When can we see the mirror effect?

The mirror effect occurs during the rainy season - January, February, and March. It is a phenomenon also known as reflections, it makes the sky reflected in the own salar.

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

The drivers do not usually speak English nor do they explain like a guide, although they do help you understand the landscape you are seeing. On the other hand, they always help you take pictures.

Can I modify the itinerary?

Yes, being a private tour you can request to modify the itinerary as long as it does not involve major changes, for example you can request to avoid some stops to have more time in others.

How are the vehicles used for the tour?

Tours to the Uyuni salt flat are conducted in 7-seater 4x4 vehicles, mostly of the Toyota Land Cruiser make and model. Six seats are occupied by travelers while one is for the driver.

What is the temperature during the tour?

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

Is the route modified during the rainy season?

It all depends on the weather conditions, but during this season (January to March) some areas are flooded and the route is modified for safety reasons. Usually, Incahuasi is not available, so you will visit other areas.

Enjoy all the comforts of hotel accommodation, with all entrances included and maximum flexibility

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Uyuni Salt Flats private tour

Classic 3-day tour in hostels or hotels

(5 reviews)

Uyuni

3 days

Spanish

Starts: From Uyuni between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.

Ends: To Uyuni between 7:00 and 7:30 p.m. *(if you include the extra "transfer to San Pedro de Atacama" you will arrive there between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.)

Flexible cancellation policy

Briefing

The 3-day private service tour to the Uyuni salt flats follows the classic itinerary, visiting the most important areas: the Uyuni salt flats, Incahuasi island, Eduardo Abaroa national reserve, highland lagoons (including Red Lagoon), Siloli desert, 'Sol de la mañana" geyser field and Polques hot springs.

You will have a vehicle and driver just for your group, which will allow you to have more flexible schedules since you will not depend on the schedules established for the group. As there are fewer people in the vehicle, you will travel more comfortably. The tour offers two types of accommodation, hostels, and hotels, always in a private room

In total you will travel 900 km in a 4x4, accompanied by your private driver who will ensure quality and safety during the tour. You also have the possibility of including an English-Spanish bilingual guide (available as an extra).

Tour details

Included

Expert driver
Private vehicle only for the group
Lodging in hostels/hotels according to option selected
Fullboard (vegetarian option available)

Not included

Personal hygiene products
Guide (available as an extra)
Access to Incahuasi, hot springs and National Reserve (included only in the "hotel accommodation" option)

Important information

It is very important to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the tour, as the tour passes through high-altitude areas.

The hotel accommodation option is subject to availability. Accommodations included are:

Night 1: Palacio de Sal or Luna Salada

Night 2: Tayka del Desierto or Mallcu Cueva.

As this is a private tour, the itinerary can be adapted to your preferences. The driver may vary the itinerary slightly, but the places indicated in the itinerary will always be visited*.

🌧️*During the rainy season (December to March) the itinerary may be modified, as the salt flat is flooded and some areas such as Incahuasi Island or some accommodations may not be accessible. The flooded areas change constantly, so depending on the situation at that time the driver will offer the best alternative to enjoy the tour.

Cancellation policy

Hotel accommodation: if canceled more than 30 days in advance, 70% of the amount paid is reimbursed. Cancellations between 30 and 15 days in advance will be reimbursed 50%. After this date or in case of not taking the tour, no refunds will be made.

Accommodation in hostels: if you cancel 48 hours before the start of the tour, you will receive 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of a no-show, no refunds will be made.

Tour itinerary

DAY 1 Train cemetery - Uyuni Salt Flats - Playa Blanca museum - Incahuasi island

Pick up and start of the tour

Your driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Uyuni between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. In case you need to be picked up at the airport or bus station in Uyuni, please select this option in the "extras" section.

Train Cemetery

Shortly after starting the tour, you will stop at the Train Cemetery, where the old locomotives are abandoned, creating a unique landscape surrounded by emptiness and desert that reflects the economic splendor that Uyuni once had.

Colchani and Salt Museum

Colchani is the gateway to the Uyuni salt flat, a small town where you will visit the salt museum and the refinery where salt is processed. In addition, you will visit the local handicraft stores made mainly of alpaca wool and salt.

Uyuni Salt Flats

You will start your visit to the salt flats by visiting the salt piles, the eyes of the salt flats, and the Playa Blanca Museum, built with salt blocks. Once you arrive here, it is time to take out your cameras to take the most spectacular photos in perspective. In addition, the driver always helps the group to take good pictures of this unique place.

Incahuasi 🌵

In the middle of the salt flat rises this small mound, which looks like an island in the middle of a sea of salt. It is a unique ecosystem, full of giant cacti known as "cardones". In addition, thanks to the island's elevation, it is the best spot to enjoy the views of the salt flat and take pictures. You will have time to get to know it, walk its trails, and weather permitting, have lunch at the foot of the island.

Sunset in the Uyuni Salt Flat - Salt Lodging

Little by little, you will approach the accommodation, from where you will enjoy a sunset with the views of the salt flat. Finally, you will settle into your room, dinner will be served at the selected accommodation.

DAY 2 Lagunas altiplánicas - Eduardo Abaroa reserve - Siloli desert

Valley of the Rocks, Sora Canyon, and altiplanic lagoons.

This day you will wake up early, and after breakfast, you will start the 4x4 tour to the San Cristobal Church. You will visit the valley of the Rocas, and the canyon of Sora, always with the Ollague volcano in the background. Finally, you will arrive at the Capaña, Hedionda, Hona, and Ramadita lagoons, known as altiplanic or colored lagoons. In all of them, there will be a stop and you will be able to take the necessary time to admire each of them.

Eduardo Abaroa National Andean Fauna Reserve and Siloli Desert

The day continues through the Eduardo Abaroa National Andean Fauna Reserve, at an altitude of over 5,000 meters above sea level. You will enter the Siloli desert, with incredible volcanic landscapes of different colors and its famous stone tree. You will end the day arriving at the lodge, where you will have dinner and spend the night.

DAY 3 Red lagoon -Geyser field - Polques Hot Springs - Salvador Dalí Desert - Uyuni / San Pedro de Atacama

Laguna Colorada and Sol de la Mañana geyser field.

On the last day, you will have breakfast and early in the morning, you will visit the Colorada Lagoon, full of pink flamingos. Continue the morning and visit the Sol de la Mañana geyser field with its different formations, its fumaroles especially striking during the early hours of the morning, thanks to the temperature difference.

Polques Hot Springs and Salvador Dali Desert

The last visit is one that you will enjoy the most, the hot springs of Polques, where you can bathe in its natural hot springs, with an incredible landscape.

💬Howlanders tip:

*The temperature contrast with the cold outside is especially high in the winter months (June-September), be prepared to dry off quickly when you get out and have something sweet before you bathe to prevent your blood pressure from dropping.

After your swim, you will head to the Salvador Dali desert and visit the Green and White Lagoons. From these lagoons, you will have incredible views, with the Licancabur volcano in the background, a perfect setting to explore the surrounding area.

At this point, the itinerary is adapted to the chosen option:

- Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama: you will make a short drive to the border to take another vehicle that will take you to San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) where you will arrive between 15:00 and 16:00 (available as an extra).

- Return to Uyuni: you will start your way back to Uyuni, making a short stop in Laguna Negra for lunch, until you finally arrive in Uyuni around 19:00. As this is a private tour, you will be able to adapt the arrival time in Uyuni according to your needs.

What to bring to Uyuni Salt Flats private tour

Passport
Warm clothing
Waterproof jacket (between December and March)
Sunglasses
Comfortable footwear (if possible mountain shoes)
Swimwear and towel (for the hot springs)
Sunscreen and lip balm
Personal hygiene articles and medication
Flashlight
Cash for possible additional expenses
Camera (the Uyuni salt flat is a great opportunity for photography lovers)
Medication against altitude sickness (if you deem them necessary)

Where does the tour Uyuni Salt Flats private tour start

If you are planning to arrive from La Paz you can fly directly to Uyuni. If you plan to travel to Uyuni by land you should take a bus. We recommend taking the night bus which departs from La Paz at 8 p.m. with the company Bus Titicaca or Bus Cisne. Upon arrival, you will have time for breakfast before starting the tour.

*If you arrive in Uyuni on the same day as the tour starts, we offer you a free transfer from the bus station or airport to Uyuni. If you arrive in Uyuni before the day the tour starts, your pickup point will be your accommodation in Uyuni.