Visit some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the world, and take in panoramic views of the Uyuni Salt Flats, high altitude lagoons, cactus-covered islands, active volcanos, and more on this 3-day, 2-night roundtrip tour from Uyuni!
On this 3-day experience, a local guide will lead you through the extreme and exotic landscape of the Uyuni Salt Flats. You’ll see volcanos, colorful lagoons, towering geysers, giant cacti, and the most beautiful sunsets in the world – all adding to the otherworldly atmosphere in this region. As the sprawling salt flats are remote and difficult to access, this tour ensures your safety and comfort as you experience this unforgettable trip.
After long days exploring cactus-covered islands and observing unique wildlife, you’ll catch some sleep in basic hostels, including one made entirely of salt. This tour will show you all the best sights inthe Bolivian salt flats region in 3 days packed with adventure and wonder.
Please note:
This is a shared group tour. Prices per person:
– Spanish-speaking guide with shared dorm room: $200 USD
– English-speaking guide with shared dorm room: $275 USD
– Spanish-speaking guide with private double room: $275 USD
– English-speaking guide with private double room: $375 USD
Day 1: Visit the world’s largest salt flats and stay in a hostel made of salt
The trip begins with a pickup at your hostel in Uyuni around 10:30 am. The first stop on the tour is the Train Cemetery, where you’ll see some of the oldest trains on the continent, rusted from the harsh climate. From there, the group move on to the town of Colchani, where you will learn about processing of salt, meet local artisans, and visit the Salt Museum.
Then, it’s on to the main attraction — the famous salt flats! The Uyuni Salt Flat is the world’s largest — at 10,582 square kilometers (4,086 square miles). It’s situated at 3,656 meters (11,995 feet) above sea level. The flat was formed from prehistoric lakes. Today, you’ll have the chance to see the Salt Mountains, salt extraction facilities, and the “Eyes of the Salt Flat,” where water bubbles to the surface.
You will also visit Isla Incahuasi, an island of coral and giant cacti in the middle of the flats (30 boliviano entrance fee not included in the tour price). The day ends in the town of San Juan, where you will stay in a hostel that is made completely of salt.
Accommodation: Villa Candelaria Salt Hostel
Day 2: See wildlife and otherworldly rock formations
The exact order of Day 2 depends on weather and where other tour groups are that day, but you will see all of the following sights:
Accommodation: A hostel in Huayllajara
Day 3: Relax in hot springs and visit high-altitude lagoons
Today is an early start, so that you can see the bright red lake, Laguna Colorada, which is a nesting ground at times for over 30,000 flamingos. Next, the group will visit the Geysers of the Morning Sun. Incredible natural spouts of steam spout from the ground at over 90°C (194°F), at an altitude of 4,900 meters (just over 16,000 feet!).
From there, you will go to the Polques hot springs, where you can enjoy the hot water before continuing the trip. After a relaxing dip, you’ll visit the Dalí Desert, named after Salvador Dalí, as it features rocks that are reminiscent of the style he uses in many of his paintings.
From here, the group continues to White Lagoon (Laguna Blanca) and Green Lagoon (Laguna Verde), both located at the foot of the impressive Licancabur Volcano. Once you are done checking out Laguna Verde, you will begin the return journey to Uyuni, which takes about 7 hours. You will stop for lunch around midday, but otherwise not stop many times on the way back. You will arrive back in Uyuni around 5:00 pm (17:00).
When we say “basic lodging,” we mean it. These are hostels and small hotels that are in basically the middle of nowhere in the northern desert in Bolivia, in towns that are very poor and lack the infrastructure that most travelers will be accustomed to. If you would like a more comfortable/luxurious option, please email us at info@keteka.com and we will see if the operator can arrange something for you!
Both hostels have hot water in the showers. The water will consistently be hot from August to April, but from May to July it is likely it will cut out and you may not get any on the night you stay there. (This is due to extreme cold and there is not much the hostel will be able to do about it in the moment.)
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After you book your experience, you will receive a confirmation email from us confirming that your payment went through. You will then be connected directly to the tour operator, in case you have any further questions. We are also happy to answer any questions about the tour, or travel in general in your country of destination.
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