How to get to Uyuni from San Pedro de Atacama?
Explore the magical Salar de Uyuni from the heart of the Atacama Desert
Traveling from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni, Bolivia, is an unforgettable experience that connects two extreme landscapes: the driest desert in the world and the largest salt flat on the planet. This route is very popular among travelers seeking adventure, nature, and surreal landscapes. Below, we explain the most common ways to get to Uyuni from San Pedro de Atacama, travel times, approximate prices, and key recommendations.
🚌 4×4 Tour from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni (highly recommended)
🚐 Description:
The most popular and scenic way to get to Uyuni from San Pedro de Atacama is via a 4×4 tour. This tour is not just a transfer, but a 3- or 4-day expedition that crosses the entire Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, passing through unique Andean landscapes, high-altitude lagoons, geysers, colorful deserts, and finally, the breathtaking Salar de Uyuni.
📍 Approximate Itinerary:
- Day 1: Cross the border between Chile and Bolivia at Hito Cajón, visit Laguna Blanca, Laguna Verde, the Dalí Desert, and hot springs.
- Day 2: High-altitude lagoons, the Stone Tree, the Siloli Desert, and Laguna Colorada.
- Day 3: Salar de Uyuni, Incahuasi Island, the train cemetery, ending in Uyuni.
⏱️ Duration:
- 3 days / 2 nights or 4 days / 3 nights.
💰 Estimated Price:
- From $180 to $250 USD per person, depending on the duration, included services, and type of accommodation (basic, standard, or premium).
✅ Includes:
- Shared 4×4 transportation.
- All meals during the tour.
- Accommodation (usually in refuges or salt hotels).
Local guide/driver. - Entrance fees to the main attractions (depending on the operator).
❌ Does not include:
- Entrance fee to Eduardo Avaroa National Park (approximately Bs. 150).
- Chilean exit tax (if applicable).
- Tips and personal expenses.
🚌 Bus from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni (via Calama – Oruro)
🚍 Alternative Route:
- If you don’t want to take a tour, you can get to Uyuni on your own by combining buses and trains:
San Pedro de Atacama to Calama: Local bus (approx. 2 hours). - Calama to Oruro: Overnight bus (between 10 and 12 hours).
- Oruro to Uyuni: Train with Ferroviaria Andina (6-7 hours) or bus (approx. 6 hours).
⏱️ Estimated Total Time:
- 18 to 22 hours, depending on connections.
💰 Estimated Total Cost:
- Approximately $40 to $60 USD in total (including bus fare and transfers).
👉 Considerations:
- This is a cheaper option, but also longer and less scenic.
- Ideal if you’re planning an independent trip or if you want to continue on to La Paz or other Bolivian cities from Uyuni.
🌐 Where to book the tour from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni?
- You can book directly with agencies in San Pedro de Atacama or through reliable online platforms. It’s recommended to verify that:
- The tour ends in Uyuni (some return to Chile).
- It includes visits to the salt flats at sunrise or sunset if you want a more photogenic experience.
- The agency has good reviews and verified ratings.
📌 Recommendations for your trip to Uyuni from San Pedro de Atacama
- Pre-acclimatization: Being at altitude for at least one day before the tour helps prevent altitude sickness.
- Bring warm clothing: Temperatures drop significantly at night, even in summer.
- Protect your documents: Bring your passport with you to cross the border at Hito Cajón.
- Stay hydrated: The climate is dry, so drink plenty of water.
- Cash: Cards are not always accepted in Bolivia, especially in remote areas.
- Travel insurance: Recommended in case you need medical attention or assistance while traveling.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a visa to cross from Chile to Bolivia?
It depends on your nationality. Most South American and European countries do not require a visa, but check your specific case beforehand.
- Can I return to San Pedro de Atacama after the tour?
Yes, many agencies offer round-trip tours, but if you want to end in Uyuni to continue your trip through Bolivia, be sure to mention this when booking.
- Is it safe to cross the border at Hito Cajón?
Yes, the crossing is safe and common. Just make sure you have all your documents in order and pay the corresponding fees.
