Explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes of the Bolivian Altiplano with the Uyuni Salt Flat 3 Days / 2 Nights One Way program from San Pedro de Atacama.
This journey begins in San Pedro de Atacama and ends in Uyuni, Bolivia, allowing travelers to continue exploring Bolivia without returning to Chile. It is a very popular option among backpackers and travelers seeking an authentic, adventurous, and budget-friendly experience through some of South America’s most extreme landscapes.
Traveling in shared Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 vehicles, the expedition crosses the Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve while visiting colorful lagoons, volcanoes, geysers, high-altitude deserts, and the spectacular Uyuni Salt Flat.
Accommodation during the expedition is very basic, with shared double or triple rooms in Altiplano refuges. Due to the remote conditions of the Bolivian Altiplano, electricity, running water, and hot showers may be limited during parts of the journey. Showers are generally only available on the second night and may require an additional local fee.
During the expedition, travelers reach altitudes of up to 4,300 meters above sea level. Depending on the season, nighttime temperatures may drop well below freezing, reaching as low as -15 °C during winter months such as June and July.
Ideal for adventurous travelers, backpackers, photographers, and those seeking an authentic Uyuni Salt Flat experience.
Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Transportation
Shared 4x4 vehicle
Recommendations
- Bring thermal clothing and warm layers
- Wear a hat, gloves, and windproof jacket
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Bring a reusable water bottle
- Bring extra snacks
- Dress in layers due to sudden temperature changes
- Avoid alcohol before and during the expedition
- Bring cash in Bolivian currency for entrance fees and personal expenses
- Bring a power bank or extra batteries due to low temperatures
Schedule

between 6:30 and 7:00 am - Pick up from your hotel in San Pedro
About 100 kilometres from Calama, the world's driest desert hides a small oasis called San Pedro de Atacama. It's an adobe town and dirt roads that have stolen the hearts of thousands of tourists for the charms of Atacameña and Spanish culture contained in each of its buildings. What do you say you come with me and we go around
Minibus transfer to Hito Cajón (Chile – Bolivia border)

Colored Lagoons
Laguna Colorada is a breeding place for Andean flamingos, migratory birds that number in the thousands in its mineral-rich waters. It is located within the Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Abaroa, Bolivia, in the altiplano potosino.

Laguna Blanca
The Blanca Lagoon is a body of surface water located on the border between the Department of Potosí, Bolivia, and the Antofagasta Region, Chile. It is the equilibrium point of a large endorheic basin that is bordered to the west by the Laguna Verde basin (Bolivia) (this basin has its own Laguna Blanca (Bolivia)), to the east and south by

Laguna Verde
Laguna Verde is a high Andean saltwater lagoon in Bolivia, located in the Eduardo Abaroa National Andean Fauna Reserve in the altiplano in the department of Potosí, near the border with Chile.

Salvardor Dalí Desert
The Salvador Dalí desert or simply Dalí desert is a desert in southwestern Bolivia, located south of the department of Potosí within the Eduardo Abaroa National Andean Fauna Reserve and south of the Chalviri salt flat. It is at an average altitude of 4750 m a.s.l. and covers an area of approximately 110 km². It is so named because it

Thermal baths Polques
The Polques Hot Springs are one of the most relaxing and amazing destinations that can be found in the excursions to the Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this place and how you can make the most of it on your next vacation.

Geyser Sol de Mañana (Morning Sun)
El Sol de Mañana is a desert area of approximately 2 km², located in southern Bolivia, in the department of Potosi, south of Laguna Colorada on the road to the Salar de Chalviri, at an altitude of 4850 m a.s.l., within the Eduardo Abaroa National Andean Fauna Reserve. This area is characterized by intense volcanic activity (including fumaroles and geysers),

Laguna Colorada (Colorfull Lagoon)
Laguna Colorada is a breeding place for Andean flamingos, migratory birds that number in the thousands in its mineral-rich waters. It is located within the Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Abaroa, Bolivia, in the altiplano potosino.
Accommodation in one of the shelters near Laguna Colorada

Siloli Desert
The Siloli is a desert in southwestern Bolivia, located in the department of Potosi. Administratively, it is located within the municipality of San Pablo de Lípez in the province of Sud Lípez. It is characterized by its rocky formations as a result of the strong winds in the region. The desert is considered one of the driest in the world1

Rock Tree
The Stone Tree, which was declared a natural monument, is a geomorphological formation of the rocky mushroom type due to wind erosion that stands out from a set of volcanic rocks of different shapes located in a sandy area, Siloli desert, at the entrance of the Eduardo Avaroa National Andean Fauna Reserve in southwestern Bolivia, located in the department of

Hedionda Lagoon
The Hedionda Lagoon is a Bolivian saltwater lagoon located in the department of Potosi, near the border with Chile, with an approximate area of 4.5 km². It is located near the Cañapa lagoons and many others.

Chiguana Desert and Puerto Chuvica
Chuvica is a city located at the gates of the Salar de Uyuni, known for its hotel built entirely of salt.

Hostal of Salt
Hostal made almost entirely of salt in the town of Puerto Chuvica.
Salar de Uyuni

Incahuasi Island
It is one of the main tourist attractions in Bolivia, thanks to the attraction of the Salar de Uyuni, also known in the region as Salar de Tunupa, which is the largest salt desert in the world.1 The island operates a tourist reception center belonging to the community of municipalities of Llica and Tahua, in whose territory the island is

Ojos de Agua (eyes of water)
These "eyes" of the salar are the places where air escapes precisely by forming small lakes in the heart of the salar. This is manifested through bubbles that rise to the surface with the mineral-laden water.
Salt Museum

Colchani Handicraft Market
Near the shores of the Salar de Uyuni is Colchani, a small town that is characterized for being the main producer of salt in the country and from where the condiment that reaches almost every Bolivian home comes from.

Graveyard of trains
The Train Cemetery is a site of abandoned trains on the edge of the Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia. It is located southwest of the city of Uyuni, a few kilometers from the city center, and is said to be the largest railway cemetery in the world.

The tour will end in the city of Uyuni
Uyuni is a municipality and tourist city in southwestern Bolivia, capital of the province of Antonio Quijarro in the department of Potosí. It has a population of 20 958 in 2012.1 Being a tourist center in the region, Uyuni is connected to the country's main cities by the Joya Andina Airport (opened in 2011). During 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017,
Frequently Asked Questions
The program starts in San Pedro de Atacama with transportation toward the Chile-Bolivia border.
The expedition ends in the town of Uyuni, Bolivia, allowing travelers to continue exploring Bolivia without returning to Chile.
Depending on the itinerary and weather conditions, the route may include:
- Green Lagoon
- White Lagoon
- Dalí Desert
- Red Lagoon
- Siloli Desert
- Stone Tree
- Sol de Mañana Geysers
- Altiplano hot springs
- Uyuni Salt Flat
- Incahuasi Island
The Uyuni Salt Flat can be visited year-round:
- Dry season (April to November): completely white and dry landscapes.
- Rainy season (December to March): possibility of witnessing 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, creating giant mirror-like reflections.
Yes. Temperatures can drop below freezing during nights and early mornings, especially in winter and high-altitude sectors.
Yes. Due to the high altitude reached during the route, it is recommended to spend several days acclimatizing in San Pedro de Atacama before starting the expedition.
No technical experience is required, although altitude and long travel days may cause physical fatigue.
The program includes basic Altiplano refuge-style accommodations designed mainly for adventurous travelers and backpackers. Rooms are usually shared double or triple rooms, and services are limited due to the extreme conditions of the Bolivian Altiplano.
Electricity, hot water, and showers may be limited during parts of the expedition. Showers are generally only available on the second night and may require an additional local payment.
During winter, nighttime temperatures can fall below freezing, so thermal clothing and proper winter gear are highly recommended.
One-way programs end in Uyuni, Bolivia, while round-trip programs return to San Pedro de Atacama after the expedition. One-way programs are ideal for travelers planning to continue exploring Bolivia.
Thermal clothing, windproof jackets, gloves, hats, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes for cold and dry weather are recommended.
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
Administrative costs associated with managing and confirming your reservation, including payment processing and coordinating services with local operators.
Not Included
- Visas and visa processing if required
-
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. -
Guide/Translator
It can be requested for an additional cost for the group. - Medical, accident or travel insurance
General Conditions
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This itinerary is subject to change without notice based on weather conditions, strikes, blockades or force majeure events beyond our control. We will always do our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible. 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 during the dry season. As a consequence, the itinerary is modified during that period. The main changes are usually the following: Instead of sleeping in the Puerto Chuvica Salt Hostel, we will stay in a standard hostel in the city of Uyuni, and from there we will enter the Salar as far as conditions allow, if possible we will visit IncaWasy Island. Otherwise we will stop at a place where the water reflects the sky and where it seems that the sky and the ground merge into one. This trip takes place at very high altitude. The sites are over 3,650 metres above sea level, and most guests will feel the effects of altitude. We recommend acclimatising to over 2,000 metres before the trip and bringing along medication for headaches and altitude sickness tablets in case you feel unwell. Remember to drink plenty of water and eat light meals!
The accommodations during this service are in remote areas where you will be far from comfortable, modern facilities and services will sometimes be slow and quite basic. Due to the rough terrain, vehicle breakdowns are not uncommon, but drivers are well accustomed to fixing breakdowns and waiting times are rarely excessive. Vehicles are usually 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers, which are not new but are in good condition. Accommodation will be very basic, with shared double or triple rooms, and electricity and running water are scarce. Showers will only be available on the second night, these may have a small local cost. You will be sleeping up to 4,300 meters above sea level and depending on the season, temperatures can drop well 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 woolly hat for cold nights. When you return to your starting point, please bring only the necessary material and clothing during the trip.
By purchasing a program, it is automatically established that the travel agent and client are notified and accept all the clauses of these general conditions:
The company reserves the right not to carry out any of these excursions for reasons of force majeure.
Passengers must return to the vehicle at the times defined by the guide during the excursion, in addition to complying with the recommendations. and instructions, being the passenger's responsibility to be at the indicated meeting point at the appointed time, otherwise the passenger must pay and coordinate his/her return transportation.
In the case of no-show at the time of departure, without prior documented cancellation, or late arrival, it will 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 of the passenger.
The company is not responsible for the loss of personal items left inside the vehicles and accommodations.
Entrance fees to parks and museums are NOT INCLUDED, unless expressly included in the program.
Entrance fees to parks may be subject to change without prior notice, so it is recommended to reconfirm before leaving on the tours.
Prices subject to change without prior notice.
Commercial Conditions
Cancellation Policies
- Cancellations with 7 days or more before arrival: 90% refund.
- Cancellations with 6 days or less before arrival are not eligible for a refund.
Our apply on this service.
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Uyuni Backpackers One Way
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