Exploring the Salar de Uyuni from Cusco in just two days is an intense, surreal, and profoundly transformative experience, designed for travelers who want to break free from the everyday and immerse themselves in one of the most extraordinary landscapes on the planet. This air route connects two completely different cultural and natural worlds in just a few hours: the living Inca heritage that permeates Cusco and the hypnotic immensity of the world’s largest salt flat, located in the heart of the Bolivian Altiplano.
The journey begins by leaving behind the stone walls, ancestral temples, and ancient history of the Peruvian Andes, to land in a setting that seems otherworldly. The Salar de Uyuni stretches out like an endless white plain, where the horizon dissolves and the notion of distance becomes meaningless. At certain times of the year, a thin layer of water transforms the salt flat into a perfect natural mirror, where the sky is reflected with such precision that walking on the salt feels like floating among the clouds.
More than just a tourist destination
The Salar de Uyuni is a visual spectacle that challenges perception and awakens the imagination. Islands of ancient cacti, like petrified oases emerging from the absolute whiteness, contrast with the silent vastness of the salt flats and tell stories of thousands of years of natural evolution. Every step invites contemplation, every glance becomes a unique postcard.
This experience also has an emotional and energetic dimension. The high plateau transmits a magnetic force that is difficult to explain, a feeling of smallness in the face of nature that connects the traveler with themselves. The culminating moment arrives at sunset, when the light begins to fade and the salt flats are tinged with golden, pink, and violet hues, as if the landscape had been hand-painted. It is a moment of absolute silence, ideal for introspection and photography.
This whirlwind trip from Cusco is perfect for those with limited time but seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path adventure. In just two days, the traveler not only changes countries, but also perspectives: he returns with unforgettable images, a constant sense of wonder, and the certainty of having lived one of the most impactful experiences in South America.
ITINERARY
Detailed Itinerary: Uyuni Salt Flats Tour from Cusco
📍Day 1: Cusco – Uyuni
- 4:00 AM – Transfer from your hotel in Cusco to Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport.
- 6:30 AM – Flight from Cusco to La Paz (approximate duration: 1 hour) will connect you with your next flight to Uyuni.
- 8:30 AM – Flight from La Paz to Uyuni (This second flight lasts approximately 1 hour).
- 9:30 AM – Arrival at Uyuni Airport and welcome.
Our team will greet you and take you to the tour departure point. Brief orientation and preparations.
🚗Start of the Salt Flat Adventure
- 10:30 am – Start of the 4×4 tour to the Uyuni Salt Flats
We begin the adventure aboard all-terrain vehicles accompanied by an expert guide. The tour will include: - Train Cemetery: a brief stop to learn about these industrial relics.
- Colchani Village: a visit to the salt workshops, crafts, and extraction process.
- Entrance to the Uyuni Salt Flats: we cross the white desert, ideal for iconic perspective photos.
- Ojos del Salar: natural formations that sprout like active fountains.
- Playa Blanca Salt Hotel: a unique structure made entirely of salt.
🌄Sunset on the Salt Flats
- Before concluding the day, we enjoy a magical sunset over the white surface of the salt flats.
- Transfer to the hotel.
📍Day 2: Salt Flats – Uyuni, La Paz
- Early breakfast at the hotel.
- Free morning to rest or explore the hotel surroundings and take photos of the desert landscape.
- Transfer to Uyuni Airport.
- Return flight from Uyuni to La Paz.
- Flight from La Paz to Cusco.
International connection to Peru. Estimated flight time: 1 hour. - Arrival in Cusco and end of service.
INCLUDES
✅Includes
🚐 Airport Transfers in Both Cities
Coordinated airport-hotel-airport transfer service in both Cusco and Uyuni, guaranteeing punctuality, comfort, and a seamless experience from start to finish.
🚙 Uyuni Salt Flats Tour in a Shared 4×4 Vehicle
Complete tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats and its main points of interest in a shared 4×4 vehicle, specially equipped for salt and desert terrain, offering safety and stability throughout the journey.
🧭 Specialized Local Guide (Spanish-Speaking)
Accompanied by a specialized local guide with extensive knowledge of the salt flats, their geological history, Andean culture, and the conditions of the Altiplano, who will provide constant information and support throughout the tour.
🥗 Picnic lunch in the middle of the Salt Flats
Enjoy a light picnic lunch in the heart of the salt desert, a unique experience that combines simple and nutritious cuisine with an incomparable natural environment, ideal for recharging your energy and enjoying the endless landscape.
DOES NOT INCLUDE
❌Not Included
🛂 Bolivian Visa
The Bolivian visa is not included. Requirements vary depending on nationality, so it is recommended to check in advance whether you need a visa and the required documents.
🍽️ Dinner and Breakfast in Uyuni
Dinner and breakfast in Uyuni are not included. However, they can be easily purchased at the hotel, nearby restaurants, or local shops in town.
🛡️ International Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included. It is recommended to purchase international insurance that covers medical assistance, accidents, and tourist activities at high altitudes.
💰 Tips, Personal Expenses, and Souvenirs
Tips for the guide or driver, souvenir purchases, handicrafts, and other personal expenses are not included in the program.
🧴 Personal Hygiene Items
Personal hygiene items such as towels, soap, shampoo, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, or other hygiene products are not included.
RECOMMENDATIONS
🎒 Recommendations
🧥 Wear warm, layered clothing
Temperatures in the Salar de Uyuni can vary drastically between day and night. It is recommended to wear thermal clothing in layers (thermal base layer, fleece, and windproof or waterproof jacket) to adapt to the high-altitude climate.
🕶️ Sun protection is essential
Don’t forget sunglasses with UV protection, high-factor sunscreen, and lip balm with SPF. The sun’s reflection off the salt is very intense and can cause sunburn even on cloudy days.
💧 Stay hydrated
Bring plenty of water and sip it throughout the tour to avoid dehydration and reduce the effects of altitude sickness.
🍫 Personal snacks
It is recommended to bring light, energy-rich snacks (nuts, energy bars, or chocolate) to maintain your energy levels during the tour.
🔋 Portable battery or power bank
There is no electricity or charging points along much of the route, and the cold reduces battery life. A power bank is essential.
📷 Prepare your camera and devices
Make sure you bring a camera or cell phone with sufficient memory and charged batteries, as the Salar de Uyuni offers countless opportunities for panoramic and creative photographs.
🚶♂️ Walk calmly
Due to the altitude, avoid strenuous activity. Walk slowly, especially at viewpoints and during walks on the salt flats.
❤️ Health considerations
If you have heart problems, respiratory issues, or any other medical condition, consult your doctor before the trip and bring your personal medication.
💵 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.
🧭 Always follow the guide’s instructions
Respect the local guide’s recommendations, especially in wet areas, on slippery surfaces, or in the event of sudden weather changes.
FAQs
❓Frequently Asked Questions about the Uyuni Salt Flats Tour from Cusco
How does the tour from Cusco work?
The tour begins in Cusco with a transfer to the airport for your international flight or connecting flight to Uyuni. Upon arrival, the tour continues in a 4×4 vehicle through the Salar de Uyuni and its main attractions.
How long is the tour to the Salar de Uyuni from Cusco?
The typical duration is 2 days and 1 night, ideal for travelers who want to experience the salt flats in a short amount of time without long overland journeys.
Does the tour include flights from Cusco?
It depends on the package you book. Some programs include flights from Cusco to Uyuni, while others offer them as an additional service. It’s important to review the tour details before booking.
Do I need a visa to enter Bolivia?
Visa requirements for Bolivia vary depending on nationality. It’s recommended to check in advance whether you need a visa and to comply with the required immigration documents.
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 your time, especially if you’re coming from lower elevations.
What’s the best time to visit the Salar de Uyuni?
- Dry season: ideal for appreciating the salt patterns and exploring the salt flats with ease.
- Rainy season: allows you to see the famous mirror effect, although some areas may be restricted.
Is it cold during the tour?
Yes, especially in the morning and at sunset. It’s 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 the weather 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 in Uyuni, and some tours may include a salt hotel, depending on the package selected.
What meals are included?
A picnic lunch on the salt flats is generally included. Other meals can be easily purchased in Uyuni.
Is there cell phone or internet service?
Signal is limited or nonexistent along much of the route. Some hotels in Uyuni may offer basic Wi-Fi.
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, especially for 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 should I bring?
A valid ID or passport. For foreigners, it is important to check immigration requirements before traveling.