Uyuni Salt Flats 2 Days / 1 Night Tour | Magic of the White Desert
Description
Tour Description
Experience an unforgettable journey across the Uyuni Salt Flats, the world’s largest salt desert. Over two days and one night, you’ll discover unique landscapes, vibrant Andean culture, and the boundless beauty of the Bolivian Altiplano.
The tour takes you to iconic locations: the Train Cemetery, the town of Colchani, the salt flats’ natural springs, the Dakar Monument, the Plaza de las Banderas (Plaza of the Flags), Incahuasi Island (during the dry season), and the salt sculptures (during the rainy season).
You’ll also enjoy lunch amidst the salt flats, capture classic perspective photos, and witness a magical sunset over the horizon.
On the second day, explore high-altitude lagoons, hot springs, a 500-year-old colonial church, and unique landscapes that reveal Bolivia’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
Itinerary
📅 Itinerary
Day 1 – Salt Desert, Natural Art, and an Unforgettable Sunset
Approximate Departure: 10:30 a.m.
We begin our adventure by heading to the Train Cemetery, an iconic site where old locomotives and rusted train cars rest among the sands of the Altiplano, a reminder of the railway boom of the last century.
Then we continue to the town of Colchani, where you will learn about the traditional salt refining process. Local residents will demonstrate how the salt is extracted, dried, and packaged from the salt flats, and will also offer unique handcrafted products carved from this natural mineral.
Next, we enter the immense Salar de Uyuni, a white landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. During the tour, we will visit the “ojos de agua” (eyes of water), small cavities where underground water springs forth; the first salt hotel (now a museum); the Dakar Monument; and the Plaza de las Banderas (Plaza of the Flags), where flags from all over the world wave.
Lunch (approx.)
We will enjoy a typical Bolivian lunch in the middle of the salt flats, surrounded by a completely white horizon. Afterward, you will have free time to take photos and videos from different perspectives, one of the most popular activities on the tour.
During the dry season (April to November), we will visit Incahuasi Island, a rock formation covered in giant cacti that offers 360° panoramic views of the salt flats.
During the rainy season (January to March), instead of the island, you will see salt sculptures and natural reflections, where the ground acts as a giant mirror reflecting the sky.
Sunset (approx.) 6:30 p.m. We end the day enjoying the sunset at the Salar de Uyuni, a natural spectacle where the colors of the sky merge with the earth on an infinite horizon.
The tour concludes around 7:00-8:00 p.m., with a transfer to your selected salt hotel for the night, where you can relax and unwind under a sky full of stars.
Day 2 – Tradition, Nature, and Hot Springs
Breakfast approx.: 8:00 a.m. | Departure approx.: 9:30 a.m.
After breakfast, we begin the second day by visiting a colonial church over 500 years old, a testament to the cultural and religious heritage of the Altiplano.
The tour continues to the natural hot springs, where you will have time to relax in the outdoor pools while admiring the surrounding mountain landscapes.
Next, you’ll see a water-powered stone mill, a marvel of ancient engineering that continues to operate thanks to the natural flow of a river.
Lunch
We’ll enjoy lunch en route, featuring typical dishes prepared with local products.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit Laguna Verde and Laguna Orko Kasilla, two natural lakes surrounded by mountains and rock formations, habitats for flamingos, Andean ducks, and other highland birds.
Return approx.: 6:30 p.m.
The tour concludes with the return to Uyuni at approximately 6:30 p.m., where this two-day experience filled with spectacular landscapes, vibrant culture, and a connection with Bolivian nature comes to an end.
Includes
✅ What’s included?
Pick-up from your hotel or meeting point in Uyuni
Our team will pick you up from your accommodation or agreed-upon location to begin your adventure smoothly.
Transportation in a 4×4 vehicle (max. 6)
All-terrain vehicles equipped to traverse the roads of the Bolivian Altiplano, guaranteeing comfort and safety.
Local Spanish-speaking guide/driver
A professional with extensive knowledge of the Salar de Uyuni, its history, geography, and culture, who will accompany you throughout the tour.
Accommodation in a salt hotel (1 night)
Basic but cozy accommodation, built with salt blocks, offering a unique experience in the heart of the Altiplano.
Full board:
- Day 1: Lunch in the middle of the salt flats and dinner at the salt hotel.
- Day 2: Breakfast and lunch during the tour of the lagoons and hot springs.
Guided tours to all the attractions mentioned
Train Cemetery, Colchani, salt flat springs, Dakar Monument, Plaza de las Banderas (Plaza of the Flags), Incahuasi Island (dry season), salt sculptures (rainy season), hot springs, stone mill, lagoons, and scenic viewpoints.
First aid kit
Each vehicle is equipped with a basic first aid kit for minor emergencies.
Personalized coordination and assistance
Constant accompaniment before, during, and after the tour to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.
Not Included
❌ What’s not included?
Entrance to Incahuasi Island (approx. Bs. 30 per person)
Entrance to this island, covered in giant cacti and offering panoramic views of the salt flats, is not included. Payment is made directly on site.
Entrance to the Coquesa Mummy Archaeological Site (approx. Bs. 15 per person)
The visit to the pre-Columbian mummies of the Tunupa Volcano is optional and has an additional cost, payable directly to the local community.
Medical or travel insurance
No medical or travel coverage is included. It is recommended to purchase insurance that covers medical care and emergencies at high altitude.
Personal drinks and snacks
Although full board is included, additional drinks and personal snacks are not part of the tour.
Use of restrooms along the route
Some public restrooms managed by local communities have a symbolic cost (approx. Bs. 5) that must be paid directly.
Guide in English or other languages (optional, additional cost)
The standard service is in Spanish. If you would like a guide in another language, this can be requested in advance at an additional cost.
Transfers to/from hotels outside the town of Uyuni
Pick-up and drop-off are only available for accommodations located in central Uyuni. If you are staying outside the city limits, an additional transfer can be arranged.
Tips (optional)
Tips for the guide or driver are not included. A voluntary contribution is recommended as a token of appreciation for the service received.
Recommendations
🔆 Recommendations for the traveler
- Bring warm clothing: Temperatures on the Altiplano can drop considerably, especially during the early morning and night. It is recommended to bring thermal underwear, a windproof jacket, gloves, a scarf, and a hat to protect yourself from the cold.
- Wear comfortable, waterproof footwear: If you travel during the rainy season (January to March), the salt flats are partially covered in water. Bring waterproof boots or shoes that will allow you to walk without getting wet.
- Protect your skin and eyes: The sun’s glare on the white surface is very strong. Use sunglasses with UV protection, high-factor sunscreen, and lip balm to avoid sunburn or dryness.
- Bring your ID or passport: It is required for accommodation check-ins and some checkpoints.
- Bring cash (Bolivianos): Many places do not accept cards, so it is important to bring enough cash for entrance fees, public restrooms, or purchasing handicrafts.
- Small daypack: Bring a lightweight backpack with your personal items, such as water, snacks, camera, an extra layer of clothing, and sunscreen.
- Camera or cell phone with a good battery: The Salar de Uyuni offers some of the most photogenic landscapes in the world. Don’t forget to bring extra batteries or a portable charger to capture every moment.
- Brightly colored clothing: If you want to take original perspective photos, wear brightly colored clothing like red, blue, or yellow, which will contrast with the white of the salt flats.
- Respect the natural environment: Do not litter, do not extract salt, and do not damage the natural formations. The Salar de Uyuni is a fragile ecosystem, and its conservation depends on the respect of every visitor.
FAQs
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
📍 Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins in the city of Uyuni, with pick-up from your hotel or a pre-arranged meeting point in the city center.
At the end of the second day, the tour concludes in Uyuni, where you can arrange your accommodation or transportation to other destinations such as Potosí, Sucre, La Paz, or San Pedro de Atacama (Chile).
🕓 What time does the tour start?
Departure is approximately at 10:30 a.m., although the time may vary depending on weather conditions or group coordination. Return on the second day is around 6:30 p.m.
🧳 What type of accommodation is included?
The package includes one night in a salt hotel, a rustic yet cozy lodging built entirely from salt blocks. Rooms are shared (in the basic option) and have sufficient warmth for cold nights.
🍽️ What kind of meals are offered?
Full board is included during the tour: lunch, dinner, and breakfast. The dishes are typical Bolivian cuisine, nutritious, and adapted to the altitude. If you have any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.), please let us know when booking.
🚙 How many people travel per vehicle?
Each group travels in a shared 4×4 vehicle, with a maximum of 6 passengers, in addition to the driver-guide. This ensures a comfortable and personalized experience throughout the tour.
🧭 Can Incahuasi Island be visited year-round?
Incahuasi Island is only open during the dry season (April to November), as access may be restricted during the rainy season (January to March). Instead, other scenic viewpoints with the famous mirror effect of the salt flats are visited.
🧤 What clothes should I bring?
Due to the low temperatures of the high plateau, it’s important to bring thermal clothing, a warm jacket, comfortable and waterproof shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and brightly colored clothing for photos.
💧 Are there restrooms available along the route?
At some points along the route, there are basic restrooms managed by local communities for a nominal fee (approx. Bs. 5). It’s recommended to bring toilet paper and personal wipes.
🗓️ Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. It’s recommended to book at least 48 hours in advance, especially during peak season (June to August and December to March), as vehicle and salt hotel spaces are limited.