On Experiences · Uyuni, Bolivia
THREE-DAY SALT FLATS TOUR FROM SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Highlights:
Tour Details
Embark on a 3-day expedition from San Pedro de Atacama into the heart of the Bolivian Altiplano, ending at the iconic Uyuni Salt Flats. Travel through volcanic geysers, flamingo-filled lagoons, ancient rock art, dramatic canyons, and endless white salt plains stretching to the horizon. With private rooms and bathrooms included each night, this is an unforgettable journey through one of the wildest corners of the planet.
Price
- English-speaking guide
- Spanish-speaking driver
- From USD $339 per person
Duration
- 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Depart: 7:30 AM (Day 1) from San Pedro de Atacama
- Return: ~2:00 PM (Day 3) in Uyuni
What's Included
- Pick up from local hotels, bus terminal, and airport in San Pedro de Atacama.
- Transfer from San Pedro de Atacama to Hito Cajón border
- 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser transportation with driver
- Meals: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
- 2 nights accommodation with private rooms and private bathrooms
- English-speaking guide (1 per 11 people) or Spanish-speaking driver (you choose)
What's Not Included
- Gratuities for your guide
- Souvenirs
- Entrance fee: Eduardo Avaroa National Park ($22)
- Entrance fee: Incahuasi Island ($5)
- Border tax ($2.50)
- Extra snacks and drinks
- Bathroom use along the route (approx. $3)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Any personal expenses
- Transfers to and from La Paz
- Others not detailed
What to Bring
- Sunglasses – The sun's reflection on the salt flats can be intense.
- Sunscreen & Lip Balm – High UV exposure and dry air can affect your skin.
- Comfortable Clothing – Light layers for the day, warm layers for the evening.
- Hat & Scarf – Protection from the sun and cold winds.
- Comfortable Shoes – Sneakers or hiking shoes for walking on rough terrain.
- Camera & Extra Batteries – Capture the stunning landscapes and unique mirror effect.
- Personal Medications – Any necessary medicine, including altitude sickness pills if needed.
- Snacks – Extra energy for the long day.
- Rain Jacket (Rainy Season: Dec–March) – Be prepared for wet conditions.
- Cash in Small Bills – For entrance fees, tips, or small purchases in local villages.
- Valid Passport – Required for border crossing from Chile to Bolivia.
Meeting/End Location
- Hotel pickup in San Pedro de Atacama - the tour ends in Uyuni
Reviews
Itinerary
Day 1: San Pedro de Atacama to the Bolivian Altiplano
Hotel Pickup & Border Crossing
Collected from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama by minibus, heading to the Chile-Bolivia border for immigration procedures on both sides.
Border Crossing & Vehicle Change
Upon arriving at the Bolivian border at 4,400m, transfer to a Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD for a group of 6.
Laguna Verde & Laguna Blanca
Two stunning lakes at the foot of the Licancabur Volcano, with vivid colors caused by mineral content.
Dalí Desert
A surreal landscape whose extraordinary combination of colors and rock formations resembles the paintings of Salvador Dalí.
Thermal Hot Springs
Relax in open-air pools at a comfortable 35°C, surrounded by stunning Andean scenery.
Sol de Mañana Geysers
At 5,000m altitude, walk among fumaroles and boiling mud craters reaching temperatures between 150–200°C.
Laguna Colorada Viewpoint
A striking red-colored lake at 4,300m, home to three species of flamingos and rich Andean flora and fauna.
Day 2: Villamar to Atulcha
Tomas Lakha
Visit pre-Incan rock paintings from the Quechua culture, offering a fascinating glimpse into Bolivia's ancient civilizations.
Italia Perdida
Explore striking volcanic rock formations that resemble a petrified city, where imagination runs wild among the surreal shapes and structures.
Laguna Vinto
A scenic stop to observe Andean flamingos in their natural habitat.
Laguna Catal
A true high-Andean paradise featuring a beautiful walk surrounded by volcanic rocks, native flora, and Andean fauna.
Valle de Rocas
A remarkable valley of sculpted rock formations shaped by wind and time.
Anaconda Canyon
Take in a spectacular panoramic landscape through one of the region's most dramatic canyons.
Sora Canyon
Pass through this canyon where large herds of camelids roam freely across the Altiplano.
Day 3: Atulcha to Uyuni
Uyuni Salt Flats Sunrise
Head out early to witness the sunrise over the world's largest salt flat, spanning over 12,000 km² of breathtaking white expanse.
Incahuasi Island
Hike to the top of this unique island rising from the salt flat, home to giant cacti and ancient petrified coral rock formations.
Perspective Photography Session
Stop across the endless salt flat for a fun and creative photo and video session playing with scale and perspective.
Playa Blanca Salt Hotel
Visit Bolivia's first salt hotel, now an open-air museum, a remarkable testament to the region's salt architecture history.
Dakar Monument
A brief visit to the monument commemorating the legendary Dakar Rally, which crossed these very salt flats.
Ojos del Salar
Discover the fascinating Eyes of the Salt Flat, small freshwater pools that emerge naturally from beneath the surface.
Salt Mounds & Colchani Village
Visit active salt mining areas and the village of Colchani, where local artisans craft unique souvenirs from salt and produce beautiful textiles from llama and alpaca wool.
Train Cemetery
Explore the iconic graveyard of century-old steam locomotives on the outskirts of Uyuni, a hauntingly beautiful site steeped in Bolivia's railway history.
Arrival in Uyuni
Arrive in Uyuni city at approximately 1:00 PM for a farewell lunch, with the tour concluding at the office at approximately 2:00 PM.
Important Notes
Please notify us of any dietary restrictions or preferences when making your reservation.
A basic vegetarian meal option is available upon request.
The sunset depends on the weather conditions and clear skies.
The colors of the lagoons, including Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde, depend on weather conditions. Their vibrant hues are most visible under clear skies and good sunlight. In rare cases of heavy snowfall, access to Laguna Colorada may be restricted.
For shared tours, the first night accommodation is very simple and rustic, as it is the only option available in this remote area. There are only two hours of electricity.
Rainy Season (January to April): The Uyuni Salt Flats may be covered with water. Incahuasi Island may be inaccessible. Accommodation may change. Weather conditions may alter the route for safety reasons.
The mirror effect is more likely during the rainy season but depends entirely on natural rainfall. This phenomenon is natural and cannot be guaranteed.
Border Crossing: Hito Cajón is normally open year-round, but may close temporarily during extreme weather (around 10-20 days per year). If closed, the route may be adjusted via Ollagüe. Additional costs may apply if rerouting is required.
Valid passport required for the Chile-Bolivia border crossing.
Private Tour?
Contact
Contact us to arrange a private or custom tour tailored to your group.
*Our site is available in multiple languages, but customer support is provided in English and Spanish only.
Terms
With Trip Protection: Cancel up to 48 hours prior to departure for a full refund (bank fees or transaction costs will be deducted).
Tour operates rain or shine, itinerary may be adjusted in severe weather.
Itinerary may be modified without prior notice due to factors beyond our control. No refunds for these changes.
Travel Insurance: Passengers are strongly encouraged to have international travel insurance.
Passenger Responsibility: Travelers must bring appropriate clothing, have valid documents, and adhere to scheduled times.
Transportation Conditions: Vehicles may vary in model and condition but meet basic operational requirements.
Changes Due to Group Size: If more than 50% of the group cancels, On Experiences may adjust the tour date.
Flight Delays: We are not responsible for flight delays, but we will do our best to assist passengers.
Rainy Season: If roads are flooded, it may not be possible to stay in salt lodges. Passengers may return to Uyuni for accommodation.
No Show and Late Cancellations: Same day or within 24 hours = No Show, no refund. 25-47 hours before = 50% refund. 48+ hours = 100% refund.
Check-in Time: Passengers must be at our office by 10:10 AM for check-in before departure.
Refund requests must be submitted in writing to now@onex.travel and processed within 10 business days.
Rescheduling: Free if requested 3+ days before. 2 days before incurs Bs 50 fee. Same-day subject to No Show policies.