The 3-day/2-night Salar de Uyuni Tour is an unforgettable adventure that will take you to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the southern Bolivian highlands, starting in Uyuni, the gateway to one of the world’s most magical deserts. Throughout this tour, you’ll immerse yourself in a unique experience that combines nature, photography, and culture.
From day one, the tour takes you across the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, where the vastness of the white landscape merges with the sky, creating a surreal mirror effect that will leave you breathless. During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Incahuasi Island, a volcanic island covered in giant cacti, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Salar. The tour also includes exploring high-altitude Andean lagoons, such as Laguna Colorada, home to flamingos and other Andean wildlife, and Sol de Mañana, a geothermal field with active geysers and hot springs where you can relax after a day of exploration.
The tour offers more than just spectacular views
It also provides a cultural immersion, allowing you to interact with local communities and experience life on the Altiplano. The journey culminates with a return to Uyuni, after experiencing one of the world’s most unique and surreal adventures, ideal for those seeking adventure, nature, and unforgettable photo opportunities. This tour is designed to offer a complete, comfortable, and safe experience, with transportation in shared 4×4 vehicles, expert local guides, accommodation in simple lodges, and meals throughout the trip. It’s the perfect route for those who want to enjoy the majesty of the Salar de Uyuni on a compact itinerary full of surprises and natural wonders.
ITINERARY
Day 1: UYUNI – TRAIN CEMETERY – COLCHANI – UYUNI SALT FLAT – INCAHUASI ISLAND – SUNSET – SALT SHELTER
10:30 a.m. – Departure from Uyuni:
The tour begins in Uyuni, with pickup from your accommodation or meeting point. The route begins aboard a shared 4×4 vehicle (maximum 6 people per car).
Train Cemetery:
First stop to see the rusty locomotives dating back to the 19th century. This historic and photogenic site is one of Uyuni’s symbols.
Colchani Community:
Continue to Colchani, where you’ll observe how salt is processed by hand. You’ll also visit local craft workshops featuring salt and Andean textiles.
Entrance to the Uyuni Salt Flats:
Here begins the adventure in the world’s largest white desert. Stops are made to take traditional perspective photos, and if you’re there during the rainy season (January-March), you’ll see the famous mirror effect.
Visit to Incahuasi Island:
Located in the heart of the salt flats, this rocky island is filled with giant cacti. From the viewpoint, you’ll have a 360° panoramic view. A picnic lunch is served here.
Sunset at the Salt Flats:
Stop to watch the sunset with light reflecting on the salt. One of the most magical moments of the tour.
Arrival at your accommodation:
Overnight at a salt shelter or rustic lodge in a shared room. Dinner included. If the sky is clear, you’ll be able to see a spectacular starry sky.
Day 2: SAN JUAN – OLLAGÜE VOLCANO – CAÑAPA LAGOON – HEDIONDA LAGOON – STONE TREE – SILOLI DESERT – COLORADA LAGOON
Breakfast at the refuge:
Begin the second day with an Andean breakfast before continuing the route through the high plateau region toward the Chilean border.
Ollagüe Volcano Viewpoint:
Visit the viewpoint to observe this active volcano rising above the high plateau. A breathtaking view between mountains and plains.
Altiplano Lagoons:
Explore the Cañapa, Chiar Khota, Honda, and Hedionda lagoons, home to Andean flamingos, parinas, and other wild birds. These intensely colored lagoons are perfect for photography.
Lunch en route:
Lunch served outdoors, surrounded by volcanic landscapes and fresh air.
Stone Tree and Siloli Desert:
Stop at the famous Stone Tree, a natural formation sculpted by the wind, and the Siloli Desert, known for its surreal landscape.
Colored Lagoon:
Arrival at Colored Lagoon, one of the main attractions of the tour. Its red waters and the presence of hundreds of flamingos make it one of the most striking settings in Bolivia.
Refuge in the Eduardo Avaroa area:
Dinner and rest in a rustic refuge at high altitude. Temperatures drop significantly at night, so thermal clothing is recommended.
Day 3: GEYSERS – HOT SPRINGS – LAGUNA VERDE – LAGUNA BLANCA – RETURN TO UYUNI
Geysers of the Morning Sun:
Early departure to visit the active geysers, where you can see fumaroles, bubbling mud, and steam rising from the subsoil.
Polques Hot Springs:
Free time for a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs, surrounded by Andean mountains. Breakfast is served on-site.
Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca:
Visit the beautiful Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca, located at the foot of the imposing Licancabur volcano, on the border with Chile.
Start of the return trip to Uyuni:
We begin the return trip, crossing the desert again, with some photo stops.
Lunch en route:
Last meal of the tour, served in a local community.
5:00 p.m. – Arrival in Uyuni:
End of the tour. Approximate arrival in Uyuni between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. You can arrange transportation to your hotel or bus terminal.
INCLUDES
✅WHAT DOES THE 3-DAY / 2-NIGHT UYUNI SALT FLAT TOUR INCLUDE?
This comprehensive 3-day Uyuni Salt Flats tour offers everything you need to enjoy the salt flats, high Andean lagoons, and the southern plateau safely, comfortably, and with professional guidance.
Transportation and guide:
- Transportation in a 4×4 vehicle (Toyota Land Cruiser or similar), shared with a maximum of 6 people.
- Local driver-guide with experience in routes through the salt flats and the Bolivian plateau.
- Pickup from your accommodation in Uyuni or at an agreed-upon point.
Accommodation:
- 1 night in a salt flat shelter (day 1).
- 1 night in a rustic shelter in the Eduardo Avaroa area (day 2).
- Shared rooms with beds, blankets, and pillows.
Meals:
- 3 lunches (picnic and box lunch).
- 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts.
- Water and basic beverages during meals.
- Vegetarian options upon request.
Included attractions:
- Train Cemetery.
- Colchani Community.
- Uyuni Salt Flats and photo session with perspective.
- Incahuasi Island (dry season).
- Sunset and stargazing.
- Ollagüe Volcano.
- Cañapa, Hedionda, Honda, and Chiar Khota Lagoons.
- Stone Tree and Siloli Desert.
- Red Lagoon.
- Tomorrow’s Sun Geysers.
- Polques Hot Springs.
- Green Lagoon and White Lagoon.
NOT INCLUDED
❌WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE UYUNI SALT FLAT TOUR?
Although the tour is comprehensive, there are some expenses and services not included that you must cover yourself:
- Entrance to Incahuasi Island: Bs. 30 (dry season only).
- Entrance to the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve: Bs. 150 per person (foreigners) or Bs. 30 (bolivianos).
- Access to public restrooms: between Bs. 2 and Bs. 5 per use.
- Hot showers at the refuges: approximately Bs. 10 (depending on availability).
- Snacks, additional drinks, or personal items outside of meals.
- Travel insurance (high altitude and medical coverage recommended).
- Tips for the driver or guide (optional, not mandatory).
- Accommodation in Uyuni before or after the tour.
- Transportation from La Paz, Potosí, or Sucre to Uyuni.
FAQs
❓FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE 3-DAY / 2-NIGHT UYUNI SALT FLAT TOUR
WHERE DOES THE 3-DAY UYUNI SALT FLAT TOUR DEPART FROM?
The tour begins in the city of Uyuni, located in southwestern Bolivia. Pickup can be from your hotel (within the urban area) or from the agency office. You can also arrive by night bus from La Paz, Sucre, or Potosí and join the group on the same day.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO DO THE TOUR?
The tour is available year-round. The dry season is between April and November, ideal for visiting Incahuasi Island and seeing the hexagonal salt flats. From January to March, during the rainy season, the salt flat becomes a vast natural mirror, although some routes may change.
WHAT TIME DOES THE TOUR START AND END?
The 3-day tour begins at 10:30 a.m. on the first day and ends around 5:00 p.m. on the third day in Uyuni. Arrival is ideal for connecting with night buses to La Paz, Potosí, or Sucre.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING ON THE 3-DAY TOUR?
Bring layered clothing, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, toilet paper, a small towel, personal items, a water bottle, snacks, a camera or cell phone with a charged battery, and cash for expenses not included. It is also recommended to bring a sleeping bag (some shelters do not have heating).
WHERE DO YOU SLEEP DURING THE TOUR?
The first night is spent in a salt shelter or rustic accommodation near the salt flats. The second night is in a basic shelter in the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, near Laguna Colorada. Both locations offer shared beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms.
WHAT MEALS ARE INCLUDED?
The tour includes:
2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners, served en route or at the shelters. Vegetarian options are available upon request. Water is included with meals.
ARE THERE RESTROOMS AND SHOWERS IN THE REFUGES?
Yes, basic restrooms are available throughout the tour. Showers are available at some shelters, but in many cases they cost extra (Bs. 10 to 15) and only provide hot water for a short time.
WHAT ANIMALS CAN I SEE ALONG THE WAY?
During the tour, it is common to see Andean flamingos, vicuñas, foxes, vizcachas, and various species of highland birds, especially at the Cañapa, Hedionda, and Colorada lagoons.
CAN I END THE TOUR IN SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA (CHILE)?
Yes, some agencies offer the option to end the tour in San Pedro de Atacama, crossing the border after visiting Laguna Verde. This must be coordinated before booking, as prices and logistics vary.