Uyuni Salt – The world’s largest salt desert

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Overview

Uyuni Salt – The world’s largest salt desert
Uyuni, Bolivia
Duration: 3 days
Group size: 1 - 8
Edwin Salas image
Edwin Salas
$115

About this trip

This breathtaking expedition takes you from the vast, crystalline Uyuni Salt Flats to the high-altitude deserts of Eduardo Avaroa Reserve. 

You will witness smoking volcanoes, steaming geysers, and thousands of pink flamingos nesting in the spectacular, blood-red waters of the Laguna Colorada.

Tour Highlights

The Ultimate Salt Mirror Experience:

Cruise through the world’s largest salt flats, take unforgettable perspective photos, and explore the ancient giant cacti of Incahuasi Island.

Iconic Sunset Toast: Celebrate the endless white horizon with an exclusive sunset viewing session featuring premium Bolivian wine and local snacks.Deep Desert Expedition (3-Day Option): Journey beyond the salt to witness smoking volcanoes, steaming geysers, and thousands of pink flamingos at the blood-red Laguna Colorada.

Premium Fleet & Complete Safety:

Travel comfortably in modern, fully equipped 4x4 vehicles carrying an emergency oxygen tank and a first-aid kit for maximum peace of mind.

Flexible Multi-Country Routing:

Seamlessly connect your travels with an optional border transfer to San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) at the end of the 3-day tour.

Handpicked Salt Lodging:

Skip the basic shelters; spend your first night in an authentic hotel built entirely of pure salt blocks with hot showers and private bathrooms.

What to bring

Ultimate Winter Layers: Thermal underwear (base layer), fleece sweater, and a heavy windproof down jacket or parka.

Accessories for the Cold: Thick wool beanie, high-quality thermal gloves, and a warm scarf or neck gaiter.

Extreme Sun Protection: Polarized sunglasses (mandatory for the white salt glare), SPF 50+ sunscreen, and intense lip balm.

Hydration & Snacks: Bring 2-3 liters of water per day (the desert air dries you out quickly) and high-calorie snacks like chocolates, dried fruits, and nuts.

Power & Tech:

Portable power bank (batteries drain twice as fast in extreme cold) and a headlamp or flashlight for early mornings.

Cash in Bolivianos (BOB):

Bring small bills (approx. 300 BOB per person) for park national entrance fees, community toilets, and local souvenirs.

Comfort Essentials:

Sleeping bag liner (optional for basic lodges), personal quick-dry towel, wet wipes, and swimwear (for the hot springs).

Itinerary Express Uyuni Tour - 1 day

OPTION 1:Uyuni Salt Flats Express (Full-Day Tour)
Perfect for travelers with limited time who want to experience the main highlights and the iconic salt desert.
Duration: 1 Day (Approx. 10:00 AM to 07:30 PM).
Style: Scenic sightseeing and creative photography.
Difficulty: Very Easy. Suitable for all ages.
⏱️ Express Itinerary:10:00 AM – Historical Start: Departure from Uyuni town in a private or shared 4x4 vehicle. First stop at the Train Cemetery to photograph 19th-century steam locomotives.
11:30 AM – Salt Artisans: Visit Colchani village to see traditional salt processing and shop for unique salt-carved souvenirs.
12:30 PM – Into the Endless White: Enter the salt flats. Stop at the "Ojos de Sal" (Salt Eyes) bubbling cold springs and the first Salt Hotel (now a museum) for a outdoor picnic lunch in the middle of the desert.
02:30 PM – Giant Cacti & Perspective Photos: Visit Incahuasi Island, a volcanic rock hill covered in ancient, giant cacti. Climb to the top for a 360-degree white horizon view. Afterward, enjoy a fun photo session using perspective tricks.
05:30 PM – Sunset & Wine: Witness a breathtaking sunset on the salt crust while enjoying a complementary glass of Bolivian wine and snacks.
07:30 PM – Return: Arrival back in Uyuni town.

Itinerary Uyuni Tour - 3 days 2 nights

  • Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights (Finishing in Uyuni or transferring to Chile).

  • Style: High-altitude adventure and wildlife watching.

  • Difficulty: Moderate (due to remote locations and altitudes up to 4,900m).

⏱️ Expedition Itinerary:

  • DAY 1: Salt Desert & Giant Cacti

    • Full coverage of the salt flats highlights (Train Cemetery, Colchani, Salt Hotel, and Incahuasi Island).

    • Enjoy a dramatic sunset inside the salt desert.

    • Overnight: Authentic Salt Hotel (rooms built with blocks of pure salt). Dinner included.

  • DAY 2: Volcanic Deserts & Laguna Colorada

    • Drive south through the Chiguana Desert with views of the active Ollagüe Volcano.

    • Visit the high-altitude lagoons (Cañapa, Hedionda, and Chiarkota) to watch three species of Andean flamingos feeding.

    • Cross the Siloli Desert to photograph the famous Stone Tree rock formation.

    • Arrive at the spectacular Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon) to see thousands of pink flamingos nesting in blood-red waters.

    • Overnight: Basic Desert Eco-Lodge near the lagoon. Dinner included.

  • DAY 3: Smoking Geysers, Hot Springs & Return

    • An early 05:00 AM start to reach the Sol de Mañana Geysers at peak morning pressure (4,900m).

    • Take a warm dip in the natural volcanic waters of Polques Hot Springs.

    • Marvel at the surreal Salvador Dalí Desert and the striking emerald waters of Laguna Verde at the base of Licancabur Volcano.

    • Optional: 10:30 AM border transfer to San Pedro de Atacama (Chile).

    • Standard: Scenic drive back north, arriving in Uyuni town by 05:30 PM.

What's included

Expert English-Speaking

Our professional staff are not only expert desert drivers but also passionate storytellers who ensure you catch the best photographic angles and perspective tricks.

Transport from/to La Paz

Overnight public bus tickets from La Paz to Uyuni town & Uyuni to La Paz. Bus type: Sleeper bus, with seats that recline to 160°, heating, a toilet and mobile phone chargers.

4x4 Transportation

A fully equipped 4x4 vehicle (Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol) with a professional local driver for the entire route.

Accommodation

2 nights of lodging (1st night in an authentic Salt Hotel with private bathroom and hot water; 2nd night in a basic desert eco-lodge).

Meals

Full board during the expedition (3 lunches, 2 breakfasts, and 2 dinners) including a special outdoor picnic lunch on the salt flats.

🩹 Safety Kit:

Emergency medical oxygen tank inside the vehicle and a first-aid kit.

What's not included

National Park Entrance

Local cash required for tickets: Isla Incahuasi (approx. 30 BOB / $5 USD) and Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve / REA (approx. 150 BOB / $22 USD). Entry fee for the Salt Sculptures: BOB 20.

Local cash required for

Small cash fees for community restrooms along the highway or hot springs access (approx. 9 BOB / $1 USD).

🏥 Travel Insurance

Personal medical, emergency evacuation, or trip cancellation insurance is not included. Passengers must secure their own comprehensive international travel insurance before starting the tour.

💵 Tips:

Gratuities for the driver-guide.

Extra water

Additional personal bottled water or drinks outside of scheduled meals.

Map of the trip locations

A. Uyuni, Bolivia

Uyuni, Bolivia

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Uyuni Salt – The world’s largest salt desert