Uyuni Salt Flat Tour from San Pedro de Atacama 4 days
4-day tour to the Salar de Uyuni with departure and return to San Pedro de Atacama (Chile)
Briefing
Departing and returning to San Pedro de Atacama, the tour to Salar de Uyuni from San Pedro de Atacama in 4 days is a classic among travelers. We work with the best drivers and accommodations available for you to enjoy this expedition. During the tour you will travel through a very diverse Andean landscape, visiting the main attractions of the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, passing through the Salvador Dali desert, the Polque hot springs, the Geyser field, the spectacular altiplanic lagoons and the great Salar de Uyuni, where you will see a magical sunrise.
Keep in mind that during the tour you will travel long distances in 4x4 and visit very isolated areas with extreme weather and in some areas at an altitude of over 4,500 meters, so if you are looking for more comfort we advise you to book the private option in hotels.
🔊 This tour starts and returns to San Pedro de Atacama. If you prefer to end or start the tour in Uyuni, we also offer those options.
🏘️ The tour offers hotel accommodation in private rooms or hostels. The accommodation in hostels always offers the second night in a private room, the other two nights you can choose shared or private room.
Are you ready for these 4 days? 🤩 Below we tell you all the details:
Tour details
Included
- Transfer San Pedro de Atacama - Hito Cajón Border Crossing Point
- Transportation in a 7-seater 4WD vehicle during the tour.
- 3 nights lodging (according to option chosen)
- Sleeping bag (June, July, August and September)
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
- Water and soft drinks during meals
- On private tour: Spanish speaking guide (English speaking guide available as an extra)
Not included
- In group tour: guide not included
- Eduardo Abaroa National Park Entrance Fee (150 BOB)
- Entrance to Hot Springs (6 BOB)
- Incahuasi Island Park Entrance Fee (30 BOB)
- Bolivian Border Exit Tax (15 BOB)
- Other required border fees according to nationality
Important information
It is very important to make a good acclimatization to the altitude before starting the tour, as the tour runs through high altitude areas.
This tour includes two border crossings to access Bolivia and return to Chile. Access regulations may change, and we ask travelers to make sure they meet the requirements for access to the country both in terms of health and immigration (visas). You can see all the information about the nationalities that need to apply for a visa and the necessary documentation to carry out the procedure by clicking here. The border crossing can be delayed both on the outward and return journey.
🕗 During the rainy season (January-March) the end time may be considerably delayed, so we recommend not to take any transport or flight to another place for the same day. The itinerary may vary in adverse weather conditions or due to force majeure to ensure the safety of travelers. In case it is not possible to access the Incahuasi Island, the visit will be substituted by a sunset view of the salt flat.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation!
If you have booked the tour with hostel accommodation, in shared or private room, and you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of the tour, you will receive 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of no-show, the reservation will be considered a no-show and no refunds will be given.
If you have booked the private tour with hotel accommodation and you cancel at least 30 days before the tour starts, you will receive 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of no-show, the reservation will be considered a no-show and no refunds will be given.
Tour itinerary
DAY 1 San Pedro de Atacama - Verde and Colorada Lagoons - Villa Mar
Lodging (according to selected option)
- Shared room in hostel in Villamar
- Private room in hostel in Villamar
- Private room in Mallku Cueva Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐
San Pedro de Atacama
The 4-day tour to the Salar de Uyuni from San Pedro de Atacama will start at 7:00 a.m. with the pick up at your accommodation. You will board the minibus that will take you to the Bolivian border. You will stamp your passport and while the drivers prepare the 4x4 and load your luggage, you will have breakfast. Everything ready, the adventure begins!
Laguna Blanca and Laguna Verde
You will access the Eduardo Avaroa National Andean Fauna Reserve, where you will spend most of the day. The first stops will be Laguna Blanca and Laguna Verde, located at the foot of the Licancabur Volcano. You will continue to the Salvador Dali Desert, a large altiplanic plain surrounded by imposing mountains, an incredible high Andean landscape.
Polques Hot Springs - Morning Sun Geysers
The trail continues to the Polque Hot Springs, where you will change in small changing rooms and enjoy a bath in natural thermal water that contrasts with the cold weather. The challenge is to get out of the hot springs!
After a meal overlooking the landscape surrounding the hot springs, the Sol de la Mañana Geyser field awaits you, full of fumaroles and small geysers that make it a unique landscape where you can feel the power of nature.
Colorada Lagoon
Finally, you will arrive at the Laguna Colorada, one of the most spectacular of the altiplano and undoubtedly the most photographed of the itinerary. You will take a short walk along the edge to explore this place, where 3 different species of flamingos nest. You will then head to Villa Mar, where you will have dinner and spend the night in the type of room chosen during your reservation.
DAY 2 Villa Mar - Valle de las Rocas - Hotel de Sal en Colcha K
Lodging (according to selected option)
- Private room in Tambo Loma Salt Hostel
- Private room in Palacio de Sal Hotel ⭐⭐⭐
Valley of Rocks and Lost Italy
After breakfast, you will visit Italia Perdida, natural geological formations reminiscent of the desert landscapes of cowboy movies. Next to this area is the Valley of Rocks, a plain full of rocks of volcanic origin that with erosion have created shapes known as the World Cup or The Camel, where you will spend some time taking some fun pictures.
Vinto Lagoon and Black Lagoon
You will continue the route between different lagoons until you reach the Vinto Lagoon. If the weather permits you will hike along its shore, otherwise, you will continue straight to the Negra Lagoon (or Escondida Lagoon). In this area you will have an hour free to walk along the road to the lagoon itself and walk through the valley full of llamas that flows into the lagoon itself. When you return to the car, the driver will be waiting for you with the table set. You will have lunch with the group and continue with the adventure.
Anaconda Canyon and Sora Wetlands
The Anaconda Canyon offers panoramic views with the meandering river at the bottom of the canyon itself. From natural viewpoints you will appreciate the immensity of this place. In the final stretch of the day, you will make one more stop at the Sora wetland, a place chosen by many birds and especially by camelids, full of endemic flora of the altiplano.
We especially like this place because it contrasts with the other slightly more arid areas and lets you see the diversity of the Bolivian altiplano.
Salt lodging
On the way to your accommodation you will stop in a small village that has a store where you can have some local beers (yes, artisanal beers from the Bolivian altiplano). Also, technology permitting, you will be able to connect to their Wi-Fi. Finally, at sunset you will head to the best salt hotel in the area, where you will dine overlooking the altiplano and rest in a private room built entirely of salt.
BONUS COMFORT HOWLANDERS💙
Howlanders' 4-day Uyuni tour from San Pedro de Atacama includes a comfort bonus for the second night. This day you will stay in one of the best salt hotels in the area: The Tambo Loma Hostel, and you will have a private room with private bathroom, even if you book the tour in a shared room.
If you want to enjoy the comfort of the private room both nights, you will have to book the tour with the option PRIVATE ROOM.
💬 If you are looking for superior comfort, the tour has a third option of premium hotel accommodation. This option is also offered in private service and includes the first and third night's accommodation at the Mallku Cueva Hotel and the second night at the Palacio de Sal Hotel.
DAY 3 Salt Hotel in Colcha K - Salar de Uyuni - Uyuni Pueblo - Villa Mar
Lodging (according to selected option)
- Shared room in Hostel in Villa Mar
- Private room in a hostel in Villa Mar
- Private room at Mallku Cueva Hotel ⭐⭐⭐
Uyuni Salt Flats
Today it's time to get up early! Dress warmly because at 5:00 a.m. you will set off for the Salar de Uyuni. When you arrive, you will wait with the whole group to experience one of the most magical sunrises in the world. Take out your camera and capture that special moment.
Incahuasi Island 🌵
You will continue to Incahuasi Island, a place that houses a unique ecosystem full of giant cacti and that, thanks to its elevation, becomes one of the best spots to enjoy the views and take more pictures of the Salar de Uyuni. You will have breakfast at the foot of the island to recharge your batteries, we assure you that it will be one of the best breakfasts with the best views you have ever experienced. It's time to head to the next stop: photo session in the Salar de Uyuni.
Uyuni Salt Flats - Colchani
You have already seen a good part of the Salar de Uyuni and now it's time to take some pictures. In the rainy season (January - March) you will go to the flooded part to see the surreal mirror effect. In the dry season you will be located in the center of the salt flats to take some incredible pictures, you will be amazed by the driver's skill with the pictures!
Dakar Monument - Island of the Flags
The last stops in the salt flats will be to visit the Dakar sculpture and the famous Isla de las Banderas. Finally, you will leave behind a long morning in the salt flats and head to Colchani, where you will visit the local handicraft stores, where all travelers take the opportunity to take a souvenir of this adventure.
Lunch in Uyuni town - Train cemetery - Villamar
After two days having lunch in the "portable restaurant" thanks to the skill of the driver, today is the day to enjoy a restaurant. So you will take advantage of the proximity to Uyuni village to have lunch at leisure.
Then you will head to the outskirts of Uyuni town, to the train cemetery, a landscape formed by the remains of what was once a symbol of Bolivian development. After the visit, you will head back to Villa Mar, to return to the lodging where you spent the first night.
DAY 4 Villa Mar - Hito Cajón Border - San Pedro de Atacama
Return to San Pedro de Atacama
At 5:00 a.m. you will have breakfast in the dining room of the lodge and head for the border between Chile and Bolivia, a journey of approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, you will complete the corresponding formalities and board the private minibus that will be waiting to take you to San Pedro de Atacama, where you will arrive around 1:00 noon and the 4-day tour to the Salar de Uyuni from San Pedro de Atacama will come to an end.
What to bring to Uyuni Salt Flat Tour from San Pedro de Atacama 4 days
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:
- Cash (approximately 300 Bolivianos)
- Passport
- Warm clothes (yes, the weather is very cold)
- Waterproof jacket
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- Sandals
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen and lipstick
- Personal hygiene items
- Toilet paper
- 2 liters of water per person
Where does the tour Uyuni Salt Flat Tour from San Pedro de Atacama 4 days start
The tour starts in San Pedro de Atacama. If you arrive 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 de Atacama.
If you are arriving from Peru you will most likely be arriving from Cuzco or Arequipa. In this case we recommend you to take a bus that crosses the Arica-Tacna border and then takes you to San Pedro de Atacama, although it is a somewhat complex combination, since it is necessary to combine several buses.
Finally, you can also get to San Pedro directly from Salta (Argentina) in a direct bus that takes approximately 11 hours.
Questions & Answers
What is the difference between hotels and hostels?
In the area there are only these two types of accommodations, rustic hostels and luxury hotels. If you book the tour in hotels, the service is totally private only for your group and you will have a room with private bathroom. If you book in hostels the tour will be in shared service with accommodation in shared or private rooms according to your choice.
What are the differences between shared and private rooms in hostels?
The shared room has between 3 and 6 beds that are occupied by other travelers. The bathroom is shared with other rooms. The hot water shower on the first night costs 10 Bolivianos. The private room has a private bathroom with hot water shower during the two nights and is not shared with other travelers.
What are the hostels like?
On our tour, Sal's accommodations are of a higher quality than the rest of the accommodations in the area, and you will always be assigned a private room. The accommodation at Villa Mar is slightly more basic, as there are no higher quality accommodations in the area. Both accommodations have hot water and heating only in common areas, although it may not reach the level of comfort desired by all travelers, in which case we recommend booking the tour in hotels. Keep in mind that this tour is an expedition to a very unpopulated and economically underdeveloped area.
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. Seats are changed between travelers throughout the tour.
Do I need a visa to cross the border?
All nationalities need the Tarjeta Única Migratoria (TUM), which you will receive together with the stamp in your passport when entering Chile. Regarding access to Bolivia, some nationalities need to obtain a visa or pay a fee at the border. From Howlanders we recommend you to consult with the corresponding embassy.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 the 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 bringing an additional supplement or snack.What is the temperature during the tour?
From April to September temperatures are very low. During the day they are approximately 10ºC (50ºF) while at night they drop to -5ºC (23ºF). Of all these months, June, July and August are especially cold, while between October and March temperatures are warmer, exceeding 20ºC (68ºF) during the day and dropping to 5ºC (41ºF) at night.How much luggage can I carry?
The weight of your luggage must not exceed 18 kilograms. The luggage will be placed on the roof of the 4x4, protected by a waterproof insulator. We recommend carrying a small backpack for your camera, water, snacks, etc. The items located on the roof will only be accessible upon arrival at the lodge.When can the mirror effect be seen?
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.Is the itinerary modified during the rainy season?
It depends on the conditions. Normally certain areas are flooded and the itinerary is modified for safety reasons. In the case of Incahuasi, where it is more common, since it is not accessible, alternative areas are visited.Can I get altitude sickness during the tour?
Yes, although it is usually mild because of not making physical efforts, some travelers have symptoms, since in some areas you are approaching 5,000 meters above sea level. That is why we recommend acclimatizing to the altitude before starting the tour. In San Pedro de Atacama we offer different excursions that take place at an altitude that will allow your body to adapt.
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