SalarUyuni.cl 
Explore some of the most striking landscapes of the Bolivian altiplano with the Uyuni Salt Flat 3-day / 2-night one-way program from San Pedro de Atacama.
This journey starts in San Pedro de Atacama and ends in Uyuni, Bolivia, allowing you to continue travelling through the Bolivian altiplano without having to return to Chile. It is a popular alternative among backpackers and travellers looking for an authentic, adventurous and low-cost way to cross some of the most extreme landscapes in South America.
Aboard shared Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 vehicles, the expedition crosses the Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, visiting altiplano lagoons, volcanoes, geysers, high-altitude deserts and the vast Uyuni Salt Flat.
Along the way you will see landmarks such as Laguna Verde, Laguna Blanca, the Dalí Desert, Laguna Colorada, the Siloli Desert, the Stone Tree, the Sol de Mañana geysers and altiplano hot springs. The experience ends at the Uyuni Salt Flat, the largest salt flat on the planet and one of the most surprising landscapes in Bolivia.
The program includes very basic accommodation in altiplano refuges with shared double or triple rooms. Because of the extreme conditions of the altiplano, electricity, hot water and showers may be limited during part of the route. Showers are normally available only on the second night and may carry an additional local cost.
During the expedition you reach altitudes of up to 4,300 metres above sea level and, depending on the season, temperatures can drop well below 0 °C, reaching as low as -15 °C during the winter months of June and July.
Suited to adventurous travellers, backpackers, photography lovers and anyone looking for an authentic experience across the Bolivian altiplano and the Uyuni Salt Flat.
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Transport: Shared 4x4 vehicle
Pickup in San Pedro de Atacama
Between 6:30 and 7:00 hrs the adventure begins with pickup at your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama and transfer to the border with Bolivia.
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.
Laguna Blanca
Our first great postcard of Bolivia. A lagoon of pale tones surrounded by volcanoes and open landscapes, at over 4,000 metres of altitude.
Laguna Verde
At the foot of the imposing 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 along 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.
Accommodation at a backpacker hostel in Villa Mar
We end the day in Villa Mar, where we rest in a backpacker-style hostel, simple and welcoming, ideal for recovering energy before continuing the adventure across the Bolivian altiplano.
Siloli Desert and Stone Tree
We travel through the spectacular Siloli Desert until we reach the famous Stone Tree, a striking natural rock formation and one of the most iconic landscapes of the Bolivian altiplano.
Cañapa, Hedionda and Chiarcota Lagoons
We continue among high-altitude lagoons of intense colours, mountains and volcanoes. In this area we can also observe some 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 draws of this part of the journey.
Night at 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 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.
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.
Ojos del Salar
We visit small natural openings in the salt crust where underground water rises to the surface, letting us observe the particular formation of the salt flat up close.
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 Uyuni Salt Flat, located next to the former Playa Blanca Salt Hotel.
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 crafts 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.
Tour ends in the town of Uyuni
We arrive in the town of Uyuni, the main gateway to the salt flat. After lunch, around 15:00 hrs, the One Way programme ends here.
Location data is only shown as a references and may differ from reality.
Day 1: Altiplano Lagoons and Volcanoes
Pickup in San Pedro de Atacama
Between 6:30 and 7:00 hrs the adventure begins with pickup at your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama and transfer to the border with Bolivia.
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.
Laguna Blanca
Our first great postcard of Bolivia. A lagoon of pale tones surrounded by volcanoes and open landscapes, at over 4,000 metres of altitude.
Laguna Verde
At the foot of the imposing 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 along 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.
Accommodation at a backpacker hostel in Villa Mar
We end the day in Villa Mar, where we rest in a backpacker-style hostel, simple and welcoming, ideal for recovering energy before continuing the adventure across the Bolivian altiplano.
Day 2: Andean Deserts and Lagoons
Siloli Desert and Stone Tree
We travel through the spectacular Siloli Desert until we reach the famous Stone Tree, a striking natural rock formation and one of the most iconic landscapes of the Bolivian altiplano.
Cañapa, Hedionda and Chiarcota Lagoons
We continue among high-altitude lagoons of intense colours, mountains and volcanoes. In this area we can also observe some 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 draws of this part of the journey.
Night at 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 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.
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.
Ojos del Salar
We visit small natural openings in the salt crust where underground water rises to the surface, letting us observe the particular formation of the salt flat up close.
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 Uyuni Salt Flat, located next to the former Playa Blanca Salt Hotel.
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 crafts 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.
Tour ends in the town of Uyuni
We arrive in the town of Uyuni, the main gateway to the salt flat. After lunch, around 15:00 hrs, the One Way programme ends here.
Frequently Asked Questions
The program begins in San Pedro de Atacama with a transfer to the border between Chile and Bolivia.
The route ends in the city of Uyuni, Bolivia, allowing you to continue your trip to other Bolivian destinations without returning to Chile.
Depending on the itinerary and weather conditions, the route may include:
- Laguna Verde
- Laguna Blanca
- Dalí Desert
- Laguna Colorada
- Siloli Desert
- Stone Tree (Árbol de Piedra)
- 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, dry landscapes.
Wet season (December to March): the chance to see the famous mirror effect.
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
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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
-
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
- Medical, accident or travel insurance
General Conditions
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice depending on weather conditions, strikes, road blockades 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 is not possible to cross it in the same way as during the dry season. As a result, the itinerary is modified during that period. The main changes are usually the following: instead of sleeping at the salt hostel in Puerto Chuvica, 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 spot where the water reflects the sky and where sky and ground appear to merge into one. This trip takes place at very high altitude. The locations are above 3,650 metres above sea level, and most guests will feel the effects of the altitude. We recommend acclimatising above 2,000 metres before the trip and bringing medication for headaches as well as 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 at times be slow and quite basic. Because of the rough terrain, vehicle breakdowns are not uncommon, but the drivers are well used to handling repairs and waiting times are rarely excessive. The vehicles are generally Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4s, which are not new but are in good condition. The 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, and these may have a small local cost. You will be sleeping at up to 4,300 metres above sea level and, depending on the season, temperatures can fall well below zero (reaching under -15 degrees Celsius in the winter months of June and July) and the wind chill can be harsh. 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.
By purchasing a program, it is automatically established that the travel agent and client are notified of and accept all the clauses of these general conditions:
- 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, and must follow the recommendations and instructions. It is their responsibility to be at the indicated meeting point on time; otherwise the passenger must pay for and arrange their own return transport.
- Failure to show up at the time of departure, without prior documented cancellation, or late arrival, will result in the TOTAL loss of the amount paid for the SERVICE.
- The company is not liable for any accident and/or personal harm caused by any imprudence on the part of the passenger.
- The company is not responsible for the loss of personal items left inside the vehicles or the accommodations.
- 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.
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.
Our apply on this service.
