Uyuni Salt Flats Tour from San Pedro de Atacama – 3 Days
Shared tour departing from San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) and ending in Uyuni (Bolivia)
Tour highlights
Uyuni Salt Flats Tour from San Pedro de Atacama – 3 Days
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.
In this 3-day shared tour, you will travel in a 4x4 vehicle through the natural wonders of Bolivian accompanied by other travelers: 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 14,500 ft 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 private room.
🏠 Even if you book the shared room option, on the second night you will always stay in a private room with bathroom.
🔊 Please note that the tour ends in Uyuni, we offer another Uyuni Salt Flats tour with departure and return to San Pedro de Atacama.
Discover the Uyuni Salt Flats with top-rated tours. Find the one that suits you best 👉 Uyuni Salt Flat Tours.
Tour details
Uyuni Salt Flats Tour from San Pedro de Atacama – 3 Days
Included
- Pick up at your lodging in San Pedro de Atacama
- Transportation in a 7-seater 4x4 vehicle
- 1st night in a shared or private room (according to selected option)
- 2nd night in a private room
- Sleeping bag (June, July, August, and September)
- Full board
Not included
- Entrance fee to Eduardo Abaroa National Park (150 BOB)
- Entrance fee to Hot Springs ($5 / 30 BOB)
- Incahuasi Island Park entrance fee ($5 / 30 BOB)
- Bolivia Border Fee (15 BOB)
- Other border taxes required according to nationality
- Guide
Important information
Border requirements: During this tour, you will cross the border between Chile and Bolivia. Entry regulations may vary. It is the responsibility of each traveler to ensure they meet the current immigration and health requirements, including visas.
You can find all detailed information about the nationalities that require a visa and the documentation to present on the official Bolivia Tourism website. Please note that the border crossing process may involve delays both on the outbound and return journey.
Altitude: It is essential to properly acclimatize before starting the tour, as the itinerary runs through areas of high altitude.
Vehicle and Capacity: The tour is operated in 4x4 vehicles with 7 seats, occupied by 6 travelers and the driver.
Guide: The tour does not include a guide. The driver provides brief explanations in Spanish or very basic English. If you prefer to do the experience with a guide, you can book the private service.
Schedules: From April to September, pickup starts at 6:00 AM, and from October to March at 7:00 AM. The start and end times may vary due to delays at the border, so we recommend staying in San Pedro on the day the tour ends.
Rainy Season: During the rainy season (December to March), the itinerary may be modified due to flooding of the salt flat. Some areas, such as Inca Huasi Island, may not be accessible. The driver will suggest the best available alternative to enjoy the tour.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellations!
If you cancel at least 72 hours before the tour begins, you will receive a full refund of the amount paid. After this time, or in the event of a no-show, no refunds will be issued.
Tour itinerary
Uyuni Salt Flats Tour from San Pedro de Atacama – 3 Days
DAY 1 San Pedro de Atacama - Green and Red Lagoons - Villa Mar
Accommodation in shared or private room (depending on the selected option).
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 feet 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 smoke vents 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
Accommodation in private room in a salt hostel
Valley of the Rocks and Italia Perdida
After breakfast, you’ll begin the route through the Valley of the Rocks, known for its huge rock formations shaped by erosion. You’ll visit some of its most distinctive formations, including the World Cup, the Camel, and Italia Perdida.
You’ll then continue to Vinto Lagoon, surrounded by the landscapes of the Bolivian Altiplano.
Anaconda Viewpoint and Sora Wetland
The next stop will be the Anaconda Viewpoint, where you’ll see the river winding through the bottom of the valley.
Afterward, you’ll pass through Sora, a high-altitude wetland where you can often spot local wildlife such as llamas and vicuñas.
Lagunillas and Chullpas
The route continues through Lagunillas before visiting the Chullpas, ancient burial structures used by the communities that once inhabited this region.
During the route, you’ll stop for lunch before continuing with the afternoon visits.
Galaxias
You’ll visit Galaxias, unusual caves whose interior formations resemble a galaxy, giving the site its name.
Sunset at the Uyuni Salt Flat
To end the day, you’ll arrive at the Uyuni Salt Flat, where you’ll watch the sunset over the vast salt landscape.
Afterward, you’ll travel to Tambo Loma Salt Hotel, where you’ll have dinner and rest.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included today.
IMPORTANT – RAINY SEASON: Visits to Lagunillas, Chullpas, Galaxias, and the sunset at the Uyuni Salt Flat are subject to ground conditions. During the rainy season, especially from January through April, these areas may become flooded and inaccessible. If this happens, the itinerary will be adapted and you will be informed of any changes in advance.
HOWLANDERS COMFORT BONUS 💙
The Uyuni Salt Flat Tour from San Pedro de Atacama by Howlanders includes an extra level of comfort on the second night. You’ll stay at Tambo Loma Salt Hotel, where you’ll have a private room with a private bathroom, even if you book the shared-room option.
If you want a private room for both nights, you’ll need to book the “private room” option.
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
Uyuni Salt Flats Tour from San Pedro de Atacama – 3 Days
Please note that during the tour you will be above 4,500 meters altitude, so it is essential to acclimatize beforehand and bring appropriate clothing.
During the months of June to September, the weather is especially cold, so it is very important to bring plenty of warm clothing.
Below you will find what you must not forget in your backpack:
- Cash (approximately 300 Bolivianos)
- Passport and Tarjeta Única Migratoria (TUM, also known as PDI)
- Printed documentation required for the border crossing (e.g., visa or vaccination certificate if your nationality requires it)*
- Warm clothing (yes, the weather is very cold)
- Waterproof jacket
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Sandals
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal hygiene items
- Toilet paper
- 2 liters of water per person
*Remember that you can find all detailed information about the nationalities that require a visa and the documentation you must bring printed on the official Bolivia Tourism website.
Where does the tour start
Uyuni Salt Flats Tour from San Pedro de Atacama – 3 Days
The tour includes pick-up from accommodations in the center of San Pedro de Atacama. If you are staying on the outskirts, you will be provided with a meeting point in the center of San Pedro to start the tour from there.
If you wish, you can book the private transfer between Calama Airport and San Pedro de Atacama.
Questions & Answers
Uyuni Salt Flats Tour from San Pedro de Atacama – 3 Days
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 hostels like?
On our tour, the Salt Hostel offers higher quality than most accommodations in the area. In Villa Mar, where you will spend the first night, the lodging is more basic since there are no higher-end options in this remote region. That said, a big plus is that on the second night you will always have a private room, even if you book the shared room option.
Both accommodations provide hot water and heating in common areas, but comfort levels may not meet every traveler’s expectations. If you prefer greater comfort, we recommend booking the private tour with hotel stays. Keep in mind this is an expedition through a very remote and economically underdeveloped area.
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 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?
All nationalities must have a passport and the Tarjeta Única Migratoria (TUM), also known as the “PDI” (the name of the police institution that issues it), which you will receive together with the stamp in your passport when entering Chile. This document is also required to cross the border into Bolivia. 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?
If you are not returning to San Pedro de Atacama, there are no luggage restrictions. However, we recommend that your luggage does not exceed 40 pounds (18 kg). Your bag will be placed on the roof of the 4x4 vehicle, always protected with a waterproof cover. We recommend bringing a small backpack for your camera, water, snacks, and other personal items. Please note that luggage stored on the roof can only be accessed once you arrive at the accommodation.
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 day's itinerary)
Are the 4x4 vehicles equipped with oxygen?
Yes. The 4x4 vehicles are equipped with a small oxygen bottle for use if needed during the tour. If necessary, the driver will assist you and provide instructions on how to use it.
Uyuni Salt Flats from San Pedro de Atacama – 3 Days tour reviews with Howlanders
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