Uyuni Salt Flats -3DAY

3 Days 2 Nights

Uyuni Salt Flats – The World’s Largest Salt Flat in Bolivia

The Uyuni Salt Flats, located in the southwest of Bolivia, is the largest salt flat in the world and one of South America’s most spectacular natural attractions. Covering over 10,000 square kilometers, this vast salt desert is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking unique landscapes and unforgettable experiences.

The region is rich in natural resources and contains one of the largest lithium reserves on Earth, along with other valuable minerals. Beyond its economic significance, the Salar de Uyuni is renowned for its extraordinary natural beauty and surreal scenery.

Visitors can explore the immense white salt crust and nearby colorful lagoons, including Laguna Colorada, Laguna Verde, Laguna Amarilla, and Laguna Celeste, each named for the vibrant mineral-based colors that define them. The area is also home to impressive rock formations, volcanic landscapes, geysers, and natural hot springs, offering insight into the geological history of the planet.

Traveling across the Salar de Uyuni is an unforgettable adventure. During the winter season, the deep blue sky contrasts dramatically with the brilliant white salt surface. On cloudy days, a rare phenomenon known as the “whiteout effect” occurs, causing the horizon to disappear and creating the illusion that the sky and earth merge into one endless landscape.

BUS TRANSPORTATION

To participate in the Uyuni Salt Flat tour, you will need to travel by bus from La Paz to Uyuni the night before the tour begins.

The bus journey takes place overnight, allowing you to arrive in Uyuni early in the morning and begin the tour at the scheduled time.

LA PAZ → UYUNI

  • Departure from La Paz to Uyuni: approximately 9:00 PM, from the La Paz Bus Terminal.
  • Approximate arrival in Uyuni: 6:00 AM the following morning. Our staff will meet you at the bus terminal and transfer you to our office, where you will have free time to rest, have breakfast, and get ready before the tour begins at 10:30 AM.

TOUR SCHEDULE

  • Tour departure: 10:30 AM — Day 1
  • Tour ends: approximately 6:00 PM — Day 3
  • Return to Uyuni: At the end of the tour, you will arrive in Uyuni at approximately 6:30 PM.

UYUNI → LA PAZ

  • Departure from the Uyuni Bus Terminal to La Paz: approximately 9:00 PM.
  • Approximate arrival in La Paz: 6:30 AM the following day.

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Itinerary

  • Day
    1

    TRAIN CEMETERY – COLCHANI – UYUNI SALT FLATS – SUNSET

    10:30 AM  Start of the Adventure
    We begin the journey aboard a shared 4x4 tourist vehicle specially equipped to explore the Uyuni Salt Flats and the Bolivian highlands.

    • Train Cemetery
    Our first stop is the famous Train Cemetery, a historic site where old mining-era locomotives create a unique setting for photography.

    • Colchani – Artisan Village
    We continue to Colchani, a community dedicated to traditional salt production.

    Activities:
    • Shop for handicrafts and souvenirs.
    • Observe products made from salt.

    • Entering the Uyuni Salt Flats
    Inside the salt flats, we will visit:
    • Salt Eyes (Ojos de Sal)
    • Flags Square
    • Dakar Monument
    • Salt Museum

    Afterward, we will enjoy lunch in the middle of the salt flats.

    SEASONAL ACTIVITIES

    Dry Season (April to October)
    Visit to the famous Incahuasi Island, a limestone island completely surrounded by salt.

    Activities:
    • Hike to the viewpoint
    • 360° panoramic views
    • Observation of giant cacti

    Additional entrance fee: Bs. 30

    Rainy Season (November to March)
    During this season, the salt flats display the spectacular mirror effect.

    Visit:
    • Salt Sculptures

    Additional entrance fee: Bs. 20

    • Sunset at the Salt Flats
    We end the day enjoying an unforgettable sunset over the Uyuni Salt Flats, perfect for photography and contemplation.

    • Overnight in Hostel Accommodation
    Transfer to accommodation in Colchani for dinner and rest.

     
     

  • Day
    2

    HIGH-ALTITUDE LAGOONS – SILOLI DESERT – RED LAGOON

    Breakfast and Departure
    After breakfast, we begin our journey through stunning highland landscapes surrounded by volcanoes.

    • Chiguana Salt Flat
    Visit to the Chiguana Salt Flat, located among volcanoes and mountains of the Bolivian Altiplano.

    Along the route, we will visit:

    • Cañapa Lagoon
    Ideal for observing Andean flamingos and wildlife.

    • Hedionda Lagoon
    Known for its high mineral content and abundant birdlife.

    • Honda Lagoon
    A beautiful lagoon surrounded by volcanic scenery.

    • Chiarkota Lagoon
    Perfect for birdwatching and nature photography.

    Lunch
    Enjoy lunch surrounded by spectacular high-altitude landscapes.

    • Siloli Desert and Stone Tree
    We enter the impressive Siloli Desert, famous for its wind-sculpted rock formations.

    Here, we will see the iconic Stone Tree (Árbol de Piedra).

    • Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve
    Continuation into the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve.

    • Red Lagoon (Laguna Colorada)
    Visit the spectacular Red Lagoon, famous for its intense reddish colors and thousands of flamingos.

    Overnight in Refuge Accommodation
    Dinner and overnight stay in shared accommodation.

  • Day
    3

    GEYSERS – HOT SPRINGS – LAGOONS – RETURN TO UYUNI

    Early Departure
    We depart early in the morning to appreciate the sunrise and breathtaking highland landscapes.

    Sol de Mañana Geysers (5,000 m)
    Visit the Sol de Mañana geothermal field, featuring fumaroles and volcanic activity.
    Temperatures can reach approximately 90°C (194°F).

    • Polques Hot Springs
    Continue to the Polques Hot Springs, where you can relax in natural thermal waters.

    Additional entrance fee: Bs. 30

    • Salvador Dalí Desert
    Cross the famous Salvador Dalí Desert, known for its surreal landscapes.

    • Green Lagoon and White Lagoon
    Visit:
    • Green Lagoon
    • White Lagoon

    Located at the base of the majestic Licancabur Volcano.

    • Valley of Rocks
    Stop at the impressive Valley of Rocks, where erosion has created remarkable natural formations.

    • San Cristóbal
    Visit San Cristóbal, a small mining town with colonial history.

    6:00 PM | Return to Uyuni
    Arrival back in the city of Uyuni and end of tour.

THE TOUR INCLUDES:

  • Bus Transportation: Type of the bus sleeper bus, seat tilt 160° with heating / bathroom / cell phone chargers.
    • Bus  from la paz - uyuni
    • Bus  from uyuni - la paz
  • Transportation during the tour:
    • 4WD vehicle with rooftop luggage rack during
  • Staff:
    • Local driver, English - speaking guide
  • Meals
    Meals included during the tour (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
    • Day 1 (lunch, dinner).
    • Day 2 (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
    • Day 3 (breakfast, lunch).
  • Accommodation:
    • First Night in a hostel private room with shared Bathroom.
    • Second Night in a shared room and shared Bathroom.

NOT INCLUDED:

Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve entrance fee:

  • Foreign visitors: BOB 150

Polques Hot Springs entrance fee: BOB 30

Incahuasi Island entrance fee: BOB 30

Salt Sculptures entrance fee: BOB 20

Shower service: BOB 20

Additional beverages

Personal expenses

❌Insurance: The services provided do not include any type of insurance, whether for accidents, injuries, illnesses, or other unforeseen events. Each passenger is responsible for obtaining and maintaining any insurance they consider appropriate for their trip and participation in the activities.

PACKING LIST:

CLOTHING

Layering is key due to large temperature differences:

  • Fleece or warm jacket
  • Insulated jacket (down or synthetic) for nights
  • windproof jacket
  • Comfortable trekking pants
  • Warm hat / beanie
  • Sun hat or cap for daytime
  • Sunglasses
  • Comfortable shoes for walking (sturdy sneakers or light hiking boots)

 PERSONAL ITEMS

  • Backpack or daypack
  • Water bottles
  • Snacks / energy bars
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Personal toiletries (toothbrush, wet wipes, hand sanitizer)
  • Toilet paper (some remote sites may not provide)
  • Towel 

HEALTH & SAFETY

  • Personal medications
  • Altitude sickness medication (if recommended by doctor)

DOCUMENTS & EXTRAS

  • Passport / ID
  • Cash (small bills for tips, souvenirs, or local purchases)
  • Travel insurance

IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS

• Temperatures in the highlands may drop below freezing during the night.
• It is recommended to acclimatize to the altitude before the tour.
• The itinerary may vary depending on weather and road conditions.
• Ideal for travelers who enjoy nature, adventure, and photography.