SalarUyuni.cl 
Live an unforgettable expedition across the Bolivian altiplano with the Salar de Uyuni program, 4 days / 3 nights from San Pedro de Atacama.
This trip lets you discover some of the most striking and remote landscapes in Bolivia, combining coloured lagoons, high-altitude deserts, volcanoes, geysers and the famous Salar de Uyuni, considered the largest salt desert on the planet.
Aboard shared 4x4 vehicles, travellers cross the Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, visiting emblematic places such as Laguna Verde, Laguna Blanca, Laguna Colorada, the Siloli Desert, the Stone Tree, the Sol de Mañana Geysers and altiplano hot springs. Along the way it is common to spot flamingos, vicuñas and spectacular volcanic landscapes of the Andean highlands.
The experience culminates at the Salar de Uyuni, located above 3,600 metres. Depending on the season, you can witness the famous mirror effect during the rainy months or enjoy the vast white expanses typical of the dry season.
The program is ideal for travellers looking for photography, extreme nature, high-altitude landscapes and unique experiences in South America.
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Transport: Shared 4x4 vehicle
Accommodation: rooms with private bathroom
Pick-up in San Pedro de Atacama
Between 6:30 and 7:00 hrs the adventure begins with a pick-up at your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama and a transfer toward the Bolivian border.
Border crossing – Hito Cajón
We arrive at Hito Cajón, at the foot of the Andes mountain range. After completing immigration procedures, we switch to the 4x4 vehicle that will take us across the Bolivian altiplano.
Laguna Blanca
Our first great postcard of Bolivia. A lagoon of pale tones surrounded by volcanoes and open landscapes, at more than 4,000 metres above sea level.
Laguna Verde
At the foot of the towering Licancabur volcano we discover one of the most emblematic lagoons of the altiplano, known for the surprising tones it can take on depending on the light and the wind.
Dalí Desert
We cross a landscape of mountains, rocks and vast plains that looks like it came out of a surrealist painting. One of the most singular settings on the whole route.
Polques Hot Springs
Time to enjoy a soak in natural thermal waters, surrounded by the immensity of the altiplano. A perfect moment to relax before continuing the expedition.
Sol de Mañana Geysers
We visit one of the most striking geothermal areas in Bolivia, with fumaroles, steam and mud pools in constant activity.
Laguna Colorada
We close the day facing one of the most spectacular landscapes of the Eduardo Abaroa Reserve: a lagoon of intense reddish tones where flamingos are commonly seen.
Night in Villa Mar
After a day full of extreme landscapes, we arrive in Villa Mar for dinner and rest in accommodation with a private room and bathroom.
Siloli Desert and Stone Tree
We travel through the spectacular Siloli Desert until we reach the famous Árbol de Piedra (Stone Tree), a striking natural formation and one of the most iconic landscapes of the Bolivian altiplano.
Cañapa, Hedionda and Chiarcota Lagoons
We continue among altiplano lagoons of intense colours, mountains and volcanoes. In this area we can also observe part of the characteristic Andean wildlife, especially flamingos.
Chiguana Desert
The landscape changes once again as we cross an immense plain surrounded by volcanoes. The sense of isolation and openness is one of the great attractions of this part of the trip.
Night in a Salt Hostel
We end the day with a very special experience: sleeping in accommodation built using salt blocks, right in the surroundings of the Uyuni Salt Flat.
Uyuni Salt Flat
The most awaited moment of the trip has arrived. We enter the largest salt flat in the world to travel across a seemingly endless white horizon, one of the most extraordinary natural landscapes in South America.
Incahuasi Island
In the middle of the salt flat rises this surprising island covered with giant cacti. From its surroundings you get some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Uyuni.
Ojos del Salar
We visit small natural openings in the salt crust where underground water rises to the surface, allowing us to observe up close the particular formation of the salt flat.
Dakar Monument and Flags Square
We visit the iconic Dakar Monument and the colourful Flags Square, two of the most recognisable postcards of the Uyuni Salt Flat, located next to the old Playa Blanca Salt Hotel.
Village of Colchani
We visit this small village located at the gateway to the salt flat, known for its tradition linked to salt extraction and its local handicraft market.
Train Cemetery
Old locomotives and wagons rest in the middle of the desert, creating one of the most curious and photogenic settings in Uyuni.
Uyuni
We arrive in the town of Uyuni, the main gateway to the salt flat and the northernmost point of our journey.
Return toward Villa Mar
In the afternoon we begin the journey back to the southern altiplano, where we will spend our last night in accommodation with a private room and bathroom.
Departure from Villa Mar
We start early, around 6:00 hrs, crossing once again the striking landscapes of the Bolivian altiplano on the way to the border.
Hito Cajón – Bolivia/Chile Border
We arrive at Hito Cajón to complete immigration procedures and change vehicles to continue our journey into Chile.
Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama
We descend from the mountain range to San Pedro de Atacama, where this four-day adventure through some of the most extraordinary landscapes of Bolivia comes to an end. Estimated arrival around 13:00 hrs.
Location data is only shown as a references and may differ from reality.
Day 1 | Altiplano Lagoons and Volcanoes
Pick-up in San Pedro de Atacama
Between 6:30 and 7:00 hrs the adventure begins with a pick-up at your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama and a transfer toward the Bolivian border.
Border crossing – Hito Cajón
We arrive at Hito Cajón, at the foot of the Andes mountain range. After completing immigration procedures, we switch to the 4x4 vehicle that will take us across the Bolivian altiplano.
Laguna Blanca
Our first great postcard of Bolivia. A lagoon of pale tones surrounded by volcanoes and open landscapes, at more than 4,000 metres above sea level.
Laguna Verde
At the foot of the towering Licancabur volcano we discover one of the most emblematic lagoons of the altiplano, known for the surprising tones it can take on depending on the light and the wind.
Dalí Desert
We cross a landscape of mountains, rocks and vast plains that looks like it came out of a surrealist painting. One of the most singular settings on the whole route.
Polques Hot Springs
Time to enjoy a soak in natural thermal waters, surrounded by the immensity of the altiplano. A perfect moment to relax before continuing the expedition.
Sol de Mañana Geysers
We visit one of the most striking geothermal areas in Bolivia, with fumaroles, steam and mud pools in constant activity.
Laguna Colorada
We close the day facing one of the most spectacular landscapes of the Eduardo Abaroa Reserve: a lagoon of intense reddish tones where flamingos are commonly seen.
Night in Villa Mar
After a day full of extreme landscapes, we arrive in Villa Mar for dinner and rest in accommodation with a private room and bathroom.
Day 2 | Deserts and Andean Lagoons
Siloli Desert and Stone Tree
We travel through the spectacular Siloli Desert until we reach the famous Árbol de Piedra (Stone Tree), a striking natural formation and one of the most iconic landscapes of the Bolivian altiplano.
Cañapa, Hedionda and Chiarcota Lagoons
We continue among altiplano lagoons of intense colours, mountains and volcanoes. In this area we can also observe part of the characteristic Andean wildlife, especially flamingos.
Chiguana Desert
The landscape changes once again as we cross an immense plain surrounded by volcanoes. The sense of isolation and openness is one of the great attractions of this part of the trip.
Night in a Salt Hostel
We end the day with a very special experience: sleeping in accommodation built using salt blocks, right in the surroundings of the Uyuni Salt Flat.
Day 3 | The Great Uyuni Salt Flat
Uyuni Salt Flat
The most awaited moment of the trip has arrived. We enter the largest salt flat in the world to travel across a seemingly endless white horizon, one of the most extraordinary natural landscapes in South America.
Incahuasi Island
In the middle of the salt flat rises this surprising island covered with giant cacti. From its surroundings you get some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Uyuni.
Ojos del Salar
We visit small natural openings in the salt crust where underground water rises to the surface, allowing us to observe up close the particular formation of the salt flat.
Dakar Monument and Flags Square
We visit the iconic Dakar Monument and the colourful Flags Square, two of the most recognisable postcards of the Uyuni Salt Flat, located next to the old Playa Blanca Salt Hotel.
Village of Colchani
We visit this small village located at the gateway to the salt flat, known for its tradition linked to salt extraction and its local handicraft market.
Train Cemetery
Old locomotives and wagons rest in the middle of the desert, creating one of the most curious and photogenic settings in Uyuni.
Uyuni
We arrive in the town of Uyuni, the main gateway to the salt flat and the northernmost point of our journey.
Return toward Villa Mar
In the afternoon we begin the journey back to the southern altiplano, where we will spend our last night in accommodation with a private room and bathroom.
Day 4 | Return to San Pedro
Departure from Villa Mar
We start early, around 6:00 hrs, crossing once again the striking landscapes of the Bolivian altiplano on the way to the border.
Hito Cajón – Bolivia/Chile Border
We arrive at Hito Cajón to complete immigration procedures and change vehicles to continue our journey into Chile.
Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama
We descend from the mountain range to San Pedro de Atacama, where this four-day adventure through some of the most extraordinary landscapes of Bolivia comes to an end. Estimated arrival around 13:00 hrs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Uyuni Salt Flat can be visited all year round:
Dry season (April to November): completely white landscapes and greater access to different areas of the salt flat.
Rainy season (December to March): the chance to see the famous mirror effect.
It is a natural phenomenon that occurs during the rainy season, when a thin layer of water covers the salt flat and creates reflections similar to a giant mirror.
Yes. Temperatures can drop below zero at night and in the early morning, especially in winter (May to August) and in the higher-altitude areas. For this reason, we recommend bringing warm clothing and dressing in layers, which makes it easy to adapt to the temperature changes along the route.
No technical experience is required, although the altitude and the long travel days can cause physical fatigue.
Some lodgings have electricity, although due to the weather conditions and the limited power supply, we recommend bringing a power bank or extra batteries.
Included
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Transfers
In Chile with a van and in Bolivia with a 4x4 vehicle -
Driver (only spanish speaking)
Serves as coordinator during the trip - Accommodations according to program
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Expert advice and coordination
Personalized guidance and coordination of your experience via phone, email, webchat, WhatsApp, and scheduled video calls. -
Booking Fee – Reservation Management
Included in the final price. This fee covers the administrative expenses associated with managing and confirming the reservation, processing payments, and coordinating the service with local operators.
Not Included
- Visas and visa processing if required
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Guide/Translator
It can be requested for an additional cost for the group. - Medical, accident or travel insurance
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Tickets to parks and museums
Park tickets are subject to change without prior notice, so it is recommended to reconfirm before leaving for the tours. - Medical, accident or travel insurance
General Conditions
This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks or force majeure events beyond our control.
We will always do everything possible to follow the itinerary as faithfully as we can. During the rainy season, from January to April, the Salar de Uyuni fills with water, so it is not possible to cross it in the same way as in the dry season.
For this reason, the itinerary is modified during that period. The main changes are usually the following: instead of staying at the Salt hostel, we stay at a standard hostel in the city of Uyuni, and from there we enter the Salar as far as conditions allow, visiting Incahuasi Island if possible.
Otherwise, we stop at a point where the water reflects the sky and where sky and ground seem to merge into one.
This trip takes place at high altitude. The sites exceed 3,650 metres above sea level, and most passengers will feel the effects of the altitude.
We recommend acclimatising above 2,000 metres before the trip and bringing headache medication and altitude sickness pills in case you feel unwell.
Remember, the real key is to drink plenty of water and eat light.
The accommodation during this service is in remote areas, where you will be far from comfortable, modern facilities, and services will at times be slow and quite basic.
Due to the rugged terrain, vehicle breakdowns are not uncommon, but the drivers are very used to repairing them and waiting times are rarely excessive. The vehicles are usually Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4s, which are not new but are in good condition.
Accommodation will be in simple hostels but in private single or double rooms with a private bathroom.
You will sleep at up to 4,300 metres above sea level and, depending on the season, temperatures can drop far below zero (reaching less than -15 degrees Celsius in the winter months of June and July) and the wind chill can be harsh, so bring plenty of warm clothing, such as a scarf and a wool hat for the cold nights.
When you return to your starting point, please bring only the gear and clothing needed during the trip.
Commercial Conditions
Cancellation Policies
- Cancellations with 10 days or more before the service date: 90% refund.
- Cancellations with 9 days or less before the service date are not eligible for a refund.
Other Conditions
GENERAL CONDITIONS
The driver will also be your guide, a local Spanish-speaking guide. You can also request this tour with an English-speaking guide on a private basis.
By purchasing a program, it is automatically established that the client is notified of and accepts all the clauses of these general conditions:
- In the case of a single passenger, a supplement of USD 130 must be added for a single room. Total program value: USD 650.
- The company reserves the right not to operate any of these excursions for reasons of force majeure.
- Passengers must return to the vehicle at the times set by the guide during the excursion, as well as follow the recommendations and instructions, it being their responsibility to be on time at the indicated meeting point; otherwise, the passenger will have to pay for and arrange their own return transport.
- Failure to show up at the departure time, without a prior documented cancellation, or arriving late, would mean the TOTAL loss of the amount of the SERVICE.
- The company is not responsible for any accident and/or personal injury caused by any imprudence on the part of the passenger.
- The passenger understands that this is a trip carried out above 4,000 metres above sea level and that this may cause what is known as altitude sickness.
- The passenger is responsible for being in good health or for having undergone the required medical examinations before the trip.
- The company is not responsible for the loss of personal belongings left inside the vehicles and accommodation.
- Park and museum entrance fees are NOT INCLUDED, unless they are expressly included in the program.
- Park entrance fees may change without prior notice, so it is recommended to reconfirm before leaving on the tours.
- Prices subject to change without prior notice.
- Bookings are valid once the requested payment and/or deposit has been made.
Our apply on everything not mentioned before.
