Salar de Uyuni from Puno
Description
Experience an unforgettable trip with the Salar de Uyuni Tour from Puno, a route connecting Peru and Bolivia across the Andean highlands, taking you to one of the most breathtaking destinations on the planet. This 2-day, 1-night trip combines comfortable transfers by tourist bus, a comprehensive tour of the Salar de Uyuni, and a unique experience watching the sunset over the world’s largest salt flat.
Ideal for those who want to travel directly from Puno to Uyuni, passing through La Paz, without missing any of the salt flat’s attractions: the train cemetery, Colchani, Incahuasi Island, the “eyes” of the salt flats, the Dakar Rally monument, and much more.
Itinerary
Detailed – Uyuni Salt Flats Tour from Puno
Day 1: Puno – La Paz – Uyuni
The trip begins at the Puno bus terminal, where you’ll board a tourist bus departing at approximately 7:00 a.m. for La Paz. After a scenic drive across the Altiplano and passing through immigration, you’ll arrive in the Bolivian capital around 2:00 p.m.
The afternoon is free to explore the city. In the evening, you’ll go to the La Paz bus terminal (Av. Perú) to board the bus to Uyuni. Departure is at 8:00 p.m., and you’ll arrive in Uyuni at dawn the following day (approximately 5:00 a.m.).
Day 2: Uyuni Salt Flats Tour – Full Day
Upon your arrival at the Uyuni bus terminal, our staff will be waiting to take you to our offices, where you will receive instructions and recommendations before the tour begins.
At 10:30 a.m., the excursion begins in a 4×4 vehicle (maximum 6 people per vehicle). The first stop is the iconic Train Cemetery, a collection of antique locomotives in the middle of the desert. Next, we head to the town of Colchani, where you will learn about the traditional salt production process and can purchase unique souvenirs made from this mineral.
Afterward, we enter the Uyuni Salt Flats, the largest salt desert in the world. We visit the famous “eyes” of the salt flats, the Dakar Monument, the Stairway to Heaven, the Flag Pillar, and the old salt hotel, which now operates as a museum.
We enjoy lunch in the middle of the salt flats, surrounded by a completely white landscape and an endless sky. Next, we visited the legendary Incahuasi Island, home to giant cacti and fossilized coral formations, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the salt flats.
After exploring the island, we headed to the open plain to capture perspective and reflection photos (during the rainy season). Finally, we watched the sunset over the salt flats, an unforgettable moment. The tour concludes around 7:00 p.m., with our return to Uyuni.
Includes
What’s Included in the Tour?
Puno – La Paz Tourist Bus
Travel from the city of Puno to La Paz in a comfortable tourist bus with reclining seats and onboard service. During the journey, you’ll enjoy beautiful Andean landscapes and an assisted border crossing, with stops for immigration.
La Paz – Uyuni Overnight Tourist Bus
Continue your adventure on an overnight tourist bus that connects La Paz directly with Uyuni. Equipped with reclining sleeper seats, heating, and blankets, it allows you to rest during the trip and arrive early in Uyuni to begin the tour.
Pick-up at the Uyuni Bus Terminal
Upon your arrival, our staff will meet you directly at the Uyuni bus terminal to provide assistance and take you to the tour’s starting point.
Shared 4×4 Vehicle Transportation (maximum 6 people per vehicle)
Enjoy the tour in an all-terrain vehicle, ideal for exploring the landscapes of the salt flats and their surroundings. Each jeep carries a maximum of six passengers, guaranteeing comfort, space, and personalized attention.
Local Spanish-speaking guide/driver
Accompanied by an experienced Bolivian guide/driver, who will provide information about the history, geography, and culture of the Salar de Uyuni, ensuring an enriching and safe experience.
Lunch in the middle of the salt flats
Enjoy an unforgettable moment savoring a typical Bolivian lunch in the heart of the Salar de Uyuni, surrounded by an endless white landscape. During the rainy season, you can admire the spectacular mirror effect that reflects the sky.
Visit to all the attractions mentioned
Includes all the tourist stops detailed in the itinerary, such as the Train Cemetery, the artisan village of Colchani, the salt vents, the Salt Hotel (exterior), Incahuasi Island, and more.
Sunset Tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats
End your day watching a magical sunset where the sky is painted in shades of orange, pink, and violet, creating unique reflections on the salt flats, perfect for memorable photographs.
Basic First Aid Kit
All vehicles are equipped with a first aid kit to handle any minor incidents during the tour.
Not Included
What’s not included?
Entrance to Incahuasi Island
Access to this iconic island, located in the heart of the salt flats and famous for its giant cacti and panoramic views, is not included in the tour price. The entrance fee is approximately Bs 30 per person, payable directly on site.
English-speaking guide (optional, additional cost)
The standard tour is conducted in Spanish. If you would like an English-speaking guide or one in another language, you can request it in advance for an additional fee, subject to availability.
Lunch and dinner
The tour includes a typical lunch in the middle of the salt flats, but does not include breakfast or dinner. You can bring your own snacks or arrange additional meals before or after the tour.
Personal travel insurance
No medical or travel insurance is included. It is recommended to purchase international insurance that covers medical emergencies, accidents, or unforeseen events during the trip.
Access to public restrooms
Some points along the tour have restrooms managed by local communities, which have a nominal fee (approximately 5 Bs) payable directly in cash.
Extra transfer from hotels outside the town of Uyuni
Pick-up is only available for accommodations located in the center of Uyuni. If your accommodation is outside the urban area, an additional transfer can be arranged for an extra fee.
Tips (optional)
Tips for the guide, driver, or support staff are not included. A voluntary contribution is recommended as a token of appreciation for the service received.
Recommendations
Recommendations
Wear thermal clothing: Temperatures on the Bolivian Altiplano can drop considerably at night and in the early morning, especially on overnight bus journeys. It is recommended to wear thermal clothing, a warm jacket, a hat, a scarf, and gloves to maintain body heat.
Wear comfortable, waterproof shoes: During the rainy season (January to March), the salt flats are partially covered in water, creating the famous mirror effect. At this time, it is important to wear boots or waterproof footwear to walk safely without getting wet.
Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen: The sun and its reflection on the white surface of the salt flats can be very intense. Wear sunglasses with UV protection, high-factor sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the radiation.
Personal documents: Always keep your valid ID or passport with you, as it may be requested at border crossings or during tour registration.
Camera and tripod (optional): The Salar de Uyuni is a photographer’s paradise. If you want to capture perspective shots or sunset photos, a tripod will be very helpful, especially in low light.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at the Puno bus terminal, where you will board an international tourist bus bound for Uyuni, Bolivia. The journey includes a stop in La Paz to connect with the overnight bus to Uyuni. Upon arrival in the morning, our local team will meet you to begin your excursion to the Salar de Uyuni.
What documents do I need to cross the border?
Your valid passport is required. Some nationalities also require a visa to enter Bolivia, so it is recommended that you check immigration requirements in advance. If you are a citizen of Peru, Chile, or most other Latin American countries, you do not need a visa.
How long does the tour from Puno last?
The complete experience lasts approximately 36 hours (2 days / 1 night), which includes international bus transfers and the full tour of the Salar de Uyuni, with lunch and sunset viewing included.
Is it necessary to book in advance?
Yes, we recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (June to August and December to January). International logistics and high demand mean that spaces are limited. To confirm your reservation, a 20% deposit of the total tour price is required.
Can I stay in Uyuni after the tour?
Of course, the tour ends in the town of Uyuni, where you can spend the night or connect to other destinations such as San Pedro de Atacama (Chile), Sucre, or La Paz. Our team can help you coordinate your transportation or accommodation afterward.