🏜️ Salar de Uyuni and Altiplano Lagoons Tour | 2 Days / 1 Night
Description
📝 Tour Overview
Discover the largest salt flat on the planet and the most breathtaking landscapes of the Bolivian Altiplano on this unmissable 2-day / 1-night tour to the Salar de Uyuni and Altiplano Lagoons. From the endless reflections of the salt flat to the colorful high-altitude lagoons inhabited by flamingos, this experience has it all: geology, wildlife, Andean villages, and the magic of one of the most amazing places in South America.
Ideal for those who want to discover not only the Salar de Uyuni, but also hidden gems such as Laguna Cañapa, Laguna Hedionda, the Valley of the Rocks, and the town of San Cristóbal with its colonial church.
Itinerary
📍 Itinerary – Uyuni Salt Flats + Altiplano Lagoons Tour
📅 Day 1: Uyuni – Train Cemetery – Colchani – Uyuni Salt Flats – Incahuasi Island – San Juan
The tour begins with pickup from your accommodation in the town of Uyuni. The first stop is the nostalgic train cemetery, where old locomotives rest as witnesses to the mining era.
We will then visit the artisan village of Colchani, where you can observe the traditional salt extraction process and purchase handmade souvenirs.
We will then enter the imposing Uyuni Salt Flats, known as the “white desert,” to explore the springs, the salt mounds, the Dakar Monument, the Flag Pillar, and the iconic salt hotel (now a museum). Here, we will enjoy lunch in the middle of the salt flats.
In the afternoon, we will visit Incahuasi Island, home to giant cacti and fossilized coral formations. From its summit, you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the salt flat.
We will end the day watching a spectacular sunset on the shores of the salt flat before heading to the town of San Juan, where we will spend the night in simple accommodation.
📅 Day 2: San Juan – Chiguana – Altiplano Lagoons – San Cristóbal – Uyuni
Very early, we will depart for the Chiguana Salt Flat, passing by old railway tracks and volcanic landscapes. We will stop at the viewpoint of the Ollagüe Volcano, a semi-active volcano located on the border with Chile.
We will continue to the spectacular Cañapa and Hedionda Lagoons, located at 4,200 m above sea level, where we can observe Andean flamingos, vicuñas, vizcachas, and wild ducks, in addition to unique high-altitude flora.
We’ll then explore the magical Valley of the Rocks, a surreal landscape formed by wind-eroded volcanic structures.
On the way back, we’ll stop in the mining town of San Cristóbal, where we’ll visit its colonial church, before arriving back in Uyuni around 7:00 PM.
Includes
✅ What’s included in the tour?
Pickup from your hotel in Uyuni: Begin your adventure with a comfortable and punctual transfer from your accommodation or meeting point in Uyuni, for a worry-free start.
Transportation in 4×4 vehicles (maximum 6 people): Travel in all-terrain vehicles designed to explore the trails of the Bolivian Altiplano and the vast expanses of the Salar de Uyuni. Groups are small, ensuring comfort and personalized attention.
Accommodation in a basic shared room: Spend the night in simple and cozy local accommodations, where you can rest after a day full of spectacular landscapes. The rooms are shared and clean, offering you an authentic Altiplano experience.
Local driver-guide in Spanish: You’ll have an experienced driver-guide who will accompany you throughout the tour, explaining the history, geography, and culture of the region, ensuring a safe and enriching tour.
All-inclusive meals:
1 breakfast to start the day with energy.
2 lunches, prepared with local products and balanced for the altitude and physical activity.
1 dinner, prepared by the lodge staff, ideal for replenishing your energy before resting.
First aid kit: All vehicles have a basic first aid kit, ready for minor emergencies during the tour.
Guided tour of all indicated points: Includes explanations and accompaniment at all the highlights of the itinerary, such as Incahuasi Island, the highland lagoons, the Train Cemetery, the Tunupa Volcano, among others, so you don’t miss any important details of the experience.
Not included
❌ What’s not included?
Entrance to Incahuasi Island (Bs. 30): Access to this famous island, known for its enormous cacti and panoramic views of the salt flat, has an additional cost of Bs. 30, payable directly on-site.
Entrance to the Mummies Cemetery (Bs. 15 – optional): A visit to the pre-Columbian mummies of Tunupa Volcano has an additional cost of Bs. 15. This is an optional archaeological site that you can include during the tour if you want to learn more about local history.
Additional drinks and snacks: The tour includes basic food, but does not include additional drinks or snacks. If you prefer something more specific, you can bring it or purchase it during the tour.
Airport transfers: Transportation to or from the airport is not included in the package. If needed, it can be arranged in advance for an additional fee.
Personal expenses not specified: The purchase of souvenirs, personal items, or any other additional expenses not included in the tour, such as souvenirs or local products, is the traveler’s responsibility.
Gratuities (optional): Gratuities for the guide and driver are not included in the price. A voluntary contribution is suggested as a token of appreciation for the service received.
Recommendations
🎒 Recommendations
Bring warm clothing for the cold at night
Temperatures can drop dramatically at night, so it’s essential to bring thermal clothing, a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat. Nights in the mountains are often cold, even in summer.
Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and lip balm
The sun on the Salar de Uyuni is very strong due to its reflection off the salt. Protect your eyes with good-quality sunglasses and your skin with sunscreen and lip balm to avoid burns.
Comfortable, sturdy footwear (waterproof during the rainy season)
Comfortable, sturdy footwear is recommended for hiking, especially during the rainy season (December to March), when the salt flats can be wet or flooded. Waterproof boots are ideal.
Passport or ID
Don’t forget to bring your passport or ID. It’s required for check-in at accommodations and for security checks at some points along the way.
Small backpack with personal items
Bring a small backpack where you can carry your personal items, such as your camera, snacks, water, and essential items. This will make the tour more comfortable and organized.
Extra camera and batteries
The Salar de Uyuni offers stunning landscapes, ideal for photography. Bring your camera and extra batteries, as the opportunities to capture spectacular photos are endless and electricity is not always available.
Extra water and snacks
Although the tour includes lunch, it is important to bring extra water and light snacks (such as nuts or energy bars) to maintain energy throughout the tour.
Brightly colored clothing for perspective photos
To take advantage of the incredible photo opportunities on the salt flat, wear brightly colored clothing such as red, yellow, or blue. This will stand out in your photos and make the most of the salt flat’s mirror effect.
Towel, sandals, and toilet paper
In some places on the tour, especially public baths or hot springs, it is helpful to bring a towel, sandals, and toilet paper, as they are not always available.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts and ends in the town of Uyuni, with pickup at your accommodation.
What type of accommodation is included?
Basic accommodation in a shared room. Private or superior accommodation must be booked in advance (additional fees may apply).
Is this a physically demanding tour?
There are no long hikes, but you will be at high altitude (over 4,000 meters above sea level), so proper acclimatization is recommended.
Can this tour be taken year-round?
Yes. During the dry season (April-October), the salt flat turns completely white; during the rainy season (January-March), there is a chance to see the mirror effect, although some places like Incahuasi may be inaccessible.
Are there daily departures? Yes, the tour has daily departures, both in shared and private services (minimum 2 people).