Uyuni Salt Flats Tour from Cochabamba | 2D/1N

🗓 Detailed Itinerary of the Uyuni Salt Flats Tour from Cochabamba 2D/1N

🚌 Day 1: Bus trip from Cochabamba to Uyuni

• 7:00 – 7:30 PM | Meet at the Cochabamba bus terminal.
• We will board an overnight tourist bus to Uyuni. During the trip, we will cross the valleys and plains of the Bolivian Altiplano.
• The trip takes approximately 10 to 12 hours. The bus has reclining seats, a bathroom, and a blanket.

🚙 Day 2: Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

• 7:00 AM | Arrival in Uyuni and free time for breakfast (not included).
• 10:30 AM | Departure of the tour in a shared 4×4 vehicle (maximum 6 people per group).

Today’s stops:

• Train Graveyard: Old rusty wagons that tell the story of Bolivia’s railways.
• Colchani: An artisan village where you can buy salt souvenirs and observe the refining process.
• Ojos de Sal (Salt Eyes) and Montones de Sal (Salt Piles): A natural formation that expels water from the saline subsoil and white salt domes ready to be harvested.
• Salt Museum and Salt Hotel (exterior): Photograph in front of the first hotel made entirely of salt blocks.
• Incahuasi Island: An oasis in the middle of the salt desert, famous for its giant cacti and panoramic views of the salt flats (admission not included).
• Lunch time: Andean cuisine served in the middle of the salt flats.
• Sunset at the Salt Flats: An unmissable moment to capture the magical reflections and lights on the salt.
• 5:30–6:00 PM | Return to Uyuni.
• Free time for dinner or to rest.

🚌 Return to Cochabamba

• 8:00 PM | We board the bus back to Cochabamba.
• Overnight on the bus with tourist services.

✅Includes

• 🚌 Tourist Bus Transportation Cochabamba – Uyuni – Cochabamba
  Comfortable and safe tourist bus transfer from Cochabamba to Uyuni and back, allowing you to travel this long distance in an organized manner. The service is designed to optimize time and provide a reliable transportation experience to the Bolivian Altiplano.
• 🚙 Uyuni Salt Flats Tour in a 4×4 Vehicle
  Complete excursion through the Uyuni Salt Flats aboard 4×4 vehicles specially equipped for salt and desert terrain, guaranteeing stability, safety, and access to the main points of interest within the salt flats.
• 🧭 Local Driver-Guide Specialized in Spanish
  Accompanied by a local driver-guide with experience in high-altitude routes and extensive knowledge of the Uyuni Salt Flats, its geological history, and cultural context. Provides explanations throughout the tour and ongoing assistance to travelers.
• 🥗 Lunch on the Salt Flats
  Lunch included right on the Uyuni Salt Flats, a unique experience that allows you to enjoy a simple yet energizing meal surrounded by the endless landscape of the salt desert.
• 🩺 Basic First Aid Kit
  Each vehicle is equipped with a basic first aid kit, prepared to handle any minor emergencies during the excursion, providing greater peace of mind and safety throughout the tour.

❌Not Included

• 🍽️ Breakfast and Dinner
  Breakfast and dinner are not included in the program. These meals can be easily purchased in Uyuni, either at your accommodation or at nearby restaurants.
• 🎟️ Entrance to Incahuasi Island
  Entrance to Incahuasi Island costs approximately 30 Bolivianos per person, payable in cash. The visit is optional and depends on weather conditions and the water level in the salt flats.
• 💰 Tips and Personal Expenses
  Tips for the driver/guide, as well as personal expenses, purchases of handicrafts, souvenirs, or additional drinks, are not included in the tour.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance (Recommended)
  Travel and medical insurance are not included. It is recommended to purchase insurance that covers medical assistance, accidents, and tourist activities in high-altitude areas.

🧭 Recommendations

🧥 Appropriate Clothing for the Altiplano

The Salar de Uyuni is located at over 3,600 meters above sea level, so temperatures can drop below 0°C, especially in the early morning and at dusk.

We recommend bringing:

• Thermal clothing (base layer).
• A coat or fleece (mid-layer).
• A windproof and waterproof jacket (outer layer).
• A hat, gloves, and a scarf or buff.

Dressing in layers allows you to adapt to sudden temperature changes throughout the day.

🕶️ Essential Sun Protection

The sun’s reflection off the salt is very intense. It is essential to bring:

• High-factor sunscreen.
• Sunglasses with UV protection.
• Lip balm with sun protection.

Even on cold or cloudy days, the radiation can cause sunburn.

💧 Hydration and Nutrition

Bring enough water for the trek and drink in small sips to avoid dehydration.

It is recommended to bring energy snacks (chocolate, nuts, energy bars), especially if you are not used to the altitude.

💵 Cash

It is important to bring cash (Bolivianos) for:

• Optional entrance fee to Incahuasi Island.
• Additional drinks.
• Purchases of handicrafts and souvenirs.

There are no ATMs or card payments available in the salt flats or nearby communities.

🔋 Batteries and Electronic Devices

The cold quickly reduces battery life. Bring:

• A power bank or extra batteries for your cell phone and camera.
• Enough memory for photos and videos, as the landscape is a constant source of inspiration.

🚶‍♂️ Walk at a Calm Pace

Due to the altitude, avoid strenuous activity. Walk slowly, rest when needed, and always follow the driver-guide’s instructions.

❤️ Health Considerations

If you have heart, respiratory, or blood pressure problems, consult your doctor before the trip. Bring your personal medication and avoid consuming alcohol before and during the tour.

🪪 Personal Documents

Always carry your valid ID or passport, especially if you are traveling from another city or making connections.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions Salar de Uyuni Tour from Cochabamba

How does the tour from Cochabamba work?

The tour begins with a tourist bus ride from Cochabamba to Uyuni. Once in Uyuni, you’ll take a 4×4 excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats with a local driver-guide.

How long is the bus ride from Cochabamba to Uyuni?

The bus journey is long and usually takes place overnight, allowing you to arrive in Uyuni in the morning and make the most of your day tour.

How many days does the tour last?

The total duration depends on the program, but it typically includes:

• Bus ride from Cochabamba to Uyuni.
• Full-day excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats.
• Return bus ride from Uyuni to Cochabamba.

What places are visited at the Uyuni Salt Flats?

The tour includes the main highlights of the salt flats, such as:

• Entrance to the salt desert.
• Perspective photography.
• Flags and Monuments Area
• Incahuasi Island (optional), conditions permitting

Is Incahuasi Island always visited?

No. The visit is optional and depends on the water level in the salt flats. During the rainy season, it may be closed or inaccessible.

What is the best time to visit the Salar de Uyuni?

• Dry season: landscapes with geometric salt patterns and more stable routes.
• Rainy season: possibility of seeing the famous mirror effect, although the itinerary may vary.

Is it very cold during the tour?

Yes. Temperatures can be very low, especially at dawn. It is essential to wear thermal clothing and appropriate warm clothing.

Is the tour physically demanding?

It does not require long walks, but the altitude and cold may affect some people. Good general fitness and a relaxed pace are recommended.

Is it suitable for children and seniors?

It can be done, but it is recommended to assess your altitude tolerance and consult beforehand if you have any special medical conditions.

What kind of meals are included?

Lunch is generally included at the Salar de Uyuni. Breakfast and dinner are not included and must be purchased at the traveler’s expense.

Is there cell phone or internet service?

Signal is limited or nonexistent for most of the tour. Basic signal may be available in Uyuni.

Is the tour safe?

Yes. The tour is conducted in 4×4 vehicles with a local driver-guide and basic first-aid equipment, following established routes.

Do I need travel insurance?

It is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical assistance and activities at high altitudes.