Exploring the Salar de Uyuni from Santa Cruz in just two days is an experience that perfectly combines comfort, speed, and adventure, designed for travelers who want to discover one of the most extraordinary landscapes on the planet without long journeys. Thanks to the direct flight, the trip becomes a seamless transition from the Bolivian tropics to the heart of the Altiplano, home to the world’s largest salt flat.
From the very first moment, the Salar de Uyuni captivates with its immensity. A white plain that stretches as far as the eye can see, creating an almost surreal scene where the horizon seems to disappear. At certain times of the year, a thin layer of water transforms the salt flat into a natural mirror, reflecting the sky with such perfection that it’s difficult to distinguish where the land ends and the sky begins. This phenomenon makes every step a picture-postcard scene and every photograph a unique image.
This tour is ideal for those with limited time
Who don’t want to miss out on a complete and memorable experience. Throughout the journey, you’ll discover iconic locations on the salt flats and their surroundings, walk on ancient salt, and learn about the natural and cultural history of this region, guided by local experts who know every corner of the white desert.
The trip offers truly unforgettable moments: a visit to a solitary island covered in giant cacti, emerging like an oasis amidst the vast white expanse; classic perspective photographs where creativity knows no bounds; and, as a highlight, a magical sunset that paints the sky and the salt flats in shades of gold, pink, and violet. It’s a moment of silence and contemplation that will remain etched in your memory long after the trip has ended.
Traveling to the Salar de Uyuni from Santa Cruz in two days is not just a quick getaway; it’s an invitation to connect with nature in its purest form, to be amazed by a landscape unlike any other in the world, and to return with memories that can hardly be compared to any other destination.
ITINERARY
Detailed Itinerary: Uyuni Salt Flats Tour from Santa Cruz 2D/1N
🛫 Day 1: Flight Santa Cruz – Uyuni
- Early morning: Pickup from your hotel in Santa Cruz and transfer to the local airport for a direct flight to Uyuni (approximate duration: 1 hour).
- Arrival in Uyuni: Reception at the airport and a short break to acclimatize. You can have breakfast on your own in the village.
- 10:30 a.m. Start of the adventure by 4×4 vehicle (shared service):
– Visit the Train Cemetery, a historic site where old locomotives dating back to the 19th century are buried.
– Stop in Colchani, where you can observe how salt is processed by hand. You can also purchase souvenirs made with salt and Andean textiles.
– Entrance to the Uyuni Salt Flats, the largest in the world with over 10,000 km² of solid salt.
– Time for photos with unique perspective and optical effects on the white desert.
– Visit the salt mounds and the Ojos de Sal, small lagoons where water springs from the saline subsoil.
– Explore Incahuasi Island, famous for its forest of giant cacti and 360° panoramic views of the salt flats. Free walk along its trails.
– Picnic lunch in the middle of the salt flats.
– Sunset at the salt flat: Observe the natural light show over the salt horizon.
- Return to Uyuni: Transfer to the hotel.
- Free evening: You can have dinner at a local restaurant and stroll through the quiet streets of Uyuni at night.
- Overnight in Uyuni.
🛬 Day 2: Return – Flight Uyuni – Santa Cruz
- Free morning: Time to stroll around Uyuni, visit local markets, museums, or simply relax.
- Transfer to Uyuni airport for your return flight to Santa Cruz.
- Arrival in Santa Cruz and end of the tour.
INCLUDES
✅Includes
🚐 Hotel Pick-up and Transfers in Santa Cruz and Uyuni
Coordinated pick-up service from your hotel in Santa Cruz for transfer to the airport and, upon arrival in Uyuni, internal transfers between hotel and salt flats and back again, ensuring comfort, punctuality, and a worry-free experience.
🧭 Specialized Local Guide During the Tour
Accompany your trip with an expert local guide familiar with the Uyuni Salt Flats, possessing extensive knowledge of the geography, history, and culture of the Altiplano. They will provide ongoing information, logistical support, and recommendations to help you make the most of each stop along the route.
🚙 Tourist Transportation in 4×4 Vehicles
Travel in 4×4 vehicles specially equipped for desert and salt flat routes, guaranteeing safety and stability throughout the journey across the Uyuni Salt Flats and its surroundings.
🥗 Picnic Lunch on the Salt Flats
Enjoy a light picnic lunch in the heart of the salt desert, a unique experience combining simple and nutritious food with panoramic views of the salt flats—ideal for recharging in an incomparable setting.
📸 Creative Photoshoot on the Salt Flats
Assistance from your guide for a creative and perspective-based photoshoot, taking advantage of the perfect flatness of the salt flats, the natural reflections, and the surrounding light to capture memorable and unforgettable images.
DOES NOT INCLUDE
❌Not Included
🍽️ Breakfast and dinner on day 1
Breakfast before the tour begins and dinner on the first day are not included, so we recommend planning these meals in advance.
🥤 Personal drinks and snacks
Bottled drinks, sodas, and snacks consumed during the tour are not included in the program.
💰 Tips for the guide and driver
Tips are optional and at the traveler’s discretion as a token of appreciation for the service provided.
🧾 Expenses not specified in the program
Any service, consumption, or personal expense not expressly mentioned in the “Included Services” section is not part of the tour.
RECOMMENDATIONS
📝 Recommendations
🧥 Wear warm, layered clothing
Temperatures in the Salar de Uyuni can vary sharply between day and night. It is recommended to wear thermal clothing in layers (thermal base layer, warm jacket, and windproof or waterproof jacket) to easily adapt to the changing weather.
🕶️ Sun protection is essential
Don’t forget sunglasses with UV protection, high-factor sunscreen, and a hat or cap. The sun’s reflection off the salt is intense and can cause sunburn even on cloudy days.
💧 Stay hydrated
Bring plenty of water and drink in small sips throughout the tour to avoid dehydration, especially due to the altitude and dry climate of the Altiplano.
🍫 Snacks and light meals
Although a picnic lunch is included, it is recommended to bring personal snacks such as nuts, chocolate, or energy bars to maintain your energy levels.
🔋 Portable battery or power bank
There is no electricity or charging points along much of the route. Additionally, the cold reduces battery life, so a power bank is essential.
📷 Camera and devices ready
Make sure you bring your camera or cell phone with sufficient memory and battery, as the landscape offers countless opportunities for creative and panoramic photos.
🧾 Carry cash
It is recommended to carry Bolivian bolivianos in cash, as ATMs and card payments are not always available in Uyuni or during the tour.
🚶♂️ Walk slowly and avoid strenuous activity
Due to the altitude, avoid running or strenuous activity. Walk at a leisurely pace, especially at viewpoints and open areas of the salt flats.
❤️ Health considerations
If you have heart problems, respiratory issues, or any other medical condition, consult your doctor before taking the tour. Always bring your personal medication.
🧭 Follow the guide’s instructions
Respect the local guide’s recommendations, especially in wet areas, on slippery surfaces, or during sudden weather changes.
FAQs
❓Frequently Asked Questions about the Uyuni Salt Flats Tour from Santa Cruz
How does the tour from Santa Cruz work?
The tour begins in Santa Cruz de la Sierra with a transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Uyuni. Once in Uyuni, you’ll travel by 4×4 vehicle through the Salar de Uyuni and its main attractions.
How long is the tour to the Salar de Uyuni from Santa Cruz?
It generally lasts 2 days and 1 night, ideal for travelers with limited time who want to experience the salt flats without long overland journeys.
Does the tour include flights from Santa Cruz?
It depends on the package you book. Some programs include the Santa Cruz-Uyuni flight, while others offer it as an optional service. It’s important to check the details before booking.
Is it necessary to acclimatize before the tour?
Yes. Uyuni is located at a high altitude, so it’s recommended to stay well-hydrated, avoid alcohol, and take the tour at a relaxed pace, especially if you’re coming from lower altitudes like Santa Cruz.
What is the best time to visit the Salar de Uyuni?
- Dry season: ideal for seeing the hexagonal patterns of the salt and exploring the salt flats more easily.
- Rainy season: allows you to appreciate the famous mirror effect, although some areas may be restricted.
Is it very cold during the tour?
Yes, especially in the morning and at sunset. It is essential to bring thermal clothing, a warm jacket, and a windbreaker, as temperatures can drop considerably.
Is Incahuasi Island visited?
The visit to Incahuasi Island is optional and depends on weather conditions and the water level in the salt flats. There is an additional entrance fee.
What type of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is usually in hostels or hotels near the salt flats, and in some cases in salt hotels, depending on the package booked.
Is there cell phone or internet service?
Cell service is limited or nonexistent for most of the tour. Some accommodations may offer basic Wi-Fi.
What meals are included?
A picnic lunch on the salt flats and breakfast on the second day are typically included. Other meals depend on the chosen program.
Should I bring cash?
Yes. It is recommended to bring Bolivian bolivianos in cash, as ATMs and card payments are not always available.
Is this tour suitable for children and seniors?
It can be done, but it is recommended to assess the physical condition and altitude tolerance of children and seniors, especially young children and seniors.
What happens if the weather is unfavorable?
For safety reasons, the itinerary may be adjusted or modified. During the rainy season, some routes may be temporarily closed.
What documents do I need for the tour?
A valid ID or passport. Foreigners should check immigration requirements before traveling.