SalarUyuni.cl 
3 days / 2 nights · San Pedro de Atacama → Salar de Uyuni → Uyuni
Discover some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Bolivian altiplano on a 3-day, 2-night expedition from San Pedro de Atacama, travelling in 4x4 vehicles through coloured lagoons, volcanoes, high-altitude deserts, geysers, hot springs and the striking Salar de Uyuni.
Along the way you'll get to know emblematic places such as Laguna Blanca, Laguna Verde, the Salvador Dalí Desert, the Polques Hot Springs, the Sol de Mañana Geysers and Laguna Colorada. The journey continues through the Siloli Desert and the Stone Tree, the Cañapa, Hedionda and Chiarcota lagoons and the Chiguana Desert, before reaching the great Salar de Uyuni.
On the last day you'll travel across the salt flat and some of its main highlights, such as Incahuasi Island, the Ojos del Salar, the Dakar Monument and the Plaza de las Banderas, as well as visiting Colchani and the Train Cemetery. The expedition ends in the city of Uyuni at around 3:00 p.m., ideal for those who want to continue their trip through Bolivia or on to other destinations in South America.
The Backpackers option uses simple accommodation and is designed especially for travellers who prioritise the adventure, the route and a more accessible price over the comfort level of the lodging.
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Transport: Shared 4x4 vehicle
Pickup in San Pedro de Atacama
Between 6:30 and 7:00 am the adventure begins with pickup at your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama and transfer toward the Bolivian border.
Border crossing – Hito Cajón
We reach 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 pale-toned lagoon surrounded by volcanoes and open landscapes, at more than 4,000 metres of altitude.
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 wide plains that looks as if 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 hot springs, 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 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.
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, good for recovering energy before continuing the adventure across the Bolivian altiplano.
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
El Camello
We'll continue our journey by visiting this striking volcanic rock formation, naturally shaped over time until it took on a
Italia Perdida
We'll visit Italia Perdida, a fascinating group of rock formations that looks like a true petrified city. A surprising landscape
Laguna Vinto
Anaconda Canyon
We'll continue on to the impressive Anaconda Canyon, one of the most distinctive landscapes along this route and a place
Sora Canyon
The route continues toward Sora Canyon, surrounded by altiplano landscapes and areas where it's common to spot llamas and other
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 Uyuni Salt Flat.
Uyuni Salt Flat
The most awaited moment of the trip arrives. We enter the largest salt flat in the world to travel across an apparently 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 see small natural openings in the salt crust where underground water surfaces, letting us observe up close the particular formation of the salt flat.
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 located at the gateway to the salt flat, known for its tradition tied 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.
End of the tour in the city of Uyuni
We arrive in the town of Uyuni, the main gateway to the salt flat. After lunch, around 3:00 pm, 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 am the adventure begins with pickup at your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama and transfer toward the Bolivian border.
Border crossing – Hito Cajón
We reach 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 pale-toned lagoon surrounded by volcanoes and open landscapes, at more than 4,000 metres of altitude.
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 wide plains that looks as if 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 hot springs, 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 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.
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, good for recovering energy before continuing the adventure across the Bolivian altiplano.
Day 2: Andean Deserts and Lagoons
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
El Camello
We'll continue our journey by visiting this striking volcanic rock formation, naturally shaped over time until it took on a
Italia Perdida
We'll visit Italia Perdida, a fascinating group of rock formations that looks like a true petrified city. A surprising landscape
Laguna Vinto
Anaconda Canyon
We'll continue on to the impressive Anaconda Canyon, one of the most distinctive landscapes along this route and a place
Sora Canyon
The route continues toward Sora Canyon, surrounded by altiplano landscapes and areas where it's common to spot llamas and other
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 Uyuni Salt Flat.
Day 3: The Great Uyuni Salt Flat
Uyuni Salt Flat
The most awaited moment of the trip arrives. We enter the largest salt flat in the world to travel across an apparently 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 see small natural openings in the salt crust where underground water surfaces, letting us observe up close the particular formation of the salt flat.
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 located at the gateway to the salt flat, known for its tradition tied 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.
End of the tour in the city of Uyuni
We arrive in the town of Uyuni, the main gateway to the salt flat. After lunch, around 3:00 pm, the One Way programme ends here.
Frequently Asked Questions
The program starts 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 traveling 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
- Altiplanic hot springs
- Uyuni Salt Flat
- Incahuasi Island
The Uyuni Salt Flat can be visited all 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
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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. -
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, roadblocks or force majeure events beyond our control. We will always do everything possible 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 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; if possible we will visit Isla IncaWasy. Otherwise we stop at a place where the water reflects the sky and where sky and ground seem to merge into one. This trip takes place at very high altitude. The places are more than 3,650 metres above sea level, and most guests will be able to feel the effects of the altitude. We recommend acclimatising above 2,000 metres before the trip and bringing headache medication 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 the drivers are very used to fixing them and waiting times are rarely excessive. The vehicles are generally Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4, 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 they 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 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. 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 the 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 also follow the recommendations and instructions. It is their responsibility to be at the indicated meeting point at the stated time; otherwise the passenger will have to 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 injury caused by any carelessness on the part 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.
- 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.
