How to get to Uyuni from Calama (Chile)?
Traveling from Calama in northern Chile to Uyuni in Bolivia is one of South America’s most breathtaking routes. The journey connects two unique natural extremes: the Atacama Desert, the driest in the world, and the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat on the planet. Although both destinations are relatively close geographically, the route involves border crossings, extreme altitude, and specialized logistics, making careful planning essential.
Option 1: Calama → San Pedro de Atacama → Uyuni (the most recommended route)
This is the most popular, safe, and organized way to get to Uyuni from Calama. It’s ideal for first-time travelers to the Altiplano and for those seeking a complete experience.
Step 1: Calama → San Pedro de Atacama (bus)
San Pedro de Atacama is the key connection point between Chile and tours to the Salar de Uyuni.
Distance: approx. 100 km
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
Transportation type: tourist bus or shared transport
Frequency: several departures daily
The journey is short and crosses desert landscapes. It’s best to arrive in San Pedro early, settle into your accommodation, and rest.
Step 2: San Pedro de Atacama → Hito Cajón Border Crossing
4×4 tours to Uyuni depart from San Pedro, including the border crossing.
Usual departure time: between 6:00 and 7:30 a.m.
Vehicle type: 4×4
Hito Cajón Pass altitude: over 4,500 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.)
At the border, the following procedures are carried out:
- Chilean immigration control (exit).
- Bolivian immigration control (entry).
⚠️ The crossing may take longer depending on the weather and the number of travelers.
Step 3: Border → Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve → Altiplano → Uyuni
Once in Bolivia, the Altiplano crossing begins, one of the most spectacular journeys on the continent.
During the tour, you will visit:
- Laguna Blanca and Laguna Verde.
- Dalí Desert.
- Sol de Mañana Geysers.
- Laguna Colorada (flamingos).
- Siloli Desert and Stone Tree.
- Salar de Uyuni.
📍 Tour duration:
- 3 days / 2 nights (most common).
- 4 days / 3 nights (more relaxed).
📍 Tour ends in the town of Uyuni.
Option 2: Calama → La Paz (plane) → Uyuni (plane or bus)
This option is less common but suitable for those looking to shorten the land portion of the trip.
How it works:
- Flight Calama → La Paz (usually with a layover).
- Flight La Paz → Uyuni or overnight bus.
Advantages
- Less exposure to extreme terrain.
- Time saved on long transfers.
Disadvantages
- Higher cost.
- Complete dependence on the weather.
- You miss out on the Altiplano experience.
👉 This option is more logistical than touristic.
Option 3: Arrive in Uyuni first and then take the tour
Some travelers try to get directly to Uyuni from Chile without a tour, but it’s not the most practical.
- Direct public transportation is scarce.
- The border crossing doesn’t always have immediate connections.
- It’s more expensive and complicated to coordinate.
👉 Not recommended for a first trip.
📖Documents and Immigration
- Valid passport (recommended).
- Check if you need a visa based on your nationality.
- Bring digital copies.
🌤️Climate and Best Time to Go
- December – March: rainy season, mirror effect.
- April – November: dry salt flats, ideal for covering long distances.
Both seasons are good, but offer different experiences.
💵Money
- Bring cash (Bolivianos or US dollars).
- ATMs are scarce and unreliable in the Altiplano.
📌Recommendations for traveling from Calama to Uyuni
Acclimatization and Altitude (most important)
- Don’t skip San Pedro: if possible, spend at least one night in San Pedro de Atacama before the tour. The altitude change towards the border is significant.
- The day before crossing: avoid alcohol, have a light dinner (soup, rice, pasta), and go to bed early.
- Normal signs: mild headache, fatigue, loss of appetite.
- Warning signs: severe pain that doesn’t subside, difficulty breathing at rest, confusion, or persistent vomiting → notify your guide and prioritize their care.
What to wear (layers are a must)
- In the highlands, you can experience intense midday sun and extreme cold in the early morning.
- Base layer: thermal shirt + thermal leggings.
- Middle layer: fleece.
- Outer layer: windproof/waterproof jacket.
- Key accessories: hat, buff, gloves, thick socks, closed-toe shoes (ideal for trekking).
- Extra recommendation: shower sandals (in mountain huts, the floor is sometimes icy and wet).
What to pack in your daypack
- Passport/documents + copies (photo on your phone and email).
- Sunscreen + UV sunglasses + lip balm (the wind dries out your lips).
- Water (reusable bottle) + snacks (nuts, chocolate).
- External battery (power bank) and cables.
- Toilet paper/wet wipes (very useful on the road).
Personal medications (headache, digestive, etc.).
Money and payment methods (avoid running out of cash).
- Bring cash: in the highlands, there are often no POS terminals and ATMs can malfunction.
- Practical recommendation: combine Bolivian bolivianos and US dollars (for expenses during the tour and extras).
- Keep in mind that prices are higher at some stops due to their remote locations.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the best way to get to Uyuni from Calama?
The most recommended option is Calama → San Pedro de Atacama (bus) + 4×4 tour to Uyuni. It is the most organized, safe, and tourist-friendly option because it includes transportation, border crossing, and a tour of the highlands.
2) Is it possible to go from Calama to Uyuni without going through San Pedro?
In practice, you’ll almost always pass through San Pedro, as it’s the main hub for departures to the border and the Bolivian Altiplano. Going directly “on your own” is difficult due to the lack of regular public transportation.
3) How long does the total trip from Calama to Uyuni take?
It depends on the itinerary:
- Tourist route (recommended): 3 to 4 days (includes the
- Altiplano tour). Just a transfer to Uyuni: can take 2 days, but is more difficult to arrange without a tour.
4) Can I do Calama → Uyuni in a single day?
It’s not realistic. Between San Pedro, the border crossing, the altitude, and the sections of the Altiplano, there isn’t a typical “day trip” that’s comfortable and safe.
5) Where do I cross the Chile-Bolivia border on this route?
The most used crossing from San Pedro is Hito Cajón, and it is usually crossed within the 4×4 tour, with stops for immigration.
