salt flats bolivia 3 day tour

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CLASSIC UYUNI SALT FLATS TOUR - 3 DAYS

ITINERARY DRY SEASON (MID APRIL TO DECEMBER)

Salar de uyuni – isla incahuasi.

Starting in Uyuni this morning, we meet at a designated pick up point (bus, train station, airport or hotel). Climb aboard our 4x4 for a short drive to the train cemetery just out of town. Next, drive to the village of Colchani (30 mins) where you will learn about salt mining and processing as well as stroll through its colorful market.

Enter Salar de Uyuni and stop by the famous multinational flag stand to find your country’s flag. Next, enjoy a delightful lunch in the middle of the world’s largest salt lake and make your way to Incahuasi Island to hike to the top of this rocky outcrop full of giant cacti from where the 360-degree views of the salt flats are unmatched. Later, you are free to take your time to play with your imagination and take advantage of the deep, perspective photo effect that the salt flats provide (bring props along).

After a full day of salt flats exploration, arrive at your accommodation in a small village on the rim of the salt flats in the evening and get comfy with hot tea and warm dinner.

ACCOMMODATION BASIC: BASIC LODGE WITH PRIVATE ROOM AND SHARED BATHROOM IN LOCAL VILLAGE IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures STANDARD: SIMPLE LODGE WITH PRIVATE ROOM, BATHROOM AND HOT WATER IN LOCAL VILLAGE IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures PLUS: HOTEL PALACIO DE SAL, LUNA SALADA OR CRISTAL SAMANA (PREFERRED ORDER, BASED ON AVAILABILITY). PRIVATE ROOM, BATHROOM, HOT SHOWER IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures

MEALS LUNCH, DINNER

BARREN DESERTS, COLORED LAGOONS, ANDEAN WILDLIFE

Leaving the salt flats behind today, we are bound south for the enigmatic Laguna Colorada* . On the way, make a stop and walk at Ollagüe Volcano viewpoint (semi active volcano on the Chile-Bolivia border), walk along Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarkota and Honda lagoons to photograph wild flamingos up close and traverse Siloli Desert across extensive, barren landscape where Arbol de Piedra* (stone tree) and other geological formations exist.

It will be a long day and long distance covered but with plenty of scenic stops, surreal landscapes and Andean wildlife all along. Arrive at your accommodation near Laguna Colorada* in the evening for warm dinner and a well-needed rest.

*For our Plus package, Arbol de Piedra and Laguna Colorada are visited on the following day because of the location of Tayka del Desierto Hotel.

ACCOMMODATION BASIC: BASIC LODGE IN LOCAL VILLAGE (DORMITORY ROOMS, NO PRIVATE BATHROOM/NO SHOWER) IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures STANDARD: SIMPLE LODGE WITH PRIVATE ROOM & BATHROOM (NO HOT SHOWER) IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures PLUS: HOTEL TAYKA DEL DESIERTO (or LOS FLAMENCOS HOTEL if no availability at Tayka). PRIVATE ROOM, BATHROOM & HOT SHOWER IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures

MEALS BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

STEAMING GEYSERS, NATURAL HOT SPRINGS, LAGUNA VERDE – UYUNI

This expedition of a lifetime comes to an end today with a very early start that brings us to Sol de Mañana, (Rising Sun) - an otherworldly, steaming geyser field high up in a massive crater. Follow up with a pleasant soak in the natural hot springs of Polques before reaching the surreal Laguna Verde (green lagoon) at the foot of Volcán Licancabur** - Bolivia’s southwesternmost point.

Leaving Laguna Verde behind, set off on our scenic drive back to Uyuni not before we make a few stops for some fresh air and to enjoy more startling views of the region. Arrive in the town of Uyuni late afternoon where the tour ends.

**At Laguna Verde you may choose to be dropped off at the border post 20 mins away to board a previously arranged bus transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Please choose this option at the time of booking if desired.

ACCOMMODATION NONE

MEALS BREAKFAST, LUNCH

ITINERARY RAINY SEASON (JANUARY TO MID APRIL)

Salar de uyuni.

Next, enter the actual Salar de Uyuni as far as it is possible depending on the intensity of every rainy season. Typically, in January and April it is possible to drive as far as Playa Blanca (multinational flag stand approx. 10 Km from the edge of the Salar) but February through March this might not possible so we will drive around the edge of the salt flats to enjoy the mirror effect. This will be dependent on current conditions.

We will provide rain, rubber boots to walk on the flooded surface of the Salar to enjoy the sky reflection (reflection is dependant on the right conditions such as a sunny day with a few clouds and no wind). Await sunset which, if the conditions are right, will be a surreal experience before starting our drive back to the town of Uyuni (Basic & Standard) or the nearby Colchani (Plus) for dinner and a good night’s rest.

ACCOMMODATION BASIC: BASIC HOSTEL WITH PRIVATE ROOM AND SHARED BATHROOM IN THE TOWN OF UYUNI STANDARD: SIMPLE HOTEL WITH PRIVATE ROOM, BATHROOM AND HOT SHOWER IN THE TOWN OF UYUNI PLUS: HOTEL PALACIO DE SAL, LUNA SALADA OR CRISTAL SAMANA (PREFERRED ORDER, BASED ON AVAILABILITY). PRIVATE ROOM, BATHROOM, HOT SHOWER IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures

Leaving Uyuni and the salt flats behind today, we are bound south for the enigmatic Laguna Colorada* . On the way, we visit and walk along Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarkota and Honda lagoons to photograph wild flamingos up close and traverse Siloli Desert across extensive, barren landscape where Arbol de Piedra* (stone tree) and other geological formations exist.

*For our Plus package, Arbol de Piedra and Laguna Colorada are visited on the following day because of the location of Tayka de Piedra Hotel.

**At Laguna Verde you may choose to be dropped off at the border post 20 mins away to board a previously arranged bus transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Please choose this option at the time of booking if desired

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. does this tour depart every day.

No. This tour departs only when a booking has been confirmed for a specific date requested by our customers.

2. What is the difference between an English or Spanish speaking guided tour and a Spanish speaking driver guided tour?

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?

• This trip has a perfect safety record with no accidents or serious incidents ever recorded
• Our drivers and guides are trained to put safety as priority
• No surcharges or hidden fees during the tour (see exclusions)
• We are a local company with more than 8 years’ experience running this type of trips in Bolivia and Peru

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 modifications 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 for your benefit.
• The Salt Flats 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
• The following are dates/events in which we are available for a SHARED/GROUP departure for this tour.
• The price published in the title is what you would pay if the minimum number of people is reached for the date/event.
• If you are interested in joining any date/event that suits you, please RSVP/register/sign up for it (no payment required). Ideally, you should join a date/event that already has registered people for better chances of reaching the minimum number. However, don't worry if you are the first one(s), it will encourage others to join your chosen date.
• Once at least the minimum number of RSVPs (registered/interested people) has been reached, you will be notified in order to proceed with your booking (payment will be requested) and have your departure confirmed.
• If you join a date/event that, adding yourself, already has the number of people needed for the event to happen, let us know so we can contact the other interested/registered people to be able to confirm this departure (proceed with booking). You will also see the name(s) of the other people after you RSVP/register and you can ask us to contact them (because no personal contact information will be made public at any time).
• If you are interested in a PRIVATE departure (any date of your choice, group size is limited to your own party) do not use these dates/events. Just contact us directly for a quote according to your party size.
• Feel free to use the filters (Service Levels & Tour Language) to display only the dates/events you want.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Bilingual & professional guide (according to selected package)
• 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners (vegetarian available)
• Bottled water for meals
• 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol vehicle
• 2 nights’ accommodation (according to selected package)

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• Admission fees (approx. USD 30/Bolivianos 210)
• Optional transfer/transport to San Pedro de Atacama on last day (shared-basis USD 15pp at 9am; private basis USD 170 group, flexible timing)
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Optional tips/gratuities
• Anything not mentioned under “What's included”

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3-Day Bolivia Salt Flats Tour: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning a trip to Bolivia to see the famous salt flats (or Salar de Uyuni), you’ll have no doubt been met with a myriad of options of 4×4 tours you can take. Should you do a one-day tour? Two days? Three?

It can all seem a bit daunting, and so I wanted to put this post together to discuss our three-day adventure to the Bolivian salt flats, why we loved it, and why you should absolutely consider the three-day tour.

You can find the exact Salt Flats tour we booked here or find more options below:

About the Salt Flats in Bolivia

The Uyuni Salt Flats are the largest in the world, stretching over 10,000 square kilometres. This immense size alone is awe-inspiring, but the real magic happens when the surface becomes a mirror during the rainy season. Water from nearby lakes overflows onto the flats, creating a thin, reflective layer that perfectly mirrors the sky above. This phenomenon makes for stunning photographs and provides a surreal experience as you walk ‘among the clouds’.

Beyond their obvious visual appeal, the salt flats are culturally and economically important. The region is rich in lithium, which is extracted for use in batteries, playing a crucial role in the global economy. Historically, the flats were formed by prehistoric lakes that evaporated long ago, leaving behind a crust of salt several meters thick. Locals have harvested this salt for centuries, using traditional methods that continue to this day.

When to visit the Salt Flats in Bolivia

I’ll preface this section by saying it’s been my dream to see the mirror effect in the salt flats for many years now, and so of course we visited during rainy season and I’d fully recommend you to do the same. However, it’s totally personal preference depending on what you’d like to see!

1. Rainy Season (December to April)

• Mirror Effect: The most iconic images of Salar de Uyuni are often taken during the rainy season, particularly from late January to April. During this time, parts of the salt flats are covered with a thin layer of water from the surrounding overflowing lakes. This creates a stunning mirror effect, where the sky and the ground merge in a continuous horizon.
• Photography: This period is ideal for photographers looking to capture unique, reflective photos. The natural mirror forms perfect symmetrical images of the sky and clouds.
• Travel Considerations: While the visual spectacle is unmatched, travel during the rainy season can sometimes be challenging. Some areas can be inaccessible due to flooding, and it’s important to check with tour operators about the availability of certain activities or visits to islands within the salt flats.

2. Dry Season (May to November)

• Textured Landscape: As the water evaporates, the salt flats transform into an endless expanse of hexagonal salt patterns. These natural formations provide a different kind of visual appeal — stark, vast, and beautifully desolate.
• Activities: The dry season is ideal for those interested in exploring more extensively, including visits to the cactus-filled islands like Incahuasi and hiking in the surrounding desert areas.
• Vehicle Access: With no water to obstruct them, vehicles can travel across the salt flats more freely, making it easier to visit remote areas.

3. Shoulder Seasons (April-May and November-December)

• Mixed Conditions: These months can offer a mix of both wet and dry conditions, potentially allowing visitors to experience both the mirror effect and the textured salt formations.
• Fewer Tourists: Travelling during the shoulder season often means fewer tourists and potentially lower prices for tours and accommodations.

Ultimately, each season offers a unique way to experience the salt flats:

• For the mirror effect and dramatic photography: Visit during the rainy season.
• For exploration and clear, dry conditions: Choose the dry season.

What’s the difference between the single-day and multiple-day tours?

When planning a visit to the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is whether to opt for a single-day tour or a multiple-day tour . Each option offers a different experience and suits different travel styles and interests. Here’s a breakdown of what each type of tour typically includes and the differences between them:

Note: Whether you choose a single-day or multiple-day salt flat tour, you’ll still only have one day in the salt flats (which is plenty of time, trust me!)

Single Day Tours

Single day tours to the Uyuni Salt Flats are perfect for those who have limited time but still want to experience the beauty of this unique landscape. These tours usually cover the major highlights and are packed with activities to maximize your day.

• Duration: Typically, these tours last about 10 to 12 hours, starting early in the morning and ending in the evening.
• Main Attractions: You’ll visit key sites like the salt flats themselves, the Dakar Monument, and the Playa Blanca Salt Hotel, which is famously made entirely of salt. Many tours also include a stop at the train cemetery just outside of Uyuni town.
• Activities: Photo sessions exploiting the flat’s perspective-bending properties are common, as the vast, open space allows for creative and fun photography.
• Travel and Convenience: Since you’re not staying overnight, there’s no need to pack for multiple days, making these tours straightforward and hassle-free.

Multiple Day Tours

For those who want to dive deeper and explore more of the region’s attractions, multiple day tours are the way to go. These tours not only cover the salt flats but also other natural and cultural sites in the broader area.

• Duration: These tours can range from two to several days, often including overnight stays in basic lodgings or salt hotels.
• Extended Itinerary: In addition to the standard salt flats experience, these tours may include visits to coloured lagoons, such as the Red Lagoon (Laguna Colorada) and Green Lagoon (Laguna Verde), which are renowned for their striking colours and wildlife, including flamingos. Other common stops include the Sol de Mañana geysers, hot springs, and the high-altitude deserts and volcanic landscapes.
• Activities: With more time, you can engage in more extensive photography sessions, nature walks, and even night photography to capture the star-lit sky—a spectacular sight in the clear desert air.
• Experience: Staying overnight in the area allows for experiencing the sunset and sunrise over the salt flats—an unforgettable sight.

Top tip: Choose the 3-day Salar de Uyuni tour!

Ok so you’re looking at booking a trip to the salt flats and you might be thinking “well, why would I need multiple days just to see the salt flats? Isn’t that all there is in Bolivia?” and that my friends is where you’d be wrong!

Bolivia is probably the country that has surprised me the most in terms of the diversity of the landscape, and we really only just scratched the surface. During the multiple-day tour , you’ll see lagoons of all colours, geysers, deserts, volcanoes and hot springs.

What’s the accommodation like on the multiple-day tours?

If I’ve convinced you to do the multi day tour , your next question might be “ok, but where do we sleep?”.

Obviously this varies along with the itinerary which depends heavily on the time of year you go. Our accommodation for the 2 nights looked a little something like this:

Night one – Private room in an Uyuni Salt Hotel

After a day exploring the salt flats we drove back into Uyuni to stay in a salt hotel (and literally everything was made of salt!). Here we had a two course dinner included in the restaurant and our room was lovely and absolutely massive with hot running water and electricity all night long.

Night two – Private room in a hotel in the middle of nowhere (near the Red Lagoon)

While we still had a private room which, to be honest, we weren’t expecting, here due to the remoteness facilities are a lot more basic. For example while there’s electricity and running water, this runs on a generator that shuts off at around 9pm. Dinner is provided with wine, which for us was a huge veggie lasagna with soup to start shared between the 5 of us.

All in all the accommodation really surpassed expectations, now onto the next (and maybe even more important) thing…

What do you eat during the multi-day tour?

Ok so you’re in a 4×4 for 3 days, but what do you eat? Do you need to bring enough food for yourself? How about water? Here’s some answers below:

Meals are provided, but bring snacks

While on the tour you’re given three meals per day, so you wont go hungry and the meals are plentiful. The food ranged from llama steaks one day to chicken the next and all accompanied by sides such as salads, pastas and soup. Veggies and vegans can be accommodated too as we had a vegetarian in our group who was also well fed!

If you get hungry between meal times it’s a good idea to bring some snacks with you, but bear in mind a few of the stops will be in towns and places with shops so you absolutely have opportunities to buy snacks on the road.

Recommended to bring a LOT of water, but it’s not necessary

On the packing list they’ll advise you to bring enough water for approximately three days (around 6 litres) which of course takes up a good chunk of your packing space. While it’s good to bring a chunk of water, as I’ve alluded to above there are actually plenty of stops with opportunities to buy water. Additionally, you’d be able to purchase water each night at the hotel if you needed to.

I’d recommend instead taking around 3-4 litres per person to save on packing space and buy what else you need while you’re on the road.

Our 3-Day Journey Through the Uyuni Salt Flats and Beyond

Day 1: uyuni salt flats, train cemetery and sunset experience.

Our tour kicked off bright and early at 9:00 AM from the Andes Salt Expeditions office , where we climbed into a sturdy Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4. Our first stop was the Train Cemetery. Walking among these historical steam locomotives from the 19th and early 20th centuries felt like stepping back in time, and it was the perfect spot for some artistic photos.

Next, we headed to Colchani, a small village that thrives on salt extraction from the vast Salar de Uyuni. Here, we saw how local workers harvest salt, using traditional methods to dry and shape it into cakes. At the Cooperative Rosario’s refinery, we observed the iodization process that prepares salt for national consumption.

Our journey continued onto the vast Uyuni Salt Flats. We visited the Dakar monument, had lunch right in the salt flats and spent the rest of the day exploring this magical landscape (including a beautiful sunset!)

Our first night was spent back in Uyuni in a lovely salt hotel, where we unwound with some hot coffee and a hearty dinner.

Day 2: Deserts and Diverse Lagoons

We kicked off the day early, grabbing breakfast before setting out at 8:30 am.

As the day unfolded, we travelled from one high-altitude lagoon to another, each teeming with various species of flamingos. These spots were spectacular, with their diverse birdlife and strikingly coloured waters.

The journey continued through the Desert, where the landscape was dotted with multi-coloured volcanic rock formations, leading us up to an altitude of 5000 metres. Entering the Eduardo Abaroa National Reserve, we were greeted by the iconic Stone Tree, a natural monument shaped by erosion.

Our afternoon was spent at the Laguna Colorada, arriving around 4 pm. This lagoon, 151 km south of San Juan and sitting at an altitude of 4278 metres, is famous for its rich red colour derived from algae and plankton. The contrast of the red waters against the white borax deposits along the shoreline was striking. Here, we were lucky enough to see three species of flamingos in their natural habitat—the Chilean, James, and Andean flamingos, each adding a splash of colour to the icy mineral backdrop.

Day 3: Geysers, Hot Springs, and Vibrant Lagoons

We woke up at the crack of dawn, at 5:00 AM, to leave Laguna Colorada behind and head towards the mesmerizing Laguna Verde. Our first stop was the volcanic area known as ‘Sol de Mañana’ (Morning Sun), perched at an elevation of about 4850 metres. Here, the earth felt alive with bubbling mud pots, hissing fumaroles, and the pungent smell of sulphur filling the air.

We continued our journey to a natural thermal “spa” where we could bathe in the thermal waters, and indeed we did for around an hour or so. It felt so amazing after an early start to rest and relax before continuing with the adventure!

Following the spa, we spent a few hours crossing the surreal landscapes of the Salvador Dali Desert towards the striking Green Lake. The lake’s vivid green hue, a result of high concentrations of lead, sulphur, and calcium carbonate, was stark against the backdrop of the towering Licancabur Volcano. We then made our way to the town of San Cristobal, taking in the sights of its old colonial church.

After a few more enchanting stops we finally concluded our epic journey back in Uyuni around 6:00 PM ready to take the bus back to La Paz, filled with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the raw, untouched beauty of Bolivia.

Travel Blogger

Hi! My name's Alicia and I'm a travel blogger and photographer from the UK. I love nothing more than travelling the world (so much so that I now do it full time!) to collect recommendations, itineraries and magical places to share with you.

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Uyuni Salt Flats 3 Days Classic Tour / English Guide

Both nights private Rooms and private bathrooms only!

DAY 1 – UYUNI – COLCHANI – INCAHUASI / ISLA PESCADO – ATULCHA

We will 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 process to Colchani and witness how the salt is processed before we arrive to the Salt Flats themselves and see the “Ojos de Sal” where water bubbles up through the salt plains. We will see where the salt has been laced in mounds ready to be transported, the original salt hotel (no longer used for guests) and visit Inca Huasi (Fish 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 photo and the salt before we head toward the village of Atulcha where we will spend the night (the salt hotel is called Kachi Wasi).

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 visit 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 – LAGUNA COLORADA – GEYSERS – LAGUNA VERDE – UYUNI

Today we have an early start at 5.00 am to visit “Sol de Mañana” geysers and see the bubbling mud pools and steam jets. We will then continue to some hot springs where you will have a chance to relax in the warm water pools and we will also breakfast here (hot springs are sometimes visited the evening of the second day). After our relaxing break we continues via the “Dali desert” 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.

If you want to go Chile the third day after the green lake the company can also organize  your transfer by bus that will take you to san pedro de Atacama.

Included in tour:

• Transportation in 4×4 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)
• Both night private rooms and private bathrooms

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 180BS total for the 3 days
• Breakfast on first day, dinner on last day

GROUP SIZES

Group size is up to 6 customers per car.

• - Guides with passion and enthousiasm
• - Our team speaks English, Spanish and Dutch
• - CERTIFIED GUIDES
• - Our teams and client to guide ratios are kept small
• - Discover the highlights as well as authentic Bolivia
• - Our work is our greatest passion, this is also reflected in the positive feedback on Tripadvisor

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.

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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?

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

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Uyuni Salt Flat Tour 3 Days / 2 Nights

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Salar de uyuni.

Welcome to Uyuni!! Get ready to explore one of South America’s most iconic locations, located in the Southwest of Bolivia near the border between Bolivia and Chile is the small town of Uyuni and the largest salt desert in the world.

Situated at an elevation of approximately 3,670 meters (12,040 feet) above sea level in the Potosí and Oruro departments. U yuni has become a central hub for tourism in the region, primarily because of its proximity to the Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats), one of the most iconic and breathtaking natural attractions in Bolivia.

The Salt Desert covers an area of over 10,000 square kilometers (3,900 square miles), making it the largest salt flat in the world. Known for its otherworldly and surreal landscapes, during the rainy season a thin layer of water creates a mirror effect, reflecting the sky. This unique scenery attracts photographers and tourists from around the world.

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“Our passion has brought us to where we are today.” Got Salt Bolivia began as an idea in 2010 and has since become one of the top tour operators in Uyuni. Our passion and commitment to providing a unique experience and our strong belief in a NEW, FUN & SAFE way to explore Bolivia is the driving force that motivates us to move forward. Join the Got Salt team as we take you on a unique adventure were we aim to create memories that last a lifetime.

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3 day 100% salt flat tour.

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Departures:

Uyuni (Airport/Hotel)

Hotel/Hostel

Salt Hotel & Tayka Hotel

Tour itinerary

Day 1 09:00 am Depart from Uyuni and visit: the Train Graveyard, Colchani Town (market & souvenirs), salt mounds, Dakar monument, flags, and Isla Incahuasi (360 viewer & giant cacti). ► Details: geological formation & perspective photography. Click to Open Gallery During the trip, you will make stops to take pictures of the geological formation on the surface of the salt desert as well as perspective photography with props you bring. 13:00 pm ► Details: Have lunch in the middle of the salt desert, we will set up a table, chair & umbrella mid-salt desert. Click to Open Gallery Got Salt LUNCH 17:00 pm ► Details: We will take you to the water region of the salt desert, here you will take silhouette and mirror effect pictures with our licensed guide. Click to Open Gallery Got Salt SUNSET PROGRAM 20:30 pm ► Details: Palacio de Sal is one of the best Salt Hotels in Uyuni, located at the edge of the Salt desert you will be able to enjoy and relax with all of the comfortable amenities. Click to Open Gallery Dinner and accommodations at Palacio de Sal 22:00 pm ► Details: We will take you to the South East region of the Salt Desert where you’ll be able to take amazing pictures of the Milky Way and stars. Note: Depending on weather, sky conditions and Lunar Phase we can decide the departure time and location. Click to Open Gallery STARGAZING PROGRAM

Day 2 09:30 am Pick up from Salt Hotel and depart towards the town of Uyuni, here you will have 15-20 minutes to buy snacks and change money before departing toward the Bolivian desert. 12:30 pm Lunch at San Cristobal Mining Town. 14:00 pm ► Details: Click to Open Gallery Depart towards Desierto de Siloli visiting: Rock Valley, Volcan Ollague viewer, Laguna Canapa, Laguna Hedionda and Laguna Onda (note: these lagoons are populated by flamingos, the James, Andean and Chilean flamingos.) 18:00 pm ► Details: Hotel Tayka del Desierto i located in the Siloli Desert near the border between Bolivia and Chile at 4500 masl, it is the only hotel in this area that provides private rooms with heating and hot water. Temperatures in this area can go as low as -30 degrees Celsius, please make sure you have warm clothing. Click to Open Gallery Approximate arrival at Hotel TAYKA del Desierto, here you will have dinner and accommodations for the evening.

Day 3 07:00 am ► Details: Click to Open Gallery After breakfast we depart towards the southern region of Bolivia visiting and passing through: 7 colored Mountain, Arbol de Piedra (rock formation), Laguna Colorda viewer, Geysers Sol de Manana (4950 masl), Polques hot springs, Desierto de Dali (rock formations) and Laguna Verde. 13:30 pm Lunch at Polques Hot Springs. 15:00 pm After lunch we depart back to the city or Uyuni (note: from this point it is approximately 5-6 hours drive making 2 stops for toilet breaks.) 19:00 pm Approximate arrival to Uyuni and transfer to Hotel/Airport/Bus Station END OF SERVICES

GOING TO SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA? 12:00 pm After visiting Laguna Verde Viewer you will have connections to San Pedro of Atacama at Hito Cajones (border between Bolivia and Chile). 14:00 pm Approximate arrival to San Pedro de Atacama and transfer to Hotel.

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Deluxe uyuni salt flats tour - 3 days (private trip), explore the remote salt flats in the comfort.

Explore the remote Bolivian Salt Flats in the comfort of luxury accommodations (Luna Salada Hotel & Hotel Tayka). On this 3 day private trip you will see the best of the Salar de Uyuni sites, and experience traditional Bolivian culture in hotel rooms built entirely of salt. On day one you visit the famous Train Cemetery and Incahuasi Island. Day two you will explore Siloli Stone and Desert Tree, followed by the amazing Laguna Colorada (4200 m.), which is home to a population of Flamingos. On the final day you will visit the mud pots, geysers and the colorful lagoons - Laguna Verde & Blanca. Tour starts and finishes in Uyuni.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: train cemetery / incahuasi island / luna salada hotel.

Pick up from the Airport and / or Bus Terminal in Uyuni.

‍ We will visit the train cemetery, a remembrance to the first locomotives in Bolivia. Later, you will go to the Luna Salada Hotel. Guest registration at the hotel. 12:00 The tour starts at the hotel with lunch at the Tunupa Restaurant.

‍ We will ride towards Colchani, a small town where salt is processed in the most rustic way for national distribution, you can also find the souvenir market. Visit Playa Blanca, the first hotel built entirely of salt and now converted into a museum. A few steps away you will find the monument of the Dakar, a competition that has crossed the Salar for some years now. As well as the Island of Flags where all visitors are welcome to place their home flag. We then drive towards the Incahuasi Island and enjoy some of the most bizarre landscapes, an enormous island full of Giant cacti and petrified coral in the middle of the white desert. Take a walk around or climb the island and enjoy the opportunity to take the famous photographs using the white back ground and playing with the perspectives. Continue your walk while watching the sunset on the Salar and finish the excursion at Luna Salada hotel. You will enjoy dinner at the Tunupa Restaurant.

‍ The hotel has hot water and heating 24 hours a day. Oxygen cans are available at reception, if required.

Day 2: MINOR LAGOONS / EDUARDO AVAROA RESERVE / SILOLI DESERT

We start the day with breakfast and then head towards the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, on the way we’ll see the Chiguana Salt Flats where there is a military checkpoint. We will reach the lagoon sector and admire a variety of birds typical in this region. During lunch we will enjoy our view with this spectacular high landscape. After an hour and a half of travel, we will arrive at the Siloli Stone and Desert Tree, and later on, reach the Laguna Colorada (4200 m.) Which stands out due to the wide variety of flamingos. While we watch the sunset and then head back towards the Tayka Desert Hotel, where you will enjoy dinner at the hotel.

‍ The Hotel has hot water and heating until 9:30 p.m. Oxygen cans are available at reception, if required.

Day 3: MAJOR LAGOONS / UYUNI / BUS STATION OR AIRPORT

The tour starts very early with a visit to the fumaroles and geysers. Later we will go to the Green and White Lagoons located on the slopes of the Licancabur Volcano, after visiting these lagoons you will have a delicious boxed lunch in the shadows of the Volcano.

‍ Return to Uyuni or airport (Joya Andina)

Additional Trip Info

• Private transportation according to description
• Vehicle 4x4 (the vehicle have oxygen)
• Food according to description
• 1 night Accommodation in Luna Salada Hotel
• 1 night Accommodation in Tayka Hotel or similar
• Transfer In-Out
• Private English Speaking Guide
• Entrance fees for tourist attractions (Eduardo Abaroa reserve 150 BS. Incahuasi Island 30 BS.)
• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the program
• Other services not mentioned in the itinerary, tips, extras

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What to Expect On The 3 Day Uyuni Salt Flats Tour in Bolivia

Thinking about doing the 3 day Bolivia Salt Flats Tour? Wondering how to survive the Uyuni Salt Flats and what you will see on the Salt Flats Tour? This guide tells you everything about the 3 day Uyuni Salt Flats Tour .

Uyuni Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni) in Bolivia is one of the bucket items you cannot miss. The mirror reflection on the Uyuni Salt Flats looks almost unreal and that was what initially drew me to visit.

During our 2 week trip to Peru and Bolivia , we got the chance to take a 3 day Uyuni Salt Flats tour to explore this amazing landscape and thr surrounding areas in Bolivia. Unfortunately we went during the dry season so there was no reflection. But even without the reflection, Uyuni salt flats still looked incredible.

This 3 day Uyuni Salt Flats guide will show you what to expect when visiting, including what tour to book, how much it costs, what to see on each day (spoiler: you only spend one day on the Salt Flats), and other practical things to know.

This blog contains occasional affiliate links, where I receive a small commission on sales of the products/hotels that are linked at no additional cost to you. In addition, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . The commission I receive helps me to pay for the cost of running and maintaining this blog. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Where is the Uyuni Salt Flat in Boliva

The Uyuni Salt Flat is located in Southwestern Bolivia, near the city of Uyuni. It is close to the Chilean border, but can also be accessed from southern Peru and northern Argentina.

The Uyuni Salt Flat, otherwise known as Salar de Uyuni, is the world’s largest salt flat. It stretches for more than 4,050 square miles and it is what was left behind of a prehistoric lake from over 40,000 years ago.

How to Get To Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia

Due to its location near Chile, Peru, and Argentina, you can easily take an overnight bus from all three countries to reach Uyuni Salt Flat.

The fastest way to get to Uyuni is by flying . The flight from La Paz to Uyuni only takes about an hour. We took Amaszonas but that flight doesn’t seem to be offered anymore. Now the best flight is to take BoA from La Paz to Uyuni.

Depending on the tour you take, some tour companies will pick you up from the airport the night before.

If you want to take overnight buses (like from La Paz to Uyuni), the bus ride takes 9-10 hours. I didn’t do this route but my friends did on a separate trip and it was not the most comfortable. If you are not on a budget I would recommend that you fly and so you can actually get a good night of sleep.

If you want to take the bus, you can book bus tickets here . This site if very reliable for bus tickets in South America.

Best Time to Visit the Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia

There is a dry season and rainy season on the Bolivia Salt Flats:

• Rainy Season in Uyuni: November to April
• Dry season: April to October

If you want the cool mirror effect on the Uyuni Salt Flats, then the best time to go to the Salar de Uyuni is during rainy season or by June before water evaporates.

You should wear waterproof shoes if you are going during rain season since the Salt Flats is covered with water and your feet will get web. Also keep in mind that July is extremely windy on the Salt Flats. Since Bolivia is in the southern hemisphere, July is winter there, so you will want to dress warmly (also due to its high altitude).

Bolivia Uyuni Salt Flat Tour Options

There are 2 types of tours that you can take to see the Uyuni Salt Flats.

One day Salt Flats tour : This one day tour takes you to some places on the Salar the 3 day tour doesn’t, and you may find areas with water to take the cool reflection shot even during dry season. If you are short on time then I would recommend this tour.

3 day 2 night Salt flats tour : This 3 day tour allows you to s pend one day on the salt flat and the other 2 days visiting Eduardo Avaroa National Park as well as other cool landscapes such as lagoons, geysers, hot springs, and the desert. You practically spend the third day driving back to Uyuni from the Chile/Bolivia border.

Therefore if your goal is to just see the Salt Flat, the one day tour might be a better option for you. But if you want to see different things near the Salt Flat, then you should consider the 3 day tour.

Best 3 Day Uyuni Salt Flats Tour Operators

While searching for reviews on Tripadvisor, three reputable Uyuni Salt Flats tour companies came up: Red Planet , Quechua Connection and Salty Desert Aventours .

I personally ended up choosing Quechua Connection because my friends went with them before and they have really good reviews on Tripadvisor (this is NOT a sponsored post so all opinions are mine).

I enjoyed my tour with them and have absolutely no complaints. After comparing to my other friend who used Red Planet , a few noticeable differences (and similarities):

Quechua Connection is the only company that offers you bikes to ride across the Bolivia salt flats on the first day. This may have changed now it’s been a while so check with the different tour operators.

Different 3 day Uyuni Salt Flats tours stop at different spots for the night; Quechua Connection & Red Planet both stop at hostels right next to the hot spring on the 2nd night.

This means you can visit the hot spring at sunset or under the Milky Way at night while other tours have to get up at 5am to drive to the hot spring the next morning. Definitely a plus to have the hot spring to yourself under the stars!

Our salt flats tour company tried its best to accommodate tourists with dietary restrictions and the guides have altitude sickness pills as well as oxygen tanks for emergency situation

I’m not sure sure about other companies but I heard horror stories of drivers drink and drive on the salt flats; didn’t see any of that on our tour with Quechua Connection.

What To Pack For the 3 Day Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

Similar to the Inca Trail , you need to pack a lot of things as if you are going on a camping trip as there is no luxury accommodation during the 3 day Uyuni Salt Flats Tour.

Below is the list of necessary things that you should pack for the Uyuni Salt Flats, as you cannot really purchase anything while you are there.

Travel Document & Money

• Passport: always have your passport with you
• Cash: bring cash to pay for the Salt Flats tour, water, and snacks, small changes for bathroom, entrance fees to sights and tips for the driver and guide. I would recommend to bring at least 400 Bolivianos (~60 USD) .
• Cash for Uyuni airport departure fee . There is a US$25 departure tax for international flights and a 15 Bolivianos departure fee for domestic flights.

Medication For the Salt Flats

• Altitude sickness pill: If you are not acclimated, you should have the altitude sickness pill with you. The Salar in Bolivia is at around 3700m (~1200ft) and during the 2nd day you will be at around 5000m (~16400ft)
• Food related sickness pills: Bring it just in case you get upset stomach. There is no pharmacy on the Salt Flats tour

Attires & Accessories

• Winter clothes & layers: It gets extremely cold at night even during the summer months on the salt flats in Bolivia due to high altitude
• Hat, scarf, and gloves are extremely important
• Sunglasses: the sun can be very strong at such high altitude. Reflection from the salt flats can seriously burn your retina.
• Swimsuit: EXTREMELY IMPORTANT !! If you want to be able to enjoy the outdoor hot spring during the Salt Flats tour on Day 2 (or 3)
• Towel & Hanger: Accommodations do not offer towels. If you plan to go into the hot spring, make sure to bring a towel and a hanger. We didn’t have a hanger but someone on our tour did, it was such a smart idea

Toiletry & Other Things

• Body wipes: there is no hot shower during the 1st night and no shower at all during the 2nd night of the 3 day Bolivia Salt Flats tour. I got these wipes for both Bolivia and the Inca Trail and they were super useful.
• Toilet paper: there is none during the 2nd night (at least when I went); if you pay for the bathrooms during the tour, there is generally toilet paper except a couple of places
• Sunscreen: it’s easy to get sunburned at this high altitude. I highly recommend this lightweight mineral sunscreen
• Lotion: I didn’t realize how dry it is on the Salar and my eczema was acting up. Bring body location to properly hydrate your skin
• Dry Shampoo : No shower is available during the 3 day tour of Uyuni Salt Flats
• Extra batteries: there is no electricity to charge your phone/camera on the 2nd night
• Tripod: if you are into photography then don’t miss the opportunities to take amazing shots of the Milky Way from the salt flats. It’s higher and less polluted so the stars are brighter and easier to see
• Headlamp : there was no lights in our bathroom during the 2nd night
• Sleeping bag liner : you are provided with a sleeping bag but it gets mixed up the following day, so if you want to be clean, bring your own sleeping bag liner
• Ear Plugs: necessary since you will be in a 6 person dorm room on Night 2 of the Salt Flats tour

What To Expect During the 3 Day Uyuni Salt Flats Tour in Bolivia

Booking the 3 day bolivia salt flats tour.

After reading reviews online and getting recommendations from my friends, we emailed Quechua Connection to make the booking a few months in advance (you probably don’t need to do it that far in advance like we did).

They can communicate with you via Email or Whatsapp and to make the bookings we had to provide the company with our names and passport number. There was no deposits and we paid everything in full in cash (Bolivianos or USD) in person the night before the tour.

Price of 3 day Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

Our 3 day tour of Uyuni Salt Flats was 180 USD excluding some park entrance fee and tips. We had to pay about 200 Bolivianos extra for entrance fee costs.

If you want to get dropped off in San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, you can pay more.

Food during the 3 Day Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

Drinks are provided at meal time but you need to bring extra water for yourself for 3 days. There are shops on the tour (especially day 1) so buy some snacks with you.

The tour company accommodates people with dietary restrictions as much as they can. We had 2 people in our group with severe food allergies to gluten and certain fruits and they were given food they could eat so thumbs up to the company.

Breakfast : usually pancakes or bread, jam, fruits, coffee/tea

Lunch & dinner : rice or pasta, vegetable, protein (llama steak or chicken or canned tuna) & dessert (mango pudding or fruits or cake), coffee/tea/soda/water

Complete 3 Day Tour of Uyuni Salt Flats Itinerary

Day 0 – arrival to uyuni & where to stay in uyuni.

We took the last flight out of La Paz to Uyuni the night before our 3 Day Salt Flats tour. It was a short flight (~1 hour) and our tour operator picked us up from the Uyuni airport.

After landing in Uyuni, our tour company picked us up from the airport and we were driven to the Quechua Connection’s office to make our payments in cash. We were told that drinks is only provided during meals so we bought our own (a few liters of water to be exact).

For payment, they accept both USD and Bolivianos. If you plan to do a tour in Uyuni, make sure to check with your tour operator on what currency they accept.

Where to Stay in Uyuni

The salt flats tour company dropped us off at our hotel ( Hotel de Sal Casa Andina ) which was amazing and super spacious. It was actually the best hotel we stayed at during our 2 week trip of Peru and Bolivia .

The hotel even had free coffee and fruit juice in the cafeteria at night. There was also free breakfast with our stay. They also offer a 3 person room which was what we needed.

The only thing I didn’t like was that the windows all face towards the hallway so if anyone is talking in the hall way you can hear everything.

Day 1 of 3 Day Bolivia Salt Flats Tour – Train Graveyard, Salt Flats, Islands, Sunset

We were picked up from our hotel by 10:30am and taken to the main tour office. There we waited for other travelers before we were assigned to one of the 4 jeeps they had. The drivers tied up gas tank, our luggage and water and sleeping bags on the top of the jeep and we started off towards our first stop: Train graveyard .

We got to the train graveyard outside of Uyuni about 20 minutes after leaving the tour office and were given about 20 minutes there to climb up the abandoned trains and take photos. There was a portable bathroom there but unfortunately it was locked.

We continued onward to a town where we visited Colchani Salt processing “factory” . I walked around a bit and found this really cute pair of alpaca leg warmers for 25 Bolivianos (~4 USD).

After another short drive, we finally arrived at the Uyuni Salt Flats . It was quite amazing to be surrounded by nothing but salt (and whiteness).

It looked like it came straight out of a science fiction. Unfortunately since we were there during the dry season, there was not enough water on the surface to reflect the sky. Hopefully someday I will be back during wet season.

Our guide gave us each a bike to bike across the Salt Flats to the lunch spot, which was 3km away. I heard our tour is the only tour that offers bikes, so that was pretty cool 😀 Although I have to say it was not easy to ride bikes across the salt flats because the ground is not 100% flat.

One thing I did not know was that our guide was REALLY good at taking photos and helping us pose on the salt flats. He did a lot of funny videos and photos for us (and for the group) due to the lack of depth perception on the salar. Also, apparently the trick is to lie flat on the salt flats (or as low as possible) to get the coolest perspective.

We spent over an hour on the Salt Flats just taking photos and walking around in crazy windy conditions but it was totally worth it! I wish we had stayed longer but we had to move onto the next cool spot: Incawasi Island .

Little did I know that there is an island full of huge cactus in the middle of the Uyuni salt flats where nothing else grows.

We had to pay an entrance (and bathroom) fee of 30B (~4.5 USD) to get in. Once you are in, you are free to roam around and climb to the top for a better view of the Salt Flats if you don’t mind walking up with the high altitude.

We spent about 40 minutes here before we set off for another island on the salt flats, this time a cave called Pia Pia Island . I never thought I cared about caves until this particular cave. It helped that our guide was an amazing photographer. I heard that in the past, people stayed in the cave to watch sunset. But we didn’t do it this time.

We continued on driving until we found a random spot to watch the magnificent sunset on the salt flats. It was one of the most colorful sunset I’ve ever seen but oh boy it was freezing cold!!

Our guide was really excited for this sunset, apparently because usually there is clouds in the horizon but this time it was completely clear.

Our first night hotel on the Salt Flats was called Manica Hostel , which wasn’t too bad. We had a 3 person private room with our own bathroom and electricity so we could charge our phone and camera (yes electricity is luxury item here). Unfortunately there was no hot water in the bathroom so no shower night no.1!

Day 2 – Coral Valley, Lagoons, Stone Tree, Geysers, Hot Spring

Little did I know that the 3 day Uyuni Salar tour is actually only 1 day on the salt flats. We officially left the Uyuni salt flats the night before. Day 2 of the 3 day Salt Flats tour started bright and early at 6am in the morning. We left the hostel by 7am to visit the first stop: coral valley .

Day 2 of the 3 day tour of Uyuni salt flats was a lot of driving in a desert landscape. It’s actually quite amazing how the landscape changes every 30 minute to an hour on this day. We drove by deserts, coral valleys; we saw volcanoes followed by lush green and random villages.

We also entered the Eduardo Avaroa National Park and had to pay 150Bs for entrance fee so make sure you bring enough cash and your passport with you.

One of the cool things we saw along the way were 2 lagoons with flamingos . Did you know that flamingos are not born pink? They get the pink color from eating algae. Most people also wouldn’t expect to find volcano flamingos hidden away and thriving in the Andes. They have adapted the harsh weather as well as the high altitude.

A few other cool things we saw during Day 2 included the Stone Tree, the Red Lagoon, and a geyser. This was totally unexpected but also really cool to see.

One word about the accommodation on the Salt Flats, since it’s in such a remote location, all the accommodations were hostels with no showers and electricity. Each car stays in the same dorm with a private bathroom, but there is no heating in the hostel so make sure to wear layers to bed.

The highlight of the day was the hot spring . Since we stayed about 6 minute walking distance to the hot spring, we could go anytime we wanted.

Our group ended up going around sunset after we checked into our hostel. Since only our group and Red Planet are staying near the hot spring, we ended up having the place all to ourselves for sunset.

The entrance fee for the hot spring is 5Bs. If you just want to dip your feet in, then it’s free. There is a changing room at the hot spring, but there is no lights in the changing room so bring flashlight or head lamp and towel. This is also where having a hanger was extremely helpful to dry the wet swimsuit and towel.

I think this sunset in Bolivia was even more stunning than the one the day before. Similarly, the Milky Way was more clear today since we were at an even higher altitude on the salt flats. It was well worth the sub freezing temperature to capture this.

Day 3 – Dali Desert, Chilean Border, Green Lagoon

We actually spent most of Day 3 of the salt flats tour driving back to Uyuni.

If you are not short on time, it’s actually a better option to get dropped off at the Chilean border and cross into Chile. It’s a lot more efficient and you are not wasting the whole day driving back. Meanwhile for the rest of us, we saw the Salvador Dali desert and lagoons.

The highlight (and a surprise) came in the afternoon about 2 hours from Uyuni. Our guide took us into this secret valley that had an incredible landscape.

After this last stop, we drove about an hour to a tourist stop for bathroom and snacks then headed back to Uyuni to catch our flight to La Paz.

Things To Know Before You Go To Uyuni Salt Flats

Can i see the reflection on the uyuni salt flats .

This is a tricky one. If you visit the Bolivia Salt Flats during rainy season, then it’s more than likely you will be able to take the reflective photos on the salt flat.

However during the dry season, some day tours can take you to a spot that “always” has water so you can take the reflection shots on the salt flat. Our 3 day tour was not able to take us.

What’s the altitude of Salar de Uyuni?

The Uyuni Salt Flats is about 4000m above sea level and during Day 2 of the 3 Day tour of Uyuni Salt Flats, the altitude can reach above 5000m (16400ft).

Therefore if you are prone to getting altitude sickness, you should take some altitude sickness pills with you. I would recommend acclimate in La Paz or somewhere lower for a couple of days before doing the Uyuni salt flats tour.

However the guides usually have oxygen tank with them for emergency use. But unless you are on the verge of death, they tend not to use it even if you get altitude sickness.

Is there Vegan or Vegetarian Food On the Salt Flats Tour?

Yes! The tour companies are very good at accommodating food preferences on the Salt Flats.

How Much Cash Should I Bring To the 3 Day Bolivia Salt Flats Tour?

Bring at least 400 Bolivianos besides the money to pay for your salar de Uyuni tour.  You need the cash to pay for water, bathroom, snacks, entrance fee, airport departure fee in Uyuni, etc.

If you are flying out of Uyuni to La Paz after the tour, have 15 Bolivianos (~1.5 USD) to pay airport departure tax. You don’t have to worry about this when you take a flight from La Paz airport. This departure fee only applies to Uyuni Airport departure

Is there shower on the 3 day Bolivia Salt Flats Tour?

For our tour there was a cold shower the first evening but no shower the second evening.

Is the Uyuni Salt Flats Tour safe for Female solo travelers?

YES! There were many solo travelers on our Salt Flats Tour and the guides are very professional. You will feel safe and comfortable traveling by yourself to the Salt Flats.

What is the accommodation like on the 3 Day Bolivia Salt Flats Tour?

Accommodation depends on the tour you take. For our tour, the first night we stayed in a private room with bathroom and cold shower. The 2nd night we stayed in a 5-6 person dorm sleeping on stone beds with no shower and no toilet paper. The tour will give you sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner but it can be really cold at night.

Is there bathroom on the Uyuni Salt Flats?

There are many rest stops on your Salts Flat tour but you have to pay at least 5 Bolivianos every time you use the bathroom unless it’s at your hostel.

Is the Bolivia Uyuni Salt Flats Worth It?

If you want to see unique landscapes, the largest salt flats in the world, and have a once in a life time experience, then the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia is totally worth it. The price is not too expensive for a 3 day all inclusive tour.

However if your only goal of visiting Uyuni Salt Flats is to take the mirror-like reflection, then you may be disappointed. Even during rainy season it is not guaranteed for you to see it, and you most likely won’t see it during the dry season.

In addition, if you only want to see the salt flats and nothing else, you should not take a 3 day tour, instead, take the one day tour and save yourself some time.

One last thing to note is that there is a similar (but smaller) salt flats in Utah. So if you are from the US, you may not need to fly all the way to Uyuni to see this.

Final Thoughts on the Bolivia 3 Day Salar de Uyuni Tour

I really thought the 3 day salt flats tour was amazing since you are literally so remote from civilization you really feel disconnected. The landscape changes drastically from place to place and I think it’s definitely an unique experience.

Regardless of whether you do a one day tour or a 3 day tour, you will love the experience as long as you are well prepared.

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• Perla de Bolivia Salt Flats Tour Uyuni - 3 Days

PERLA DE BOLIVIA SALT FLATS TOUR UYUNI - 3 DAYS

This is our 3 day "sunset" salt flats tour option including English-speaking guide operated by Perla de Bolivia. This operator is one of the most popular offering quality services , english speaking guides and increasing in popularity all the time - book in advance to ensure you get a place.

You might also want to check our the discounted bundle that included both this 3 Day Salt Flats tour with Perla de Bolivia and round trip bus tickets with Todo Turismo

This is our  3-day salt flats tour  option including  English-speaking guide  operated by  Perla de Bolivia . First night in double or triple room accommodation. 

Perla de Bolivia are fast becoming a very popular operator due to their quality services and good reputation for safety and reliability. This 3 day tour is now one of our best sellers.

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 and comfortable 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 (included for this tour - ask for one before departing) 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.

The following is a typical tour but sometimes some things are omitted from a tour, sometimes additional things are included (such as train cemetery visits 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 conditions permitting. 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.

• Transportation in 4x4 vehicle 
• English-speaking guide and driver
• Sleeping bag
• 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 (shared dorm with shared bathroom)
• Transport to Uyuni
• Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama at the end of the tour
• Entrance fees – 30 Bs + 150 Bs + 20 Bs + 6 Bs = 206 Bs total for the 3 days minimum (some itineraries visit some small attractions with small entrance fees)
• Water - you 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
• 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 (salt hotel only in dry season, otherwise it will be in a regular accommodation). Room type is assigned depending on availability on the day. Most of the rooms (but not all of them) have private bathroom and showers (otherwise they will be shared). The second night will be in a basic refuge and the 6 people of your group will share the same room. There will be a shared toilet but no shower. 
• L uggage  - 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 Quechua Connection 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 our easily etc.) should this be necessary.
• Transfer to Chile -  If you want to add a transfer to Chile after the tour instead of returning to Uyuni, please visit  Perla de Bolivia 3 Day Salt Flats Tour + Chile Transfer  product page.
• Group size is up to 6 customers per car.
• 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. 
• Altitude sickness  - The salts flats tours travel to altitude of around 5000 meters so the majority of people will feel some effects. we recommend that you should be acclimitized to above 3000 meters before going on these tours and that you take headache tablets, altitude sickness: "soroche" tablets and any other medications that you may require.

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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Ask a question.

Tour details

• What to bring

Uyuni Salt Flats private tour

Classic 3-day tour in hostels or hotels

The 3-day private service tour to the Uyuni salt flats follows the classic itinerary, visiting the most important areas: the Uyuni salt flats, Incahuasi island, Eduardo Abaroa national reserve, highland lagoons (including Red Lagoon), Siloli desert, 'Sol de la mañana" geyser field and Polques hot springs.

You will have a vehicle and driver just for your group, which will allow you to have more flexible schedules since you will not depend on the schedules established for the group. As there are fewer people in the vehicle, you will travel more comfortably. The tour offers two types of accommodation, hostels, and hotels, always in a private room

In total you will travel 900 km in a 4x4, accompanied by your private driver who will ensure quality and safety during the tour. You also have the possibility of including an English-Spanish bilingual guide (available as an extra).

• Expert driver
• Private vehicle only for the group
• Lodging in hostels/hotels according to option selected
• Fullboard (vegetarian option available)

Not included

• Personal hygiene products
• Guide (available as an extra)
• Access to Incahuasi, hot springs and National Reserve (included only in the "hotel accommodation" option)

Important information

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

The hotel accommodation option is subject to availability. Accommodations included are:

Night 1: Palacio de Sal or Luna Salada

Night 2: Tayka del Desierto or Mallcu Cueva.

As this is a private tour, the itinerary can be adapted to your preferences. The driver may vary the itinerary slightly, but the places indicated in the itinerary will always be visited*.

🌧️* During the rainy season (December to March) the itinerary may be modified, as the salt flat is flooded and some areas such as Incahuasi Island or some accommodations may not be accessible. The flooded areas change constantly, so depending on the situation at that time the driver will offer the best alternative to enjoy the tour.

Cancellation policy

Hotel accommodation: if canceled more than 30 days in advance, 70% of the amount paid is reimbursed. Cancellations between 30 and 15 days in advance will be reimbursed 50%. After this date or in case of not taking the tour, no refunds will be made.

Accommodation in hostels: if you cancel 48 hours before the start of the tour, you will receive 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of a no-show, no refunds will be made.

Tour itinerary

Day 1 train cemetery - uyuni salt flats - playa blanca museum - incahuasi island.

Pick up and start of the tour

Your driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Uyuni between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. In case you need to be picked up at the airport or bus station in Uyuni, please select this option in the "extras" section.

Train Cemetery

Shortly after starting the tour, you will stop at the Train Cemetery, where the old locomotives are abandoned, creating a unique landscape surrounded by emptiness and desert that reflects the economic splendor that Uyuni once had.

Colchani and Salt Museum

Colchani is the gateway to the Uyuni salt flat, a small town where you will visit the salt museum and the refinery where salt is processed. In addition, you will visit the local handicraft stores made mainly of alpaca wool and salt.

Uyuni Salt Flats

You will start your visit to the salt flats by visiting the salt piles, the eyes of the salt flats, and the Playa Blanca Museum, built with salt blocks. Once you arrive here, it is time to take out your cameras to take the most spectacular photos in perspective. In addition, the driver always helps the group to take good pictures of this unique place.

Incahuasi 🌵

In the middle of the salt flat rises this small mound, which looks like an island in the middle of a sea of salt. It is a unique ecosystem, full of giant cacti known as "cardones". In addition, thanks to the island's elevation, it is the best spot to enjoy the views of the salt flat and take pictures. You will have time to get to know it, walk its trails, and weather permitting, have lunch at the foot of the island.

Sunset in the Uyuni Salt Flat - Salt Lodging

Little by little, you will approach the accommodation, from where you will enjoy a sunset with the views of the salt flat. Finally, you will settle into your room, dinner will be served at the selected accommodation.

DAY 2 Lagunas altiplánicas - Eduardo Abaroa reserve - Siloli desert

Valley of the Rocks, Sora Canyon, and altiplanic lagoons.

This day you will wake up early, and after breakfast, you will start the 4x4 tour to the San Cristobal Church. You will visit the valley of the Rocas, and the canyon of Sora, always with the Ollague volcano in the background. Finally, you will arrive at the Capaña, Hedionda, Hona, and Ramadita lagoons, known as altiplanic or colored lagoons. In all of them, there will be a stop and you will be able to take the necessary time to admire each of them.

Eduardo Abaroa National Andean Fauna Reserve and Siloli Desert

The day continues through the Eduardo Abaroa National Andean Fauna Reserve, at an altitude of over 5,000 meters above sea level. You will enter the Siloli desert, with incredible volcanic landscapes of different colors and its famous stone tree. You will end the day arriving at the lodge, where you will have dinner and spend the night.

DAY 3 Red lagoon -Geyser field - Polques Hot Springs - Salvador Dalí Desert - Uyuni / San Pedro de Atacama

Laguna Colorada and Sol de la Mañana geyser field.

On the last day, you will have breakfast and early in the morning, you will visit the Colorada Lagoon, full of pink flamingos. Continue the morning and visit the Sol de la Mañana geyser field with its different formations, its fumaroles especially striking during the early hours of the morning, thanks to the temperature difference.

Polques Hot Springs and Salvador Dali Desert

The last visit is one that you will enjoy the most, the hot springs of Polques, where you can bathe in its natural hot springs, with an incredible landscape.

💬Howlanders tip: 

*The temperature contrast with the cold outside is especially high in the winter months (June-September), be prepared to dry off quickly when you get out and have something sweet before you bathe to prevent your blood pressure from dropping. 

After your swim, you will head to the Salvador Dali desert and visit the Green and White Lagoons. From these lagoons, you will have incredible views, with the Licancabur volcano in the background, a perfect setting to explore the surrounding area.

At this point, the itinerary is adapted to the chosen option:

- Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama: you will make a short drive to the border to take another vehicle that will take you to San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) where you will arrive between 15:00 and 16:00 (available as an extra).

- Return to Uyuni: you will start your way back to Uyuni, making a short stop in Laguna Negra for lunch, until you finally arrive in Uyuni around 19:00. As this is a private tour, you will be able to adapt the arrival time in Uyuni according to your needs.

What to bring to Uyuni Salt Flats private tour

• Warm clothing
• Waterproof jacket (between December and March)
• Comfortable footwear (if possible mountain shoes)
• Swimwear and towel (for the hot springs)
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Personal hygiene articles and medication
• Cash for possible additional expenses
• Camera (the Uyuni salt flat is a great opportunity for photography lovers)
• Medication against altitude sickness (if you deem them necessary)

Where does the tour Uyuni Salt Flats private tour start

If you are planning to arrive from La Paz you can fly directly to Uyuni. If you plan to travel to Uyuni by land you should take a bus. We recommend taking the night bus which departs from La Paz at 8 p.m. with the company Bus Titicaca or Bus Cisne. Upon arrival, you will have time for breakfast before starting the tour.

*If you arrive in Uyuni on the same day as the tour starts, we offer you a free transfer from the bus station or airport to Uyuni. If you arrive in Uyuni before the day the tour starts, your pickup point will be your accommodation in Uyuni.

Questions & Answers

When can we see the mirror effect, does the driver speak english and will he/she explain and help us take pictures.

The drivers do not usually speak English nor do they explain like a guide, although they do help you understand the landscape you are seeing. On the other hand, they always help you take pictures.

Can I modify the itinerary?

Yes, being a private tour you can request to modify the itinerary as long as it does not involve major changes, for example you can request to avoid some stops to have more time in others.

How are the vehicles used for the tour?

Tours to the Uyuni salt flat are conducted in 7-seater 4x4 vehicles, mostly of the Toyota Land Cruiser make and model. Six seats are occupied by travelers while one is for the driver.

What is the temperature during the tour?

From April to September temperatures are very low. During the day it is approximately 10ºC (50ºF) while at night it drops to -5ºC (23ºF). Of all these months, June, July and August are especially cold. From October to March, temperatures are warmer, reaching 20ºC (68ºF) during the day and dropping to 5ºC (41ºF) at night.

Is the route modified during the rainy season?

Uyuni salt flats private tour tour reviews with howlanders, other tours that might interest you from bolivia.

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