SalarUyuni.cl


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  • Experiences

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Live an unforgettable 4-day / 3-night adventure from San Pedro de Atacama, travelling through lagoons, deserts, volcanoes, geysers and the spectacular Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world.

During this expedition in 4x4 vehicles you will cross the Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, visiting iconic places such as Laguna Verde, Laguna Colorada, the Siloli Desert, the Stone Tree, geysers and high-altiplano hot springs. The landscape changes constantly between mountains, volcanic formations and vast plains surrounded by flamingos, vicuñas and Andean wildlife.

The experience ends at the Salar de Uyuni, located more than 3,600 metres above sea level and considered the largest continuous salt flat on the planet. Depending on the season, you may see the famous mirror effect during the wet months or completely white, dry landscapes during the dry season.

The programme is designed for travellers looking for adventure, photography, extreme nature and unique experiences in one of Bolivia's most surprising destinations.

Ideal for travellers interested in high-altitude landscapes, photography, altiplano culture and expeditions across the Salar de Uyuni.

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

Transport: Shared 4x4 vehicle

Day 1: Altiplano Lakes and VolcanoesActivity 1 of 9

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

Physical Demand
Medium
Excursion 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 sections. Although the walks are generally short, the altitude, the cold, the wind and the long travel days can cause tiredness, fatigue or headaches. 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 Lakes and Volcanoes

Uyuni Backpackers Classic
Pickup in San Pedro de Atacama

Between 6:30 and 7:00 hrs the adventure begins with a pickup 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 reach Hito Cajón, at the foot of the Andes mountain range. After completing immigration procedures, we switch to the 4x4 vehicle that will accompany us across the Bolivian altiplano.

Uyuni Backpackers Classic
Laguna Blanca

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

Uyuni Backpackers Classic
Laguna Verde

At the foot of the towering Licancabur volcano we discover one of the most emblematic lakes of the altiplano, known for the surprising shades it can take on depending on the light and the wind.

Uyuni Backpackers Classic
Dalí Desert

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

Uyuni Backpackers Classic
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 the most striking geothermal areas in Bolivia, with fumaroles, steam and mud pools in constant activity.

Uyuni Backpackers Classic
Laguna Colorada

We close the day facing one of the most spectacular landscapes of the Eduardo Abaroa Reserve: a lake 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
Accommodation at Hostal Backpackers – Villa Mar

We end the day in Villa Mar, resting at a backpacker-style hostel, simple and welcoming, ideal for recovering energy before continuing the adventure across the Bolivian altiplano.

Day 2: Deserts and Andean Lakes

Árbol de Piedra en el Desierto de Siloli, Bolivia, con cielo azul despejado y montañas al fondo.
Siloli Desert and Stone Tree

We travel through the spectacular Siloli Desert until we reach the famous Stone Tree, a striking natural formation and one of the most iconic landscapes of the Bolivian altiplano.

Flamingos wading in Laguna Cañapa with arid Andean mountains and blue sky in the background
Cañapa, Hedionda and Chiarcota Lakes

We continue among high-altitude lakes of intense colours, mountains and volcanoes. In this area we can also observe part of the wildlife typical of the Andes, especially flamingos.

Two travelers standing beside a 4WD vehicle on the vast flat Chiguana Desert with volcanic mountains under a deep blue sky
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 attractions of this part of the trip.

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

We finish the day with a very special experience: sleeping in accommodation built using blocks of salt, right in the setting of the Uyuni Salt Flat.

Day 3: The Great Uyuni Salt Flat

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

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 Backpackers Classic
Ojos del Salar

We visit small natural openings in the salt crust where underground water rises to the surface, allowing us to observe up close the particular formation of the salt flat.

Uyuni Backpackers Classic
Dakar Monument and Flags Square

We visit the iconic Dakar Monument and the colourful Flags Square, two of the most recognisable postcards of the Uyuni Salt Flat, 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 located at the gateway to the salt flat, known for its tradition linked to salt extraction and its local crafts market.

Uyuni Backpackers Classic
Train Cemetery

Old locomotives and wagons 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 at 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 and Backpackers accommodation

In the afternoon we head back to Villa Mar, where we rest at a backpacker-style hostel before our final day on the way to San Pedro de Atacama.

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 hrs, crossing once again the striking 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 procedures and change vehicles to continue our journey into Chile.

Uyuni Backpackers Classic
Arrival in San Pedro de Atacama

We descend from the mountain range to San Pedro de Atacama, where this four-day adventure through some of the most extraordinary landscapes of Bolivia comes to an end. Estimated arrival around 13:00 hrs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Depending on the itinerary and weather conditions, these are the usual stops:

  • Laguna Verde
  • Laguna Blanca
  • Laguna Colorada
  • Siloli Desert
  • Árbol de Piedra (Stone Tree)
  • Sol de Mañana Geysers
  • Altiplano hot springs
  • Salar de Uyuni
  • Incahuasi Island or similar

The Salar de Uyuni can be visited all year round:

Dry season (April to November): completely white landscapes and access to more sectors of the salt flat.

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 <strong"194""232">warm clothing and dressing in layers, which makes it easy to adapt to the temperature changes along the route.

Yes. Since the route reaches altitudes above 3,000 and 4,000 meters above sea level, we recommend spending at least a couple of days in San Pedro de Atacama before starting the program, to allow for proper acclimatization to the altitude.

Reviews

Roger de Aug 22, 2024

"Salt-Hotel and organization were good. Negative: first hotel was very cold and sleeping bag was too short."

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

Recommended minimum age: 12 years

Itinerary and weather
The itinerary may be modified without prior notice due to weather conditions, road blockades or other force majeure situations.

During the rainy season (January to April) the Salar may be covered with water, which makes it impossible to cross as in the dry season. In that case the program is adapted, with possible accommodation in the city of Uyuni and a visit to the Salar as far as conditions allow.

Altitude and health
This trip takes place at altitudes above 3,650 m above sea level, and may reach more than 4,300 m above sea level.

We recommend:

  • Acclimatising beforehand above 2,000 m above sea level
  • Drinking plenty of water
  • Bringing medication for altitude sickness

Accommodation and services
The route runs through remote areas, so services are basic.

  • Simple lodgings with shared rooms (double or triple)
  • Limited electricity and water
  • Showers available only on the second night (may have an additional cost)

In winter (June–July) temperatures can drop to –15°C, so very warm clothing is recommended.

Transport
Transfers are made in 4x4 vehicles (Toyota Land Cruiser or similar).
Due to the terrain, occasional breakdowns may occur, which are resolved by the drivers.

The driver also acts as a local guide in Spanish.
English-speaking guide available on private service.

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

  • The company may modify or cancel excursions due to force majeure.
  • Passengers must respect the schedules indicated by the guide.
  • No-show or late arrival means total loss of the service.
  • The passenger is responsible for their own state of health in order to take the tour.
  • The company is not responsible for loss of personal belongings.
  • Park and museum entrance fees are not included, unless explicitly stated.
  • Rates and conditions subject to change without prior notice.

Our apply on everything not mentioned before.

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