Tour to the Uyuni Salt Flats from San Pedro de Atacama
3 days tour departing from San Pedro de Atacama and ending in Uyuni (Bolivia)
Briefing
The tour to the Uyuni Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni) from San Pedro de Atacama departs from San Pedro de Atacama and ends in Uyuni, so it is a perfect option if you continue your trip in Bolivia. Our tour is one of the best rated by travelers because we work with the best drivers and accommodations.
During 3 days you will travel by 4x4 the natural wonders of the altiplano: the Salvador Dalí desert, the Polque hot springs, the Eduardo Avaroa Natural Reserve, the spectacular altiplanic lagoons and you will finish the tour in the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt desert in the world, where you will contemplate one of the most magical sunrises that exist and the captivating immensity of the salt desert.
Keep in mind that in this tour you will travel long distances in 4x4 and visit very isolated areas at more than 4,500 meters above sea level with a cold climate, so we recommend acclimatizing to the altitude beforehand. If you are looking for extra comfort, we advise you to book the tour in private service with hotel accommodation.
🏠 On the shared service tour the first night you can choose between a shared or private room. The second night you will always stay in a private room with bathroom.
🔊 Please note that the tour ends in Uyuni, we offer another tour with departure and return to San Pedro.
Tour details
Included
- Pick up at your lodging in San Pedro de Atacama
- Transportation in a 7-seater 4x4 vehicle
- 1 night in a shared or private room (according to selected option)
- 1 night in a private room
- Sleeping bag (June, July, August, and September)
- Full board
- On the private tour: Spanish speaking guide (English speaking guide available as an extra)
Not included
- Entrance fee to Eduardo Abaroa National Park (150 BOB)
- Entrance fee to Hot Springs ($1 / 6 BOB)
- Incahuasi Island Park entrance fee ($5 / 30 BOB)
- Bolivia Border Fee (15 BOB)
- Other border taxes required according to nationality
- In shared group tour: guide not included.
Important information
🗻 It's important to be acclimated to the high altitude before starting the tour because the route passes through high-altitude areas.
❗ This tour includes two border crossings to access Bolivia and returns to Chile. Border crossing regulations may change, and we ask travelers to ensure they meet the requirements for entry to both countries ( i.e. health, immigration, and visas). You can find all the information about the nationalities required to apply for a visa and the necessary documentation to carry out the procedure by clicking here. The border crossing may be delayed during the outbound and return journey.
🌧️ During during the rainy season (December to March) the itinerary may be modified, as the salt flats are flooded and some areas such as Inca Huasi Island may not be accessible. The driver will offer the best alternative to enjoy 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 shared service tour does not offer a guide. The driver makes short explanations in Spanish or very basic English of the places visited. If you prefer to take the tour with a guide, you can book the tour in private service.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellations!
If you have booked the tour with hostel accommodations in a shared or private room, and you cancel at least 72 hours before the tour starts, you will receive a refund of 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of a no-show, the booking will be considered a no-show and no refunds will be provided.
If you have booked the private tour with hotel accommodation and you cancel at least 30 days before the tour starts, you will receive a refund of 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of a no-show, no refunds will be provided.
Tour itinerary
DAY 1 San Pedro de Atacama - Green and Red Lagoons - Villa Mar
Lodging (according to selected option)
- Shared room in Villa Mar Hostel
- Private room in Hostal Villa Mar
- Private room in Hotel Mallku Cueva ⭐⭐⭐
San Pedro de Atacama
The tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats from San Pedro de Atacama starts at 7:00 am with a transfer from your accommodation. When the whole group has been collected by the shuttle bus, you’ll head to the Bolivian border. Here you’ll meet your 4x4 car driver for the adventure, stamp passports, eat breakfast, and load all your luggage.
The adventure begins!
White Lagoon and Green Lagoon
After crossing the Bolivian border, you’ll enter directly into the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. This is where most of the day’s stops will be. The first stop is a visit to the White Lagoon, located at the foot of the Licancabur Volcano and one of the most beautiful sights on the 3-day tour. The next stop is Green Lagoon followed by crossing the aptly named Salvador Dali Desert, a large plateau surrounded by imposing mountains.
Polque Hot Springs - Geysers
The tour continues to the Polque Hot Springs. Enjoy a bath in the natural thermal waters contrasting with the cool crisp air. It’s a singularly relaxing experience!
Just a few meters from the hot springs, you’ll enjoy lunch with your group. Take in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape while you chow down and socialize before moving on to Sol de La Mañana Geyser Field. Full of fumaroles and small geysers, it’s sure to intrigue your adventurous spirit.
Red Lagoon
Onward to the most well-known and most-photographed sight: the Red Lagoon. Inhabited by an immense colony of flamingos, take time to walk the long path next to the lagoon and snap a few photos of them. Then head to Villa Mar, where you’ll eat dinner with your group and spend the night in a shared or private room (depending on your reservation).
DAY 2 Villa Mar - Valley of Rocks - Salt Hotel in Colcha K
Lodging (according to selected option)
- Private room in Hotel de Sal Tambo Loma
- Private room at Palacio de Sal Hotel (or similar) ⭐⭐⭐
Valley of Rocks and Lost Italia
After breakfast, visit two sites known for their rock formations: the Valley of Rocks and Lost Italy. They are increasingly popular with travelers for the whimsical shapes of its rocks, particularly The Camel.
Black Lagoon
The last but not least of the lagoons: Black Lagoon also known as Hidden Lagoon. As your guide prepares lunch, stretch your legs and have a gander at the interesting wildlife inhabiting the lagoon. Again, flamingos call this place home but they have an unlikely neighbor: llamas living in the adjacent little green valley. At 1:00 pm share lunch with your guide and group members while you eat among the local fauna.
Anaconda Canyon and Sora Wetland
After lunch, continue to Anaconda Canyon. From the canyon witness the immense Bolivian Altiplano with its twisting rivers snaking its way across the valley floor. To see it in its entirety, hike to lookout points (caution: for travelers with a fear of heights, you might want to sit this one out). Next, your driver will begin the journey to your accommodations. On your way, you’ll pass the Sora Wetland (a high-altitude wetland), home to llamas, vicuñas (gazelle-like deer), and foxes.
Return to the accommodation
After two days on the road, your guide will make a stop at an idyllic local shop that’s a favorite among the locals. Rest here and crack open a cold one (try the homemade beer brewed from quinoa!) and if technology permits, connect to Wi-Fi. At sunset, you’ll arrive at the finest salt hotel in the area, Tambo Loma Salt Hotel, and dine with sweeping views of the altiplano. Finally, get some shut-eye in rooms entirely made of salt.
HOWLANDERS' COMFORT BONUS💙
Howlanders’ Uyuni Salt Flats from San Pedro de Atacama includes extra comfort on the second night. You’ll be staying at The Tambo Loma Hotel, one of the finest salt hotels in the area. Enjoy a private room with a private bathroom, even if you booked the shared room option.
Remember: if you'd like to enjoy the comfort of the private room on both nights, you’ll have to book the tour with the PRIVATE ROOM option.
💬If you're looking for superior comfort, the tour offers a third option for premium accommodations. This option is only offered as a private service for your group, it includes the first night at Hotel Mallku Cueva and the second night at Hotel Palacio de Sal, Luna Salada, or Cristal Sañana (subject to availability).
DAY 3 Salt Hotel in Colcha K - Uyuni Salt Flats - Uyuni
Uyuni Salt Flats
Rise and shine 🎶! The sunrise won’t wait, so get an early start at 5:00 am to set off for the Uyuni Salt Flats. Once there, make yourself comfortable, wrap up to stay warm, and wait a few minutes to witness one of the most magical sunrises in the world.
Incahuasi Island 🌵
After sunrise, continue exploring the salt flats before heading out to Incahuasi Island. Eat breakfast at the foot of the island overlooking the immense panorama. Incahuasi is particularly interesting as it is home to a unique ecosystem of giant cacti. And thanks to its elevation, the island offers the choicest views of the Salar de Uyuni and the "mirror effect" on the salt flats, so don’t be shy! Take a few pics for the gram.
Please note that during the rainy season, the island may not be accessible if the area is too flooded.
Uyuni Salt Flats - Colchani
During the rainy season (January-March), your guide will take you to the flooded salt flat to observe the surreal mirror effect. If you’ll be visiting in the dry season, your guide will walk you out to the middle of the salt flat to take one-of-a-kind pictures. Your guide is truly a jack-of-all-trades; a chef, guide, driver, photographer, and more!
Dakar Monument - Island of the Flags
Before reaching Colchani, stop in the salt flat at the Dakar Sculpture and the famous Island of the Flags. After arriving in Colchani, you’ll have free time to buy some local artisan crafts. This is the best time to buy souvenirs.
Lunch in Uyuni town and Train Cemetery
Two days lunching in a "rolling restaurant" will leave you yearning for a stable meal. So today, the driver will not cook! Share lunch with your group in a restaurant in Uyuni Town. After, make the last stop of the tour at the Train Cemetery, where there remains what was once a symbol of Bolivian industry. Finally, say goodbye to your group and end the tour to the Uyuni Salt Flats from San Pedro de Atacama.
What to bring to Tour to the Uyuni Salt Flats from San Pedro de Atacama
Keep in mind that during the tour you will be above 4,000 meters, so it is very important to acclimatize to the altitude and wear warm clothes. During the months of June to September the weather is very cold, so it is very important that you take plenty of warm clothes. Below we indicate what you should not miss in your backpack:
- Passport
- Warm clothing (yes, the weather is very cold)
- Waterproof jacket
- Swimming costume
- Towel
- Sandals
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Cash (approximately $40 / 250 Bolivianos)
- Toilet paper
- 2 litres of water per person
Where does the tour Tour to the Uyuni Salt Flats from San Pedro de Atacama start
The tour begins in San Pedro de Atacama. If arriving in San Pedro de Atacama from Santiago de Chile, the best option is to fly directly to Calama. At Howlanders, you can also book a private transfer between Calama Airport and San Pedro.
If you’re arriving from Peru, most likely you’ll be coming from Cusco or Arequipa. If so, we recommend taking a bus that crosses the Arica-Tacna border to San Pedro de Atacama. Although it’s a somewhat complex combination, there are no direct buses.
Questions & Answers
Where can I find additional information about the Salar de Uyuni tour from San Pedro de Atacama?
To learn more about this tour we recommend you to read the post written in our blog by our colleague telling her experience in Uyuni in first person.
What are the difference between shared and private rooms in hostels?
Shared rooms have three to six beds for a group of travelers and the bathroom is shared with other rooms on the same floor. To take a hot shower on the first night, it'll cost 10 Bolivianos or $1.50. The private room has a private bathroom with hot water for both nights and it is not shared with other travelers.
What are the hostels like?
On our tour, the accommodations at the Uyuni Salt Flats are of higher quality than other accommodations in the area. Also with Howlanders, you will always be assigned a private room. The accommodations at Villa Mar are slightly more basic, due to a lack of high-quality accommodations in the area. Both accommodations have hot water and heating in common areas. For some, this may not reach the level of comfort desired, therefore we recommend booking the tour with stays at hotels. Keep in mind that this tour is an expedition to a very rural and economically underdeveloped area.
What kind of vehicle is used for the tour?
The cars used on the tours are typically 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers that seat seven (six seats for the travelers and one for the driver).
Can I choose a special diet: vegetarian, gluten free…?
Of course! Don’t forget to write your dietary restrictions in the “notes” section when making your reservation. Please list all foodborne allergies, especially if you might need special/medical attention.
For vegetarian/vegan diets: high-protein foods such as tofu or tempeh will not be available, so we recommend bringing an additional supplement or snack.
Do I need a visa to cross the border?
Everyone (regardless of nationality) will need a “single migratory card" or Tarjeta Única Migratoria (TUM). This is a document you will receive with the stamp on your passport when arriving in Chile. For entry to Bolivia: some nationalities are required to obtain a visa or pay a tax at the border. At Howlanders, we recommend consulting your corresponding embassy.
Why doesn't the tour include a guide, is it necessary?
In our opinion, the role of a guide on this tour does not weigh heavily on the outcome and quality of the experience. This is because the most important aspects of the tour revolve around visiting sites and rely less on the information and history regarding them.
The driver is very familiar with the area and can explain some aspects of the sites throughout the tour, however, they typically don't fulfill the role of a guide and they also don't speak English. In most cases, a traveler in the group understands Spanish, and can translate for the driver.
At Howlanders, we are convinced that whether you hire a tour with a shared service without a guide or in private service with a guide, you will enjoy the experience in both cases.
Will the tour be particularly cold?
From April to September the temperatures are very low. During the day temperatures reach around 50ºF (10ºC) but at night drop to 23ºF (-5ºC). The months of June, July, and August are particularly cold. From October to March, the temperature is warmer, where days often rise to 68ºF (20ºC) and nights drop to 41ºF (5ºC).
How much luggage can I bring?
We recommend not exceeding 40 lbs (18kg). Your luggage will go on top of the 4x4 and will be protected with a waterproof insulator. We recommend bringing a small bag for your camera, water, snacks, etc. You will only have access to your luggage when you are in the accommodations. If your tour includes the transfer to Chile there is no luggage limitation.
When can we see the mirror effect?
The mirror effect is produced during the rainy season (January, February, and March). It is a phenomenon also known as reflections and it causes the sky to be reflected in the salt flat itself.
Do I have to bring water or the drinks are included?
Drinks are included but ONLY for meals. You should bring a half-gallon or 2-liter water bottle for the first day of the tour. After the first day, you can buy water during the journey but it is important to have Bolivianos to pay for it.
Can I buy snacks, sodas or alcoholic drinks during the tour?
Yes, at some stops during the journey you can find small shops to buy them. Prices are double outside of Uyuni.
Can I exchange money at the border?
No, there are no currency exchange locations or ATMs, you can change to pesos Bolivianos while in San Pedro.
How can I avoid altitude sickness?
Due to the high altitude of the Salar, altitude illness is a possibility. That is why we recommend staying a day or two in San Pedro de Atacama to get your body used to the altitude. We recommend drinking a lot of water, eating lightly, avoiding alcoholic drinks, and taking pills for altitude sickness (if you think you'll need them). Although no physical exertion is required during the tour, in some areas you will be close to 16,400 ft (5,000 m) above sea level, so it is important to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the tour.
Does the driver speak English? Will the driver give us general knowledge throughout the tour and help take photos?
Your driver will speak basic English, so you can't expect history channel-level information but you can expect friendly and professional guide service. And they will certainly help you take nice pictures :)
Is the itinerary modified during the rainy season?
Only if the conditions do not allow the original itinerary to be maintained, however, we will always visit the main attractions of the tour: the Uyuni Salt Flat and the Laguna Colorada. The two most common modifications are a result of:
- Inaccessibility of Incahuasi Island due to excessive flooding in the surrounding area.
- Inability to cross the Hito-Cajones border (requires modifying part of the first and fourth day's itinerary)
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