SalarUyuni.cl


Questions? Contact GreatChile
+56 223 347 802WhatsAppreservas@greatchile.com

  • Experiences

  • Hostal

  • Transportation

  • Guide

Cross the Bolivian altiplano from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni, combining adventure, extraordinary landscapes and a higher level of comfort.

Live a 3-day, 2-night expedition travelling in 4x4 vehicles through some of the most striking scenery of the Bolivian altiplano. From San Pedro de Atacama we cross the mountain range to discover Laguna Blanca, Laguna Verde, the Salvador Dalí Desert, the Polques Hot Springs, the Sol de Mañana Geysers and Laguna Colorada, before continuing towards lesser-known landscapes such as Tomas Lakha, Italia Perdida, Laguna Vinto and the Anaconda and Sora canyons.

The third day is devoted to the great Uyuni Salt Flat, visiting emblematic spots such as Incahuasi Island, the Ojos del Salar, the Dakar Monument and the Plaza de las Banderas, along with Colchani and the Train Cemetery. The adventure ends in the city of Uyuni, a good option for those who wish to continue their journey towards other destinations in Bolivia without returning to San Pedro de Atacama.

The Comfort option lets you enjoy this authentic expedition with better resting conditions: both nights are spent in private rooms with a shower and private bathroom, including one special night in lodging built from salt blocks.

A good fit for travellers looking for high-altitude landscapes, photography, extreme nature and a practical way to continue their trip from San Pedro de Atacama into Bolivia.

Duration: 3 days / 2 nights

Transport: Shared 4x4 vehicle

Lodging: rooms with private bathroom

Day 1 | Lagoons and Volcanoes of the AltiplanoActivity 1 of 9

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

Physical Demand
Medium
An expedition of medium to medium-high physical demand due to the extreme altitude of the route, which exceeds 4,500 metres above sea level in several sectors. 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 | Lagoons and Volcanoes of the Altiplano

Uyuni Comfort One Way
Pick-up in San Pedro de Atacama

Between 6:30 and 7:00 am we begin the adventure with pick-up at your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama and 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 arrive at Hito Cajón, at the foot of the Andes mountain range. After completing immigration formalities, we switch to the 4x4 vehicle that will accompany us across the Bolivian altiplano.

Uyuni Comfort One Way
Laguna Blanca

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

Uyuni Comfort One Way
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 shades it can take on depending on the light and the wind.

Uyuni Comfort One Way
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 along the whole route.

Uyuni Comfort One Way
Polques Hot Springs

Time to enjoy a soak in natural hot springs, surrounded by the immensity of the altiplano. A perfect moment to relax 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 Bolivia's most striking geothermal areas, with fumaroles, steam and mud pools in constant activity.

Uyuni Comfort One Way
Laguna Colorada

We close the day in front of 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 | Andean Deserts and 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'll head to Tomas Lakha, where we'll see ancient pre-Incan rock paintings associated with the

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

We'll continue our journey by visiting this striking volcanic rock formation, naturally shaped over time until it took on a

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

We'll visit Italia Perdida, a fascinating group of rock formations that looks like a true petrified city. A surprising landscape

Flamingos wading at Laguna Vinto's salt-crusted shores with snow-capped Andean peaks under a vivid blue sky
Laguna Vinto
Aerial view of Cañon Anaconda with a winding green river cutting through arid rocky desert landscape and sandstone cliffs
Anaconda Canyon

We'll continue on to the impressive Anaconda Canyon, one of the most distinctive landscapes along this route and a place

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 toward Sora Canyon, surrounded by altiplano landscapes and areas where it's common to spot llamas and other

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 double and twin 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 anticipated 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 Comfort One Way
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 Comfort One Way
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 former Playa Blanca Salt Hotel.

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

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 Comfort One Way
Train Cemetery.

Old locomotives and railcars 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
Lunch in the city of Uyuni

We arrive in the town of Uyuni, the main gateway to the salt flat. After lunch, at around 3:00 pm, the One Way programme ends here.

Frequently Asked Questions

A comfort program means the experience keeps the adventurous character of the journey across the Bolivian altiplano, but with better lodging and rest conditions than a backpacker program.

It's a recommended alternative for travelers who want to see the Salar de Uyuni and its most iconic landscapes, but who value greater comfort along the route, especially when sleeping and recovering after long days at altitude.

A one-way program means the route starts in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, and ends in Uyuni, Bolivia.

This option is ideal for travelers who don't plan to return to Chile and prefer to continue their journey through Bolivia. Unlike round-trip programs, this alternative saves the time of the return leg and connects you with other Bolivian destinations.

The program starts in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, with a transfer toward the border between Chile and Bolivia.

The route ends in Uyuni, Bolivia, which lets you continue traveling through other Bolivian destinations without returning to San Pedro de Atacama.

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.

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.
  • 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
  • Medical, accident or travel insurance

General Conditions

The driver is also your guide, a local Spanish-speaking guide. You can also request this tour with an English-speaking guide on a private basis.

The itinerary may change without prior notice due to weather conditions, road blockades, strikes or other force majeure situations. We will always aim to keep the original program.

Between January and April, rainfall can flood the Uyuni Salt Flat and prevent the usual crossing. In that case, the stay at the salt hostel may be replaced by a standard hostel in Uyuni and only the accessible sectors will be visited. The visit to Incahuasi Island is subject to ground conditions. When reaching it is not possible, safe areas will be sought to enjoy the characteristic mirror effect.

The route runs above 3,650 metres of altitude and nights can be spent at up to 4,300 metres. We recommend acclimatising beforehand above 2,000 metres, drinking plenty of water, eating light meals and carrying your usual altitude sickness medication, following medical advice.

The lodgings are simple and located in remote areas, with basic services. Private single or double rooms with a private bathroom are used.

The trip is made in 4x4 vehicles, generally Toyota Land Cruisers. Because of the terrain, breakdowns or delays may occur, although the drivers are trained to handle them.

During winter, especially in June and July, temperatures can drop below −15 °C. Thermal clothing, a warm jacket, hat, gloves and scarf are essential.

We recommend travelling only with the luggage and clothing needed for the route.

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

  • In the case of a single passenger, a supplement of USD 80 for a single room must be added. Total program value: USD 460.
  • The company reserves the right not to operate any of these excursions due to force majeure.
  • Passengers must return to the vehicle at the times set by the guide during the excursion, and follow the recommendations and instructions. It is their responsibility to be on time at the indicated meeting point; otherwise, the passenger must pay for and arrange their own return transport.
  • No-show at departure time, without prior documented cancellation, or late arrival, means the TOTAL loss of the amount of the SERVICE.
  • The company is not liable for any accident and/or personal injury caused by carelessness 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 lead to what is known as altitude sickness.
  • The passenger is responsible for being in good health or for having had the relevant medical check-ups before the trip.
  • The company is not responsible for the loss of personal items left inside the vehicles or the lodgings.
  • Park and museum entrance fees are NOT INCLUDED, unless expressly included in the program.
  • Park entrance fees may change without prior notice, so we recommend reconfirming before setting out 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.

Other services you might like

Programs & Tours

Woman posing on Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni salt flat creating a forced perspective illusion with a tiny person standing on her
Uyuni Backpackers Classic

4 days / 3 nights (round trip)

Experience one of the most spectacular journeys across the altiplano on this 4-day, 3-night program from San Pedro de Atacama, travelling in 4x4 vehicles through some of Bolivia's most surprising landscapes all the way to the extraordinary Salar de Uyuni, the largest continuous salt flat in the world

Hostal Transportation Guide
per person, from
CL$ 347 500
4.3/5 (3 reviews)
Photographer standing on the reflective Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia, sky and clouds mirrored on the wet surface
Uyuni Classic Comfort

4 days / 3 nights (round trip)

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.

Hostal Transportation Guide
per person, from
CL$ 502 000
Three travelers posing beside a roof-rack-loaded 4WD on the vast white Uyuni Salt Flat under a vivid blue sky
Uyuni Backpackers One Way

3 days / 2 nights (one way)

3 days / 2 nights · San Pedro de Atacama → Salar de Uyuni → Uyuni

Hostal Transportation Guide
per person, from
CL$ 285 000
Group of tourists sitting on salt block stairs structure on the vast white Uyuni Salt Flat under bright blue sky
Luxury Uyuni

4 days / 3 nights (round trip)

Discover the Salar de Uyuni on a premium 4-day / 3-night experience from San Pedro de Atacama, designed for those who want extraordinary landscapes with more comfort, privacy and high-end services.

Hotel Transportation Guide