Uyuni Salt Flats from Puno
Description
đź“ť Tour Overview
Enjoy an unforgettable experience with the Uyuni Salt Flats tour from Puno, a route that connects Peru and Bolivia through the Andean highlands, taking you to one of the most impressive destinations on the planet. This 2-day, 1-night trip combines comfortable hop-on hop-off bus transfers, a comprehensive tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats, and a unique sunset experience 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 flat, the Dakar monument, and much more.
Itinerary
📍 Detailed Itinerary – Uyuni Salt Flats Tour from Puno
🚌 Day 1: Puno – La Paz – Uyuni
After a panoramic tour of the highlands and passing through immigration control, you’ll arrive in the Bolivian capital around 2:00 p.m.
Free afternoon to explore the city. In the evening, you’ll head to the La Paz bus terminal (Av. PerĂş) to board the bus to Uyuni. Departure is at 8:00 p.m. and you’ll arrive in Uyuni at dawn the next day (approximately 5:00 a.m.).
🏜️ Day 2: Uyuni Salt Flats Tour – Full Day
Upon arrival at the Uyuni bus terminal, our local team will greet you and escort you to the office, where you’ll receive useful information and final instructions before setting off on your adventure.
Around 10:30 a.m., the journey begins aboard a 4×4 vehicle (maximum of six travelers per car). The first stop takes you to the Train Cemetery, a hauntingly beautiful open-air museum of rusted locomotives resting on the desert plains. From there, you’ll continue to Colchani, a small community where artisans demonstrate the traditional salt-refining process and sell distinctive handicrafts made from salt crystals.
Next, enter the breathtaking Uyuni Salt Flat, the largest of its kind on Earth. Along the way, you’ll see striking landmarks such as the Ojos del Salar (natural salt-water springs), the Dakar Rally Monument, the Stairway to Heaven, the Flag Plaza, and the old Salt Hotel, now converted into a museum.
Lunch is served in the heart of the flats, surrounded by an endless horizon of shimmering white. Afterward, explore the extraordinary Incahuasi Island, dotted with giant cacti and ancient coral formations, offering unbeatable 360-degree views over the vast landscape.
To close the day, you’ll return to the open plains to capture creative perspective photos or mirror-like reflections during the rainy months. The experience concludes with a magnificent sunset over the salt flats, a truly unforgettable sight. The tour finishes around 7:00 p.m., followed by your return to Uyuni.
Includes
âś… What’s included in the tour?
Puno – La Paz Sightseeing Bus
Travel from Puno to La Paz on a comfortable sightseeing bus with reclining seats and onboard service. During the journey, you’ll enjoy beautiful Andean scenery and an assisted border crossing, including technical stops for immigration.
La Paz – Uyuni Overnight Sightseeing Bus
Continue your adventure on an overnight sightseeing bus that connects La Paz directly to Uyuni. Equipped with reclining bed-style seats, heating, and blankets, it will allow you to rest during the journey and arrive early in Uyuni for the tour start.
Pickup at the Uyuni Bus Terminal
Upon arrival, our staff will greet you directly at the Uyuni bus terminal to provide assistance and take you to the tour 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 its surroundings. Each jeep can accommodate up to six passengers, ensuring comfort, space, and personalized attention. Local Spanish-speaking guide and driver: Accompanied by an experienced Bolivian guide and 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 heart of the Salar de Uyuni
Enjoy an unforgettable moment with 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 reflected in the sky.
Visit all the attractions mentioned
Includes all the tourist stops detailed in the itinerary, such as the Train Cemetery, the Colchani artisan village, the Eyes of Salt, the open-air Salt Hotel, Incahuasi Island, and more.
Sunset tour of the Salar de Uyuni
End the day contemplating a magical sunset where the sky is tinged with orange, pink, and violet hues, creating unique reflections on the surface of the salt flat, perfect for memorable photographs.
Basic first aid kit
All vehicles are equipped with an emergency kit for any minor incidents during the tour.
Not included
❌ What’s not included?
Incahuasi Island Entrance Fee: 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. Entrance fee is approximately 30 Bs per person, payable directly on-site.
English-speaking guide (optional at an additional cost): Standard service is offered in Spanish. If you would like an English-speaking guide or a guide in another language, you can request one in advance for an additional cost, subject to availability.
Dinner and Breakfast: The tour includes a traditional lunch in the middle of the salt flats, but does not include breakfast or dinner. You may bring personal snacks or request additional meals before or after the tour.
Personal Travel Insurance: Medical and travel insurance are not included. It is recommended to purchase international insurance that covers medical emergencies, accidents, or eventualities during the tour.
Access to Public Restrooms: Some points along the route have restrooms managed by local communities, the use of which has a nominal fee (approximately 5 Bs), payable directly in cash.
Additional transfers from hotels outside of Uyuni City: Pickup service is only available for accommodations located in the center of Uyuni. If your accommodation is located outside the city center, an additional transfer can be arranged at an additional cost.
Tips (optional): Tips for the guide, driver, or support staff are not included. It is recommended to leave a voluntary contribution as a token of appreciation for the service received.
Recommendations
🎒 Recommendations
Wear thermal clothing: Temperatures in the Bolivian Altiplano can drop considerably during the night and early morning, especially on overnight bus trips. It is recommended to wear thermal clothing, a warm jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves to maintain body heat.
Comfortable and waterproof footwear: During the rainy season (January to March), the salt flat is partially covered with water, creating the famous mirror effect. During this time, it is important to wear boots or waterproof footwear to walk safely and avoid getting wet.
Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen: The sun and its reflection on the white surface of the salt flat can be very intense. Wear sunglasses with UV filter, high-factor sunscreen, and a hat or cap to protect yourself from the radiation.
Personal documents: Always carry your current ID or passport, as they may be requested at border controls or during tour check-in.
Cash in Bolivian pesos: Bring enough cash to pay for entrance fees, public restrooms, souvenirs, or personal expenses, as most places do not accept cards.
Camera and tripod (optional): The Salar de Uyuni is a photographic paradise. If you want to capture perspective or sunset photos, a tripod will be very useful, especially in low-light conditions.
Snacks, water, and portable charger: Although the tour includes lunch, it is recommended to bring extra water (minimum 1 liter per person) and light snacks such as energy bars or nuts. It is also useful to bring a power bank to keep your devices charged.
During the rainy season (January-March): It’s essential to bring a raincoat, a protective case for your camera or cell phone, and a change of clothes, as they may get wet while walking or during photo stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where does the tour begin?
The tour begins at the Puno bus terminal, where you will board an international tour bus to Uyuni, Bolivia. The trip includes a stop in La Paz to connect with the overnight bus to Uyuni. Upon arrival in the morning, our local team will greet you to begin the excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats.
What documents do I need to cross the border?
A valid passport is required. Some nationalities also require an entry visa to Bolivia, so it is recommended to check immigration requirements in advance. If you are a citizen of Peru, Chile, or most Latin American countries, you do not need a visa.
How long is the tour from Puno?
The entire experience lasts approximately 36 hours (2 days / 1 night), which includes international bus transfers and the full tour to the Uyuni Salt Flats, with lunch and sunset views included.
Is it necessary to book in advance? Yes, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season (June-August and December-January). Due to international logistics and high demand, space is limited. To confirm your reservation, a 20% deposit of the tour total 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 arrange your transportation or accommodation afterward.
🌦️ Can this tour be taken year-round?
Yes, the tour is available year-round, but the experience varies depending on the season:
From January to March, during the rainy season, the salt flat becomes a stunning natural mirror, ideal for taking unique photographs.
From April to December, the climate is dry and the salt flat transforms into a vast white plain, perfect for capturing perspective photos and enjoying the mainland.