolation of each lagoon.

By the end of the day we will have reached the proximity of the trip’s grand finale: Salar de Uyuni. We reach our accommodation in a small village where warm dinner and bed await.

ACCOMMODATION BASIC: Simple room, shared bathroom, hot shower in southern rim of Salar de Uyuni STANDARD: Private room with private bathroom and hot shower in southern rim of Salar de Uyuni PLUS: Hotel de Sal Tayka in northern rim of Salar de Uyuni

SPECIAL INFORMATION If you take our Plus package we will already enter the salt flats today as far as the northern rim which will allow for visiting more places the following day.

Uyuni Salt Flats & Incahuasi Island

Salar de Uyuni is probably best known for its hexagon-shaped patterns and giant cactus islands, but there is much more to see. In the northern end of the flats, where we will have spent our previous night (Plus), the awe-inspiring Volcan Thunupa offers several hiking opportunities along its base. If you would like to have a break from driving and get active, this morning we will explore this less-known area, as well as other interesting sites in along the northern rim. If you took our Basic or Plus packages, we will explore the southern rim instead, since we will have spent the previous night there

We'll have plenty of free time to have lunch in the middle of the salt flats and test our photography skills to get the best deep-perspective, fun photographs (bring props along).

We will then go across onto Incahuasi Island and here we will see the giant cacti and have the opportunity to do a second mild hike to its top. This is a great place to get a 360-degree view of the salt flats.

At the end of the day, we exit the salt flats via the village of Colchani where we have a brief stop at its colorful market before driving to the town of Uyuni where the tour ends around 6 PM.

MEALS INCLUDED BREAKFAST, LUNCH

ITINERARY RAINY SEASON

ACCOMMODATION BASIC: Simple room, shared bathroom, hot shower in southern rim of Salar de Uyuni STANDARD: Private room with private bathroom and hot shower in southern rim of Salar de Uyuni PLUS: Any of the following salt hotels in order of preference and availability: Hotel Palacio de Sal, Luna Salada, Cristal Samaña

SPECIAL INFORMATION Unlike the dry-season itinerary, our Plus package provides accommodation in the western rim of the salt flats instead of the northern

Uyuni Salt Flats

The rains falling from December to April flood the entire surface of the salt flats creating a surreal ‘mirror’ that reflects the entire sky. Thousands of people from around the world flock to Bolivia to experience the reflection created by this natural phenomenon. But don’t worry, the salt flats are so huge there is plenty of space for everyone, although it is impossible to reach Incahuasi Island and drive more than only a few kilometers from the shore of the salt flats.

The whole day will be spent enjoying the ‘mirror effect’, taking surreal photographs and enjoying a unique lunch in the middle of the flooded flats. We will await sunset to experience this unforgettable experience before we exit the flats for the town of Uyuni where our tour ends around 6 PM.

SPECIAL INFORMATION If you would like to take your time to see sunset, we advise not to take a flight to La Paz on this day. Please note that driving is impossible when the flats are flooded. Driving is done extremely slowly and accessibility to places is very limited

IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?

• This trip covers around 100 Km in four days of off road driving at high altitude and cold climate. It is recommended you prepare accordingly and read the itinerary before booking
• It is ideal if you like to get off the beaten track and away from the crowds by doing the usual 3-day itinerary in reverse, thus having most stops to yourself at different times from the rest
• It is possible to take this trip if you want to go to San Pedro de Atacama at the end of the trip although the order of attractions will be modified every day, keeping all the places mentioned
• Please note that the itinerary is modified during the rainy months of Jan to April

PLEASE NOTE THAT PARK AND OTHER SITES' ADMISSION FEES - IF APPLICABLE - ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE (READ BELOW)

WHY TAKE THIS TRIP WITH US?

• We are a tour operator, not a travel agency. This means that we organize this trip by putting everything from transport to accommodation providers together to make sure it works as flawlessly as possible. Our trusted providers have been tried and tested and we put our name confidently up front because we trust the safety and reliability they offer. A travel agency merely books you with a tour operator earning a commission for themselves and not giving a lot of care to your experience
• We put safety at the top of our list of priorities. We know Bolivia inside out and the roads, towns, villages, deserts, etc. that are safe to travel through. By using our services, you can rest assured that we will get you to your destination at the end of every day safely

WHAT TO BRING?

• Camera/drone
• Effective sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
• Warm layers as temperatures drop considerably in the evenings and mornings
• Bathing suit, sandals
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Money in Bolivianos for personal spending (drinks, souvenirs, tips, etc).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO CONSIDER

• The itinerary may suffer changes without previous notice due to factors outside our direct control such as weather and road conditions. If we are forced to alter the itinerary in any way, it will be based on good judgment and necessary amendments for your own safety and comfort and you will be promptly notified. We never alter or skip attractions in the itinerary without explaining the reasoning behind any possible change and providing adequate proof that such change may be necessary. Therefore, you should not take the above itinerary as “set in stone” and we will not he held liable for any loss or damage that you may feel arising from such changes made
• Please note that the itinerary differs in the rainy season from the itinerary in the dry season. We will not be held liable/responsible for failure to read this information
• This region is a remote area that lacks the usual comforts of the modern world. You should not expect high standards of accommodation, hot water is available most of the time (according to respective package) and electricity is available for a few hours or more where possible.
• Food is handled hygienically and it is our priority and job that you are satisfied with the limited resources available in this region. Vegetarians are welcome, but should not expect special menus as we do what we can to serve appropriate portions of vegetables and fruit in the vegetarian menu
• During the rainy season (December to March/April) some parts of the salt flats may be inaccessible such as Incahuasi Island and time on the actual salt flats is limited. Most of the regular itinerary is followed as normal

OPEN DATES & FIXED DEPARTURES

The following are dates in which other people have shown interest in forming a group for this tour. Use the ENQUIRY tab to request a new date or join one of the dates below to form a group and obtain the respective price. The number of interested persons is shown for your reference and you will be updated via email if other people are interested in the same date. If your party consist of four persons, we suggest booking a tour outright to confirm departure.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Private transportation from Uyuni to Uyuni four days
• Bilingual guide (English-Spanish) or digital guide in IOS or Android app (price varies)
• 3 nights accommodation according to selected package
• 4 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 breakfasts

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• National park and other sites’ admission fees: Approx. 210 BOB (30 USD, only local currency accepted)
• Soft/fizzy and alcoholic drinks
• Optional tips/gratuities (suggested)

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• Red Planet Salt Flats Tour Uyuni - 3 Days

RED PLANET SALT FLATS TOUR UYUNI - 3 DAYS

Red Planet Expeditions are the most popular choice for travellers visiting the salt flats of  Uyuni . This is our  best selling, mid-range salt flats tour option and includes an English-speaking guide. Red Planet are one of the most experienced, safe and reliable companies for the Uyuni Salt Flats and have been for a number of years and for this reason they do fill up in advance. First night in double or triple room accommodation. We are the number one booking agency for Red Planet Salt Flats Tours and can highly recommend this option.

Trips to the Salar de Uyuni are an unforgettable experience but unfortunately the general standard of facilities and services are not very high in this remote area. We would like to make it clear that things are not as reliable, comfortable and professional as we would like on these tours so for this reason we do not promise more than what you will receive for your money. The accommodations and food will be basic. Due to the harshness of the terrain vehicle breakdowns are common. Still interested? Good, you should be because if you can put up with a bit of hardship you should have a great time. Take some extra snacks, plenty of warm clothes and a sleeping bag (can be rented) and the accommodations won’t feel so bad. The drivers are used to breakdowns and are pretty adept at fixing their vehicles, they are always willing to help each other out and you are usually not stuck for long - so a bit of patience is often all you need. We believe if you are informed truthfully about the possible negative aspects of the tours you can prepare yourself better and will have a more positive experience.

Click here to go to the  Salar de Uyuni - Salt Flats Tours  Category Page

The following is a typical tour but sometimes some things are omitted from a tour (for example during rainy season), sometimes additional things are included (such as train cemetery visit at the start or end of the trip) so this shouldn’t be seen as a rigid itinerary, although the most popular main sites are always included. If there is something you really want included your group should stress this to your driver at the start of the tour so he can plan accordingly.

Red Planet Expeditions are the most popular choice for travellers visiting the sa lt flats of Uyuni. This is our  best selling, mid-range salt flats tour option and includes an English-speaking guide. Red Planet are one of the most experienced, safe and reliable companies for the Uyuni Salt Flats and have been for a number of years and for this reason they do fill up in advance. First night in double or triple room accommodation. We are the number one booking agency for Red Planet Salt Flats Tours and can highly recommend this option.

DAY 1 – Uyuni – Colchani – Incahuasi – Atulcha

We meet at the office and leave Uyuni in the morning around 10.30 / 11:00 am and first visit the train cemetery where you can see the old rusting trains from decades ago. After this we continue to Colchani and witness how the salt is processed. We have lunch in the village and then move onto the salt flats themselves. We will see where the salt has been laced in mounds ready to be transported, the original Playa Blanca salt hotel (no longer used for guests) and visit Inca Huasi Island to see the giant cacti and have great views of the salt flats all around. There will be plenty of time for taking amazing photos and the salt before we head toward the village of Atulcha where we will spend the night (the salt hotel is called Nuevo Amanecer). If time allows, you might also have the chance to see the sunset on the salt flats (this depends on season and cannot be guaranteed, but is usually possible).

DAY 2 – Atulcha – Lagunas –  Laguna Colorada  – Geysers  – Hot springs  – Polques

We awake early and have breakfast before leaving to travel further south. You will first have the chance to visit the Sora Canyon and see llamas in their natural environment before continuing  through the Chuguana desert area where the scenery will include a number of extinct volcanoes plus the semiactive Ollague. As the journey continues we will pass by high altitude lagoons that are home to 3 species of flamingo before arriving into the desert of Siloli and the “tree of rock”. We then move onto the “Laguna Colorada”, an amazing red colored lake full of flamingos. Here is where we enter the Eduardo Avaroa National Park. In late afternoon we then go to v isit the “Sol de Mañana” geysers and see the bubbling mud pools and steam jets. We will then continue to Polques where we find the hostel where we will spend the night. After dinner, you can decide to relax in the warm water pools of the local hot springs while enjoying the breathtaking starry sky.

DAY 3 – Polques – Dalí Desert –  Laguna Verde – Uyuni

Today we have an early start at 6.00 am and have breakfast. We then continue our trip via the “Dali desert” (only visible from afar) to see “Laguna Verde” where, if conditions are correct, we see the green mineral waters of this lake at the foot of Volcan Licancabur (from here we do the transfers to San Pedro de Atacama -  there is an additional fee for this transfer and it is available on 3 day tour only, you arrive in San Pedro approximately midday). We then start our return journey back to Uyuni where we arrive approximately 16.30 / 17.00, perfectly on time if having a late flight or an overnight bus back to La Paz.

• Transportation in 4x4 vehicle 
• English-speaking guide
• Driver (sometimes guide can also be driver depending on availability)
• Meals during the tour (take extra snacks as food can be quite plain)
• 1 night accommodation in a salt hotel (double/triple/quadruple rooms, most of them with private bathroom, some with shared - depends on availability)
• 1 night accommodation in basic hostel (double/twin/triple/quadruple rooms with shared bathroom - depends on availability)
• Oxygen tank

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to Uyuni
• Sleeping bags (can be rented the morning of the tour during the check-in for 50 Bs per person)
• Entrance fees - 30 Bs for the Incahuasi Island (if reachable), 150 Bs for the National Park and 6 Bs for the hot springs (subject to change)
• Water - we recommend you purchase 2 liters per person per day to take with you
• Breakfast on first day, dinner on last day
• Sunglasses and sun cream 
• Additional snacks and beverages
• Torch - recommended
• Dropoff at the bus terminal / at the airport at the end of the tour (bus terminal is walking distance whereas for the airport it will be easy for you to catch a taxi from the centre of Uyuni after the end of the tour)
• This tour starts in Uyuni and DOES NOT include the cost of transport for getting there. We can arrange flights, buses and trains for getting to Uyuni - see them all in our Transport section.
• Low season / high season - This price is the low season price and some years around July / August prices can rise for "high season". We only know when this will happen and by how much when it actually happens and usually it is with just a couple of days notice. This is because it is the decision of the drivers union in Uyuni and not our or the operators. The price rise is usually around 20$ more but we cannot know for sure until the time. For bookings around this time you should book with the low season price and we always try to get the operators to honour advanced bookings at low season price. If they do not we will need to ask for the price difference or, if you don't wish to pay, you can cancel also.
• Private tours -  In order to do this tour as a private tour you would have to pay for 6 people regardless of how many of you there are (this way you are paying for the 6 seats of the car and will have a car just for you). In addition to this, when booking please also write down in the Further Details section that you want a private tour.
• Pickups and dropoffs -  Pickups from the accommodations are not included. If staying overnight in Uyuni, then it will be easy for you to walk to the operator's office in the morning - Uyuni is small and you will have to walk only a few blocks. If arriving by plane, it will be also easy to find a taxi from the airport to the office (15-20 minutes drive). If you arrive by bus, and provide detailed information about the bus you will be on, we will then inform the tour operator about it and someone should meet you at the terminal upon arrival - should you not see anyone (this can happen if the bus gets there much earlier than expected for example and the guide might be not there yet), you can simply make your way to the office, which is going to be at walking distance of a couple of blocks anyway. We will provide detailed information about the office location (and contact details) when we confirm your booking.  You will be dropped off back at the office at the end of the tour.
• Accommodation  - The accommodation for the first night will be in double/triple rooms in a salt hotel, with private bathroom (in most rooms, otherwise it will be shared - depends on availability) and hot water shower, and 24 hours electricity. The second night will be in a basic refuge and whenever possible (usually is the case) the  6 people of your group will share the same room . There will be a shared toilet but no shower.  We recommend you take a sleeping bag to use in addition to the provided blankets in the accommodations - this can be rented on the morning your tour departs.
• Rainy season - Please note that during the rainy season (usually from January to May) the Incahuasi Island and the salt hotel might not be reachable if the salt flats are covered in water. We cannot know this in advance. In case the salt hotel is not reachable, you will spend the first night in a regular accommodation with shared bathroom (and not made of salt).
• Luggage - Bags are normally stored on top of the car, but the space will be limited and if there are people who will finish their tour in Chile in your group, for obvious reasons they will have the priority. This means that it might be not possible for you to take all your stuff on the tour, and in this case you will have to leave part of your luggage at Red Planet office and will collect it when you get back from the tour. We recommend you have your luggage ready for this evenience (in order to take things out easily etc.) should this be necessary.
• Group size - Up to 6 customers per car. Usually Red Planet arrange two cars going together: in one car 6 people + 1 driver (not English-speaking), in the other car 5 people + 1 driver + 1 English-speaking guide. The cars will do the tour together and the guide will give an explanation to both groups every time the cars stop.
• Health and safety - These tours visit very remote areas that have very limited facilities. If you are ill or there is an accident there are no medical facilities other than Uyuni town and even these are basic. If things go wrong you are faced with the reality of travel in a remote area of a developing country. The salt flats tours travel to altitude of around 5000 meters so the majority of people will feel some effects for altitude sickness. We recommend that you should be acclimitized to above 3000 meters before going on these tours and that you take headache tablets, "soroche" (local word for altitude sickness) tablets and any other medications that you may require.
• Transfer to Chile - If you want to add a transfer to Chile after the tour instead of returning to Uyuni, please see THIS product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please read through these common questions & answers - if you cant find what you want to know send us your questions using the Ask a Question button

We do not sell any salt flats tours from Dec 23rd through to Jan 6th because of safety concerns.  Specifically this is due to the high number of incidences of drunk driving that occur on salt flats tours during this time. Some of the companies we work with, for example Red Planet, also completely stop tours during this time for the same reason. We still don't sell tours with any company that we work with that does not stop completely during this period as whilst they are likely to be safer options the fact is there could be drunk drivers from other companies making the area less safe. From experience we think it is best to avoid the dangers and problems that occur this time of year.

Please do not ask us to recommend any companies for tours during this time as we do not recommend anyone for the reasons stated. If you must do a tour (and we understand this is a highlight and it would be bad to miss) we would suggest you do a one day tour only as the 3 day tours are more problematic for the drunk drivers (drivers tend to celebrate in the evening with friends in the local villages near the accommodations). Also keep a close eye on the condition of your driver if you do end up on a tour.

• Red Planet : English-speaking guide, sunset on the salt flats, salt hotel on the first night with private bathrooms (most of the rooms, not all of them - salt hotel only during dry season, otherwise will be a regular accommodation), accommodation near the hot springs the second night. This is the operator with the best reputation in Uyuni as they offer consistently good tours and are well established. For that reason they are are virtually always booked in advance and charge more than most other operators. Tours leave every day with Red Planet. Sleeping bag is not included in the price.
• Quechua Connection : English-speaking guide, sunset on the salt flats, regular hotel on the first night with private bathrooms (most of the rooms, not all of them, and it is not a salt hotel), accommodation near the hot springs the second night. This is another good tour operator that offer tours about the same standard as Red Planet and are growing quickly. During dry season they often include some 30 mins biking on the salt flats as well (conditions permitting). Sleeping bag is included in the price.
• Perla de Bolivia : English-speaking guide, sunset on the salt flats, salt hotel on the first night with private bathrooms (most of the rooms, not all of them - salt hotel only during dry season, otherwise will be a regular accommodation), accommodation near the hot springs the second night. This is another popular operator that is rapidly growing. They include a visit to the Galaxy and the Devil's Caves in their itinerary as well. Sleeping bag is included in the price.
• Standard Plus : Spanish-speaking guide, no sunset on the salt flats (they head to the accommodation earlier), salt hotel on the first night with shared bathrooms (shower available for 10 bs - salt hotel only during dry season, otherwise will be a regular accommodation), hot springs the third day in the morning. Sleeping bag is not included in the price.

* We state may have because tour itineraries can change due to external factors so these are typically what is included and i in general the differences are as above but we cannot guarantee this is always the case.

We also have a some comparison tables on our Salt Flats Tours category pages that show the differences in a nice and easy format

In our standard tour offerings we do not offer people the option to be able to upgrade hotels because this would involve taking one part of the group to the standard hotels and others to the upgraded hotel in a different area and therefore two different routes and too much additional driving. We can only offer hotel upgrade options if you are doing a private tour for this reason - please contact us for pricing if you are interested.

Salt flats tours in Uyuni usually start "approximately" 10.00 am to 11 am but this can vary. The reasons it can vary, apart from punctuality not being very common in Bolivia, can be for a number of different things. For example there is only one fuel station in Uyuni and it can be hard to get fuel quickly so drivers might have to queue for long periods to get fuel and this can affect preparations.

We usually request you to be at the local office at 9 AM to do your check-in, but if for example if your flight lands at 9 AM then no problem simply take a taxi to the office and be there as soon as you can - we will let the office now about your flight time and this will be taken into consideration. Also buses or flights arriving to Uyuni late (more common in Rainy season) can affect departure times - if someone in your assigned group is on transport that is late then the operator will try to wait as long as is possible to accomodate that so they can get on the tour that day - obviously there are limits to this and they dont want to wait too much as it effects the rest of the groups tour time. Tours starting in San Pedro usually start earlier around 8-8.30 am.

This salt flats tour starts in Uyuni and it does not included the price of getting to Uyuni. We can arrange transport (buses, trains, flights) from La Paz to Uyuni also – please visit out transport section HERE  to see some popular options.

The Salt Flats (salar de Uyuni) tours leave year round including during the rainy season and in fact many people try to visit during the rainy season in order to see the "mirror effect" of the water sitting atop of the salt flats and reflecting the sky which is an incredible sight. This is caused when the water table below the salt flats has risen enough to cause the water to sit on top of the salt. It is fine to visit the area when there is a certain amount of water but when it becomes too deep (after long sustained periods of rainfall in consectutive days) some places can become inaccesible such as Isla Incahuasi and these must then be omitted from the tours but they can usually continue visiting other parts of the salt flats and the area to the south (the colored lakes, geysers, hot springs etc) are usually not affected so tours are not cancelled completely.

The road between La Paz and Uyuni usually becomes a bit problematic with potholes and other damage caused but the constant rain and is worst in Mar/Apr time. The buses are sometimes cancelled due to this and other forms of transport such as train or flights are recommended or alternatively you can travel via Sucre / Potosi to Uyuni which is a better conditioned road that is less affected.

The town of Uyuni and the Salt Flats themselves are around 3700 meters (12139 feet) so 1 and 2 day tours are usually around this altitude only.

For 3 day tours you will visit much higher altitudes with the second nights’ accommodation near the Laguna Colorado area being at around 4300 meters and the Sol de Mañana geothermal field that is visited at around 4900 meters (16076 feet). You may also drive over a pass at  5000 meters (16404 feet), depending on the exact route taken, which will be the highest point.

On 2,3 and 4 day salt flat tours there will be a maximum of 6 travellers in the vehicle (1 in the front passenger seats, 3 in the  center seat row and 2 in the rear seat row) plus the driver/guide.

On 1 day tours there can be up to 7 people in the vehicle (although usually 6) as the group gets out of the vehicle much more often and comfort is not an issue like it is for the long driving distances of the multi day tours.

The planned schedule for this tour on the first night is to stay in a salt hotel and this happens for the majority of the year. During periods when the local conditions are bad (salar too flooded, deep snow in area etc) then a change of route / itinerary might be required and a stay in a salt hotel might not be possible. This would only be known closer to or actually on the departure date

People enjoy taking the interesting perspective style photos on the salt flats and of course there will be some time to stop and do this.  The exact amount of time is impossible to say as it will depend on a variety of factors such as how long you have taken at previous stops, weather conditions, the group dynamic etc and you also need to bear in mind there is a schedule to keep to so the driver will only allow the amount of time he can in order to keep to the schedule safely.

As for items to use in your photos, some drivers do have some fun items but some wont have anything especially for photo props. The best advice is to take something interesting things yourself so you can get unique shots – let your creative side go crazy!

Yes this is possible by prior arrangement, but if you wish to be dropped off back at Colchani after the tour , there will be an extra charge (please ask) as it is not on the standard route as tours return to Uyuni some 30 minutes drive away. Also, as the train cemetery is near Uyuni town then you would miss this visit out as it takes place before arriving to Colchani

Yes , that’s not a problem. You would be in the same vehicle for the tour and then near Laguna Verde the people going to San Pedro are transferred to a different transport vehicle at the border and the 4x4 vehicle used for the tour returns to Uyuni with the remaining passengers. Iif you could inform us of this requirement when booking and give the passengers names so we know who to group together. Of course, the tours have to leave on the same date and each person choose the same tour operator.

Booking Form

How to book.

Fill in the required details and click "add to cart".You can then continue shopping for more items or click on the "cart" link at the top right hand corner of the page to complete your booking.

You must provide details for each passenger that you are booking for and also ensure that you change the qty box to show the correct amount of passengers that you are booking for.

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Uyuni Salt Flat Tour Full Day

Perla de Bolivia is a highly rated Uyuni tour operator known for their safety standards

Discover and learn all about Bolivia's oldest train graveyard located on the salt flats

Professional guide through the whole tour, backed by an experienced support team

Experience the natural wonder that is the Uyuni Salt Flats, and see the largest salt flat on Earth. Marvel at the giant cacti, strange rock formations, and the extraordinary landscapes. Observe first-hand the production of salt, and the salt mines. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore another part of the world!

AVAILABILITY

All year round

START LOCATION

Perla De Bolivia Office, Sucre between Av Cabrera & Av Colon, Uyuni

END LOCATION

Uyuni City Centre

OPERATOR NAME

Pearl of the Salar

Physical Level

Minimum age: 4 years old – Must have parents permission The pickups from the Uyuni Bus Station is only available on the date of your tour. In case, you arrive in Uyuni before, we highly recommend you choose your meeting point the Perla de Bolivia office Start your tour off at 10:30 a.m. with a drive out to the Uyuni Salt Flats. The first stop is the haunting “Train Graveyard’, which is found on the outskirts of Uyuni. Get to see the first locomotives in Bolivia, and learn about their history, which connected several major cities. Now, corroded over time from the strong salt winds that run through this desert area, this makes for a great photo setting. Then visit the small settlement of Colchani (salt miners’ workshops next to the salt flats), there, also find handicrafts made of salt, and textile art manufactured of llama and alpaca wool. These make excellent souvenirs to bring back home. Take photos as you cruise along the vast white expanse of salt, wade through “Ojos de Agua Salada” (salt water eyes), also visit: a hotel made completely out of salt which is currently used as a museum – restaurant, Flags of the world (Where you can bring yours and put there for free) and a Monument of Dakar racing. After a morning of exploration, Lunch will be served near “Isla Incahuasi” (Fish Island), following that, have time to take a hike to the top of the island to see giant cacti and rock formations made of petrified coral. Next, take time to organize your group for fun perspective- and proportion-distorted photos, set on the blinding white surface of the salt flats, playing around with the scene, you can be sure to take some funny, and memorable shots! Finally, head to a spacious area for the unique experience of seeing a beautiful sunset over the salt flats, spreading its dazzling colors all over the Uyuni Salt Flats, and enjoying it with a glass of wine. Important: Due to the rainy season from the last week of December to the last week of April. (Depending the weather conditions), it is not possible to access Incahuasi Island instead we have a magnificent view of Mirror Effect. This tour is perfectly tailored for all arrivals in Uyuni, being by bus or by plane. The operator´s office is only 5 minutes away by taxi from the bus terminal and the airport Notes: *The operator provides water and refreshments during lunch. *Enjoy the tour with bilingual guides: English and Spanish. *The drivers and guide are separate individuals for your safety and the best experience.

10:00 - 10:15

Meeting point at Perla de Bolivia Office

Depart Uyuni, visit the Train Graveyard

11:30 - 12:30

Stop in Colchani Village, salt crafts and textile art

12:30 - 13:00

Stop in Salt Flats, Ojos de Agua Salada (small lagoon) and Salt Flats museum

14:30 - 15:30

Visit Incahuasi, and see the giant cactus and rock formations

Arrive back to Uyuni (see the sunset before you leave)

- English Speaking Guide. - Local Driver - Transportation in 4WD with rooftop luggage rack. - Meals: 1 lunch. - 1 glass of wine during the sunset over the Salt Flats. - Pick up from Bus Station Uyuni City – Same Day of the Tour - Pick up from Airport in Uyuni – Same Day of the Tour

- Entrance Fee: Isla Incahuasi (30 BOB) - Toilets on the way in total fee (10 BOB). - Personal Expenses (150 BOB) (Optional) * Please note that these costs are subject to change without prior notice * Bring cash in Bolivianos, people don’t accept USD or Card during the tour.

- Sun hat / woolly hat - Sunglasses - Sunscreen - Coat - Gloves - Trekking shoes - Warm socks - Hand sanitizer - Bottled water - Snacks - Camera - Batteries

Cancellation or changes to this tour: CHANGES: Any changes to the tour date need to be done before 5:00 pm (Bolivia time) 2 days before the tour begins. After this time, there is a 100% administration fee. NO SHOWS & CANCELLATIONS: If you cancel two days prior to the tour before 5:00 pm (La Paz time) or earlier, a 35% administration fee (+ the card fee) will apply. After this time, there is a 100% no-show or cancellation fee. You must email [email protected] (include the name of the tour and the reservation number) to cancel this tour or to make any changes.

From where do the tours start - can I start from La Paz?

All of the tours of the Salar de Uyuni start in Uyuni. The tours will not include your transfer from La Paz; you will need to organize and pay for this separately. The buses to Uyuni are overnight, departing from La Paz every evening, and arriving into Uyuni the next day at about 7:00 am. You are able to start a tour on the same morning, as tours start from 10:30 a.m. We recommend the bus company Todo Turismo, as it is the most well-known among travelers.

Do I need to stay one night in Uyuni before and after my tour?

You will arrive in Uyuni early in the morning, so it is possible to start a tour the same day you arrive. All tours start at 10:30 a.m. You will return to Uyuni by 18:30 pm ( 3 Day Tour) or 19:15 pm, ( Full Day Tour) giving you time to eat and head back on the overnight bus to La Paz, or even take a bus to Potosi / Sucre. It is advised that you book these buses before doing your tour of the Salt Flats. By following this itinerary, it is not necessary to stay in Uyuni.

Can I rent a sleeping bag for the tour?

Yes, it will cost 50 BOB for the two nights and you must inform in the office in Uyuni City, before your tour start.

How does the wet season affect the tours?

Salt flat (Salar de Uyuni) tours leave year-round, including during the wet season. In fact, many people try to visit during the wet season, in order to see the "mirror effect" of the water sitting atop the salt flats and reflecting the sky, which is an incredible sight. This is caused when the water table below the salt flats has risen enough to cause the water to sit on top of the salt. It is fine to visit the area when there is a certain amount of water, but when it becomes too deep (after long, sustained periods of rainfall in consecutive days) some places can become inaccessible, such as Isla Incahuasi. These must then be omitted from the tours, but we can usually continue visiting other parts of the salt flats. Also, the area to the south (with the colored lakes, geysers, hot springs, etc.) is usually not affected, so tours are not canceled.

What should I bring to the tour?

Take coins and small bills, as the bathrooms aren't free. Don’t forget sunglasses, a camera with spare batteries, extra water, sunscreen and a hat, a sleeping bag, extra snacks (especially fruit and protein), lip balm (the sun, wind, and dry air will crack them up), and your passport. Take warm clothes (layers are best) for nights, as temperatures can get very low. Bring a T-shirt for daytime use, a jumper for the evenings, a warm jacket, gloves, and woolen socks for the nighttime. Also, remember comfortable walking shoes, flip-flops (for shared restroom facilities), a swimsuit, a towel, and a raincoat (for the rainy season, from December to March). Bring a torch, because the lights go out at 10:00 p.m. the second night when the generator runs dry. First Night you have energy all night.

Are there additional costs?

The entrance fees for the attractions will not be covered. Full Day Tour Entrance Fees: Isla Incahuasi (30 BOB) Toilets on the way (10 BOB)

Will I have problems with altitude sickness on this tour?

Altitude sickness can catch many travellers a little bit off guard. Not everyone gets sick in high altitudes, and it is difficult to predict who is likely to be badly affected by it. For most people, it is nothing more than a headache and a dizzy sensation that diminishes over a short period of time, 1 to 2 days for most people. If you want to limit your chances of getting sick, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, do not fly directly into high altitude - proceed slowly, allowing your body time to acclimatise as you ascend gradually. However, for many that is not possible, so it’s important to drink lots of water, and to slow down! This sounds simple, but both of these things are very important. Your body is struggling because you don’t have enough oxygen, so avoiding any strenuous activity is a good idea. Chew some coca leaves - the native people of South America have been chewing coca for centuries, thanks to its ability to alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms. Coca leaves can be bought in any supermarket, and even souvenir shops or street stalls. Take altitude sickness pills (Soroche): these are sold over the counter all over Peru and Bolivia, and are just a few dollars. If you are flying straight into altitude over 2500 metres without spending any time at an intermediate elevation, and you’re worried about getting sick, you can ask your doctor for more specific and stronger altitude sickness medication in advance. In the rare case that your symptoms are more severe than a headache and mild dizziness, you should descend in altitude and seek medical assistance.

I heard that I can finish this tour in Chile. Is that possible?

Yes, it is possible to finish this tour at San Pedro de Atacama in Chile instead of coming back to Uyuni. After your visit to the Green Lagoon, the guides will help you get across the border without any issues, and you will arrive to Chile no later than 1:30 pm. The drop off is at San Pedro de Atacama’s main square, and the cost of this transfer is $20 USD. Please note that you will have no lunch before your transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. We recommend to have a good breakfast or take extra snacks with you.

Are there ATMs and an internet connection?

Bring cash money with you, as sometimes the ATMs do not work in Salar de Uyuni – it’s best to have money prior to arrival. There is no internet connection on the tour, as the places that you’ll visit are in very remote locations and are inside the Natural Reserve “Eduardo Avaroa”.

I have heard and read awful stories about the drivers being drunk, and terrible car accidents happening?

We only work with the best tour operators in Uyuni, and they monitor their drivers closely to ensure that there are none of these issues. We know there are many rogue operators in Uyuni with bad reputations, and for this reason we only offer tours with selected operators that we feel we can trust.

What kind of weather can we find in Uyuni Salt Flats?

From June to September, you will find the lowest temperatures. Generally, it is cold, dry, and windy, and can easily reach -15 °C at night. Daytime temperatures can be between 5 and 10°C, and even increase a little more. The temperatures from January to May increase until at a comfortable level, and particularly in the day it can easily reach 19°C. However, the humidity from rain can cause a drop in the temperature.

I do not want to take all of my belongings with me to the Salt Flats. Where can I leave my big bag or suitcase?

The first day of your tour you can leave your belongings at the Perla de Bolivia's office in Uyuni City, and pick them up on return.

Can I have a private room if I travel alone or as a couple for the second night ?

Yes, of course, but you will need to pay an extra 20 dollars (per person) for a private bathroom on the second night (this room includes towels, toilet paper, and hot water). You need to inform us 48 hours before your tour date. (US Dollar notes must be in perfect condition. Old, torn, or marked notes will not be accepted).

Do you sell any Uyuni Salt Flats tour over the Christmas / New Year period?

We do not sell any Uyuni Salt Flats tours on December 24th, December 25th, December 31st and January 1st, because of safety concerns. Specifically, this is due to the high number of drunk driving incidents that occur on Salt Flats tours during this time. We don't sell tours with any tour operator that we work with, and we think it is best to avoid the dangers and problems that occur at this time of year.

How long does it take to get to the Perla de Bolivia office from Uyuni Airport?

It takes approximately 10 - 15 minutes from the Airport to the Perla de Bolivia office. You can take a taxi and it can cost between 15 Bs to 25 Bs approx.

Why book with FindLocalTrips.com?

Apart from our low-price guarantee, with us you can be 100% assured that your booking is made. We provide instant email confirmation, and have live spaces and availability for each tour. You are in the capable hands of our team here on the ground, with 20 local experts who speak perfect Spanish and English, always ready with a quick response to any of the questions you might have. Tour operators are experts at operating their tours, and we are the experts at reservations, organisation, and assistance with your plans for these tours.

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Tour details

• What to bring

San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni 4 day Tour

4 days tour to the Uyuni Salt Flat with departure and return to San Pedro de Atacama (Chile)

Departing and returning to San Pedro de Atacama, the Uyuni Salt Flats tour from San Pedro de Atacama in 4 days is a classic among travelers. We work with the best drivers and accommodations available for you to enjoy this expedition. During the tour you will travel through a very diverse Andean landscape, visiting the main attractions of the Eduardo Avaroa National Andean Fauna Reserve, passing through the Salvador Dali desert, the Polque hot springs, the geyser field, the spectacular altiplano lagoons and the great Uyuni Salt Flats, where you will see a magical sunrise.

Please note that during the tour you will travel long distances in 4x4 and visit very isolated areas with an extreme climate and in some areas at an altitude of over 4500 meters, so if you are looking for more comfort we advise you to book the private option in hotels.

🔊 The tour starts and returns to San Pedro de Atacama, if you prefer to end the tour in Uyuni or start it from Uyuni, we also offer those options.

Are you ready for these 4 days? 🤩 Here are all the details:

• Transfer San Pedro de Atacama - Border crossing Hito Cajón
• Transportation in a 7-seater 4x4 vehicle during the tour
• 3 nights lodging (according to option chosen)
• Sleeping bag
• 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
• Water and soft drinks during meals
• On private tour: Spanish speaking guide (English speaking guide available as an extra)

Not included

• On group tour: guide non included
• Entrance fee to Eduardo Abaroa National Park (150 BOB)
• Entrance fee to Hot Springs (6 BOB)
• Incahuasi Island Park entrance fee (30 BOB)
• Bolivian Exit Border Fee (15 BOB)
• Other border taxes required according to nationality

Important information

It is very important to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the tour, as the tour passes through high-altitude areas.

🚨 This tour includes two border crossings to access Bolivia and return to Chile. Access regulations may change, and we ask travelers to make sure they meet the requirements for access to the country both in terms of health and immigration (visas). You can see all the information about the nationalities that need to apply for a visa and the necessary documentation to carry out the procedure by clicking here . Border crossings may be delayed both on the outward and return journeys. 

🕗 During the rainy season (January-March) the ending time may be considerably delayed, so we recommend not to take any transportation or flight to another place for that same day. The itinerary may vary in adverse weather conditions or due to force majeure to ensure the safety of travelers. In case it is not possible to access the Incahuasi Island, the visit will be substituted by a sunset view of the salt flat.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation! If you have booked the tour with hostel accommodation, in a shared or private room, and you cancel at least 72 hours before the tour starts, you will receive 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of a no-show, the booking will be considered a no-show and no refunds will be given.

If you have booked the private tour with hotel accommodation and you cancel at least 30 days before the tour starts, you will receive 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of a no-show, the booking will be considered as a no-show and no refunds will be given.

Tour itinerary

Day 1 san pedro de atacama - green and red lagoons - villa mar.

Lodging (according to selected option)

• Shared room in Villa Mar Hostel
• Private room in Hostal Villa Mar
• Private room in Hotel Mallku Cueva ⭐⭐⭐

San Pedro de Atacama

The Uyuni Salt Flats from San Pedro de Atacama in 4 days will start at 7:00 A.M. with pick-up from your accommodation. You will board the minibus that will take you to the Bolivian border. You will get your passport stamped and while the drivers prepare the 4x4 car and load your luggage, you can have breakfast. All set, the adventure begins!

White Lagoon and Green Lagoon

You will enter the Eduardo Avaroa National Andean Fauna Reserve, where you will spend most of the day. Your first stops will be White Lagoon and Green Lagoon, located at the foot of the Licancabur volcano. You will continue to the Salvador Dali Desert, a large high plateau surrounded by imposing mountains, and an incredible high Andean landscape.

Polque Hot Springs - Geysers

The road continues to the Polque hot springs , where you will change into small changing rooms and enjoy a bath in natural thermal water that contrasts with the cold weather. The challenge is to get out of these hot springs!

After lunch with a view of the landscape surrounding the hot springs, the Sol de la Mañana Geyser field awaits you, full of fumaroles and small geysers that make it a unique landscape where you can feel the power of nature.

Finally, you will arrive at the Red Lagoon , one of the most spectacular of the altiplano and undoubtedly the most photographed of the itinerary. You will take a short walk along the edge to explore this place, where 3 different species of flamingos nest. You will then head to Villa Mar, where you will have dinner and spend the night in the type of room chosen during your reservation.

DAY 2 Villa Mar - Valley of the Rocks - Salt Hotel in Colcha K

• Private room in Hotel de Sal Tambo Loma
• Private room in Palacio de Sal Hotel (or similar) ⭐⭐⭐

Valley of the Rocks and Lost Italy

After breakfast, you will visit Lost Italy , natural geological formations reminiscent of the desert landscapes of cowboy movies. Next to this area is the Valley of Rocks , a plain full of rocks of volcanic origin that with erosion have created shapes known as the World Cup or the Camel, where you will spend some time taking fun pictures.

Vinto Lagoon and Black Lagoon

You will continue the route between different lagoons until you reach the Vinto Lagoon . If the weather permits you will hike along its shore, otherwise you will continue straight to the Black Lagoon (or Hidden Lagoon). In this area, you will have an hour free to walk along the road to the lagoon itself and walk through the valley full of llamas that leads to the lagoon itself. When you return to the car the driver will be waiting for you with the table set. You will have lunch with the group and continue your adventure.

Anaconda Canyon and Sora Wetlands

The Anaconda canyon offers panoramic views of the meandering river at the bottom of the canyon itself. From natural viewpoints, you will appreciate the immensity of this place. In the final stretch of the day, you will make one more stop at the Sora wetland , a place of choice for many birds and especially camelids, full of the endemic flora of the altiplano.

We especially like this place because it contrasts with the other slightly more arid areas and lets you see the diversity of the Bolivian altiplano.

Return to the accommodation

On the way back to your accommodation you will stop at a small village that has a shop where you can have a few local beers (yes, craft beers from the Bolivian Altiplano). Also, technology permitting, you will be able to connect to their Wi-Fi. Finally, at sunset, you will head to the best salt hotel in the area, where you will dine with views of the altiplano and rest in private rooms built entirely of salt.

HOWLANDERS' COMFORT BONUS💙

The Uyuni Salt Flats from San Pedro de Atacama in 4 days by Howlanders includes a comfort bonus for the second night. This day you will stay in one of the best salt hotels in the area: The Tambo Loma Hotel, and you will have a private room with private bathroom, even if you book the tour in a shared room.

If you want to enjoy the comfort of the private room both nights, you will have to book the tour with the option PRIVATE ROOM.

💬 If you are looking for superior comfort, the tour has a third option of premium accommodation in hotels. This option is also offered in private service and includes first and third night's accommodation at Hotel Mallku Cueva and second night at Hotel Palacio de Sal, Luna Salada or Cristal Sañana (depending on availability).

DAY 3 Salt Hotel in Colcha K - Uyuni Slat Flats - Villa Mar

• Shared room at Hostal Villa Mar
• Private room at Hotel Maycu Cueva ⭐⭐⭐

Uyuni Salt Flats

It is an early start today! Wrap up warm because, at 5:00 in the morning, you will set off for the Uyuni Salt Flats . When you arrive, you will be waiting with the whole group to experience one of the most magical sunrises in the world. Take out your camera and capture that special moment.

Incahuasi Island 🌵

You will continue to Incahuasi Island , a place that houses a unique ecosystem full of giant cacti and, thanks to its elevation, becomes one of the best places to enjoy the views and take more pictures of the Uyuni Salt Flats. You will have breakfast at the foot of the island to recharge, we assure you that it will be one of the best breakfasts with the best views you have ever experienced. It is time to head to the next stop: a photo session in the Uyuni Salt Flats.

Uyuni Salt Flats - Colchani

You have already seen a good part of the Uyuni Salt Flats and now it is time to take some pictures. In the rainy season (January - March) you will head to the flooded part of the salt flats to see the surreal mirror effect. In the dry season, you will be in the center of the salt flat to take some amazing pictures, you will be amazed by the driver's photo skills!

Dakar Monument - Island of the Flags

The last stops in the salt flat will be to visit the Dakar sculpture and the famous Island of the Flags . Finally, you will leave behind a long morning in the salt flat and head to Colchani, where you will visit the local handicraft shops, where all travelers take the opportunity to take home a souvenir of this adventure.

Lunch in Uyuni town - Train Cemetery - Villa Mar

After two days of having lunch in the "portable restaurant" thanks to the skill of the driver, today is the day to enjoy a restaurant. So you will take advantage of the proximity to Uyuni town to have a leisurely lunch.

Then you will head to the outskirts of Uyuni town, to the train cemetery , a landscape formed by the remains of what was once a symbol of Bolivian development. After the visit, you will head back to Villa Mar, to return to the accommodation where you have already spent the first night.

DAY 4 Villa Mar - Hito Cajón Border - San Pedro de Atacama

Return to San Pedro de Atacama

At 5:00 A.M. you will have breakfast in the dining room of the accommodation and then head for the border between Chile and Bolivia, a journey of approximately 4 hours. When you arrive, you will complete the corresponding formalities and board the private minibus that will be waiting to take you to San Pedro de Atacama, where you will arrive around 1:00 P.M. and the Uyuni Salt Flats from San Pedro de Atacama tour in 4 days will end.

What to bring to San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni 4 day Tour

• Cash (approximately 300 Bolivianos)
• Warm clothes (yes, the weather is very cold)
• Waterproof jacket
• Bathing suit
• Comfortable shoes
• Sunscreen and lipstick
• Personal hygiene items
• Toilet paper
• 2 liters of water per person

Where does the tour San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni 4 day Tour start

The tour starts in San Pedro de Atacama. If you arrive in San Pedro de Atacama from Santiago de Chile, the best option is to fly directly to Calama. At Howlanders you can also book a private transfer between Calama airport and San Pedro de Atacama . 

If you are arriving from Peru you will most likely be arriving from Cuzco or Arequipa. In this case we recommend you to take a bus that crosses the Arica-Tacna border and then takes you to San Pedro de Atacama, although it is a somewhat complex combination, since it is necessary to combine several buses.

Finally, you can also get to San Pedro directly from Salta (Argentina) by a direct bus that takes approximately 11 hours.

Questions & Answers

What are the differences between shared and private rooms in hostels.

Shared rooms have from 3 to 6 beds and they are used for other travelers, the bathroom is shared with other rooms. On the first night, you can have a hot shower for the cost of 10 pesos bolivianos. The private room has a private bathroom with hot water during both nights and it is not shared with other travelers.

What are the hostels like?

On our tour, the accommodation in Sal is of a higher quality than the rest of the accommodations in the area, and you will always be assigned a private room. The accommodation at Villa Mar is slightly more basic, as there are no higher quality accommodations in the area. Both accommodations have hot water and heating only in common areas, although it may not reach the level of comfort desired by all travelers, in which case we recommend booking the tour in hotels. Keep in mind that this tour is an expedition to a very unpopulated and economically underdeveloped area.

How are the vehicles in which you travel during the tour?

Can i choose a special diet: vegetarian, gluten free…, it is specially cold during the tour, how much luggage can i bring, when can we see the mirror effect, it is the itinerary modified during the rainy season, can i have altitude sickness during the tour, do i need a visa to cross the border, san pedro de atacama to uyuni 4 day tour tour reviews with howlanders, other tours that might interest you from chile.

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