CLASSIC UYUNI SALT FLATS TOUR - 3 DAYS

DAY 1

SALAR DE UYUNI – ISLA INCAHUASI

Starting in Uyuni this morning, we meet at a designated pick up point (bus, train station, airport or hotel). Climb aboard our 4x4 for a short drive to the train cemetery just out of town. Next, drive to the village of Colchani (30 mins) where you will learn about salt mining and processing as well as stroll through its colorful market.

Enter Salar de Uyuni and stop by the famous multinational flag stand to find your country’s flag. Next, enjoy a delightful lunch in the middle of the world’s largest salt lake and make your way to Incahuasi Island to hike to the top of this rocky outcrop full of giant cacti from where the 360-degree views of the salt flats are unmatched. Later, you are free to take your time to play with your imagination and take advantage of the deep, perspective photo effect that the salt flats provide (bring props along).

After a full day of salt flats exploration, arrive at your accommodation in a small village on the rim of the salt flats in the evening and get comfy with hot tea and warm dinner.

ACCOMMODATION
BASIC: BASIC LODGE WITH PRIVATE ROOM AND SHARED BATHROOM IN LOCAL VILLAGE IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures
STANDARD: SIMPLE LODGE WITH PRIVATE ROOM, BATHROOM AND HOT WATER IN LOCAL VILLAGE IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures
PLUS: HOTEL PALACIO DE SAL, LUNA SALADA OR CRISTAL SAMANA (PREFERRED ORDER, BASED ON AVAILABILITY). PRIVATE ROOM, BATHROOM, HOT SHOWER IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures

MEALS
LUNCH, DINNER

DAY 2

BARREN DESERTS, COLORED LAGOONS, ANDEAN WILDLIFE

Leaving the salt flats behind today, we are bound south for the enigmatic Laguna Colorada*. On the way, make a stop and walk at Ollagüe Volcano viewpoint (semi active volcano on the Chile-Bolivia border), walk along Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarkota and Honda lagoons to photograph wild flamingos up close and traverse Siloli Desert across extensive, barren landscape where Arbol de Piedra* (stone tree) and other geological formations exist.

It will be a long day and long distance covered but with plenty of scenic stops, surreal landscapes and Andean wildlife all along. Arrive at your accommodation near Laguna Colorada* in the evening for warm dinner and a well-needed rest.

*For our Plus package, Arbol de Piedra and Laguna Colorada are visited on the following day because of the location of Tayka del Desierto Hotel.

ACCOMMODATION
BASIC: BASIC LODGE IN LOCAL VILLAGE (DORMITORY ROOMS, NO PRIVATE BATHROOM/NO SHOWER) IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures
STANDARD: SIMPLE LODGE WITH PRIVATE ROOM & BATHROOM (NO HOT SHOWER) IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures
PLUS: HOTEL TAYKA DEL DESIERTO (or LOS FLAMENCOS HOTEL if no availability at Tayka). PRIVATE ROOM, BATHROOM & HOT SHOWER IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures

MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

DAY 3

STEAMING GEYSERS, NATURAL HOT SPRINGS, LAGUNA VERDE – UYUNI

This expedition of a lifetime comes to an end today with a very early start that brings us to Sol de Mañana, (Rising Sun) - an otherworldly, steaming geyser field high up in a massive crater. Follow up with a pleasant soak in the natural hot springs of Polques before reaching the surreal Laguna Verde (green lagoon) at the foot of Volcán Licancabur** - Bolivia’s southwesternmost point.

Leaving Laguna Verde behind, set off on our scenic drive back to Uyuni not before we make a few stops for some fresh air and to enjoy more startling views of the region. Arrive in the town of Uyuni late afternoon where the tour ends.

**At Laguna Verde you may choose to be dropped off at the border post 20 mins away to board a previously arranged bus transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Please choose this option at the time of booking if desired.

ACCOMMODATION
NONE

MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH

DAY 1

SALAR DE UYUNI

Starting in Uyuni this morning, we meet at a designated pick up point (bus, train station, airport or hotel). Climb aboard our 4x4 for a short drive to the train cemetery just out of town. Next, drive to the village of Colchani (30 mins) where you will learn about salt mining and processing as well as stroll through its colorful market.

Next, enter the actual Salar de Uyuni as far as it is possible depending on the intensity of every rainy season. Typically, in January and April it is possible to drive as far as Playa Blanca (multinational flag stand approx. 10 Km from the edge of the Salar) but February through March this might not possible so we will drive around the edge of the salt flats to enjoy the mirror effect. This will be dependent on current conditions.

We will provide rain, rubber boots to walk on the flooded surface of the Salar to enjoy the sky reflection (reflection is dependant on the right conditions such as a sunny day with a few clouds and no wind). Await sunset which, if the conditions are right, will be a surreal experience before starting our drive back to the town of Uyuni (Basic & Standard) or the nearby Colchani (Plus) for dinner and a good night’s rest.

ACCOMMODATION
BASIC: BASIC HOSTEL WITH PRIVATE ROOM AND SHARED BATHROOM IN THE TOWN OF UYUNI
STANDARD: SIMPLE HOTEL WITH PRIVATE ROOM, BATHROOM AND HOT SHOWER IN THE TOWN OF UYUNI
PLUS: HOTEL PALACIO DE SAL, LUNA SALADA OR CRISTAL SAMANA (PREFERRED ORDER, BASED ON AVAILABILITY). PRIVATE ROOM, BATHROOM, HOT SHOWER IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures

MEALS
LUNCH, DINNER

DAY 2

BARREN DESERTS, COLORED LAGOONS, ANDEAN WILDLIFE

Leaving Uyuni and the salt flats behind today, we are bound south for the enigmatic Laguna Colorada*. On the way, we visit and walk along Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarkota and Honda lagoons to photograph wild flamingos up close and traverse Siloli Desert across extensive, barren landscape where Arbol de Piedra* (stone tree) and other geological formations exist.

It will be a long day and long distance covered but with plenty of scenic stops, surreal landscapes and Andean wildlife all along. Arrive at your accommodation near Laguna Colorada* in the evening for warm dinner and a well-needed rest.

*For our Plus package, Arbol de Piedra and Laguna Colorada are visited on the following day because of the location of Tayka de Piedra Hotel.

ACCOMMODATION
BASIC: BASIC LODGE IN LOCAL VILLAGE (DORMITORY ROOMS, NO PRIVATE BATHROOM/NO SHOWER) IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures
STANDARD: SIMPLE LODGE WITH PRIVATE ROOM & BATHROOM (NO HOT SHOWER) IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures
PLUS: HOTEL TAYKA DEL DESIERTO (or LOS FLAMENCOS HOTEL if no availability at Tayka). PRIVATE ROOM, BATHROOM & HOT SHOWER IMPORTANT: Please click/tap here for details and pictures

MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

DAY 3

STEAMING GEYSERS, NATURAL HOT SPRINGS, LAGUNA VERDE – UYUNI

This expedition of a lifetime comes to an end today with a very early start that brings us to Sol de Mañana, (Rising Sun) - an otherworldly, steaming geyser field high up in a massive crater. Follow up with a pleasant soak in the natural hot springs of Polques before reaching the surreal Laguna Verde (green lagoon) at the foot of Volcán Licancabur** - Bolivia’s southwesternmost point.

Leaving Laguna Verde behind, set off on our scenic drive back to Uyuni not before we make a few stops for some fresh air and to enjoy more startling views of the region. Arrive in the town of Uyuni late afternoon where the tour ends.

**At Laguna Verde you may choose to be dropped off at the border post 20 mins away to board a previously arranged bus transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Please choose this option at the time of booking if desired

ACCOMMODATION
NONE

MEALS
BREAKFAST, LUNCH

1. Does this tour depart every day?

No. This tour departs only when a booking has been confirmed for a specific date requested by our customers.

2. What is the difference between an English or Spanish speaking guided tour and a Spanish speaking driver guided tour?

No. This tour departs only when a booking has been confirmed for a specific date requested by our customers.

PLEASE NOTE THAT PARK AND OTHER SITES' ADMISSION FEES - IF APPLICABLE - ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE (READ BELOW)

WHY TAKE THIS TRIP WITH US?

• This trip has a perfect safety record with no accidents or serious incidents ever recorded
• Our drivers and guides are trained to put safety as priority
• No surcharges or hidden fees during the tour (see exclusions)
• We are a local company with more than 8 years’ experience running this type of trips in Bolivia and Peru

IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO CONSIDER

• The itinerary may suffer changes without previous notice due to factors outside our direct control such as weather and road conditions. If we are forced to alter the itinerary in any way, it will be based on good judgment and necessary modifications for your own safety and comfort and you will be promptly notified. We never alter or skip attractions in the itinerary without explaining the reasoning behind any possible change and providing adequate proof that such change may be necessary. Therefore, you should not take the above itinerary as “set in stone” and we will not he held liable for any loss or damage that you may feel arising from such changes made for your benefit.
• The Salt Flats region is a remote area that lacks the usual comforts of the modern world. You should not expect high standards of accommodation, hot water is available most of the time (according to respective package) and electricity is available for a few hours or more where possible.
• Food is handled hygienically and it is our priority and job that you are satisfied with the limited resources available in this region. Vegetarians are welcome, but should not expect special menus as we do what we can to serve appropriate portions of vegetables and fruit in the vegetarian menu.
• During the rainy season (December to March/April) some parts of the salt flats may be inaccessible such as Incahuasi Island and time on the actual salt flats is limited. Most of the regular itinerary is followed as normal

• • The following are dates/events in which we are available for a SHARED/GROUP departure for this tour.
  • The price published in the title is what you would pay if the minimum number of people is reached for the date/event.
  • If you are interested in joining any date/event that suits you, please RSVP/register/sign up for it (no payment required). Ideally, you should join a date/event that already has registered people for better chances of reaching the minimum number. However, don't worry if you are the first one(s), it will encourage others to join your chosen date.
  • Once at least the minimum number of RSVPs (registered/interested people) has been reached, you will be notified in order to proceed with your booking (payment will be requested) and have your departure confirmed.
  • If you join a date/event that, adding yourself, already has the number of people needed for the event to happen, let us know so we can contact the other interested/registered people to be able to confirm this departure (proceed with booking). You will also see the name(s) of the other people after you RSVP/register and you can ask us to contact them (because no personal contact information will be made public at any time).
  • If you are interested in a PRIVATE departure (any date of your choice, group size is limited to your own party) do not use these dates/events. Just contact us directly for a quote according to your party size.
  • Feel free to use the filters (Service Levels & Tour Language) to display only the dates/events you want.