uyuni salt flats mirror effect
uyuni 4x4 tour
Incahuasi Island
Train cemetery
Train cemetery
howlanders uyuni salt flats
Incahuasi Island
uyuni salt flat at sunset
dakar uyuni monument
Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve
uyuni salt flat in 4x4
Laguna Colorada
Laguna Colorada
Geyser field "Sol de Mañana".
Thermal waters
common dining room hostal de sal
double room day 1
Single room DAY 1
Private bathroom DAY 1
Shared bathroom DAY 1
laguna colorada refuge
DIA 2 Dining Room
Double room DAY 2
Triple room DAY 2
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Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

The complete 3-day excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats

(173 reviews)
Uyuni
3 days
Spanish
Starts: From downtown Uyuni at 10:30 am (pick-up at the bus station or airport at scheduled time)
Ends: At 1:00 pm to San Pedro de Atacama or at 5:30 pm to Uyuni (depending on the selected option)
Free cancellation!

Briefing

The Uyuni Salt Flats Tour is the best way to get to know Bolivia's most exciting attractions. On the first day, visit the train cemetery, Salar de Uyuni, and spend the night in a salt hostel. Day two: Explore Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, visit the altiplanic lagoons, Siloli desert, Sol de La Mañana Geyser Field, and finally Polques Hot Springs. In total, you’ll cover 560 miles (900 km.) in a 7-seater 4x4.

✅ Book with us and tour with the best drivers who offer safe and unique experiences.

Tour details

Included

  • Transport 4X4 (Toyota Land Cruiser or similar)
  • Expert driver
  • Lodging (shared or private room)
  • Food (vegetarian option available)

Not included

  • Access to Incahuasi ($4.50 / 30 Bs)
  • Access to Eduardo Avaroa National Park ($14.50 / 150 Bs)
  • Acces to hotsprings ($1/ 10 Bs)
  • Hygiene products
  • Sleeping bag (rent for $8 USD)*

Important information

This tour runs through high-altitude areas; it’s very important to be acclimated to the altitude before starting the tour.

🌧️ During the rainy season (December to March) the itinerary is subject to modifications; the salt flat experiences flooding, making some areas such as Inca Huasi Island, and the surrounding accommodations inaccessible. The flooded locations change constantly and depending on the situation, your driver will offer the best alternative to complete the tour.

🚗 The tour is conducted in 7-seater 4x4 vehicles occupied by 6 travelers and the driver. The seats of the vehicle are rotated among the travelers.

🙋 The driver provides short explanations in Spanish or very basic English of the places visited. This tour does not offer guide service as it is not considered necessary. If you prefer to book a guided tour, you can book the Uyuni Salt Flats private tour.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellations!

You can cancel this tour and you'll receive a 100% refund of the amount paid if you cancel more than 48 hours in advance. After this time, or in case you of a no-show, no refunds will be provided.

Tour itinerary

DAY 1 Uyuni - Train Cemetery - Refinery - Incahuasi Island - Salt Hostel

10:30 am

Departure from Uyuni to the Train Cemetery

At about 10:30 am, the shuttle bus will pick you up at your accommodation in Uyuni. The first stop is only minutes from the city: Train Cemetery, where old locomotives have been abandoned to create a very peculiar landscape.

Traveler in the Train Cemetery in the Uyuni Salt Flat
12:00 pm

Colchani Village and the Salt Museum

Next is the Colchani Village, where you’ll explore the Salt Museum and the Salt Refinery. Learn about the extraction and refinement process then peruse the local artisan shops.

Handicrafts market in the town of Colchani Uyuni
1:00 pm

Arriving at the Uyuni Salt Flats

The group will then enter the Salt Desert at noon, first visiting the salt heaps, then “Ojos del Salar” (small holes where you can see the underground water), and finally, the fascinating Playa Blanca Museum, an interesting piece of architecture built solely with salt blocks from the Uyuni Salt Flats.

Salt Museum in the Uyuni Salt Flat Tour 3 days with Howlanders

Incahuasi island 🌵

The next stop is Incahuasi Island: a location hosting a unique environment full of giant cacti. Thanks to its elevation, the island is one of the best vantage points to enjoy the fascinating landscape. Be sure to photograph several perspectives of the Uyuni Salt flats. Later, take a short walk to lunch in the white plains before continuing the exciting adventure.

Traveler on the Incahuasi Uyuni Island

Sunset at the Uyuni Salt Flat - Salt Hostel

We’ll arrive at our accommodation the Salt Hostel, at roughly 7:00 pm. On the way to the hostel, don’t miss your chance to witness the beauty of the salt flats sunset. Once at the hostel, enjoy dinner with your group then rest up for the next day. Your rooms will be doubles or triples with a shared bathroom (chosen according to your preferences and availability), or you'll have a private room and bathroom (available as an extra of the tour).

uyuni salt lodge

DAY 2 Altiplanic Lagoons - Eduardo Avaroa Park - Siloli Desert - Red Lagoon

7:00 am

Altiplanic Lagoons

The day starts with an early breakfast. Next, the group will leave for the famous Laguna Colorada, one of the largest and most scenic lagoons in the salt flats. Before the lagoon, we'll first pass through the Chiguana Salt Flats and stop at the Ollague Volcano Viewpoint for additional panoramic views. Later, the group will visit the Cañapa, Hedionda, Hona, and Ramadita lagoons, also known as the altiplanic or colored lagoons.

Altiplanic Lagoons in the Salar de Uyuni 3 days
9:00 am

Entrance to the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve

After passing through the Siloli Desert, the group will reach the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve (located more than 16,404 ft / 5,000 m above sea level), where you’ll see the renowned stone tree and the astonishing volcanic landscapes of many colors. All this adventure will make you hungry so we’ll stop to eat along the way. 

Stone tree in the desert Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve
6:00 pm

Laguna Colorada

Finally, the group will reach the Laguna Colorada, home to three different species of flamingos. In your free time, trek around the lagoon and marvel at the unique animals living in this haven.

As the day comes to a close, return to the camp near the lagoon and spend some time perusing the area until nightfall. Next, dinner is served. Finally, lay your head down in the dorms (six beds) or a private room (available as an extra of the tour). Please, keep in mind that the accommodations on the second day are quite rustic.

Colarada Lagoon in the Uyuni Salt Flat

DAY 3 Sol de la Mañana - Hot Springs - Salvador Dalí desert - Laguna Verde - Uyuni

4:30 am

Geysers Field “Sol de Mañana”

Today’s adventure: the “Sol de la Mañana” Geyser Field. The geysers are most active in the mornings which is why we’re so insistent on waking you up bright and early. Explore more than the many active geysers by seeing fumaroles and a small crater with volcanic lava.

Sol de Manaña Geysers in the Uyuni Salt Flat
7:00 am

Thermal waters: Termas de Polques

The trip continues to the hot springs where you can swim in a pool of natural thermal water. An exclusive experience, the Polques Hot Springs can only be visited via the Uyuni Salt Flats Tour.

Polques Hot Springs in Salar de Uyuni 3 days
9:30 am

Green and White lagoons

After swimming in the hot springs, travel to the Salvador Dalí desert and visit the Green and White Lagoons. Take in the incredible views of the Licancabur Volcano on the landscape and set aside time to explore the area.

Green and white lagoon Uyuni Salt Lake

End of the Uyuni Salt Flats tour

At this point, the group has two options:

  • Take another vehicle that will lead to the center of San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) (1:00 pm arrival)
  • Start the drive back to Uyuni, crossing the Black Lagoon, the Valley of Rocks, and the San Cristobal Village Church. Arrive in Uyuni around 5:00 pm, marking the end of this incredible experience of the Uyuni Salt Flats tour.
Road to Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama

What to bring to Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

At high altitudes, nights are very cold. During the winter months, (July and August), the weather is even colder, so we recommend bringing plenty of warm clothes.

Keep in mind: the accommodations are in a remote area that lacks a good heating system.

Finally, the option to continue to San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) is available. We recommend bringing everything indicated on the list if you’ll be going:

  • Passport
  • Warm clothing
  • Raincoat (from December to March)
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented for $8.00 USD)
  • Sunglasses
  • Comfortable shoes (preferably hiking boots)
  • Swimwear (for hot springs)
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Personal hygiene products and medication
  • Flashlight
  • Cash for additional expenses
  • Camera (the Uyuni Sal Flats are a great opportunity for photography lovers)
  • Medication for altitude sickness (if necessary)

Where does the tour Uyuni Salt Flats Tour start

The tour departs from Uyuni.

🚌 The most popular option is to take a night bus from La Paz and arrive in Uyuni around 6:00 am. With this option, free transfer from the bus station can easily be coordinated. The team will direct you to a cafeteria where you can eat breakfast and wait for the tour to start.

We recommend taking the tourist night bus that leaves La Paz with Titicaca Bus or Cisne Bus.

✈️ If arriving by plane from La Paz on the same day the tour starts, you can include a free transfer upon arrival.

🏨 If you’ll be in Uyuni, you can go directly to the meeting point or you can be picked up at your accommodation. If your accommodation is located outside of Uyuni (in the salt flat area), you can include the extra transfer service outside of Uyuni and they will pick you up.

Questions & Answers

  • Can I finish the tour in San Pedro de Atacama (Chile)?

    Yes, it is possible to start the tour in Uyuni and end it in San Pedro de Atacama (Chile). If you want to end the tour in San Pedro, select the extra "Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama" [PAY AT DESTINATION] when making your reservation. The payment for the extra will be made at the destination.

  • How is the transfer to San Pedro de Atacama (Chile)?

    The transfer to San Pedro de Atacama is a 50-seater bus that leaves from the Bolivia-Chile border crossing at approximately 10:00 am and arrives at the San Pedro bus station at 1:00 pm. The 4x4 driver will take you to the border crossing, tell you which bus to take, and give you the bus ticket.

  • What is the price of the transfer to San Pedro de Atacama?

    The price of the transfer to San Pedro de Atacama is variable and will be confirmed the day before the tour starts. The price can vary between 100 and 150 Bolivianos ($14-22). Payment for this service will be made at the destination.

  • Can I finish the tour to the Salar de Uyuni at the Calama airport?

    You can add the transfer to San Pedro de Atacama and from there take a private transfer to Calama airport. You can book it by clicking here.

  • Does the tour to the Salar de Uyuni depart every day?

    Yes, the Uyuni Salt Flats Tour departs daily at 10:30 am (when the tour starts), except for unavailable dates listed on our website calendar (December 30 and 31 + January 1).

  • Can I do this tour to the Salar de Uyuni privately with my group?

    Yes! If you prefer to enjoy the visit to the Uyuni Salt Flat alone with your group, you can book the Private Uyuni Salt Flat tour.

  • Does the driver speak English and will he/she explain and help us take pictures?

    The drivers speak very little English, sometimes almost none, but in Spanish he will give some explanations about the area visited, although he cannot be expected to offer the services of a guide. He will certainly help you to take pictures.

  • Why does the tour not include a guide, is it necessary?

    In our opinion, the role of the guide in this tour is not so relevant, since the most important part of the tour are the areas visited and not the explanations themselves.

    The driver knows the area perfectly well, and does some explanations, but obviously does not do the work of a guide and usually does not speak English. In the group most of the time there is a traveler who understands Spanish, and translates what the driver says, so you get some indications of the places visited.

    In our opinion, we are convinced that whether you hire the tour in shared service without guide or in private service with guide, you will have a good experience in both cases.

  • How are the vehicles in which you travel during the tour to Salar de Uyuni?

    Tours to the Uyuni Salt Flats are conducted in 7-seater 4x4 vehicles, mostly Toyota Land Cruisers. Six seats are occupied by travelers while one is for the driver.

  • Are 4x4 vehicles equipped with oxygen and satellite phone?

    Yes, the vehicles include disposable oxygen cylinders. Satellite phones are no longer necessary since the telecommunications infrastructure has been improved and there is coverage for the vast majority of the route.

  • In which hotels is pick-up not included?

    The hotels Hotel Palacio de Sal, Hotel Luna Salada, Hotel Cristal Samaña and Hotel Sumaj Rijcharij do not include pick up. We offer two options, free pick up when the tour passes through the area (after visiting the train cemetery and Colchani) or the extra that includes pick up and transfer to Uyuni to start from the beginning with the whole group.

  • How are the accommodations for the Salar de Uyuni tour?

    The accommodations on this tour are basic. The first night you will sleep in a salt lodge in the village of San Juan. This salt lodge is small and has better common areas and more bathrooms than other lodges.

    The second night, you will sleep in a small hostel/refuge near Laguna Colorada. This accommodation will be more basic than the first night.

    Neither of the two lodges have heating in the rooms and winter nights are cold. For this reason, you will have the option of requesting a sleeping bag by leaving a note in the reservation and paying for it at the destination.

    In general, throughout the area, the supply of accommodation is very limited and there are only lodgings managed by the villagers. They are very humble accommodations without any kind of luxury. If you need a more comfortable and higher quality accommodation it is necessary to hire a private tour with 3 star hotels (there is no intermediate quality).

  • What are the differences between shared and private rooms?

    The shared room can accommodate 4-6 travelers and the bathroom is shared with other rooms and the hot shower may have an additional cost of 10 BOB. The private room has a private bathroom with hot shower for two nights and is not shared with other travelers. In addition, you will have plenty of bedding and warm blankets, so it will not be necessary to use the sleeping bag. However, please note that both shared and private rooms are basic.

  • Are sleeping bags rented upon arrival?

    Yes, regardless of the type of room selected, the cost is the same and is paid upon arrival in Uyuni. It is convenient that you indicate it in the notes section when making the reservation to have it ready.

  • Is it possible to sleep in hotels?

    Yes, booking a private tour, in which the accommodations are in the Palacio de Sal hotel and the Taika del Desierto hotel or similar. You can book it on our website at the following link: Salar de Uyuni Private Premium tour .

  • Are there outlets to charge my cell phone and camera battery?

    The first night you can charge any device while on the second night you can only charge for two hours. The plugs are type A and C.

  • Do the accommodations have WiFi?

    As it is an isolated area, the connection is very slow and sometimes does not work, so we cannot assure you this service. Also you have to take into account that during the tour there are areas where there is phone coverage.

  • Is it possible to choose a special diet: vegetarian, gluten-free...?

    Yes, you just have to indicate it when you make your reservation and the driver, who will cook during the tour, will prepare a menu adapted to your diet. Please note that in case of very strong allergies to any food, special attention must be paid. In the case of vegetarian/vegan diets, high-protein foods such as tofu or tempeh will not be available, so we recommend that you bring an additional meal or snack.

  • How much luggage can I take on the tour to the Salar de Uyuni?

    It is recommended that the weight of your luggage does not exceed 18 kilograms. The luggage will be placed on the roof of the 4x4, always protected by a waterproof insulator. We recommend that you carry a small backpack for your camera, water, snacks, etc. The items located on the roof can only be accessed upon arrival at the lodge. In case you include the transfer to Chile there is no luggage limitation.

  • Do I need to bring water or are drinks included?

    Drinks are included but only during meals. You have to bring a 2 liter bottle of water for the first day of the tour, then you can buy water during the tour, so it is important to bring Bolivian pesos.

  • When can the mirror effect be seen in the Salar de Uyuni?

    The mirror effect occurs during the rainy season (January, February and March). This phenomenon, also known as reflections, causes the sky to be reflected in the salt flat itself.

  • What is the temperature during the tour to the Salar de Uyuni?

    From April to September temperatures are very low. During the day it is approximately 10ºC (50 ºF) while at night it drops to -5ºC (23 ºF). Of all these months, June, July and August are especially cold, while between October and March temperatures are warmer, reaching over 20ºC (68ºF) during the day and dropping to 5ºC (41ºF) at night.

  • Do I need to bring money during the tour to the Salar de Uyuni?

    Yes, since access to Incahuasi, Eduardo Avaroa Park and the hot springs is not included and must be paid in Bolivianos, not in dollars. In addition, during the tour you may want to buy water, soft drinks or souvenirs. For this reason it is advisable to bring approximately 300 Bolivian pesos.

  • Are there bathrooms during the tour to the Salar de Uyuni?

    Yes, in addition to the accommodations, there are toilets at several stops along the route. In some cases they charge a few bolivianos to use them.

  • Will I be able to buy snacks, soft drinks or alcoholic beverages during the tour?

    Yes, during the tour at some stops you will find small stores where you can buy them. The price is double that in Uyuni.

  • Can I pay by credit card in Uyuni or during the tour?

    No, all payments must be made in cash in either dollars or bolivianos.

  • Can money be exchanged at the Bolivia-Chile border?

    No, there are no exchange houses or ATMs available. You will be able to exchange Chilean pesos once you arrive in San Pedro de Atacama.

  • How can I avoid altitude sickness during the tour to the Salar de Uyuni?

    Due to the altitude of the salt flat it is possible to suffer from altitude sickness. As many travelers arrive from La Paz your body is already accustomed to the altitude, but we still recommend drinking plenty of water, eating light, avoiding alcohol and if you consider it appropriate, take a pill for altitude sickness.

  • How can I get to Uyuni from La Paz?

    The best way to get to Uyuni from La Paz is by plane or bus. By plane you can fly the same morning that the tour begins, as it starts at 10:30 am and flights arrive earlier. Pick up at the airport that same day is included. If you decide to take a bus, Howlanders recommends the Transomar night bus, which arrives in Uyuni at 6:00 am. Pick up at the bus station is free of charge. This bus along with many others can be booked through this web site

  • Where can I have breakfast or dinner in the city of Uyuni?

    The best place for breakfast is The Guardina Coffee Shop. We also recommend Tuika Restaurant and Hotaru for international food and, without a doubt, if you want to try authentic local food the best option is Luci Restaurant.

  • What time does the tour to the Salar de Uyuni end?

    The tour ends in Uyuni at 17:00, so you will have no problem to take a bus back to La Paz that same evening, as most of them leave at 8:00 pm. If you decide to end the tour in San Pedro de Atacama, you will arrive at 13:00 at the bus station, from where you can take a cab for a few minutes to the city center.

Uyuni Salt Flats Tour tour reviews with Howlanders

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