Uyuni Salt – The world’s largest salt desert
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.
Expert English-Speaking Guides:
Our professional staff are not only expert desert drivers but also passionate storytellers who ensure you catch the best photographic angles and perspective tricks.
Tailored to Your Time
Choose between our efficient 1-Day Express Tour if you are on a tight schedule, or our 3-Day Deep Desert Expedition for the ultimate overland adventure.
Iconic Salt Desert Sunset
We don’t just rush you back; we wrap up your salt flats experience with a curated sunset viewing session.
About this
Embark on an extraordinary journey across the world’s largest salt desert and Bolivia’s stunning southwestern highlands. This world-renowned destination offers an otherworldly landscape of endless white salt flats, surreal wind-carved deserts, and dramatic volcanic formations. Whether you choose our efficient 1-Day Express Tour to witness the iconic salt mirror and sunset, or our immersive 3-Day Deep Desert Expedition to explore smoking geysers and vibrant flamingo lagoons, this adventure promises some of the most spectacular, bucket-list photography and natural wonders on Planet Earth.
Highlights
- The World’s Largest Salt Mirror: Experience the iconic endless white horizon, take creative perspective photos, and explore the ancient giant cacti of Incahuasi Island.
- Deep Desert Exploration (3-Day Option): Journey beyond the salt to witness smoking volcanoes, steaming geysers, and thousands of pink flamingos at the spectacular Laguna Colorada.
- Premium Fleet & Maximum Safety:Travel comfortably in 4×4 vehicles equipped with first-aid kit for total peace of mind.
- Handpicked Salt Lodging: On our 3-day tour, skip subpar shelters and spend your first night in an authentic hotel built entirely of pure salt blocks.
- Flexible Multi-Country Routing: Seamlessly connect your travels with an optional border transfer to San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) at the end of the expedition.
What to bring
🎒 Passenger Checklist
Included in BOTH Tours (Mandatory for Everyone)
Regardless of the tour option you choose, the intense high-altitude sun and the blinding white salt flats require these essentials:
- Polarized Sunglasses: Mandatory. The white salt crust reflects up to 80% of UV rays. Skipping this can cause severe eye strain or temporary snow blindness.
- Extreme Sun Protection: High-factor sunscreen (SPF 50+) and a wide-brimmed sun hat or cap.
- Intense Lip Balm & Moisturizer: The desert air is incredibly dry; your skin and lips will crack easily without protection.
- Comfortable Footwear: Closed-toe walking shoes or sneakers with good traction. (Note: If traveling during the rainy season from Dec to Apr, bring flip-flops or sandals to walk comfortably on the water mirror without ruining your shoes).
- Daytime Clothing: Comfortable lightweight pants and long-sleeve shirts to protect your arms from the sun.
- Hydration: At least a 2-liter water bottle to combat altitude dryness and prevent headaches (sorojchi).
- Cash in Bolivianos (BOB): Small bills are required for local site tickets (such as Isla Incahuasi: ~30 BOB) and community restrooms. Credit cards are not accepted in the desert.
🌋 ONLY for the 3-Day / 2-Night Expedition (Deep Desert Extras)
Because this expedition travels into remote high-altitude zones where night temperatures drop below freezing (down to -15°C / 5°F in winter), you must add the following to your luggage:
- The 3-Layer Winter Clothing System:
- Base layer: Thermal underwear (top and bottom).
- Mid layer: A warm fleece jacket, wool sweater, or hoodie.
- Outer layer: A heavy windproof down jacket or winter parka.
- Cold Weather Accessories: A thick wool beanie, high-quality thermal gloves, and a warm scarf or neck gaiter (essential for early morning geyser visits).
- Tech & Power: A portable power bank. Extreme mountain cold drains smartphone and camera batteries twice as fast as normal.
- Swimwear & Small Towel: For taking a relaxing dip in the natural volcanic hot springs (Polques Thermal Pools) on Day 3.
- Flashlight or Headlamp: Highly useful for early morning departures and navigating remote eco-lodges with limited night lighting.
- Toiletries & Comfort: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and personal medications. An optional sleeping bag liner can add extra comfort at the basic desert lodge.
- Passport: Keep your original passport handy, especially if you booked the optional border transfer to San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) on Day 3.
What's included
- 🚐 4×4 Transportation: A fully equipped 4×4 vehicle (Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol) with an expert local driver for the entire route. [Included in both options]
- 🍷 Sunset Toast:A complimentary glass of Bolivian wine and snacks during the iconic salt desert sunset. [Included in both options]
- 🍽️ Meals:
- 1-Day Tour: A special outdoor picnic lunch on the salt flats.
- 3-Day Tour: Full board during the expedition (3 lunches, 2 breakfasts, and 2 dinners).
- 🛌 Accommodation (3-Day Tour Only): 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).
- 🩹 Safety Kit: A first-aid kit. [Included in both options]
What's not included
🧥 Personal Trekking Gear: Warm winter clothes, waterproof layers, hiking boots, and sunglasses (must be brought by each passenger).
🧴 Personal Care Items: Sunscreen, lip balm, and personal medication.
💧 Extra Water:
Additional bottled water or sports drinks beyond what is provided in the box-lunch.
🏥 Travel Insurance: Personal medical or trip cancellation insurance (highly recommended to purchase independently).
🎫 Entrance Fees:
All community fees and access tickets to the Charquini protected area and the lagoon. Entry fee for the Salt Sculptures: BOB 20.
💵 Tips & Gratuities:
Tips for the guide and driver (discretionary based on service quality).
Full Day Itinerary
Detailed Itineraries: Uyuni Salt Flats (1-Day vs. 3-Day)
⚡ OPTION 1: Uyuni Salt Flats Express (Full-Day Tour)
- 10:30 AM – Hotel Pick-up
Our professional driver collects you directly from your hotel in Uyuni town in a premium 4×4 vehicle. - 11:00 AM – The Train Cemetery
First stop at the historic train graveyard on the outskirts of town. Climb and photograph the rusting 19th-century steam locomotives. - 12:00 PM – Colchani Salt Village
Visit the local artisan village to see how table salt is processed by hand and browse unique salt-carved souvenirs. - 01:00 PM – Entering the Salt Flats & Picnic Lunch
Drive onto the massive white salt crust. Stop at the bubbling “Ojos de Sal” (Salt Eyes) and the original Salt Hotel to enjoy a delicious gourmet outdoor lunch in the middle of the endless white desert. - 03:00 PM – Incahuasi Island & Perspective Photos
Explore an ancient volcanic island covered in giant cacti up to 10 meters tall. Hike to the top for a 360-degree panoramic view. Afterward, head to the flat salt crust for a fun, creative photo session using perspective tricks. - 05:30 PM – Sunset Celebration & Wine
Witness a breathtaking sunset as the sky changes colors over the white horizon, accompanied by a complimentary glass of Bolivian wine and snacks. - 07:30 PM – Hotel Drop-off
Drive back to Uyuni town and drop you off at your hotel.
🌋 OPTION 2: The Grand Desert Expedition (3 Days / 2 Nights)
DAY 1: Salt Flats, Giant Cacti & Sunset
- 10:30 AM – Hotel Pick-up: Start the expedition with a direct pick-up from your hotel in Uyuni town.
- 11:00 AM to 05:00 PM – Salt Desert Exploration: Follow the classic route visiting the Train Cemetery, Colchani village, the outdoor picnic lunch on the salt flats, and the hike on Incahuasi Island.
- 05:30 PM – Sunset & Wine Toast: Enjoy the spectacular desert sunset with snacks and local wine.
- 07:30 PM – Check-in at Salt Hotel: Arrive at your authentic hotel built with pure salt blocks. Enjoy a warm shower, a private room, and a hearty dinner.
DAY 2: High Altiplano Lagoons & Laguna Colorada
- 08:30 AM – Volcanic Desert Drive: Depart after breakfast, driving south through the Chiguana Desert with panoramic views of the active Ollagüe Volcano.
- 11:00 AM – Flamingo Lagoons: Visit the high-altitude lagoons (Cañapa, Hedionda, and Chiarkota) to watch and photograph three species of Andean flamingos feeding in the wild.
- 01:00 PM – Box-Lunch on the Road: A scenic picnic lunch next to the lagoons.
- 03:30 PM – The Stone Tree: Cross the Siloli Desert sand plains and stop at the famous wind-carved rock formations.
- 05:00 PM – Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon): Reach the world-famous blood-red lagoon to witness thousands of pink flamingos nesting against white borax islands.
- 06:30 PM – Desert Eco-Lodge: Check-in at a remote local lodge for dinner and an unforgettable starry-night view.
DAY 3: Steaming Geysers, Hot Springs & Return/Chile Transfer
- 05:00 AM – Early Alpine Start: Depart before dawn to catch the geysers at their peak pressure.
- 06:30 AM – Sol de Mañana Geysers: Walk among smoking steam craters and boiling mud pools at 4,900 meters.
- 07:30 AM – Polques Thermal Pools: Take a warm, therapeutic swim in natural volcanic hot springs while the outside air is freezing.
- 09:30 AM – Dalí Desert & Laguna Verde: See the surreal landscapes that inspired Salvador Dalí’s art and admire the emerald waters of Laguna Verde at the base of Licancabur Volcano.
- 10:30 AM – Optional Transfer to Chile: Passengers heading to San Pedro de Atacama connect with their border transport here.
- 11:00 AM to 05:30 PM – Return Journey: Passengers returning to Bolivia enjoy a scenic drive back north through local Altiplano villages, arriving in Uyuni town for final hotel/bus station drop-off by 05:30 PM.
Q&A
Booking & Logistics from La Paz
- How do I get from La Paz to Uyuni?
There are two reliable ways to travel to Uyuni from La Paz:- ✈️ By Air (Fastest): Daily flights connect La Paz (LPB) to Uyuni (UYU). The flight takes only 45 minutes. We recommend taking an early morning flight to start your tour the same day.
- 🚌 By Land (Budget-friendly): Overnight tourist buses operate daily (companies like Todo Turismo or Panasur). The journey takes about 8 to 9 hours on a fully paved, safe highway. Buses feature reclining seats, heating, and restrooms.
- How far in advance should I book the tour?
For the 3-Day/2-Night Expedition, we highly recommend booking at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance, especially if you want to secure high-end accommodation (like Salt Hotels) or private English-speaking guides.
Best Time to Visit (The Two Seasons)
- When is the best time to visit the Uyuni Salt Flats?
Uyuni offers two completely different and spectacular experiences depending on the season:- ☀️ The Dry Season (May to November): Skies are crystal clear, temperatures are cold, and you can drive across the entire salt crust to reach places like Incahuasi Island. This is the best time for creative perspective photos.
- 🌧️ The Rainy Season (December to April): A thin layer of water covers the salt flats, turning it into the world’s largest natural mirror. It is visually stunning, though heavy rains can restrict vehicle access to some deep areas like Incahuasi Island.
Food & Dietary Requirements
- What kind of food is available in the region?
Local meals are hearty, relying on traditional Andean ingredients like quinoa, llama meat (very lean and high in protein), potatoes, and fresh vegetables. - Can you accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets?
Yes, absolutely. As a catering service for international travelers, we can customize all picnic lunches and lodge dinners. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or food allergies at the time of your booking so our team can plan the logistics.
Altitude & Comfort standards
- How bad is the altitude in Uyuni?
The salt flats sit at 3,650 meters (12,000 feet), but on the 3-day tour, we climb up to 4,900 meters (16,000 feet) near the geysers. It is mandatory to spend at least 2 days acclimatizing in La Paz before starting the trip. Our 4×4 vehicles are equipped with emergency medical oxygen tanks just in case. - What are the toilets and showers like during the 3-day tour?
On the first night, you will stay in a comfortable Salt Hotel with private bathrooms and hot water. The second night near the Red Lagoon is located in a highly remote area where accommodations are basic eco-lodges. Electricity can be limited to specific hours, and showers might require a small local cash fee.
Connections to Chile
- Can I end the 3-day tour in Chile instead of returning to Uyuni?
Yes. On Day 3, we offer an optional border transfer at Hito Cajón around 10:30 AM. From there, a connecting bus will take you directly to San Pedro de Atacama (Chile), which is perfect if you are planning a multi-country South American holiday.