SalarUyuni.cl


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  • Experiences

  • Hostal

  • Transportation

  • Guide

Discover the Uyuni Salt Flat and the most striking landscapes of the Bolivian altiplano on a 4-day, 3-night expedition from San Pedro de Atacama, travelling in 4x4 vehicles and enjoying a format with greater comfort and privacy.

Along the way you'll get to know extraordinary places such as Laguna Blanca and Laguna Verde, the Salvador Dalí Desert, the Polques Hot Springs, the Sol de Mañana geysers and Laguna Colorada. The adventure continues among rock formations, cave paintings and singular landscapes such as Italia Perdida, Laguna Vinto, the Anaconda Canyon and the Sora Canyon, until you reach the remarkable Uyuni Salt Flat.

On the salt flat you'll visit some of its most emblematic spots, such as Incahuasi Island, the Ojos del Salar, the Dakar Monument, Colchani and the Train Cemetery, as well as enjoying its incredible landscapes and the traditional perspective photographs.

The main difference of this Comfort format lies in the accommodation: for all three nights you'll have a private room and private bathroom, giving you a better rest at the end of each day. An excellent alternative for those who want to live the whole Uyuni adventure with a higher level of comfort.

It's an excellent alternative for couples, adult travellers and those who prefer to rest better after the long days of exploring, while keeping the spirit of adventure that makes this trip unique.

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

Transport: Shared 4x4 vehicle

Accommodation: rooms with private bathroom

Day 1 | Altiplano Lagoons and VolcanoesActivity 1 of 9

Location data is only shown as a references and may differ from reality.

Physical Demand
Medium
Expedition of medium to medium-high physical demand due to the extreme altitude of the route, which exceeds 4,500 metres above sea level on several stretches. Although the walks are usually short and technically simple, the altitude, the cold, the wind and the long travel days can cause tiredness, headaches or physical fatigue. We recommend doing this program after several days of acclimatisation in San Pedro de Atacama.
Experience
For Everyone
No previous experience needed.

Day 1 | Altiplano Lagoons and Volcanoes

Uyuni Classic Comfort
Pick-up in San Pedro de Atacama

Between 6:30 and 7:00 am the adventure begins with a pick-up at your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama and the transfer toward the border with Bolivia.

Gate arch reading "Aduana Nacional de Bolivia – Apacheta Hito Cajones" over a dirt road with an SUV crossing into Bolivia's
Border crossing – Hito Cajón

We reach Hito Cajón, at the foot of the Andes. After completing immigration formalities, we switch to the 4x4 vehicle that will take us across the Bolivian altiplano.

Uyuni Classic Comfort
Laguna Blanca

Our first great postcard of Bolivia. A pale-toned lagoon surrounded by volcanoes and open landscapes, at more than 4,000 metres above sea level.

Uyuni Classic Comfort
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.

Uyuni Classic Comfort
Dalí Desert

We cross a landscape of mountains, rocks and wide plains that seems lifted from a surrealist painting. One of the most singular settings along the whole route.

Uyuni Classic Comfort
Polques Hot Springs

Time to enjoy a soak in natural thermal waters, surrounded by the immensity of the altiplano. A perfect moment to unwind before continuing the expedition.

Steam venting from geothermal fumaroles across a barren high-altitude volcanic landscape at Sol de Mañana, Bolivia
Sol de Mañana Geysers

We visit one of the most striking geothermal areas in Bolivia, with fumaroles, steam and mud pools in constant activity.

Uyuni Classic Comfort
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.

Small Andean village with low buildings, dramatic rocky cliffs, and mountains under a clear blue sky
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

Ancient red ochre pictographs depicting human figures and animals painted on a cracked sandstone rock surface.
Tomas Lakha – Rock Paintings

After breakfast at the hostel we head to Tomas Lakha, where we see ancient pre-Inca rock paintings associated with Quechua culture.

Camel-shaped rock formation in a high-altitude desert landscape, with a person sitting on top and barren hills behind.
El Camello

We continue our journey visiting this striking volcanic rock formation, naturally shaped until it took on a singular appearance recalling a camel.

Aerial view of eroded red rock ruins at Italia Perdida, Bolivia, with two small SUVs parked nearby and Andean plains beyond
Italia Perdida

We visit Italia Perdida, a fascinating set of rock formations that looks like a true petrified city. A surprising landscape where the natural shapes invite you to play with your imagination.

Flamingos wading at Laguna Vinto's salt-crusted shores with snow-capped Andean peaks under a vivid blue sky
Laguna Vinto

Our next stop is Laguna Vinto, a beautiful altiplano landscape where Andean flamingos can be observed in their natural surroundings.

Aerial view of Cañon Anaconda with a winding green river cutting through arid rocky desert landscape and sandstone cliffs
Anaconda Canyon

We continue toward the impressive Anaconda Canyon, one of the most singular landscapes on this route and where, with some luck, the Andean condor can be spotted.

Llamas and alpacas grazing near a reflective wetland at Caños de Sora, with red rock cliffs under a blue sky
Sora Canyon

The route continues to Sora Canyon, surrounded by altiplano landscapes and areas where llamas and other camelids are commonly seen.

Aerial view of Colcha K village in Bolivia, nestled between arid hills with a river valley and flat saltplain in the
Night in a Salt Hostel

We end the day with a very special experience: sleeping in accommodation built with salt blocks, right in the surroundings of the Salar de Uyuni, with twin and double rooms, all equipped with a shower and private bathroom.

Day 3 | The Great Salar de Uyuni

Vasta planície branca do Salar de Uyuni com padrões hexagonais de sal, montanhas ao fundo e céu azul com nuvens.
Salar de Uyuni

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.

Isla Incahuasi covered in tall cacti overlooking the vast white Salar de Uyuni salt flat in Bolivia under cloudy skies
Incahuasi Island

In the middle of the salt flat rises this surprising island covered in giant cacti. From its surroundings you get some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Uyuni.

Uyuni Classic Comfort
Ojos del Salar

We visit small natural openings in the salt crust where groundwater surfaces, letting us observe up close the particular formation of the salt flat.

Uyuni Classic Comfort
Dakar Monument and Plaza de las Banderas

We visit the iconic Dakar Monument and the colourful Plaza de las Banderas, two of the most recognisable postcards of the Salar de Uyuni, located next to the old Playa Blanca Salt Hotel.

4WD vehicles parked along a dusty road beside the Colchani artisan market stalls under a clear blue sky
Village of Colchani

We visit this small village at the gateway to the salt flat, known for its tradition tied to salt extraction and its local handicrafts market.

Uyuni Classic Comfort
Train Cemetery

Old locomotives and carriages rest in the middle of the desert, creating one of the most curious and photogenic settings in Uyuni.

Yellow clock tower and pink colonial building on a sunny plaza in Uyuni, Bolivia, with pedestrians and vehicles nearby
Uyuni

We arrive in the town of Uyuni, the main gateway to the salt flat and the northernmost point of our journey.

Small Andean village with low buildings, dramatic rocky cliffs, and mountains under a clear blue sky
Return to Villa Mar

In the afternoon we begin the way back toward the southern altiplano, where we spend our last night in accommodation with a private room and bathroom.

Day 4 | Return to San Pedro

Small Andean village with low buildings, dramatic rocky cliffs, and mountains under a clear blue sky
Departure from Villa Mar

We start early, around 6:00 am, once again crossing the impressive landscapes of the Bolivian altiplano on the way to the border.

Gate arch reading "Aduana Nacional de Bolivia – Apacheta Hito Cajones" over a dirt road with an SUV crossing into Bolivia's
Hito Cajón – Bolivia/Chile Border

We arrive at Hito Cajón to complete immigration formalities and change vehicles to continue our journey into Chile.

Uyuni Classic Comfort
Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama

We descend from the mountains to San Pedro de Atacama, where this four-day adventure through some of Bolivia's most extraordinary landscapes comes to an end. Estimated arrival around 1:00 pm.

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 resembling a giant mirror.

Yes. Temperatures can drop below zero during the nights and early mornings, 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 lets you adapt easily 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 accommodations have electricity, although due to the weather conditions and the limited power supply, we recommend bringing a power bank or extra batteries.

Included

  • 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
  • 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
  • Guide/Translator
    It can be requested for an additional cost for the group.
  • Medical, accident or travel insurance
  • 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 depending on weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks or force majeure events beyond our control.

We will always do everything possible to follow the itinerary as closely as we can. During the rainy season, from January to April, the Uyuni Salt Flat fills with water, so it isn't possible to cross it in the same way as in the dry season.

For that 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 Salt Flat as far as conditions allow, visiting Incahuasi Island if possible.

Otherwise, we stop at a point where the water reflects the sky and where it seems as though sky and ground 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'll be far from comfortable, modern facilities, and services will at times be slow and fairly 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 4×4s, 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'll sleep at up to 4,300 metres above sea level and, depending on the season, temperatures can drop well below zero (reaching under -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 7 days or more before the service date: 90% refund.
  • Cancellations with 6 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, 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 items left inside the vehicles and accommodation.
  • Entrance fees to parks and museums are NOT INCLUDED, unless they are expressly included in the program.
  • Park entrance fees may change without prior notice, so we recommend reconfirming 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.

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