2-Day Uyuni Salt Flats Tour from Cochabamba
Description
The Uyuni Salt Flats Tour from Cochabamba is an excellent option for travelers in the heart of Bolivia who want to experience the world’s largest salt flats without any hassle. This 2-day, 1-night experience connects the city of Cochabamba with Uyuni via an overnight tourist bus, followed by a comprehensive tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats. You’ll enjoy unique landscapes, giant cacti on Incahuasi Island, natural rock formations in the salt flats known as “eyes,” and an unforgettable sunset.
Ideal for adventurous travelers, photography enthusiasts, and those seeking an affordable and well-organized excursion from Cochabamba to Uyuni.
Itinerary
Itinerary – Uyuni Salt Flats from Cochabamba
Day 1: Cochabamba – Uyuni (Overnight Trip)
The trip begins at the Cochabamba bus terminal, located on Av. Ayacucho. At 8:00 p.m., you will board the tourist bus to Uyuni, a comfortable and safe journey across the Bolivian Altiplano. The estimated arrival time in Uyuni is 5:00 a.m. the following day.
Day 2: Full Day at the Uyuni Salt Flats
Upon arrival, our team will be waiting for you at the terminal to transfer you to our offices, where you will receive instructions, recommendations, and can prepare for the excursion.
At 10:30 a.m. The tour begins in a shared 4×4 vehicle (max. 6 people per vehicle), visiting the following points:
- Train Cemetery: a post-apocalyptic landscape with abandoned locomotives, perfect for photos.
- Colchani Village: where you’ll learn about the traditional salt production process and can buy handmade souvenirs.
- Eyes of the Salt Flats: natural formations where water springs from the saline subsoil.
- Dakar Monument, Stairway to Heaven, and Flag Pillar: symbolic and highly photogenic sites.
- First Salt Hotel (now a museum): built entirely with salt blocks, this is where you’ll enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, we head to the famous Incahuasi Island, a rocky outcrop in the middle of the salt flats, home to giant cacti and offering 360° panoramic views. Then, we visit the salt flats’ open area to capture perspective and reflection photos (during the rainy season).
We ended with a magical experience: the sunset at the Salar de Uyuni, where the sky merges with the white horizon, creating an unforgettable spectacle. We returned to the town of Uyuni around 7:00 pm.
Includes
What does the tour include?
- Tourist bus Cochabamba – Uyuni (night 1)
- Pick-up from the Uyuni bus terminal
- Shared 4×4 transportation (max. 6 people per vehicle)
- Spanish-speaking driver-guide
- Lunch in the middle of the salt flats
- Visit to all the points mentioned
- First aid kit
- Sunset tour on the salt flats
Does not include
What is not included?
- Entrance to Incahuasi Island
- English-speaking guide (optional, additional cost)
- Breakfast and dinner
- Personal travel insurance
- Entrance to public restrooms
- Transfer from hotels outside the town of Uyuni
- Tips (optional)
Recommendations
Recommendations
- Bring thermal clothing for the cold in the early morning and at night.
- Wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Wear comfortable, waterproof shoes (during the rainy season).
- Bring cash in Bolivianos for entrance fees and purchases.
- Bring a camera with a good battery or a cell phone with night vision mode.
- Bring a small daypack.
- Bring water and personal snacks.
- Bring a valid passport for any potential checks.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at the Cochabamba bus terminal and ends in the town of Uyuni.
How long is the complete tour?
Approximately 24 hours of travel + 9 hours of the tour, for a total of 2 days and 1 night.
Is it necessary to book in advance?
Yes, especially during peak season. A 20% deposit is also required to confirm your reservation.
How do I book and pay for the tour?
You reserve your spot with 20% of the total cost. The remaining balance is due in Uyuni before the tour begins. Please send proof of payment, passports, tour dates, and hotel name to southamericaexploor@gmail.com.
Can I add flights or a return bus?
Yes, we can arrange round-trip flights from Cochabamba to Uyuni or return bus transportation from Uyuni.