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Salt flat tours.

NEW, FUN & SAFE TOURS IN BOLIVIA

all about the largest salt desert in the world!!

Salar de uyuni.

Welcome to Uyuni!! Get ready to explore one of South America’s most iconic locations, located in the Southwest of Bolivia near the border between Bolivia and Chile is the small town of Uyuni and the largest salt desert in the world.

Situated at an elevation of approximately 3,670 meters (12,040 feet) above sea level in the Potosí and Oruro departments. U yuni has become a central hub for tourism in the region, primarily because of its proximity to the Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats), one of the most iconic and breathtaking natural attractions in Bolivia.

The Salt Desert covers an area of over 10,000 square kilometers (3,900 square miles), making it the largest salt flat in the world. Known for its otherworldly and surreal landscapes, during the rainy season a thin layer of water creates a mirror effect, reflecting the sky. This unique scenery attracts photographers and tourists from around the world.

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Got salt bolivia is recomended and fetured on , trip advisor.

“Our passion has brought us to where we are today.” Got Salt Bolivia began as an idea in 2010 and has since become one of the top tour operators in Uyuni. Our passion and commitment to providing a unique experience and our strong belief in a NEW, FUN & SAFE way to explore Bolivia is the driving force that motivates us to move forward. Join the Got Salt team as we take you on a unique adventure were we aim to create memories that last a lifetime.

-Paul Guardia-   CEO & Founder

#1 Awarded & featured trip

3 day 100% salt flat tour.

★★★★★ Private Tour

1k+ serviced guests / 58+ reviews

from/per person

4WD Expedition

3 days/2 nights

Availability:

Group size:.

4 persons max

Departures:

Uyuni (Airport/Hotel)

Hotel/Hostel

Salt Hotel & Tayka Hotel

TOUR PROGRAM

Day 1 09:00 am Depart from Uyuni and visit: the Train Graveyard, Colchani Town (market & souvenirs), salt mounds, Dakar monument, flags, and Isla Incahuasi (360 viewer & giant cacti). ► Details: geological formation & perspective photography. Click to Open Gallery During the trip, you will make stops to take pictures of the geological formation on the surface of the salt desert as well as perspective photography with props you bring. 13:00 pm ► Details: Have lunch in the middle of the salt desert, we will set up a table, chair & umbrella mid-salt desert. Click to Open Gallery Got Salt LUNCH 17:00 pm ► Details: We will take you to the water region of the salt desert, here you will take silhouette and mirror effect pictures with our licensed guide. Click to Open Gallery Got Salt SUNSET PROGRAM 20:30 pm ► Details: Palacio de Sal is one of the best Salt Hotels in Uyuni, located at the edge of the Salt desert you will be able to enjoy and relax with all of the comfortable amenities. Click to Open Gallery Dinner and accommodations at Palacio de Sal 22:00 pm ► Details: We will take you to the South East region of the Salt Desert where you’ll be able to take amazing pictures of the Milky Way and stars. Note: Depending on weather, sky conditions and Lunar Phase we can decide the departure time and location. Click to Open Gallery STARGAZING PROGRAM

Day 2 09:30 am Pick up from Salt Hotel and depart towards the town of Uyuni, here you will have 15-20 minutes to buy snacks and change money before departing toward the Bolivian desert. 12:30 pm Lunch at San Cristobal Mining Town. 14:00 pm ► Details: Click to Open Gallery Depart towards Desierto de Siloli visiting: Rock Valley, Volcan Ollague viewer, Laguna Canapa, Laguna Hedionda and Laguna Onda (note: these lagoons are populated by flamingos, the James, Andean and Chilean flamingos.) 18:00 pm ► Details: Hotel Tayka del Desierto i located in the Siloli Desert near the border between Bolivia and Chile at 4500 masl, it is the only hotel in this area that provides private rooms with heating and hot water. Temperatures in this area can go as low as -30 degrees Celsius, please make sure you have warm clothing. Click to Open Gallery Approximate arrival at Hotel TAYKA del Desierto, here you will have dinner and accommodations for the evening.

Day 3 07:00 am ► Details: Click to Open Gallery After breakfast we depart towards the southern region of Bolivia visiting and passing through: 7 colored Mountain, Arbol de Piedra (rock formation), Laguna Colorda viewer, Geysers Sol de Manana (4950 masl), Polques hot springs, Desierto de Dali (rock formations) and Laguna Verde. 13:30 pm Lunch at Polques Hot Springs. 15:00 pm After lunch we depart back to the city or Uyuni (note: from this point it is approximately 5-6 hours drive making 2 stops for toilet breaks.) 19:00 pm Approximate arrival to Uyuni and transfer to Hotel/Airport/Bus Station END OF SERVICES

GOING TO SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA? 12:00 pm After visiting Laguna Verde Viewer you will have connections to San Pedro of Atacama at Hito Cajones (border between Bolivia and Chile). 14:00 pm Approximate arrival to San Pedro de Atacama and transfer to Hotel.

INCLUDED/NOT INCLUDED

✔ 4×4 vehicle (4 guests max) ✔ English speaking guide ✔ Breakfast (d2d3) ✔ Lunch (d1d2d3) ✔ Dinner (d1d2) ✔ Salt Hotel (d1) ✔ Tayka Hotel (d2) ✔ Water Boots (rainy season) ✔ Transfers IN/OUT

✘ entrance fees Isla Incahuasi 30bs ($5) Volcan Tuupa 30bs ($5) Laguna Colorada 150bs ($25) ✘ souvenirs ✘ drinks at dinner ✘ additional water ✘ TIP (driver & guide)

PRICE PER PERSON

– Going to San Pedro de Atacama Chile? Add $250 private transportation

*Got Salt Bolivia maintains transparency with all guests and maintains a fair and equal consumer treatment.

WHAT TO BRING

Passport Warm Clothing Raincoat (between December and March) Sunglasses Hat (Sun gets very intense between 10am-3pm) Comfortable shoes (if possible hiking boots) Sunscreen & Lip Balm Bolivian cash for possible additional expenses Camera (the Uyuni Salt Flats are an opportunity for photography lovers) Medication (altitude sickness pills)

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• Uyuni Salt Flats Tours

Our Uyuni Salt Flats Tours

One of the most popular tourist sites in Bolivia, the Uyuni Salt Flats, offers travelers some of the most beautiful views (and photos) on Earth. As the largest salt flat in the world, Salar de Uyuni is over 4,000 miles long . What is even more interesting is that during the rainy season is the largest reflecting surface on Earth.

The issue is getting there can be difficult, something that we here at Nick’s Adventures have perfected.

Nick’s Adventures is proud to offer over five custom and semi-custom tours. With local English speaking experts, our top-rated tours will show you the best parts of the Salt Flats. Ranging from 1 day to multiple days, we offer something for everyone. Be sure to view our other Bolivia tours .

Please view all of our Uyuni Salt Flats Tours below!

KACHI LODGE LUXURY UYUNI SALT FLAT EXPERIENCE

Uyuni Salt Flat 1 Day Tour

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Honeymoon Package in Bolivia

Santa Cruz to Uyuni Tour

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SAJAMA – UYUNI ULTIMATE LANDSCAPE AND CULTURE TOUR

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UYUNI SALT FLAT PRIVATE 3 DAY/2 NIGHT EXPEDITION TOUR

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Bolivian Salt Flats 2024

The most complete guide ever written with tips and advice to ensure you have the best possible experience at the bolivian salt flats..

Our guide to Bolivian Salt Flats in 2024 is extensive and based on almost 10 years of experience as well as hundreds of surveys from ex-travelers. Click any section below to read more information or scroll down to read the full complete guide of the Bolivian Salt Flats.

Bolivian Salt Flats of Uyuni – Quick Facts

Uyuni is around 8 hours South of La Paz

Access via overnight bus or small plane – options below

Salt Flat tours – 1 day and 3 day options – tips below

Known as the “world’s largest mirror”

Complete Guide to Uyuni Salt Flats Bolivia

(click any link to go direct to that section or scroll down to read the whole guide)

How To Get To Uyuni Salt Flats

Salt Flats Tour and Tips

The Perfect Salt Flats Plan – Itinerary Information

How To Take Amazing Photos At The Salt Flats Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni - FAQs - Your Questions Answered!

Bolivia Salt Flats Guide - Summary

Salar de Uyuni is accessible from Bolivia (for those going south) from La Paz, and from Chile (for those going north) via San Pedro de Atacama Desert.

From La Paz, it is usually 8 hours on a bed (cama) bus overnight, allowing you to arrive early morning, which is the best time to arrive to Uyuni.

From San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, buses take around 11 hours, factoring in the border crossing from Chile to Bolivia and involve a combination of buses. Tours are usually more recommended for when going from San Pedro to Uyuni or vice/versa.

Buses from La Paz to Uyuni

Bolivia Hop has been officially voted Bolivia’s best bus company in from 2016 to 2020 but as of December 2023, they still do not operate from La Paz to Uyuni. Bolivia Hop is the best way to get to and from La Paz, and then Todo Turismo is probably the best way to get from La Paz to Uyuni or from Uyuni back to La Paz. When booking with Todo Turismo, always try to get the Cama (bed) option. Do NOT go with other companies such as Transporte Omar or anybody else…safety records are suspect so we strongly recommend to travel with Todo Turismo to/from Uyuni, and Bolivia Hop to/from La Paz. Once in Uyuni, you can start your Salt Flats tour (1 day or a 3 day tour that ends in San Pedro de Atacama in Chile).

Quick Tip: The best way to book your Bolivian Salt Flats tour is by visiting Find Local Trips , a tour comparison website that allows you to choose tours from the top-rated operators throughout South America..

Buses from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni

There are NO direct buses from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni and it is strongly recommended to take a 3 day tour from San Pedro to Uyuni (or from Uyuni to San Pedro if you are traveling South) instead of trying to do this route via bus. This is because you will need to change buses, cross borders, and quite often this is a logistical nightmare.

If you insist on trying to travel from San Pedro to Uyuni by bus, or from Uyuni to San Pedro by bus. Cruz del Norte are usually the best bus company to go with.

The Bolivian Salt Flats in Uyuni are a MUST see for any trip to South America. It is STRONGLY recommended to book your tour in advance where possible and to NOT book your tour in Uyuni (book in La Paz or online) as many companies scam tourists, so be very careful with your choice of tour operator.

There are 2 types of tours of Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats:

Full Day Tour of the Salt Flats, start and finish in Uyuni on same day

A one-day tour of Salar de Uyuni in 4×4 jeeps are common and the shortest tours possible. The one day tour is also the cheapest way to visit the Salt Flats. Tours start in Uyuni around 10am (allowing you to have breakfast after your overnight bus from La Paz to Uyuni) and finish around 5pm (allowing you to take an overnight bus back to La Paz on the SAME day or to another destination.

A visit to the train cemetery is followed by a stop in Colchani before arriving to the Salt Flats and getting the first glimpse of this vast environment. Salt hotels, salt mounds, isolated ‘islands’ covered in cacti, lunch, and plenty of time for taking photos before returning to Uyuni at 5 pm. This is approximately how most of these tours run but for a more detailed itinerary check FindLocalTrips here .

Prices are from $70 USD to $90 USD

Start and finish in Uyuni, or finish in San Pedro de Atacama. If coming from San Pedro de Atacama, this 3 day tour will finish in Uyuni

3 Day Tours of Salar de Uyuni in 4×4 jeeps are the most popular tour type. The first day is the same as the one day tour – usually spending the first night in one of the basic Salt Hotels on the Salar itself. These hotels are almost completely constructed out of bricks made from dried salt!

The second and third days are spent seeing the colored lakes, hot springs, flamingo flocks, hot geysers, crazy rock formations – such as Arbol de Piedra (Rock Tree) , and painted volcanoes. You will be sleeping in tents and truly immersing yourself in this rugged part of the world. The stars alone in this unpolluted place can take your breath away.

3 day tours ending in San Pedro de Atacama – It’s also possible to hop over the border at the end of the tour, connecting to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

No attractions are missed by leaving the tour at the Chilean border before it heads back to Uyuni.

3 days tours STARTING From San Pedro de Atacama – There is also the opportunity to do this Salt Flat tour starting in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile and ending in Uyuni on the last day or returning to San Pedro the following day. Tours from San Pedro can be somewhat more expensive than those from Uyuni. This is the best way to get to Bolivia from Chile and the itineraries are the same as above just in reverse order with the final day being the Salt Flats themselves.

The best and most popular way to visit the Salar de Uyuni is by taking a 4×4 tour across the salt flats.

Most Salt Flats tours are safe and reliable; however, the conditions are basic in this area and you should be aware of this. The Salar de Uyuni is one of the harshest environments for vehicles on the planet and occasional vehicle issues can happen, this to a certain extent is unavoidable. The drivers are used to breakdowns and are pretty adept at fixing their vehicles. They are always willing to help each other out and you are usually not stuck for long – so a bit of patience is often all you need. Food will be basic.

As with all tours, pick your tour operator carefully. There have been occasional issues with tour drivers drinking alcohol while driving 4×4 jeeps laden with travelers and causing some nasty crashes. It is why we strongly recommend to go with one of the best tour operators available. FindLocalTrips is probably the best place to compare operators and from our experience, they only work with the safest and most reliable operators. More information can be found here

Some basic information:

• If you are traveling South, you will usually take the La Paz to Uyuni trip
• If traveling North, you will either come from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile or from Salta in Argentina
• 3 day tours of the Salt Flats are the most popular and most complete options. 1 day tours are ideal for those short on time
• On 3 day tours, you do NOT have to return to Uyuni if you do not wish…you can finish the 3day your in San Pedro (if going to Chile after Bolivia)
• It IS possible to do the following if short on time:
• Night bus from La Paz to Uyuni (9hrs)
• Arrive Uyuni AM and take full day (1day) tour
• On same day, take a night bus back to La Paz (9hrs)
• For buses to/from La Paz, we strongly recommend using the Bolivia Hop bus
• For buses to/from Uyuni, we strongly recommend using Todo Turismo

If you want detailed information on a full day (1 day) tour or the 3day tour, click on any of the tabs below to get a full and detailed itinerary and tips on what to bring etc.

The unique setting of endless salt flat at Salar de Uyuni make all kinds of crazy perspective photography possible. Here we have our top tips for great Salt Flats photos to add to your collection.

• Bring as much small and interesting items as possible: toy animals and action figures, toy vehicles and regular props such as sunglasses, hiking boots, and water bottles can all be turned into something funny and useful
• To set up for the shot the photographer needs to lie on their stomach and rest the camera on the ground to make positioning much easier; holding the camera in your hand makes it next to impossible
• Advice from an old photographer: “Shoot, shoot, shoot!!” Take lots and lots of shots since it’s not so easy to see your camera screen in the glare and you might never be back here again
• Making everyone jump in the air is a last resort shot that can always come out well!!!

Will I get problems with altitude sickness at the Salar de Uyuni?

IMPORTANT: IF TRAVELING FROM LA PAZ (also at high altitude) you should be fine in Uyuni, once you have spent 1 or 2 days in La Paz, or even Cusco (Machu Picchu) in Peru.

Altitude sickness can catch many travellers a little bit off guard. Not everyone gets sick at high altitudes and it is difficult to predict who is likely to be badly affected by it. For most people it is nothing more than a headache and some dizzy sensations that diminish over a short period of time, 1 to 2 days for most people.

If you want to limit your chances of getting sick though, there are a few things you can do.

Drink lots of water and slow down!! This sounds simple but both of these things are very important. Your body is struggling because you don’t have enough oxygen so avoiding any extraneous activity is a good idea. Chew Some Coca Leaves. The native people of South America have been chewing coca for centuries thanks to its ability to alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms. Coca leaves can be bought in any supermarket and even souvenir shops or street stalls.

Take (Soroche) Altitude Sickness pills, these are sold over the counter all over Peru and Bolivia and are just a few dollars. If you are flying straight into altitude over 2500meter, without spending any time at a intermediate elevation and you’re worried about getting sick, you can ask your doctor for more specific and stronger altitude sickness medication in advance.

From where do the tours of the Salt Flats start? Can I start from La Paz?

All of the tours of Salar de Uyuni start in Uyuni. The tours will not include your transfer from La Paz, you will need to organise and pay for this separately. The buses to Uyuni are overnight and depart La Paz every night and arrive into Uyuni the next day at approx. 7am. All the tours start at 10am-11am. It is strongly recommended to book your Uyuni tour online or in La Paz, NOT in Uyuni itself.

Do I need to stay one night in Uyuni before and after my tour?

You will arrive into Uyuni early in the morning and it is possible to start a tour the day you arrive. Most of the tours will start 10am-11am in the morning. You will return to Uyuni by 5:30 – 6:00 pm and will have time to eat and head back on the overnight bus to La Paz or take a bus onto Potosi / Sucre. It is advised that you book these buses in advance of taking your trip of the Salt Flats so no it is not necessary to stay in Uyuni.

Are there ATMs?

Bring money with you. Sometimes the ATMs do not work in Uyuni so it is best to take out any money you need in advance.

Will I have internet connection on a tour?

No, there is no internet connection on the tours. It is a very remote location.

We all agree that the Salt Flats in Uyuni, Bolivia are a MUST for any trip to South America. Uyuni is accessible mainly via La Paz, although other entrances are via San Pedro de Atacama and Patosi or Salta in Argentina. It is strongly recommend to book Salt Flat Tours in advance and only book with reputable companies (those with good reviews online or who allow you to book and pay online). Use Bolivia Hop to get to/from La Paz, use Todo Turismo to get to/from Uyuni, and use Find Local Trips to compare tour operators and book directly with them.

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• CLASSIC UYUNI SALT FLATS & EDUARDO AVAROA RESERVE - 4 DAYS

UYUNI SALT FLATS & EDUARDO AVAROA RESERVE - 4 DAYS

ITINERARY DRY SEASON

Uyuni to mallku villamar.

Our journey begins in Uyuni, Bolivia. We meet you at your hotel or at the airport if you are flying from La Paz or Santa Cruz. We leave Uyuni behind and travel southwards through the Altiplano - the Andean highlands that stretch for thousands of kilometers - after making a short stop at the Train Cemetery just out of Uyuni.

Our drive is quite smooth on a wide dirt road that leads to several town of southwestern Potosi department. We stop at San Cristobal town, home to Bolivia’s largest open-pit mine. The town has gone through a restoration and improvement period, boasting a beautiful colonial-era church and colorful market that serves as a break on our drive.

Leaving San Cristobal we continue our drive headed southwest and stop at the hidden Black Lagoon on the way. We continue toward the ‘valley of rocks’ where we have the opportunity to walk among giant boulders shaped as anything your imagination can make of. Another attraction of the day is the ‘Anaconda Canyon” where the jaw-dropping views are unmatched.

Later in the afternoon we have the opportunity to visit another small, secret lagoon that allows for some wildlife viewing and scenic hike.

We will then arrive at the village of Mallku Villamar where we spend the night with fresh dinner/supper and a warm bed.

ACCOMMODATION BASIC: Simple room, shared bathroom, may have lukewarm shower STANDARD: Simple private room with private bathroom & hot shower PLUS: Jardines de Mallku Cueva

MEALS INCLUDED LUNCH, DINNER

Eduardo Avaroa Reserve

This morning we leave Mallku Villamar and continue our drive south headed for Eduardo Avaroa Reserve. Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa as it is known, is Bolivia’s most visited protected area and with good reason. Among the natural highlights we will be delighted with, are Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon), Desierto de Siloli, Polques hot springs, Sol de Mañana geyser field and Laguna Colorada - Red Lagoon - with its thousands of pink flamingos.

It will be an intense day but full of dramatic and otherworldly sights. It’s a remote, high altitude desert region, so accommodation options are very limited but we have lodging ready for us to spend the night and get ready for more adventure the following day.

ACCOMMODATION BASIC: Basic dormitory-style shared accommodation with shared, unisex bathroom. No hot shower STANDARD: Simple private room with private bathroom. Lukewarm shower PLUS: Hotel Tayka del Desierto

MEALS INCLUDED BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

SPECIAL INFORMATION Accommodation is very basic to say the least on our Basic and Standard packages. The buildings are built with rock bricks from the area and are unheated. At 4500m it is a cold night combined with altitude, so it’s advised you bring warm clothes and take altitude medication if your doctor has prescribed any. It is the trip’s most basic night but most travelers are able to go through it with plenty of blankets provided and warm layers

Lagunas & flamingos

Today we continue our expedition now headed north and experience a number of exciting places along the way. For starters, we stop at Arbol de Piedra (Stone Tree, visited a day earlier if taking our Plus package). Located in the middle of [nowhere] the Siloli Desert, the Stone Tree is a quirky rock formation famous for its tree shape caused by thousands of years’ erosion.

The afternoon will be dedicated to visiting a chain of several lagoons known as the ‘Andean jewels’. The real highlight are the hundreds of pink flamingos that you can photograph up close and the pristine isolation of each lagoon.

By the end of the day we will have reached the proximity of the trip’s grand finale: Salar de Uyuni. We reach our accommodation in a small village where warm dinner and bed await.

ACCOMMODATION BASIC: Simple room, shared bathroom, hot shower in southern rim of Salar de Uyuni STANDARD: Private room with private bathroom and hot shower in southern rim of Salar de Uyuni PLUS: Hotel de Sal Tayka in northern rim of Salar de Uyuni

SPECIAL INFORMATION If you take our Plus package we will already enter the salt flats today as far as the northern rim which will allow for visiting more places the following day.

Uyuni Salt Flats & Incahuasi Island

Salar de Uyuni is probably best known for its hexagon-shaped patterns and giant cactus islands, but there is much more to see. In the northern end of the flats, where we will have spent our previous night (Plus), the awe-inspiring Volcan Thunupa offers several hiking opportunities along its base. If you would like to have a break from driving and get active, this morning we will explore this less-known area, as well as other interesting sites in along the northern rim. If you took our Basic or Plus packages, we will explore the southern rim instead, since we will have spent the previous night there

We'll have plenty of free time to have lunch in the middle of the salt flats and test our photography skills to get the best deep-perspective, fun photographs (bring props along).

We will then go across onto Incahuasi Island and here we will see the giant cacti and have the opportunity to do a second mild hike to its top. This is a great place to get a 360-degree view of the salt flats.

At the end of the day, we exit the salt flats via the village of Colchani where we have a brief stop at its colorful market before driving to the town of Uyuni where the tour ends around 6 PM.

MEALS INCLUDED BREAKFAST, LUNCH

ITINERARY RAINY SEASON

ACCOMMODATION BASIC: Simple room, shared bathroom, hot shower in southern rim of Salar de Uyuni STANDARD: Private room with private bathroom and hot shower in southern rim of Salar de Uyuni PLUS: Any of the following salt hotels in order of preference and availability: Hotel Palacio de Sal, Luna Salada, Cristal Samaña

SPECIAL INFORMATION Unlike the dry-season itinerary, our Plus package provides accommodation in the western rim of the salt flats instead of the northern

Uyuni Salt Flats

The rains falling from December to April flood the entire surface of the salt flats creating a surreal ‘mirror’ that reflects the entire sky. Thousands of people from around the world flock to Bolivia to experience the reflection created by this natural phenomenon. But don’t worry, the salt flats are so huge there is plenty of space for everyone, although it is impossible to reach Incahuasi Island and drive more than only a few kilometers from the shore of the salt flats.

The whole day will be spent enjoying the ‘mirror effect’, taking surreal photographs and enjoying a unique lunch in the middle of the flooded flats. We will await sunset to experience this unforgettable experience before we exit the flats for the town of Uyuni where our tour ends around 6 PM.

SPECIAL INFORMATION If you would like to take your time to see sunset, we advise not to take a flight to La Paz on this day. Please note that driving is impossible when the flats are flooded. Driving is done extremely slowly and accessibility to places is very limited

IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?

• This trip covers around 100 Km in four days of off road driving at high altitude and cold climate. It is recommended you prepare accordingly and read the itinerary before booking
• It is ideal if you like to get off the beaten track and away from the crowds by doing the usual 3-day itinerary in reverse, thus having most stops to yourself at different times from the rest
• It is possible to take this trip if you want to go to San Pedro de Atacama at the end of the trip although the order of attractions will be modified every day, keeping all the places mentioned
• Please note that the itinerary is modified during the rainy months of Jan to April

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?

• We are a tour operator, not a travel agency. This means that we organize this trip by putting everything from transport to accommodation providers together to make sure it works as flawlessly as possible. Our trusted providers have been tried and tested and we put our name confidently up front because we trust the safety and reliability they offer. A travel agency merely books you with a tour operator earning a commission for themselves and not giving a lot of care to your experience
• We put safety at the top of our list of priorities. We know Bolivia inside out and the roads, towns, villages, deserts, etc. that are safe to travel through. By using our services, you can rest assured that we will get you to your destination at the end of every day safely

WHAT TO BRING?

• Camera/drone
• Effective sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
• Warm layers as temperatures drop considerably in the evenings and mornings
• Bathing suit, sandals
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Money in Bolivianos for personal spending (drinks, souvenirs, tips, etc).

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 amendments 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
• Please note that the itinerary differs in the rainy season from the itinerary in the dry season. We will not be held liable/responsible for failure to read this information
• This 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

OPEN DATES & FIXED DEPARTURES

The following are dates in which other people have shown interest in forming a group for this tour. Use the ENQUIRY tab to request a new date or join one of the dates below to form a group and obtain the respective price. The number of interested persons is shown for your reference and you will be updated via email if other people are interested in the same date. If your party consist of four persons, we suggest booking a tour outright to confirm departure.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Private transportation from Uyuni to Uyuni four days
• Bilingual guide (English-Spanish) or digital guide in IOS or Android app (price varies)
• 3 nights accommodation according to selected package
• 4 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 breakfasts

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• National park and other sites’ admission fees: Approx. 210 BOB (30 USD, only local currency accepted)
• Soft/fizzy and alcoholic drinks
• Optional tips/gratuities (suggested)

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10 BEST Salar de Uyuni Tours: Bolivia Salt Falts in 2023

The Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats, sometimes referred to simply as the Bolivia Salt Flats , is a place unlike any other you’ll ever experience as a traveler. Best known for perfectly reflecting the sky during the rainy season and creating the world’s largest mirror), the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats earns its spot atop many a traveler’s bucket list .

While visiting the Salar de Uyuni is one of Bolivia’s most popular attractions, visiting this remote and desolate is challenging. In this ultimate guide to the best Salar de Uyuni tours, we share the very best ways to experience the Bolivia Salt Flats , plus Salt Flats tour options from cities like Uyuni, La Paz , Tupiza, and even San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

Salar de Uyuni Tours

Located in one of the most desolate areas on Earth, the Bolivia Salt Flats

While Salar de Uyuni tours of the Salt Flats draw visitors here first, the Salt Flats are not the only things to see in this area. The entire surrounding area of southwest Bolivia is home to some of the most beautiful, remote scenery you’ll find anywhere.

You’ll find stunning mountains, technicolor lakes and lagoons, desert landscapes, roaming alpacas, and jagged red mountains . It is absolutely worth a trip, and well worth carving out a few days in your Bolivia itinerary to experience. There is no place like it!

Read More: Ultimate Guide to the Salar de Uyuni Bolivia Salt Flats

What is Salar de Uyuni?

The Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats is the world’s largest salt flat and Bolivia’s most popular destination with travelers. Located in southwestern Bolivia, this massive salt flat is nearly 3,900 square miles (10,000 square kilometers) in size.

The Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats were formed by prehistoric lakes leaving the salt behind. Now, the entire area is covered meters deep in salt . The entire area is both extremely flat and at an extremely high elevation. This creates some incredible perspectives and optical illusions, for which Salar de Uyuni is well known.

Plan a Trip to Bolivia

• La Paz, Bolivia: Ultimate Traveler’s Guide
• 24+ Best Things To Do in La Paz, Bolivia
• Ultimate Travel Guide: Salar de Uyuni Bolivia Salt Flats
• Visiting Laguna Colorada, Bolivia: A Complete Guide

Uyuni Bolivia

A small town located just on the edge of the salt flats, all visitors to the Salt Flats will make their way through Uyuni, either as the starting or ending point of Salar de Uyuni tours.

While there isn’t much to this town, it offers a range of hotel and hostel options, restaurants, and of course, tour companies for trips to the salt flats and beyond. Overall, it’s a great starting and ending point for Salar de Uyuni tours, offering everything you could need for your excursion.

Accommodations in Uyuni

One of the most popular forms of accommodation in Uyuni is the famed “salt hotel” – these are hotels built entirely out of giant salt blocks cut from the salt flats! If you’re looking for an affordable yet comfortable salt hotel stay, make sure to check out Casa de Sal Salt Hotel for your overnight stay in town. The building’s walls and furniture like bed frames are made from salt bricks .

For a more luxurious option, consider the Hotel Palacio de Sal . This stunning hotel was the first salt hotel on the Salt Flats and is one of the nicest. It’s complete with a lovely restaurant and luxurious spa, which has plenty of salt-centric spa treatments, of course.

Best Hotels and Hostels in Uyuni

• Hotel Nido del Flamenco ($ – $$)
• Casa de Sal Salt Hotel ($$)
• Hotel Palacio de Sal ($$ – $$$)

Bolivia Salt Flats Tours

There are nearly infinite options for Bolivia Salt Flats tours, with everything from short day trips across the Salt Flats to longer, multi-day trips. The most popular Salar de Uyuni tours are multi-day 4X4 jeep tour that explores the Salt Flats and surrounding natural wonders of the area!

Multi-day Bolivia Salt Flats tours in jeeps take you further beyond as well, into the nearby high plains, which have some of South America’s most incredible natural sights – I can’t recommend this option enough if your schedule allows for it!

The majority of tours of the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats depart from the town of Uyuni, as most travelers visiting the Salt Flats stay here. Many companies offer full-day or half-day Salar de Uyuni tours, which offer travelers the opportunity to see the best of the best of the salt flats.

What to Pack for Salar de Uyuni

Check out our Ultimate Salar de Uyuni Packing List for our tried and tested packing list. Don’t repeat our mistakes on your Laguna Colorada and Salar de Uyuni adventure!

Best Salar de Uyuni Tours From Uyuni

One-day salar de uyuni tours from uyuni.

• Best One-Day Salar de Uyuni Group Tour from Uyuni : 1-Day Group Tour Salar de Uyuni
• Best One-Day Salar de Uyuni Private Tour from Uyuni : 1-Day Private Tour Salar de Uyuni

One-day Salar de Uyuni tours depart from Uyuni and allow you to spend the day exploring the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats and the surrounding area. These are some of the most popular Salar de Uyuni tours, and the most affordable, perfect if you just have a day or two in the area.

Day tours of the Salt Flats include all the highlights on the Salt Flats, including the train cemetery , Dakar monument, Incahuasi Island, and sunset over the Salt Flats. Andes Salt Expeditions has the most comprehensive and well-done one-day group tour in Uyuni. This is definitely my recommendation for budget travelers looking for a great Uyuni tour experience!

• Reviews and Bookings: 1-Day Group Tour Salar de Uyuni
• Reviews and Bookings: 1-Day Private Tour Salar de Uyuni

Two-Day Salar de Uyuni Tours from Uyuni

• Best 2-Day Salar de Uyuni Tour from Uyuni : 2-Day Salar de Uyuni and Surrounds Tour

2-day, 1-night tours from Uyuni tend to stick to the Uyuni area and Salt Flats – while you’ll see much, much more of the area, including surrounding volcanos, you generally won’t get to see those colorful lakes (Laguna Colorada, Laguna Verde, and more!) you’ll see on a three-day tour.

Joker Expeditions – one of Uyuni’s most well-respected tour companies – offers two-day tours of Salar de Uyuni and Laguna Colorada . These are popular, though a bit more expensive than a standard two-day tour. However, seeing Laguna Colorada, Laguna Verde, and all the incredible surrounding scenery is well worth it!

• Reviews and Bookings: 2-Day Salar de Uyuni and Surrounds Tour

Three-Day Salar de Uyuni Tours from Uyuni

• Best 3-Day Salar de Uyuni Group Tour from Uyuni: 3-Days Salar de Uyuni + Lagunas Group Tour
• Best 3-Day Salar de Uyuni Private Tour from Uyuni: 3-Days Salar de Uyuni + Lagunas Private Tour

Most multi-day tours from Uyuni are the 3-day and 2-night tours that are considered a full tour of the region. Once you select a 3-day tour over a 2-day tour, your itinerary is almost guaranteed to include some of the most beautiful attractions further from Uyuni, including Laguna Colorada, Laguna Verde, and incredible sights to the south .

I highly recommend carving out space in your itinerary for a three-day Salar de Uyuni tour . This was one of my favorite travel experiences EVER. The scenery is gorgeous, and it’s absolutely worth finding the time for the full Salar de Uyuni tour done right.

• Reviews and Bookings: 3-Days Salar de Uyuni + Lagunas Group Tour
• Reviews and Bookings: 3-Days Salar de Uyuni + Lagunas Private Tour

Best Salar de Uyuni Tours From La Paz

One-day salar de uyuni tours from la paz.

• Best One-Day Tours By Bus from La Paz : One-Day Salar de Uyuni Tour from La Paz by Bus
• Best One-Day Tours By Air from La Paz: One-Day Salar de Uyuni Tour from La Paz by Air

One-day Uyuni tours from La Paz by bus and even one-day Uyuni tours from La Paz by plane are great for travelers on a short itinerary. You’ll make it to this unmissable destination with the time you have. 

However, if you can carve out more time in your itinerary, I highly recommend spending more time in Uyuni if you’re traveling here from La Paz – no matter how you plan to travel.

Multi-Day Salar de Uyuni Tours From La Paz

• Best 3-Day Salar de Uyuni Tour from La Paz: 3-Day Salar de Uyuni Tour from La Paz
• Best 4-Day Salar de Uyuni Tour from La Paz: 4-Day Salar de Uyuni Tour from La Paz
• Best 5-Day Salar de Uyuni Tour from La Paz: 5-Day Salar de Uyuni Tour from La Paz

Spending at least three days in Salar de Uyuni from La Paz is the best of both worlds: you’ll have your transportation easily and conveniently organized for you while still enjoying the very best of the full tour of the Salt Flats. This is a great option , just marginally more expensive than a standard tour departing from the town of Uyuni.  

The five-day Salar de Uyuni tour from La Paz is the best way to see the Salt Flats from La Paz without being rushed. You’ll see the best of the best of the area, including the colorful lagoons Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde, and have the most memorable trip you can imagine. Highly recommended!

Plan a Trip to La Paz

• Ultimate Traveler’s Guide to La Paz, Bolivia
• 24+ Best Things To Do in La Paz

Best Salar de Uyuni Tours From Tupiza

• Best Salar de Uyuni Tour from Tupiza: 4-Day Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats and Lagunas Route from Tupiza

One of the nearby towns to Uyuni – just a few hours south – many travelers also start their journey to the Salt Flats from Tupiza Bolivia. Starting an Uyuni tour from Tupiza is particularly popular with travelers heading through Bolivia from northern Argentina.

While Tupiza may not seem like a logical first starting point, starting a Bolivian Salt Flats tour from Tupiza Bolivia is like doing the 4-day and 3-night loop from Uyuni in reverse , meaning you’ll be visiting the sites when they’re a lot less crowded.

You save a visit to the Salt Flats for the last day of the tour, which makes the tour end with a major bang!

When ending a Salar de Uyuni tour from Tupiza in Uyuni, you can choose to return with the guides to Tupiza if you’ll continue traveling from there or remain in Uyuni and travel onward . This means that no matter where you’re headed next, you’ve got an easy way to get there.

• Reviews and Bookings: 4-Day Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats and Lagunas Route from Tupiza

Best Salar de Uyuni Tours From San Pedro de Atacama

• Best 3-Day Salar de Uyuni Tour from San Pedro: 3-Days Salar de Uyuni Tour from San Pedro
• Best 4-Day Salar de Uyuni Tour from San Pedro: 4-Day Salar de Uyuni Tour from San Pedro

San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile is a very popular destination for travelers as a hub within the Atacama desert, and it is another hub for travelers looking to visit the Salt Flats. There are plenty of San Pedro de Atacama tours, especially multi-day Atacama to Bolivia Salt Flats tours that start and end in San Pedro de Atacama.

If you’re looking for a tour that starts from and ends in San Pedro de Atacama, check out Howlanders ! Howlanders is a tour company that offers an extremely popular 4-day and 3-night tour from San Pedro de Atacama that I’ve heard rave reviews of from a fellow travel blogger.

• Reviews and Bookings: 3-Days Salar de Uyuni Tour from San Pedro
• Reviews and Bookings: 4-Day Salar de Uyuni Tour from San Pedro

Things To See Near Salar de Uyuni

Of course, the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats are rightfully the biggest and best attraction here! Spend time taking in the incredible, other-worldly scenery here. In addition, you’ll want to visit these awesome locations, too!

Incahuasi Island

Formerly an island within the middle of the prehistoric lake that formed the salt flats, this rocky outcropping in the middle of the salt flats is a popular stop on tours.

It is home to towering cacti, some nearly 30 feet (10 meters) tall. Not only a beautiful spot itself, but this island also makes for a beautiful panoramic view over the salt flats – included in nearly all Salar de Uyuni tours!

Plaza of Flags & Dakar Monument

A rare break from the empty salt flats, the Plaza of Flags is a beautiful circle of flags left behind by visitors – bring your own and contribute if your flag isn’t there yet! The colors of the flags are beautiful against the white salt and blue sky backdrop.

The nearby monument celebrates the famed Dakar Rally race that passed through Bolivia and neighboring countries.

Travel Essential

Don’t head out on your adventure without comprehensive travel insurance! Good travel insurance may cover lost or stolen gear, medical emergencies, delayed or canceled flights, and more.  Check out the policies available from  SafetyWing or compare plans using  Visitors Coverage .

Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina – Eduardo Avaroa

The Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve of Andean Fauna is a protected area bordering Chile and Argentina and is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the area, including the Laguna Colorada, Laguna Verde, and other colorful lakes and soaring mountains.

You’ll get to spend plenty of time here on multi-day Bolivian Salt Flats tours exploring this beautiful national park and reserve.

Laguna Colorada

By far one of the most stunning features in the area, the Laguna Colorada is a bright red lake surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains.

The intense red color is due to the colors of algae and sediments, creating an unforgettable view. This lagoon is also home to flocks of Andean flamingos, making the scene even more impressive.

Read More: Ultimate Guide to Visiting Laguna Colorada, Bolivia

Laguna Verde

Relatively close to the stunning Laguna Colorada, you’ll find the less well-known but equally stunning Laguna Verde. This aquamarine lagoon is a beautiful sight against blue skies and dark volcanoes behind it. 

Polques Hot Springs

These hot springs are the result of the nearby Polques volcano and make a perfect escape from the usually cold climate in Bolivia’s high plains. Bring a travel towel and swimsuit despite how cold it is, the springs are so warm you won’t regret it!

• La Paz Witches Market: Best Markets in Latin America

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

The Best Tours in Uyuni

The Bolivian Salt Flats have become Bolivia’s most popular attraction and a must-see for anyone traveling through South America. Their otherworldly nature and surreal beauty attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. Read below to find everything you need to choose the perfect Salar de Uyuni tour!

Quick tips:

• If you have a bit more time, choose a 3 or 4 Day Tour to get to enjoy everything Salar de Uyuni has to offer!
• Unfortunately, there have been cases of tour operators scamming tourists who try to book a tour when they arrive to the salt flats. If possible, book in advance through a trusted operator.
• Findlocaltrips.com is a highly recommended website that finds and compares local tour operators. Check them out to find the best Salar de Uyuni tours.

Salar de Uyuni tour options

With the natural beauty of Salar de Uyuni and all its breathtaking surroundings, it’s no wonder the Bolivia Salt Flat is one of the world’s most popular tours. Luckily, theres an option for all travelers, whether short on time or traveling at a slower pace. Let’s take a look in more detail.

One-day tours are a great way for those who don’t have much time to see the salt flats. Due to the time restriction, you won’t get a chance to visit the incredible surrounding attractions. However, you will be far from disappointed when you leave as these tours still give you plenty of time to soak in the magic of Salar de Uyuni and capture jaw-dropping photos that you didn’t even know were possible.

One-day tours can only be taken from Uyuni. Buses arrive here very early in the morning to allow enough time for those on board to do take the tour the day they arrive. These tours start at around 10am and finish at around 5pm, allowing enough time for those on the tour to catch an overnight bus to their next destination.

The historical and intriguing train graveyard is the first stop on the one-day tours. This is followed by Colchani, the salt production site, where you will be taught the process of producing salt and visit one of the iconic salt hotels. A trip to Isla Incahuasi follows, where you’ll be able to discover giant cacti up to 10m high, incredible rock formations made of petrified coral and a enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of the tremendous salt flats.

Lunch is also served here as groups get their props at the ready for crazy, perspective photos set on the blinding white surface of the salt flats. The tour ends in magnificent fashion as you observe the sun magically set over the flats.

1 Day Tour include:

• The train graveyard
• A Salt hotel
• Isla Incahuasi

Recommended 1 Day Tour

Uyuni Salt Flat Full Day Tour

Red Planet Expedition

Perla de Bolivia

3/4 Day Tour

The most popular and recommended way to discover Salar de Uyuni is by taking a 3 or 4 day tour in a 4×4 jeep. Three day tours depart from either Uyuni or San Pedro de Atacama and finish in Uyuni. The three day tour starting in San Pedro de Atacama and ending in Uyuni is ideal for those looking to continue traveling north after their visit to Salar de Uyuni. Alternatively, you can do the 4 day tour which starts and finishes in San Pedro de Atacama. This tour visits the same places as the 3 day tours but requires an extra night in order to make the relatively long journey back to Chile.

Day one is the same as the one day tour – departing from Uyuni at the same time and visiting the same places. Following a long day of exploring, you will spend the first night in one of the iconic salt hotels or salt hostels. These remarkable designs are made up almost entirely of salt blocks, from the bed and toilet to the walls and ceilings. Get yourself an early night sleep here as days two and three begin at the crack of dawn, with breakfast at 7am and 5am respectively. Across the next two days you will see everything that Salar de Uyuni has to offer. Of course, you will also be given plenty of time to capture an abundance of photos of one of the picturesque places on Earth The second night is spent in very basic accommodation beside the Polques hot springs, where you will find yourself blown away by the magical stars of the Salar.

The itinerary for those who start their tour in San Pedro de Atacama is reversed as they visit the desert, lagoons, hot springs etc. at the beginning of the tour and the salt flat at the end. The third night of the 4 day tour is spent in a basic hostel in Villa Mar village. You will wake up at 4.30 am to continue your journey, finally arriving back to San Pedro de Atacama at around 2pm.

3/4 Day Tour include:

• The lagoons Polques hot springs
• Arbol de Piedra
• Valle de Rocas
• Sol de Mañana geyser
• Dali Desert
• San Cristobal de Lipez
• A salt hotel
• Chiguana desert

Recommended 3/4 Day Tour

Uyuni Salt Flat Tour 3 Days / 2 Nights

Visit the largest salt mine

in the world in 2021

Tours & Trips including Salar de Uyuni

• Choose from 34 Uyuni Salt Flat tours
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The best Uyuni Salt Flat tour packages

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Nadine Uyuni Salt Flat travel expert at TourRadar

UYUNI SALT FLATS FULL DAY GROUP TOUR

The best of uyuni (2 days): the salt flats & lagoons, uyuni salt flats air-expedition 3d/2n (budget), uyuni salt flats & desert adventure 3d/2n (uyuni to uyuni), uyuni salt flat and eduardo avaroa park 3-day tour, get to know bolivia at the speed of light 3 days 2 nights, bolivia: hito cajón & uyuni - 3 days, bolivia: uyuni salt flat, tunupa volcano & hito cajon - 3 days, magic bolivia, bolivia in 4 days and 3 nights: discover the magic of the altiplano.

• Christmas & New Year
• Watch the sunset in the middle of the Salar
• Visit Colchani and learn about salt processing
• Admire the vast salt flats and Tunupa volcano

• Explore the train cemetery and Colchani town
• Spot flamingos at Hedionda Lagoon
• Visit Incahuasi Island and see giant cacti

“We saw rock formations, stunning desert landscapes, red and green lakes, flamingos and soaked in hot springs.” Helen Young, traveled in February 2019

• See flamingos at Andean lagoons and Siloli Desert
• Visit the Train Cemetery and Colchani's salt crafts
• Discover the Dali Desert and Laguna Colorada

“Had a very nice trip. Took very good care of us and gave a lot of information.” Laetitia De Jaegere, traveled in January 2023

• Explore the Train Cemetery in Uyuni
• See geysers and colorful lagoons
• Stay at the unique Hotel de Sal

• Visit a salt hotel turned museum
• Watch sunset over the Uyuni salt flats
• Explore the Uyuni train cemetery

• Tour the majestic Salar de Uyuni
• Visit the mystical Witches' Market
• Ride the world's longest cable car system

• Drive through the surreal Salvador Dalí desert
• Relax in Chalviri hot springs after lunch
• Hike among giant cacti on Incahuasi Island

• Hike around Incahuasi Island's giant cacti
• Explore old steam locomotive cemetery
• Visit artisan salt factories in Colchani

“Very good company to book tour. A 3-star hotel in Bolivia is not a 3-star hotel in U.S..” Frank wang, traveled in April 2024

• In-depth Cultural
• Witness a sunset over the vast Uyuni Salt Flats
• Discover diverse ecosystems at Siloli Desert
• Explore Tiwanaku's ancient archaeological sites

• Sightseeing
• Discover the Train Cemetery and Colchani's salt crafts
• Ride the world's longest cable car in La Paz
• Tour the vast Uyuni Salt Flats and Incahuasi Island

Discover TourRadar

Salar de Uyuni – How to Visit The Bolivia Salt Flats

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: June 21, 2023

The Salar de Uyuni is the biggest salt flat in the world and the most famous tourist draw in Bolivia, South America . In fact, for many travelers, the Bolivian Salt Flats is the sole reason they visit Bolivia. We do recommend that you visit more of Bolivia than just the salt flats, but if you want some epic pictures and an unforgettable experience you will want to put the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats on your bucket list.

Ever since the Bolivia Salt Flats played host to the world-famous Dakar Rally in 2014, it has gained even more attention amongst travelers. “You will love it!” These were the words we had heard from other travelers every time we mentioned our plan to travel to the Bolivia Salt Flats. As you might imagine our expectations were sky-high and we couldn’t wait to see the white endless scenery.

Table of Contents

What is the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia?

The Salar de Uyuni is one of the most spectacular adventure-travel destinations on Earth. Think 10 billion tons of salt sprawling across an endless desert. The Salar de Uyuni is a 10,582 square kilometer expanse of cracked white salt, left behind when an ancient salt lake named Coipasa dried up thousands of years ago.

Located in the Bolivian Altiplano, it is the world’s largest salt flat and is located at a high altitude of 3,656 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level.

Salar de Uyuni is made primarily of salt. It is a vast expanse of dried-up prehistoric lakes, and the salt flat itself is the result of the evaporation of water from these ancient lakes. Underneath the salt crust lies a thick layer of brine, which is a concentrated solution of salt and water.

The salt crust on the surface is composed mainly of sodium chloride (table salt) along with other minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and lithium. These minerals give the salt flat its unique colors and patterns. In fact, Salar de Uyuni is not just a salt flat but also contains significant lithium reserves, making it a valuable resource.

During the dry season, the salt crust hardens and forms a vast white landscape, creating a surreal and otherworldly appearance. However, in the rainy season, the flat transforms into a massive reflective surface, resembling a giant mirror due to a thin layer of water that covers the salt crust. This phenomenon creates stunning optical illusions and unique photo opportunities for visitors.

Uyuni Salt Flats Day Tours

The beauty is that the tours are flexible. There are options for 1 day, 3 days, or 4 days, depending on what your schedule is and how much time you want to spend in the area itself. We recommend the 3 or 4-day option as it covers the most.

Most Salar de Uyuni, including ours, meant spending four days locked in a jeep with three other travelers and a cook while our amiable Bolivian driver took us through an increasingly unbelievable array of natural wonders. This is the best way to see the Uyuni salt flats in my opinion.

We have included a map below to give you an idea of where in Bolivia the slat flats are in relation to the rest of the country.

Where do Bolivia Salt Flats Tours Start From?

The beauty of the Salt Flats being so popular is that tours to the area start from a number of different places. For the most part, the length of your salt flats tour will determine where you start.

Start and End in Uyuni

Most tours of Salar de Uyuni leave from the town of Uyuni itself, a dry desert settlement located near the salt flats. It’s by far the cheapest place to pick up a tour, with trips on offer for as low as B$600 (about $80 USD). This is most likely the place you will start out if you are doing a 1 Day tour of the salt flats . We do recommend being cautious and doing your research as we found that quite a few of the tour agencies in Uyuni tout unreliable cars and dangerous drivers.

If you are planning a 3 or 4-day tour then there are a lot more options to choose from when it comes to a starting point and an ending point.

Start in Tupiza End in Uyulni

A more pleasant (if slightly pricier) experience can be had by taking the back road to the Salar, leaving from the south-Bolivian city of Tupiza. Home to a handful of tour agencies and a pleasant main plaza, Tupiza is a relaxing place to spend a couple of days while researching agency options. Tours from here usually last 4 days and at the end, you can return to Tupiza from Salar de Uyuni if you like.

Start in Uyuni End in San Pedro de Atacama in Chile

This is the most popular option, especially if you are looking at a multi-day tour. Alternatively, if you have money to burn, you could begin your tour from San Pedro de Atacama , a beautiful (if absurdly touristy) village in nearby Chile.

Located on Chile’s border with Bolivia, San Pedro de Atacama is surrounded by spectacular scenery of its own to explore–but it’s not for the faint of wallet. This is one of the reasons we recommend booking the tour that starts in Uyuni and ends in Chile at San Pedro de Atacama.

Altitude Sickness

If you do decide to start in San Pedro remember that you will be at a high altitude, so there is a risk of altitude sickness if you don’t take care to acclimate. Drink plenty of water and don’t over-exert.

At this high of elevation, there is a real threat of getting sick. Keep an eye out for altitude sickness symptoms which include headache, nausea, and vomiting when severe. We recommend visiting a travel clinic before visiting Salar de Uyuni. Your doctor may prescribe Diamox. Locals also recommend coca tea made from coca leaves.

La Paz or Sucre

If you are looking just for a quick day tour of the salt flats then you can easily jump on one in either La Paz or Sucre, if you are in those cities and you have a limited amount of time.

How Many Days in the Bolivia Salt Flats Do You Need?

We recommend the 3 or 4-day tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats. Although you can do a 1-day tour of the salt flats themselves you really do miss out on the other attractions that are covered in the 3 and 4-day tour. The longer tours are more popular for this reason.

Of course, it will all depend on your budget and travel itinerary which length of trip you choose. Just be aware that on the 1-day tour you miss out on the hot springs, the volcano, and the flamingoes and you don’t get the chance to see this amazing sight at sunset. Being a photographer this is a must!

The 3-day tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats is the perfect amount of time to balance being at altitude and seeing it all.

How to Choose Your Bolivia Salt Flats Tour

There are many tour agencies and many drivers offering tourists an Uyuni experience-but not all of them are reliable. Drunken drivers and sham agencies abound, so be sure to research your options carefully and meet your driver before putting down money. If things seem shady, don’t be afraid to back out.

Some tour operators are all too good at pressuring tourists to ignore their better instincts. The agency I chose was named Natural Adventure , an operator based out of the small Bolivian city of Tupiza.

I had a very good experience with them; though my driver didn’t speak much English, he made up for it with friendliness, verve, and expressive hand gestures.

The truth is that all the tours will cover the same things. It is pretty standard. They will try and upsell you and convince you that they have faster cars or better accommodation just to get more money out of you. If you ask the right questions you will definitely up your chances of getting a great tour.

Recommended Tours to Book Ahead of Time

Questions to Ask Before Booking a Tour to the Uyuni Salt Flats

• How Many People will be in my car? Obviously the smaller amount of people the better. But most tours try and get 6 people plus a driver in a vehicle.
• What type of accommodations are offered? Will you be staying in a salt hotel, sharing a room, or all in one big room?
• Does my driver speak English? Most drivers are also your guide and cook and don’t speak much english. It helps if you know some spanish or you are good at acting things out.
• Is the entrance to the National park included? The usual answer to this is no, but some do offer it. If it is not then be prepared to fork over an extra of 150 Bob ($22 USD). If you plan on visiting “Fish Island” within Uyuni salt lake that will cost you extra as well.
• Where does the tour end? Will you be coming back to Uyuni or doest t finish in another destination like San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. The coice is usually yours.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit the Bolivia Salt Flats?

As we said above, all of the tours are the same and follow the same route. Do not be fooled by people trying to upsell you to a better tour. The car and the accommodation may change but the tours themselves are identical. That being said the price varies widely, so you are going to have to negotiate the best price.

You should not pay more than 850-1350 Bob for a 3-day tour ($125 – $195 USD) . This price is all-inclusive of food, transportation, accommodation, and a Spanish-speaking guide. If you want an English-speaking guide prepare to pay double. What it does not include is the $20 fee to get into the National Park, so make sure you have cash for that. If you are planning on going to San Pedro de Atacama then you will also need 50 Bob for the border crossing. It is always good to have some cash on you.

It is important to note that the prices above are if you book your tour on arrival or in Bolivia itself. If you book your tour online before you travel the cost can be almost double.

What are the Accommodation Options on the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats Tours?

While tours themselves are markets as basic, I would say that we were pleasantly surprised. We have stayed in some basic places over the years but were fairly impressed when you consider the cost of the tour.

You will spend the first night of the tour in a salt hotel, which we loved. Now when I say a salt hotel, I mean everything is made of salt. The hotel exterior is made of salt blocks, the chairs, ground, and bed are also made of salt. We were happy to have private rooms on the first night to really enjoy it. There was also a shower which cost 10BS and had enough water for 2 people. Take advantage of it as there are no other showers on the tour.

The other nights we slept in dorm-type rooms, but you can pay an extra 150Bs for a private room, which we did. The buildings are clean and well taken care of so you never felt like you were on an ultra-budget tour.

There is no WIFI out here so you will be disconnected which we found a welcome reprieve from constantly checking phones each day.

The way the meals are set up is that breakfast and dinner are served at the accommodation and the lunch is always on the road. The food itself was not fine dining but it was tasty and there was always enough.

Where to Stay Near Salar de Uyuni

While there aren’t many accommodation options directly on the salt flats themselves, the nearby town of Uyuni offers various choices for visitors. Here are some suggestions on where to stay:

Uyuni town: This is the most convenient place to stay as it offers a range of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses catering to different budgets. You’ll find options ranging from basic accommodations to more luxurious hotels. Staying in Uyuni allows you to easily access Salar de Uyuni and other nearby attractions.

Colchani: Situated on the edge of Salar de Uyuni, Colchani is a small village known for its salt processing industry. It offers a few accommodations that provide a unique experience closer to the salt flats. Keep in mind that the options may be limited compared to Uyuni town.

Salt hotels: Some unique accommodations are built entirely from salt blocks, providing a distinctive experience for visitors. These hotels are typically located on the outskirts of Uyuni and offer a blend of comfort and the chance to immerse yourself in the salt flat surroundings.

Palacio de Sal is a luxury hotel and spa that was the first salt hotel. Located near the entrance of Salar de Uyuni near Colchani, this is a popular place to stay.

Salt flats camping : For an adventurous experience, you may consider camping on the salt flats. There are tour operators that offer overnight camping trips, providing tents, sleeping bags, and meals. This option allows you to witness the stunning sunsets and starry nights of the salt flats.

How to Dress for a Salar de Uyuni Tour

Travel through Bolivia’s southwest corner means splitting your time between extreme warmth, under the startlingly hot midday sun, and extreme cold, when the chilly high altitude nights creep in.

It’s a good idea to dress in layers–that way, you can layer up as the sun drops, then shed clothing again when it rises. During parts of the Uyuni tour, temperatures can drop as low as -15 degrees celsius, so it’s vital to make sure that you have some warm clothes packed. Read our  layering tips for packing. 

How to Get to Salar de Uyuni

From La Paz to Uyuni

The buses from the de facto capital of La Paz to Uyuni are increasingly geared to tourist comfort, as the Salar de Uyuni becomes a more and more ubiquitous stop among backpackers in South America. The bus from La Paz takes 8 hours and gets you into Uyuni at about 6 am.

This is plenty of time as most tours do not start until 10 am. It is an overnight bus, so you will save on a night’s accommodation if you sleep. It will cost you about $25 USD for the overnight bus and you can check out tickets with https://www.ticketsbolivia.com/

It is recommended to stay a night in Uyuni to acclimate to the altitude.

If you have some extra cash or are limited on time then you can also fly to Uyuni from La Paz. It costs about $100 USD and is often included with private tours from La Paz.

From Sucre to Uyuni

If you are coming from the capital of Bolivia, Sucre, you can catch a direct bus to the Uyuni Salt Flats. The bus ride usually takes about 8 hours. It leaves from the bus terminal on Avenida Ostria Gutierrez in Sucre at 9:30 am and 8:00 pm. It will cost you approximately 11 USD. Make sure to check the times and cost on  TicketsBolivia .

If you want, you can book an organized 1-day tour from La Paz to Uyuni salt flat . At the end of the tour, you will return to La Paz.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Bolivian Salt Flats?

There is no bad time to visit the Bolivia Salt Flats. It really depends on the experience you are looking for.

Rainy season: If you want to see reflections of the salt lake, the rainy season is a good time to visit. The salt flats flood and transform into a massive mirror that reflects the sky and creates an other-worldly experience. During this time of the year there is little to no wind and usually clear skies. Perfect for a photographer. The rainy season in Bolivia is from December to April. Just be aware that during the rainy season a lot of the surrounding attractions are closed.

Dry Season: We visited during the dry season and it was spectacular as well. It is warmer during this time from May to November. Since we visited during the dry season, our SUV produced a giant cloud of dust when we crossed the stunning moon-like landscape of Bolivia’s Andean Plateau making for surreal images.

What you will See on a Bolvian Salt Flats Tour

Isla del pescado.

Have you ever seen an island that is NOT surrounded by water? Welcome to Isla del Pescado, the Fish Island! The Salar de Uyuni has a few islands and we enjoyed an awesome view from the top of this one. From up there, we got an impression of the true dimension of the salty landscape.

Steam Locomotives – Train Graveyard

We arrived in Uyuni and jumped out of the SUV and climbed up the giant wrecked old steam locomotives. At that point, we did not know that the adult’s playground was just behind the corner, Uyuni’s train cemetery. The trains are leftover from a time when they carried minerals from the Salar de Uyuni to the Pacific Ocean.

Bolivia’s Andean Plateau

In the Andean Plateau, at an altitude of about 4,000 meters, not only the air is breathtaking. This is what real adventures look like. This is where the SUV feels at home.

The chain of volcanoes and mountains along the horizon gave us the feeling of being far away from any civilization. And for a second we thought we reached the “end of the world”.

The tracks might look like remains from centuries past but they are still in use and connect Bolivia with Chile. The moon-like landscape surrounded us as we drove on the red and brown sand when unexpectedly, behind a hill, a beautiful lagoon appeared.

Lunar Landscape

The Andean Plateau and its mysterious rock formations have been formed over millions of years through wind and sand. And sometimes nature is very creative and forms rocks like the Arbol de Piedra, the Stone Tree.

Our guide told us before that we would get to see a lagoon more beautiful than the one we had seen before. But we did not want to believe him as we could not imagine that it would be possible.

Hundreds, probably thousands of flamingos were wading through the shallow water in search of food. It was such a contradiction to see an oasis of life in the middle of the barren scenery.

Laguna Colorada

The silence was around us when we approached the Laguna Colorada, the Red Lagoon. Everything around us felt unreal. Do you know how it feels when you see something and cannot believe it is real? It was hard to believe that this lagoon, with its shades of yellow, black, white, red, brown, and the blue sky above it, was not a canvas.

Now and then we saw these little pink spots again, flamingos that enjoyed the delicious alga which makes the water appear red. It was almost sad to see that the last lagoon we visited, the beautiful Green Lagoon with the picturesque volcano in the background was void of flamingos.

As we learned this green type of algae was poisonous. Too bad, the water looked so inviting with those beautiful reflections on the surface.

Sulfur Geysers

Visiting a steaming geyser is a highlight of the Uyuni Salt Flats tour; I was so distracted taking pictures, I almost fell in! It was a very special place our driver took us to watch the sunrise in the early morning.

We were surrounded by geysers and holes in the ground filled with boiling mud. The cold air of the morning intensified the steam and the area looked like a mystic place. After leaving the salt flat we thought it could not get any better. But we were so wrong!

Photos of Salar de Uyuni

The Uyuni Salt Flats is THE photo spot to play with proportions and perspectives when taking photos. It’s a place where people sit on potato chips cans, toy dinosaurs come to life chasing travelers, and jumping over an SUV is a breeze.

On short photo stops, it can be hard to decide whether to take pictures of the scenery or simply take the scenery in. For those inclined to snap, it’s important to pace your photographic zeal. The landscape is so marvelous, it’s simply impossible to catch it all. In other words, it’s a road trip like no other, and absolutely worth doing.

Common Questions About Doing a Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

Do you need an English Speaking Guide?

The answer here is it depends. If you speak fairly fluent Spanish then you can definitely forego an English guide. If you do not speak Spanish at all then we recommend paying the extra money (it can be up to 500 Bs per person) and getting an English guide.

We like to understand our guide as they can provide a lot of background information on the area and there is the added advantage that if you pay extra for the English guide you will have only English speaking people in your car. When you are together for 3 or 4 days this was important to us.

That being said, if you want to save some money and you are on a tight budget, the Spanish-speaking guide is fine. You will be able to make out most of what he is saying anyways. It is important to note that if you opt for the English-speaking guide that there is usually one guide for every 2 or 3 cars from that tour company.

What altitude are you at in the Salar de Uyuni?

You are at altitude when you are in Uyuni, Bolivia. The town itself sits at more than 3500m or 12,000 feet and that is just where you start. During the tour, you will reach altitudes of up to 4800m or 15,000 feet at the Laguna Colorada, in the Eduardo Avaroa National Park. So be prepared.

We recommend spending at least one day in Uyuni before your tour to acclimatize to the altitude. Dring plenty of liquids and don’t exert too much effort physically. You will be out of breath a little on the first day but should get used to the lack of oxygen quickly.

Will it get cold?

The short answer is yes. Even though the weather during the day can be pleasant, you have to remember that you are at altitude so the nights can get quite cold. If you are someone who gets cold easily you might want to bring your own sleeping bag or ask to rent one from the tour operator.

Will I have phone or internet during the tour?

The fact is you will be in the middle of nowhere so there will be little to no internet or phone signal during the entire trip. It is a good time to relax and disconnect from the world and enjoy the nature that is all around you. If you are in desperate need of internet or a phone there is a place on the second day that offers paid internet access.

Cash or Credit Card? Which is Best?

Cash is king when you are on your trip to the salt flats in Bolivia. There are some ATMs in Uyuni but we suggest having local currency on hand before you arrive just in case. Make sure that you have local currency as that is required especially if you want to visit the following:

• National Park Entrance Fee: 150 Bs ($22 USD) per person
• Fish Island: 30 Bs ($5 USD)
• Hot Springs: 6 Bs ($1 USD)

What should I pack?

Packing for the salt flats is really dependent on where you are going to finish your tour. If you are carrying on to The Atacama Desert in Chile you will bring your full backpack. We do suggest putting the everyday items in a day pack so they are easily accessible as your pack will be on the top of the 4X4 each day.

If you are starting and ending in Uyuni then it is possible to leave some items in the hotel so you don’t have to bring everything. That being said, the shifts in temperature can be quite drastic so you want o to be prepared. Here is a list of things you should pack for your tour of the Salt Flats in Bolivia:

• Sunscreen  with high SPF,  sunglasses ,  hat and  lip balm  are a must.
• Layers of warm clothes. Temperature fluctates drastically between day and night.
• Hiking boots (Older ones if you are visiting during the wet season)
• Travel towel for the first night shower and the hot springs.
• Gold Bond: To keep yourself fresh.
• Camera and extra batteries fully charged.
• Water bottle and water. Even if it is provided it is good to have extra.
• Cash in local currency.
• Swimsuit if you pan on going in the hot springs.
• Flip flops or running shoes for at the hotel.

How Do you Describe the Salt Flats in Bolivia?

Salty, white, endless… these three words best describe the Salar de Uyuni. The sun burned from the sky and the reflections from the salt were so strong that it was impossible to open the eyes without sunglasses while looking over the massive salt desert. After a while, the awe can be a bit overwhelming. It’s as if nature is trying to beat you into submission with so many amazing things.

Most Salar de Uyuni tours can feel very start and stop, with the driver rendezvousing with other tourist jeeps at designated points for all-too-rapid photo opportunities. It’s a surreal sight, as the southwest roads of Bolivia appear entirely deserted but for the jeeps gathering in small groups to disgorge their tourist cargo.

Final Thoughts

We drove across Bolivia’s scenic southwest corner, a staggeringly beautiful region bursting with mountains, lagoons, and inactive volcanoes. Equipped with many big containers of drinking water and thick sleeping bags our driver put the SUV into first gear and an amazing adventure through barren surroundings began.

It’s an experience that involves gorgeous vistas, extreme cold, and days without showering.

At the end of our 3-day trip, we were exhausted. Exhausted because of all the incredible things we had seen.

It started with an endless white salt flat, continued with moon-like sandy and dry landscapes of volcanoes and mountains, and ended with the most colorful lagoons we had ever seen. Every one of us needed some time to digest the past days.

There are many amazing places on our blue planet but the Salar de Uyuni and everything around it truly belongs to one of its most beautiful places! The Salar de Uyuni remains one of the world’s most fantastic locations–and since it’s in Bolivia, one of the most affordable, too.

Bolivia’s frontier feel means the trip sometimes seems akin to stepping out of the charted territory, onto a succession of different planets.

Sticking Around Bolivia

But while the Salar is undoubtedly a highlight, the rough remainder of Bolivia should not be ignored.  From the grungy mining city of Potosi to the gothic streets of La Paz to the verdant j ungle reaches of the Amazon, Bolivia is filled with breathtaking and bizarre sights. Once you’ve seen the Salar (or even before), consider sticking around to take a few extra destinations in. 

If you’re looking to venture along the edge of the world or race across some of nature’s most striking vistas, there is no better destination. So strap in, buckle up, and don’t forget to bring shades. There’s a white desert waiting, made of salt and blinding sunlight.

Have you been to the Bolivia Salt Flats? What do you think? Is Bolivia’s Andean Plateau one of the most beautiful places in the world?

This article was originally written by Liane and Lars of bobaroundtheworld.com who have since stopped blogging, but we have kept it on ThePlanetD as it is a destination that is worth visiting.

Plan Your Next Trip to south America with These Resources

• All You Need to know about the Top 10 Best Hikes in South America

10 Reasons You Should Travel To Bolivia

• Everything You Need to Know About Visiting the Bolivian Amazon
• 5 Things to do in Bolivia
• Chile Travel Guide

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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11 thoughts on “Salar de Uyuni – How to Visit The Bolivia Salt Flats”

Chile is a very nice place to visit.

This is relay amazing picture. i am from country of world hugest peak Mt Everest 8848 m and light of Asia. Nepal is on of the best destination for hiking and sightseeing, so traveler get lots of opportunity to take unlimited amazing capture during the adventure and the tour. where the incredible scenery attract to the traveler as well as photographer to explore them on unique feature. which may motive to the traveler.

What a great photo and article, this is really awesome!! thanks for sharing with us and keep posting such a great pics

Me from Everest Country Nepal, As a traveler all pics are so amazing and thanks for sharing such a great pics and articles. We have the big mountains like Everest 8848m. but we don’t have such awesome places.You are a really wonderful photographer.

wow, this are the most beautiful pictures, I rally love it, thanks for sharing

Incredible adventure. Hope that you have enjoyed a lot on this trip.

Appreciate for your great effort to share your travel experience.

Great Adventure. There is a quietness and bareness of these lands that makes you feel like you are at the end of the world. The flamingos in the salt/soda lakes are similar to what we have in Kenya and Tanzania lakes nakuru, bogoria and lake manyara. Awesome.

Wow, what an incredible place! I’ve seen tonnes of photos of the flats but never of the surrounding regions/sites/wonders. Great insight into somewhere I’d absolutely love to visit! Thank you.

Wow, incredible journey. It seems like you have enjoyed your trip. Awesome photographs. Your blog is very informative to all those travelers who pursue adventure. Appreciate it for sharing your travel experience.

Incredible pictures! you shared awesome place to visit and great detail.. Really want to go there, Thank you so much for sharing a nice experiences.. keep posting!

Awesome photos guys. What company did you go with and did you like going with them?

Roaming Around the World

Travel Guides, Tips, and Tales

Bolivia Salt Flats Tour to Salar de Uyuni: Review, Travel Guide, & Tips

September 30, 2018 By John Widmer 51 Comments

A top highlight for any trip to South America tends to be a Salar de Uyuni Bolivia Salt Flats tour. After exploring the continent for more than a year of adventures, the standard 3-day Bolivia Salts Flats Tour remains one of our absolute favorite experiences. The landscapes crossed during this off-road journey must be some of the most surreal terrain found anywhere in the world.

When visiting the Bolivia Salt Flats, a dramatic vastness is encountered that is unlike anywhere else in the world. In the middle of Salar de Uyuni, visitors are surrounded by 360-degrees of nothingness. There is flat white ground and blue skies in all directions, while a fierce sun beats down onto this high-altitude salt desert. It all makes for an environment that is so serene yet very intense all at the same time.

Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni is like nowhere else on planet earth .

Yet it’s not only the Bolivia salt flats themselves that make this adventure so astonishing. The Salar de Uyuni is just the opening act for several otherworldly landscapes that follow during 3-day Salar de Uyuni tours. While traversing the rugged terrain of Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve in a 4×4, there is jaw-dropping scenery around every corner.

You may have some idea of what to expect with Bolivia’s salt flats themselves. But there are many more surprises to be experienced beyond the vast white plains. Tucked into this corner of Bolivia are also red lakes, Dali-like deserts, volcanic backdrops, and unique Andean wildlife. It’s completely awe-inspiring.

It’s these unreal sights that turned this 3-day Bolivia salt flats tour into the most epic off-road trip we could have ever dreamed up!

But the surprises don’t stop with these mind-blowing sights.

Another pleasant revelation is the price of these Bolivia salt flats tours. This must be one of the best value adventures in all of South America . For a price of roughly $50 per day, it includes the 4×4 tour, unique lodging, and even home-cooked Bolivian meals. It all adds up to an incredible travel bargain to match all this incredible natural beauty.

In this article, we want to attempt to show just how special a Bolivia salt flats tour can be. But words and photos don’t do it justice. The Salar de Uyuni salt flats are one of those places that have to be experienced in person. So this post goes further to dish out all the info, detailing how to plan your own Bolivia Salt Flats tour .

The first part of this post reviews our journey. But if you came to this webpage looking for more logistical info on how to visit the Bolivia salt flats, you can skip to any of the info-packed sections that follow:

• About the Salar de Uyuni
• Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3
• How to Visit the Bolivia Salt Flats
• Uyuni | Tupiza | San Padro de Atacama
• How to Book the Cheapest Price
• Why Pay More for Better Quality
• Additional Costs to Budget For
• Three Best-Reviewed Tour Companies in Uyuni
• Review of Salty Desert Aventours
• Best Time to Go
• Bolivia Salt Flats Packing List
• Where To Stay in Uyuni
• More Travel Tips

Background About the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia

The Bolivia Salt Flats, known as “Salar de Uyuni,” is the largest salt flats in the world!  These Uyuni salt flats measure a massive 10,582 square kilometers (4,086 sq mi). For perspective, that’s roughly the same size as the entire country of Lebanon (4,036 sq mi) or Jamaica (4,243 sq mi)!

The Salar de Uyuni is so enormous that it can be seen from space and on satellite maps.

Source: Google Maps

The huge salt deposit of Salar de Uyuni covers much of Southwestern Bolivia, high in the Altiplano of the Andes Mountains. At an elevation of 3,656 meters (or 2.27 miles high), Salar de Uyuni boasts some serious altitude. Despite being high in the rugged Andes, the Salar de Uyuni is one of the most consistently flat places in the world .

The Salar de Uyuni is a remnant of a giant prehistoric lake that once covered this area some tens of thousands of years ago. Once that ancient saltwater lake dried up, it left the thick salt crust that remains here today.

Yet the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats still become lake-like throughout the year during seasonal rainfalls that flood the salt flats. It adds a completely different dynamic to the stark landscape. Under calm wind conditions, a thin sheet of water then forms on the Bolivia salt flats which acts as a giant reflective mirror that is a lot of fun for photos!

Today the salt is mined and harvested from the salt flats, not only for consumption but also to be used as a building material. Yet tourism is becoming another major draw for the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. And rightfully so – it’s an incredible place to visit!

There are now daily tours that set off to explore not only the Salar de Uyuni but also the high Andes in the surrounding area. We took one of the 3-day Bolivia salt flats tours ourselves to see what it’s all about. Below gives our detailed review of what that experience is like.

The 3-Day Salar de Uyuni Bolivia Salt Flats Tour Review

Our 3-Day Bolivia salt flats tour began in the dusty streets of Uyuni, located down in the southwestern reaches of Bolivia. This is the closest hub to Salar de Uyuni and is the most common place in the country to begin a Bolivia salt flats tour.

Really, we had no idea what was in store for us over the following three days. Before reading the details, be sure to check out our video below to better grasp what this experience is like in motion:

The Bolivia Salt Flats Tour Adventure Begins: Day 1

By mid-morning, our bags were packed and thrown on top of the 4×4 taking us across the rugged terrain over the next three days. We met our travel mates, now rolling six-deep in the Land Rover. It was time to begin this epic adventure! But we wouldn’t be traveling too far.

The first stop was only a few minutes outside of Uyuni. And what a bizarre place it was!

Rolling Out with A Bang: The Strange Uyuni Train Cemetery

Uyuni’s train cemetery is where trains have come to die. In the 1940’s when Bolivia’s mining industry collapsed, old steamers began to pile up just outside of this trading post town, where they still remain today.

Now this train cemetery has become a bizarre attraction in this vast desert in Southern Bolivia. It feels like some sort of post-apocalyptic wasteland as you can climb atop and crawl through these old abandoned train cars. It’s both strange and fascinating!

A Llama & Salt Museum?

Next on the agenda of a 3-day Bolivia salt flats tour from Uyuni is a brief stop in the tiny town of Cochani. It’s here that you can shop for handicrafts or last-minute supplies. Cochani is also where you can pop into the Museo de la Llama y la Sal .

Yes, it’s a museum dedicated to salt and llamas. How could you not go in?

The museum isn’t much. The “exhibits” amount to Bolivian Barbie dolls recreating salt mining scenes , which is worth a good laugh. But there is actually some good information too and it’s presented in multiple languages.

Plus the modest 5 BOB (~$0.70) entrance fee includes use of the toilets. So go check out some salt & llamas before relieving your bladder!

Driving Into the Bolivia Salt Flats of Salar de Uyuni!

Now the journey into the Uyuni salt flats begins!

Excitement grows as the Land Rover starts to plow over the thick white crust. It wasn’t long until we were able to stretch our legs at the Ojos de Agua . That’s the “eyes of the water,” which is a bubbling spring in the middle of the salt flats.

Next, it’s off to the original Salt Hotel for lunch. The hotel is constructed entirely of salt. Sure, it’s impressive, but it’s the barren surroundings of the salt flats themselves that really wows.

Our chicken, veggie, and pasta lunch was decent, albeit a little bland. Surprisingly, it needed… salt.

We asked our guide for some “sal” and he just pointed to the ground. So we scraped up some salt off the floor and that did the trick. I guess it doesn’t get much fresher than that!

Back in the Land Rover, it’s a long journey out into the wide expanse of the Salar de Uyuni. There’s nothing but blue and white in every direction . It’s disorienting at times and makes you wonder how the drivers are able to navigate this massive stretch of nothingness.

Eventually, we stopped at a point where we literally felt like we were in the middle nowhere. The stark landscape was void of anything as far as the eye could see. The tall Andes peaks that were once looming in the distance had vanished.

This is the point during the Bolivia Salt Flats tour where you have an opportunity to stop and take funny photos using forced perspective.

https://www.facebook.com/roamingaroundtheworld/posts/1096078870536253?match=cGVyc3BlY3RpdmU%3D

Then the journey continues across the plains until you reach …an island?

Incahuasi: The “Fish Island” in a Salt Desert

The next stop on this Bolivia Salt Flats tour of Salar de Uyuni was indeed an island!

Incahuasi, or Fish Island, is named as such because of its shape. We were traveling firmly on land the entire time, yet this hill sprouting out from the Uyuni salt flats, still very much felt like a true island in this sea of salt . After nothing but white ground, it’s a strange sight to see emerge from nowhere.

The “island” is formed from petrified coral. After all, this area had been the top of an ancient volcano sitting in a prehistoric lake. Today huge cactuses have taken over the rocky terrain. As we hiked all around the island admiring the cacti, our lungs were soon reminded about the high altitude amidst the otherwise flat expanse of nothingness.

Sunset on the Bolivia Salt Flats of Salar de Uyuni

The final stop before nightfall on this Bolivia Salt Flats tour, it’s off to see the sunset. If you happen to be traveling through the Salar de Uyuni during the wet season, you may be in for a particularly incredible display. If the winds are calm, the thin sheet of w ater covering the Bolivia Salt Flats can act as a giant mirror . This can produce a sunset above and below!

As darkness takes over the night sky and the air chills, the driver turns on the high beams. It was then he managed to navigate to yet another one-of-a-kind experience during a 3-day Bolivia salt flat tour: sleeping in a salt hotel in the middle of Salar de Uyuni!

What It’s Like To Sleep in a Salt Hotel  in the Bolivia Salt Flats

Aside from some doors and wooden beams, the entire hotel is made from salt! The walls are salt. The chairs and table in the dining hall are salt. Everything is salt!

It is a different grade of salt that is used for construction than what you’re accustomed to shaking from a salt shaker. The building is a very solid structure. It’s not crumbling at all, and rather more like hardened cement.

The salt hotel rooms are completely barren, but the beds are comfortable enough. It certainly wasn’t our best night sleep, but we were able to doze off just fine. And this salt hotel has gone down as one of the most unique and interesting places we’ve ever slept!

Day 2 of Bolivia Salt Flats Tour: Off-Roading Into the Andes

The second day of this grand adventure leaves the salt flats entirely and travels high into the Andes of Southern Bolivia. For most people, the Salar de Uyuni itself is the highlight of a 3-day Bolivia salt flats tour.

The salts flats themselves are indeed spectacular. Yet we would argue that some of the surreal landscapes that followed were equally as impressive . There is much more to a Bolivia salt flats tour than the salt flats themselves.

We soon learned this first hand, as the high Andes peaks began to come into view as the morning drive commenced. This is where we visited a local town seemingly in the middle of nowhere, then stretched our legs at some train tracks leading into Chile.

As the journey continued, we began to understand how Day #2 of this Bolivia salt flats tour would flow. We would drive around gawking at the scenery and then come to sudden stops to get out and explore the amazing landscapes. It was a pattern that repeated itself time and time again.

Our next chance to explore was around Mars-like rock formations that littered the ground.

Wildlife Spotted during a 3-Day Bolivia Salt Flats Tour

Throughout the drive across southern Bolivia, herds of llamas would come and go, as would the occasional alpaca.

But llamas aren’t the only animals you can find here.

We were a bit shocked to see flamingos – yes, flamingos – way up here among snow-covered mountaintops. The last time we saw flamingos was while roaming around the Galapagos , in a characteristically tropical environment.

Had these tropical birds lost their way? Apparently, there is a rare breed of Andean flamingos that flock to these lakes in Southern Bolivia!

After lunch with our flamingo friends, we began to see more wildlife than we hadn’t expected. We almost couldn’t believe our eyes when we quickly passed what looked like an ostrich on the side of the road. Were we having flashbacks to our game drives during the prior year’s big African safari ?

Turns out this wasn’t an ostrich, but close. We had spotted a rhea , which is another big flightless bird related to the ostrich and emu, but rheas are native to South America.

We also came across a charming Andean fox, who approached our Land Rover. Given the fox’s strange behavior, we fear that other drivers may be feeding him. Not good!

Here sure was a handsome fox though.

Yet perhaps the cutest animal we spotted during the entire 3-day Bolivia salt flats tour was a little viscancha that looks like a giant rabbit with a longer tail. Apparently, it is a type of chinchilla.

After visiting one of the most barren landscapes in the world, it was a bit surprising to see this land thriving with so much wildlife.

Bolivia May Hold the Most Surreal Landscapes in the World

The Bolivia salt flats tour continued into Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve as the mountains surrounding us seemed to grow higher and higher. This is when things really began to take a turn for the otherworldly, as Bolivia served us up a 3-course afternoon of surrealism .

The appetizer course began with a green-ish lake , appropriately named “Laguna Verde” or “Green Lagoon.” Arsenic and other minerals give the lake its green appearance, which changes colors based upon winds and sediment levels. And while the lake is pretty, you can’t help but also admire the looming volcanoes that act as a backdrop.

The main course was a stone forest that appeared to be something right out of a Dali painting.

The Arbol de Piedra or “Stone Tree” makes for some great photo ops. Years of erosion from sand and wind have created its peculiar shape that stands 7 meters (23 feet) tall.

For dessert, Bolivia treated us to a red lake !

Laguna Colorada has reddish hues due to algae pigmentations mixing with natural sediments. It makes for an incredible sight if you’re lucky enough to catch the lake when the red colors are showing heavily. We were fortunate to arrive to Laguna Colorada on what was apparently a great day. The lake was not only in full display, but even more flamingos were wading in the waters and flying above!

Winding Down the Adventure of the Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

The second day of this Bolivia salt flats tour ended in a tiny little village in the middle of nowhere that seems to cater to the few carloads of people that turn up here each night. And by that, I mean every building was either a hostel or a beer store. Even in the middle of nowhere, there was certainly no shortage of places to find booze.

We almost couldn’t believe it when we even found a billiard with a super friendly owner who was rocking out to 60’s music. It was irresistible to wander onto his gravel floor to kick back a few cervezas while the moon rose and dinner was prepared.

Day 3: Intrigue Off-Roading Across Southern Bolivia

The last day of the 3-day Bolivia salt flats tour is long on driving but still packs a few surprises.

A Mini-Yellowstone in Southern Bolivia

It was a pre-dawn start to the day in the freezing early morning hours. With the skies still pitch black, we arrived at a geyser field. Vents in the ground sprayed steam and hot water into the air. It’s a mystical sight under the moonlight, although it left us yearning for what it looks like during the day.

Not far from all the geyser action is a hot pool. Temperatures at this high altitude are below the freezing mark.

Disrobing in such a frigid environment is unnerving. But taking off those warm outer layers is inevitable if you want to take a dip in the natural hot waters.

It was worth it to be able to have a nice soak after a few salty and dusty days on the road.

Some Final Surreal Scenes on the Way Back to Uyuni

Upon drying off, we set off on the long drive back to Uyuni as the final portion of the 3-day Bolivia salt flats tour. But not before stopping at what is known as the Salvador Dali Desert .

It’s named as such since the valley resembles works from the famous surreal artist.

Surreal indeed!

Then it’s a 6-hour drive from the southern reaches of Bolivia back up to Uyuni. The day winds down by stopping at a few peculiar towns while passing many llamas & alpacas.

A final unexpected stunner of this salt flats tour was the steep edges of the Alota Canyon. Standing atop the vertigo-inducing cliffs was a perfect sendoff from this astounding three-day adventure.

Ultimately, this 3-day Bolivia salt flats tour was the best off-road  trip  ever.

How to Visit the Salar de Uyuni Bolivia Salt Flats

There are lots of logistics involved when planning a trip to Bolivia’s Salt Flats. There are multiple places to start such a tour and different tour lengths. There are also different comfort levels, prices, and dozens of different companies to consider when choosing a tour of Salar de Uyuni. This remainder of this post will help to break that all down so you know what to budget for, how to get a good price, and a review of some of the more trustworthy tour companies.

Yet there are so many other tips that travelers need to be prepared with. You should know some key items to pack for this adventure into the remote landscapes of Bolivia. Clothing packed for this trip may greatly depend on the season that you visit the Uyuni Salt Flats, so this is covered too among loads of important travel tips for this unique adventure.

Where To Start a Salar de Uyuni Bolivia Salt Flats Tour?

Most people tend to visit Bolivia’s Salt Flats as part of a tour. And these tours depart from three different locations. Bolivia salt flats tours usually span 1, 3, or 4 days, depending on where you start your tour and what you prefer.

Where to start a Bolivia salt flats tour is the most often asked Uyuni-related question we see come up in travel forums. We’re always surprised to see this topic constantly being debated in travel groups and message boards with every traveler claiming their starting point is the best place to start.

Everyone who went from Tupiza will claim that’s the best way to go. Those who departed from San Pedro de Atacama will profess that’s the best place to begin a salt flats tour.

Really, they’re all wrong.

The truth is that  the best location to start a Bolivia salt flats tour is entirely dependent on where you’re coming from and where you’re traveling to .

Understand, there are three main locations in which you can arrange and begin a Salar de Uyuni salt flats tour:

• Tupiza, Bolivia
• San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Source map: Google Maps

1) Depart from Uyuni if Coming from the North

From almost everywhere in Bolivia to the salt flats, it’s best to begin in Uyuni . If you are coming from Sucre, Potosi, Ororu, or nearly anywhere else in Bolivia, it is best to catch a bus (or train from Ororu) to Uyuni and begin the Bolivia salt flats tour there. It only makes practical sense to do so. Otherwise, you’ll spend additional time and money backtracking.

When departing from Uyuni, it is possible to make a roundtrip tour, as described in this post or continue onward into Chile. Taking the roundtrip tour is best for those returning back to La Paz or anywhere north. Yet it is also practical for those who may be continuing south into Argentina. Yet anyone on a southbound track into Chile will certainly want to take the one-way option that ends in San Pedro de Atacama.

It is easily possible to continue south by transferring to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, instead of returning to Uyuni. While this does incur an addest cost, it will save you from a lengthy drive back to Uyuni and travel expenses to Chile from there. Plus it’s a fun way to cross a rural border.

Or Consider Departing from La Paz to Uyuni

If coming from La Paz, Bolivia : You may want to consider a Bolivia Salt Flats tour originating from La Paz. Those who are comfortable with independent travel can get from La Paz to Uyuni by bus, or even plane, on their own. Yet a more seamless approach is to book a Bolivia salt flats tour directly from La Paz. This is a particularly attractive option for those needing to return to La Paz after touring the Bolivia salt flats.

• For example, this 4-day Tour from La Paz is a good and economical option that includes an English-speaking guide: Check prices and availability .

2) Depart from Tupiza if Coming from Argentina 🇦🇷

If coming from Argentina to the Bolivia salt flats , it’s best to begin in Tupiza , Bolivia. Tupiza is within easy reach of the Bolivia-Argentina border. From Tupiza you can find 4-day Bolivia salt flat tours that end in Uyuni. This is a great route if you are heading on a northbound trajectory from Argentina into Bolivia.

The tour from Tupiza to Uyuni has an extra day that includes some additional sites near Tupiza. It then continues on to include most of the natural attractions mentioned throughout this post, culminating in the salt flats, which are visited on the fourth and final day. Expect to pay a per-person cost of roughly $200 for this 4-day salt flats tour from Tupiza.

For anyone searching for a Bolivia salt flats tour that goes in the reserve route, from Uyuni to Tupiza, this is only possible for a more costly custom tour. For those traveling from Uyuni onward to Argentina, a Uyuni-to-Tupiza route across the salt flats would seem to be a logical track. Unfortunately, this is not a standard tour offering. So a Uyuni to Tupiza route is only available for very high prices, as a private tour. Prices for Uyuni to Tupiza depends on the number of people and the agency. Expect anywhere from about $350-$750 USD per person.

3) Depart from San Pedro de Atacama if Coming from Chile 🇨🇱

If coming from Chile to the Bolivia salt flats, it’s best to begin in San Pedro de Atacama , Chile. You can organize a 3-day Bolivia salt flats tour in San Pedro de Atacama which ends in Uyuni. This is a great route for anyone traveling northbound in Chile into Bolivia.

Salar de Uyuni salt flats tours departing from San Pedro de Atacama are typically one-way tours, which ultimately end in Uyuni. During this San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni route, the salt flats are toured on the final day.

When coming from San Pedro de Atacama, prices do tend to be much higher than tours from Uyuni. However, the costs and travel time involved in traveling from Chile to Uyuni on your own would far outweigh any cost savings incurred from booking the cheaper tour there once you arrive.

One-Day Bolivia Salt Flats Tours Are Only from Uyuni

Of those three starting points, the Bolivia salt flats themselves are closest to the town of Uyuni. As such, Uyuni is the only place possible to embark on a one-day tour of the actual Salar de Uyuni. A one-day Uyuni salt flats tour follows closely to our first-day itinerary but then returns to the town of Uyuni rather than staying in a salt hotel and continuing southbound through the Andes.

Although it is possible to tour the salt flats from Uyuni in a single day, we instead recommend the 3-day Bolivia salt flats tour . We think it is so worth it to experience the incredible landscapes all throughout the Andes of Southern Bolivia, making for what we now believe to be one of the best off-road adventures in the world!

How Much Does the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats Tour Cost?

The price of a three-day Salar de Uyuni Bolivia salt flats tour can be  as little as 600 BOB (~$87 USD) for a really good deal or well into the several hundreds of dollars for a premium tour booked in advance. Most 3-day salt flats tours from Uyuni are priced between $100-$200 USD.  ( Note: These Bolivia Salt Flat tour prices are up-to-date as of July 2019 .)

Prices for Salar de Uyuni tours do tend to vary based on factors such as the exact tour company, the quality of the guide (and language), your starting location, and whether booking in advance or showing up in Uyuni to get a last-minute rate.

How To Book the Cheapest Bolivia Salt Flats Tour

The cheapest Bolivia salt flats tours are Spanish-speaking drivers only and can be found last-minute in Uyuni. That’s what we were after and we secured our Bolivia salt flats tour in Uyuni for 700 BOB .

To book the cheapest Salar de Uyuni salt flats tour, just show up to Uyuni. Bolivia salt flats tours are almost always available in Uyuni departing every day. You may want to book your tour the day before, but it is even possible to take an overnight bus into Uyuni and depart the very same day. In fact, we saw many people who came directly from the bus station and joined a tour the same day, with no advanced reservations.

Why Consider Paying More for a Guide and Booking in Advance

Having an English-speaking guide will cost nearly double the amount of touring the Bolivia Salt Flats with a Spanish-speaking driver. Yet that can often be worth the cost so you can actually learn about all these amazing places that you’re visiting. If you don’t speak any Spanish at all, you should definitely consider this. But even if you do speak some Spanish, we found that the Spanish-speaking drivers tend not to offer much info, even in Spanish.

Another factor that will help drive costs up is booking in advance through an agency or simply showing up in Uyuni to book at a last-minute rate directly with the tour company. If you have time, have flexible travel plans, and are on a budget, booking last minute in Uyuni can be great way to get a cheap price on the Bolivia Salt Flats tour.

Yet if you have a fixed itinerary and not much time , it is advisable to secure a Bolivia salt flats tour in advance. This 3-day tour is the cheapest we’ve seen among the major reliable online tour booking sites. It also has options to choose between a Spanish-speaking driver or an English-speaking guide:

• Check pricing and availability of this tour on Viator

Total Costs of Bolivia Salt Flats Tour

In addition to the tour cost itself, there is another 200 BOB worth of entrance fees and other expenses to budget for (detailed in the section below). Once factoring in extra costs like bottled waters, pay toilets and perhaps a few beers, you can realistically plan to budget for a grand total of about 1,000 BOB for a cheap 3-day Bolivia salt flats tour if booked in Uyuni at last-minute with a Spanish-speaking driver.

Example costs and budget for a Bolivia Salt Flats tour (3-day) :

700 BOB (Bolivia salt flats tour price at a last-minute rate in Uyuni) + 200 BOB (various entrance fees) + 100 BOB (incidentals like toilets, showers, water, snacks) = 1,000 BOB

At a price that amounts to less than $50 USD per person, per day, we find this to be amazing value for what is one of the best road trips on the planet.

🇨🇱 Note for San Pedro de Atacama Chile : a Bolivia salt flats tour beginning in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, will be higher as you’ll be paying in Chilean agencies in Chilean pesos. Also if you are traveling from Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama, this will also incur an additional transfer fee to get to Chile.

Tours from Tupiza are also slightly higher in price compared to salt flats tours from Uyuni. But tours starting in Tupiza do include an extra day.

What’s Included in the Bolivia Salt Flats Tours Price?

Transport, driver/guide, accommodation, and all meals should be included in the price of the tour with most Bolivia salt flats tour companies. But be sure to verify this with the tour companies before departure.

Admissions fees typically are NOT included and you must budget extra for them. You can expect to pay nearly 200 BOB (~$29) for entrance fees in total. Here is the budget breakdown on how much that costs:

• Museum of salt and llamas entrance fee: 5 BOB
• Fish Island entrance fee: 30 BOB
• Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve entrance fee: 150 BOB
• Hot Springs entrance: 6 BOB

Here are some additional expenses you may encounter with most Bolivia salt flats tour companies during a Salar de Uyuni tour:

• Use of toilets: free at hotels, 5-10 BOB elsewhere
• Hot shower at hotel: 15 BOB
• Snacks and drinks: prices vary; a 1-liter beers cost 30 BOB each
• Souvenirs: Prices vary
• Godzilla for perspective photos: 15 BOB
• Tips for the driver: at your discretion

Choosing a Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats Tour Company

You can find horror stories online about deadly accidents during Bolivia salt flats tours and careless drivers. While traveling through Bolivia, we spoke to other travelers who told us firsthand accounts of their driver getting drunk and leaving them without dinner, only to reemerge midday the next day. This actually happens and your safety is at risk. As such, it is important to use a trusted Bolivia salt flats tour company. Don’t necessarily go with the guy who offers you the best deal here.

Whoever you book with, be certain to vet them out. Read their latest TripAdvisor reviews   to check for any accidents reported. Ensure the vehicle is in good condition. Ask (and insist) that the vehicle has seat belts for everyone. Before booking a Salar de Uyuni tour, ask the salt flats tour company review the itinerary to confirm the exact locations that will be visited.

3 Best Rated Bolivia Salt Flats Tour Companies with Prices

To save you some researching, we examined the best salt flats tours from Uyuni, rated on TripAdvisor. Then we spent a day walking around Uyuni to get price quotes and itineraries from each of the three top-rated Uyuni tour operators. The route and itinerary reviewed by each of the Bolivia salt flat tour companies went to all the same highlights, with only some very minor differences.

Here are the Bolivia Salt Flats tour prices that we found in April 2017, per person:

• Salty Desert Aventours price : 700 BOB (~$101 USD)
• Andes Salt Express price : 800 BOB (~$116 USD)
• Quechua Connection price : 1,250 BOB (~$181 USD)

Update 2019: Reports from other travelers going to the Bolivia Salts Flats in 2019 have indicated prices are the same.

Quechua Connection has a significantly higher price, so we asked them what makes it worth it. They claim that they use newer vehicles, provide better meals, a guaranteed-English speaking guide, 20-minutes of mountain biking around the salt flats, private hotels, and “little extras.” For us, it didn’t seem worth the added expense. But Quechua Connection does receive rave reviews, so you may want to consider the splurge if you’re looking for a more premium experience and an English-speaking guide.

Based on the low price and a track record of good reviews, we chose to go with Salty Desert Aventours and booked it the same morning that we departed.

Review of Salty Desert Aventours Bolivia Salt Flats Tour

So how was it?

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the 3-day salt flats tour with Salty Desert Aventours. But it was not without its shortcomings.

+ On the positive side:

• We visited all the locations that were promised, which were incredible.
• Our driver was safe and handled the vehicle well – very important!
• Aside from some small cracks in the windshield, the Land Rover was in good condition  and had working seat belts for all passengers.
• Our driver was timely , yet we never felt rushed.
• The meals were basic but good, and we never went hungry. There was even wine provided with dinner one night.
• The rustic accommodation was very basic. But it was adequate and as we expected. The Salt Hotel was a fun novelty.
• At 700 BOB (~$100 USD) for the entire 3-day tour, it was fantastic value !

– Yet there was some room for improvement. The biggest way our tour could have been better was our driver. He was just that: a “driver,” and not much of a “guide.” He was your classic C-student. He did just enough to pass (drove safe, was timely) but never went above & beyond like some of the other great guides we had been spoiled with during other tours throughout South America. (Our guides during our Death Road tour and the Machu Picchu Inca Jungle Trek were excellent!)

The Bolivia salt flats tour driver only spoke Spanish, which we knew in advance, and that was fine (particularly for the price paid). But he didn’t speak much at all. Typically when we would arrive somewhere, he would tell us the name of the place and how much time we would spend there. And that was it. We didn’t learn anything. And some places, we would just wander around on our own, not really knowing where to go.

Meanwhile, we overheard other guides, even from this very same company – Salty Desert Aventours, who filled their passengers with interesting facts and were energetic. They helped to take fun photos of their passengers and always had smiles on their faces. Our driver not only lacked information but he also completely lacked even the tiniest ounce of enthusiasm. But mostly we were disappointed that we didn’t learn much during this otherwise incredible adventure.

That said, with horror stories of skipping sites, a dire lack of safety, and even drunken drivers – we never had any concerns at all with our driver on those fronts. He met all of those expectations.

Things could have been much worse, but they also could have been better. If you really want a great guide, you need to pay more than the meager 700 BOB that we spent on this Bolivia salt flats tour.

We got a great deal, which got us a good driver who wasn’t really a “guide.” Ultimately, we’re okay with that.

So overall  we still wholeheartedly recommend Salty Desert Aventours, and particularly so for the price of 700 BOB. If you want an enthusiastic English-speaking guide, simply expect to pay more, whether booking through Salty Desert Aventours or elsewhere. For us, we felt it was worth the cost savings to have a good & safe driver who didn’t provide any guide services. You’ll have to decide whether it is worth paying more for a great guide.

Tips for the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

From packing to showering to safety tips, here is some critical advice to know before you go!

When Is the Best Time to Go to Bolivia Salt Flats?

An experience at the Bolivia salt flats can be quite different based on the season: wet season vs dry season. Here’s the weather you can expect at the Boliva salt flats throughout the year:

• January to March is the wet season in Bolivia salt flats and the best bet to see the mirror effect on the salt flats. However, the Salar de Uyuni may be too flooded during this time to be able to visit Isla Incahuasi (AKA Fish Island).
• March and early April may have a thin layer of water left on the salt flats, yet tends to be dry enough to get to the Fish Island.
• End of April and May brings the potential for snow, which is rare but has been known to alter travel plans and even close the border between Bolivia and Chile.
• June through September are the coldest months and also the driest. Expect below-freezing temperatures at night. Pack warmly!
• October through December begins to warm-up. November to December tends to be warmest (although still quite chilly at night, given the high altitude). November is also when the rains begin, which comes to an apex in January.

What To Pack on the Salar de Uyuni Bolivia Salt Flats Tour

If you are taking a roundtrip tour, returning to Uyuni, you can store your bags with the tour operator or your hotel/hostel. If so, only pack the essentials.

👕 Clothes for 3 days – Temperatures change vastly, as it is very hot during the day and freezing at night. Have clothing for both extremes.

👙 Bathing suit:  You’ll need something to wear into the hot springs.

💧 Bottled water:  Some drinking water is included when served with meals. Otherwise, you need to bring your own. There are opportunities to purchase bottled water along the way, but you’ll pay about double the price for it in these remote locations compared to in Uyuni. So we recommend picking up a few bottles before the tour departs. Plan for a minimum of a 1.5-liter bottle of water each day.

😎 Sun protection:  It is easy to get fried in the high altitude under the beaming sun. While you can find it in Uyini, it’s best to stock up on  sunscreen and lip balm before your adventure. Don’t forget to pack a good hat and sunglasses .

📷 Camera : There are plenty of Instagramable moments to capture throughout the journey into the Boliva salt flats, so don’t forget your camera or phone, and keep it charged.

🔋 Backup battery : We found it tough to keep our devices charged during the 3-day tour due to a lack of electricity and power outlets. But we use this powerful yet small backup battery which recharges our phone and camera many times over.

🔦 Flashlight (torch) : You need a flashlight in the mornings to be able to see. Electricity isn’t running during this time, so you’ll need to pack up in the dark with the aid of a flashlight. It’s also nice to have for any wandering around outside at night for stargazing and during the predawn visit to the geyser field. We like this strong little travel flashlight .

♨️ Towel : You’ll need a towel to dry off from any showers and after a dip in the hot springs. We love this lightweight, quick-drying, travel towel .

🚽 Toilet paper : Some of the toilets are BYO-TP. Be prepared.

🚼 Baby wipes : In the realistic instance that you’re not able to shower, baby wipes can be an invaluable luxury to help freshen up after a dusty day on the road.

🏜️ Lotion : As you might imagine, it’s very dry out in the Bolivia salt flats.

🚻 Toiletries : You know what you need, so just don’t forget to pack it. Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, medicine, tampons, etc.

🃏 Deck of cards : You may have some downtime at the end of each day. We had fun playing card games with our travel mates, so you may want to bring a deck too. These non-tear cards are perfect for travel.

🦎 Props for funny photos : Think about packing a small prop or two. Godzilla is a popular option and can be purchased along the way. Or just use whatever happens to be lying around. Wine bottles and Pringles canisters work well.

💵 Cash money : You’ll need a minimum of 200 BOB for entrance fees alone, but we suggest bringing at least 400 BOB (or more) for toilets, showers, beers, snacks, tips, or any unexpected expenses that may arise. You won’t find any ATMs outside of Uyuni.

Important Bolivia Salt Flats Tour packing tip:

When packing, keep a small bag in the car with you that includes things you’ll be using throughout the day like your camera, drinking water, and sunscreen. It is difficult to access bags that are thrown on top of the vehicle. So it’s important to bring two bags:

• your main pack that goes atop the 4×4, and
• a small day pack to bring inside the vehicle

For more packing tips and a complete pack list of what we used throughout our entire South America trip, check out our Ultimate Travel Packing Checklist .

Where to Stay in Uyuni Before & After the Tour

There are plenty of places in Uyuni to plunk down for a night, either before or after the Salt Flats tour while awaiting transportation connections. Solo travelers will find no shortage of hostels. And there are also some decent budget hotels for added comfort and privacy.

We stayed at and recommend Hotel Salcay ,   as what we think to be the best value option in Uyuni. It’s only about $20 USD per night, which includes a good breakfast with made-to-order eggs. Rooms were fairly basic but clean & comfy. The bathroom had a consistently great hot shower. The wifi worked well too. Check recent reviews and search your dates here.

More Bolivia Salt Flats Travel Tips:

Here is some additional advice on things to know before you take a Bolivia salt flats tour:

📱 Charge : Fully charge your camera/phone and bring a backup battery. There was electricity at the hostels we stayed in but it was on for only limited hours and all the outlets became full with everybody wanting to charge their devices at the same time. To be able to capture the awesome scenery during the tour, be sure to have a full charge and a bring a portable charger, like this one , to keep your battery life at 100%.

💻 Disconnect : Expect to go on a digital detox during the Bolivia salt flats tour. We never encountered wifi nor had data on our phone throughout the entire three days. Be prepared to log off.

🚿 Showering : There are showers at the hotels but they are not reliable and may be cold. Mentally prepare yourself for the possibility of not showering for 3 days. That way if you come across a good shower, it will be a pleasant surprise. We got lucky with a great hot shower during our second night, but not the first night.

🚙 Choose tour company wisely : While this has already been mentioned, we can’t reiterate the importance of thoroughly vetting out the salt flat tour companies that you may be considering going with. Doing so will not only ensure you see these amazing sights but will also keep you safe on this tour route that has become notorious for bad operators.

⛰️ Acclimate : After leaving the salt flats you climb to elevations of about 4,500 meters. We had been at high altitude for the past several weeks, so we only felt a shortness of breath while walking around. But we saw a few others suffering severely from altitude sickness. We actually saw one girl collapse and the guides had to scramble to find oxygen tanks. It was scary! So be sure to give yourself a few days to acclimatize to the high elevation. Take it easy. Drink the coca tea – it really helps. If you are particularly prone to altitude sickness, consider taking this natural medication . It’s a bit pricey but the many favorable reviews note that it’s well worth it. Consider grabbing it to avoid that throbbing headache so you can instead enjoy your trip.

⚠️ Travel insurance : This is one of those activities in which you definitely need to have travel insurance. There have been horrific accidents on the Bolivia salt flats involving vehicles overturning. There are regular accidents, injuries, and even deaths. Most recently (June 2019), two British backpackers and their driver were killed when their vehicle overturned on the Bolivia Salt Flats.

Whatever travel insurance you have, be absolutely certain that your policy includes emergency medical evacuation in case any serious mishaps arise. We use World Nomads which does carry this evac coverage and much more. You’ll want a travel insurance policy for any trip to South America that will further protect you from theft, lost luggage, sickness, trip cancelation, natural disasters, and much more. And if you’re reading this from South America and your trip has already started, World Nomads is one of the few travel insurance agencies that will allow you to begin a policy after your trip has begun. So it’s not too late.  Enter your travel dates here to get a quick quote .

The Bolivia Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

We hope this post and travel video have given you a glimpse of what this awesome trip is like!

Hopefully, this Bolivia Salt Flats travel guide and tips have proven helpful to plan your own Salar de Uyuni tour.

It makes for an adventure of a lifetime! Feel free to chime in below in the comments to let us know if you have any questions and we’ll try to answer as best as we can. And if you’ve recently been on a Bolivia salt flats tour, stop back by here and let us know how your experience was.

And we’d love to continue helping fellow travelers find the correct and most up-to-date info about touring the Bolivia salt flats, so we continue to update this post as info changes. If you’ve found prices or logistical info to has changed, please drop a comment to let us know so we can keep this page up-t0-date.

Buen viaje amigos!

Publishing note: This post was originally written in June 2017 and updated in July 2019 to reflect the most recent info.

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December 31, 2019 at 10:09 PM

Hi, thanks for your review about the tour agencies. I checked Salty Desert Adventours for the price in 2020, the Spanish/English tour is 920BOB / 1270BOB (both end in SPA). I want to know if the agency requested you to report at the office two hours before the tour starts? (They ask me to do so.) Thanks.

January 9, 2020 at 4:38 PM

Thanks for the update on the prices they quoted you, including the transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. They had asked us to come a little early, but not two hours. They might be requesting you to come two hours early because there may be some paperwork or logistics to review since you’ll be crossing the border into Chile, and/or to finalize payment (which we had done the day prior to departing). Hope you have a great trip!

May 2, 2019 at 7:35 AM

Hi John, I loved the way you expressed the round trip Bolivia and a great place to explore more activities. Thank you very much for sharing an informative article.

November 18, 2018 at 11:23 AM

Hi, Jen again, so what about this for August, on my plan but you said below zero. would it still be great?

December 1, 2018 at 6:29 PM

Yes it will be really cold in August and below freezing at night. Personally, I think it would still be great. The Bolivia Salt Flats have been a top highlight in all of our South America travels, so we’d say that it’s absolutely worth braving the frigid temps to do. Just be sure to pack some warm clothes with you, of course!

July 7, 2018 at 12:36 AM

“Salar de Uyuni” is such a beautiful place to discover. It looks like a heaven on the earth where you can plan spend your time with lots of activities also.

July 12, 2018 at 11:45 AM

The salt flats in Salar de Uyuni are truly one of the most unique landscapes we’ve ever laid eyes on. Really incredible.

May 20, 2018 at 11:38 AM

Thank you for this fabulous advice!! Our RTW family of four is in Sucre at present and heads there next week. So we are soaking up the details and suggestions. I know what goes into putting a post like this together, so thanks a million!!

May 25, 2018 at 1:01 PM

So glad it’s been helpful. And what an awesome adventure to pursue, as a family! Hope you all have a great adventure in the salt flats!

March 30, 2018 at 5:12 AM

Interesting place to visit.

April 4, 2018 at 10:02 AM

Absolutely! Having the opportunity to soak in the otherworldly landscape and colorful scenery was incredible. It’s been one of our favorite travel experiences to date.

March 12, 2018 at 5:23 PM

Great site you’ve gott here.. It’s hard to find high quality writing likje yours these days. I truly appreciate people like you! Take care!!

March 22, 2018 at 4:18 AM

Thank you so much for the kind compliment!

January 14, 2018 at 5:49 PM

If you depart from San Pedro De Atacama, is your last day in the Salt Flats shortened compared to if you depart from Uyuni? I know most tours drop you off around 2pm at your final destination. I want to get as much time in the flats as possible.

January 15, 2018 at 8:46 PM

It shouldn’t be shortened, just a reversed route. You’ll still likely hit all the same sites we’ve mentioned in this post (but confirm that with the agency you book with though). 2pm does seem a little early though. 3pm would seem more in line. But it really should work out to be about the same time on the salt flats as in the other direction. When departing from Uyuni, you don’t leave until the late morning and one of the first things you do once you reach the salt flats is eat lunch. Most all the time in the salt flats in spent in the afternoon. So coming from San Pedro de Atacama and finishing with the salt flats, you’ll spend most of your time in the salts flats, finishing with lunch before driving back to Colchani, the train cemetery, and ultimately Uyuni. Hope that helps!

January 2, 2018 at 4:24 PM

A very informative and passionate guide from you guys, many thanks for your efforts in creating this valuable source.

This guide has been extremely useful in planning my backpacking trip to Peru & Bolivia this coming May and look forward in experiencing the breathtaking places you enjoyed.

I also plan to cross to Chile afterwards and wondered if some tours give you this option of being dropped off at the Chilean border on the third day? My destination will hopefully be San Pedro De Atacama.

Keep up the good work and thanks again 🙂

January 5, 2018 at 8:05 PM

So glad this has helped! The Salar de Uyuni was definitely one of our favorite travel experiences in all of South America and we hope you find the same. You should be fine to cross the Chilean border on the third day instead of returning to Uyuni, just so long as there aren’t any bad weather that closes the pass (rare, but it happens). Many people do continue from the Uyuni salt flats tour onto San Pedro de Atacama. The third day you’re basically so far south that you’re already straddling the Chilean border. Just be aware that you may need to budget some extra fees than what I’ve mentioned in this guide, although it shouldn’t be much more. Hope you have an awesome trip!

December 9, 2017 at 1:51 PM

What an extensive article on the flats! By far, the best I’ve read. We are heading to the Salar from Sucre. We’ve experiened mild altitude sicknesses already in Sucre, with symptoms including mild headaches and shortness of breath. Coca tea helps indeed! I was wondering whether acclimating at a lower altitude – if you happen to know, helps, or whether we should consider acclimating in Uyuni before embarking on a three-day tour. Maybe not a relevant question to you, bur any piece of advice is highly appreciated.

December 11, 2017 at 12:20 AM

Oh thanks – glad this post is proving helpful! 🙂 As for the altitude, it’s probably good that you’re currently at 2,800-meters in Sucre which should help to acclimate. Altitude can affect everyone differently, so it’s really tough to say. We’ve gotten horribly sick before at 4,000-meters yet when we were on this trip nearing 5,000-meters, we were completely fine. I’d say see how you’re feeling once you get to Uyuni and if you are experiencing more than mild symptoms there, it could be best to wait a few days if you have the time. Otherwise, you should be just fine. Enjoy the coca tea and the spectacular trip that awaits you in Salar de Uyuni! 🙂

November 5, 2017 at 6:34 PM

Thanks for such a detailed account. I was wondering if you could help me with some practical information:

It looks like I’ll be taking the night bus from La Paz to Uyuni on the 12th of November and was thinking of jumping on a tour pretty much as soon as I arrive in Uyuni. Therefore, what time do the tours usually start in the morning? I think I’ll be arriving in Uyuni at about 6.00

I have to leave Bolivia by the 16th November and was hoping to go into Chile on that date. Do/can these tours finish in SPA? If so, how many days would I need in total for the trip? the standard three? Or only two as I wouldn’t be returning to Uyuni?

Any help you provide will be much appreciated!

November 6, 2017 at 1:56 AM

The tours leave around 9am or so, so arriving from the overnight bus should leave you plenty of time to secure a tour in the morning and take off that same day. The standard tour is 3 days to SPA Chile. It follows the same (or similar) route as we did, except on the morning of Day 3 you’ll get transferred into SPA instead of the long drive back to Uyuni. So you’ll need three days total, including the day you arrive into Uyuni in the early morning. But it may be a good idea to give yourself an extra day to play with just in case. Hope that helps and you have a great trip!

November 6, 2017 at 8:34 AM

That’s great!

Thanks John

September 29, 2017 at 3:30 PM

What time of year did you go or would you recommend?

October 25, 2017 at 1:02 AM

We visited in April (the 9th-11th, to be exact) and it seemed to be a great time to go. There’s were still some lingering water pools for reflections yet the flats were mostly dry making for good driving conditions. It got quite hot in the day and pretty cold at night. Earlier months like Jan-March, you may encounter rain but it also gives you a better chance to see the reflections that form. After April can be a nice time to go but expect nights to be particularly frigid, given it’s winter there.

August 31, 2017 at 7:25 PM

Hey Guys, Thanks for such a great and informative post. We are looking to do the same sort of salt flats tour you did in September this year. I wanted to know if you had to pay in cash for your tour or whether they had credit card payment available? Also, do you by any chance have an email address for the tour company you went with? Their website is terrible and I want to find out if there’s any chance they run a tour from San Pedro to Uyuni as we’re coming from that direction. Thanks a million!

August 30, 2017 at 11:47 PM

Thanks for the info – it has assisted greatly in deciding how to plan and what to consider. Very informative! I will re-post once following my trip. You need to spend more time in Australia!!

August 31, 2017 at 8:23 AM

Glad it helped and we hope you have a great trip across the Salt Flats. Reflecting back, it remains one of our favorite adventures of the year! Be sure to stop back by and let us know how your trip goes. And, yes, we most definitely need to spend more time in Australia – haha! We’ve only spent a few days roaming around Sydney, Melbourne and a short stint down the Great Ocean Road. That small taste of Australia has only made us hungry for more!

July 26, 2017 at 7:11 PM

What a wonderful all round adventure. I have heard of this place and is on my list. I love the detailed way you have explained the trip. I also liked your creativity while clicking the steam from the geyser and capturing your shadow there 🙂

July 27, 2017 at 12:57 PM

Thanks! Yeah, those geysers were difficult to capture under the night sky, so that seemed to work well! 🙂

July 26, 2017 at 6:08 AM

OMG! I have never seen so much salt at one sight. Sat roads, salt lakes, salt hotels, alt museum- as if the whole world’s salt is present at salar de uyuni. All these years, I had dead sea and the salt desert of Rann in India on my list.But after reading your post here, I m adding salar-de-uyuni to my list and it definitely is on top of the other two. Love the picture of llama and the red lake. Lovely pictures in deed!

July 27, 2017 at 12:59 PM

Right? So much salt! We’re so glad to inspire this surreal to be added to your list! Now we’re thinking about adding those other salty places to our lists, haha! 😉

July 25, 2017 at 3:21 PM

This is the best post on the Salt Flats in Bolivia I’ve ever seen. I loved seeing more than just the normal photos. No to mention, that one where the dinosaur is grabbing John is the best Salt Flat photo EVER! I love the flamingoes too! I would love to see them in their natural habitat!

July 27, 2017 at 1:12 PM

Oh, thanks! We tried to be thorough and detailed here. Glad you like the Godzilla photos – haha! 🙂 Yeah, it was unreal to see those flamingos up here in the mountains – so cool!

July 24, 2017 at 11:42 PM

What an exhaustive guide! I wish I were booking this trip right now. Truly a beautiful and surreal region. I hope that all the visitors haven’t interfered with keeping this pristine.

July 27, 2017 at 1:17 PM

It is such a surreal place! Still can’t believe places like this exist on earth. There actually weren’t too many visitors during our trip there, perhaps a dozen LandRovers throughout the three days we were there. Often, we were the only vehicle around so it still remained very pristine and we can only hope that it continues to remain that way.

July 24, 2017 at 10:57 PM

Surreal for sure! Love everything about this, thanks for bringing it to my attention — I totally want to do this!

We hope you are able to get out to this surreal part of the world one day!

July 23, 2017 at 11:56 AM

Wow, I didn’t know Bolivia had all of this beauty to offer! The salt flats were stunning, but that red lake was truly a cherry on top! How gorgeous

July 27, 2017 at 1:26 PM

Right? There is so much beauty packed into Bolivia. We had always known about the salt flats themselves but were blown away with the red lake and other landscapes that surround it!

July 23, 2017 at 11:02 AM

The Salt Flats have been on my list for a while and your article just solidified that! I loved seeing all your pics and reading about the different things to do. I haven’t planned any of our journey yet so it is nice to have this as a resource!

July 27, 2017 at 1:27 PM

We really hope you make it there to experience these crazy landscapes yourself! So much to see! 🙂

July 23, 2017 at 7:00 AM

Salar de Uyuni is on my bucket list! Had never seen the viscancha before. Looks so cute. Unfortunate that I live so far away. The geyser reminded me of a similar experience of Iceland in winter.

July 27, 2017 at 1:28 PM

We had never heard of the viscancha before either. They sure our cute though! Heather wanted to bring one with her, lol.

July 22, 2017 at 4:30 PM

I’ve seen pictures of the Salar de Uyuni before but had no idea it was that huge. The wildlife was also a surprise, especially the flamingos.

July 27, 2017 at 1:38 PM

It is sooooo big. We hadn’t grasped the enormity of it either until we were out there and saw nothing but white in every direction. And yeah, those flamingos… what a surprise! Flamingos in the Andes mountains, who knew!

July 22, 2017 at 4:00 PM

Wow this is such an extensive guide. I did this tour 4 months ago and it was absolutely stunning. The scenery as you pointed out is some of the most incredible I have ever seen!

July 27, 2017 at 1:39 PM

Oh cool! So you know how stunning this is! 🙂 Definitely some of the most incredible landscapes we’ve seen too!

June 28, 2017 at 9:37 PM

So much good information. Thanks.

June 30, 2017 at 2:03 PM

Thanks! Hope all that info may help to have your own awesome adventure around the Salt Flats!

June 27, 2017 at 7:08 PM

This looks like an fantastic trip! Ive seen photos of Salar de Uyuni before but you really put words to the photos and your passion and enthusiasm is contagious! The red lake looks amazing, too. I was in neighbouring Ecuador not so long ago and also found myself astounded at the beauty of the landscapes.

July 8, 2017 at 3:11 PM

Thanks Mark! Yeah, this entire area was absolutely unreal. Really it’s been one of the most visually spectacular and surreal places we’ve traveled to. The beauty all throughout the Andes is pretty incredible, definitely including Ecuador!

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Uyuni Salt Flats Tour In Bolivia – A Complete Guide

A Uyuni Salt Flats Tour is a must-do on everyone’s Bolivia itinerary!

Uyuni Salt Flats (also known as Salar de Uyuni) is the world’s largest salt flat, stretching for more than 11,000km². It truly is one of the most remarkable vistas on planet earth!

I spent one full day exploring the incredible Bolivia Salt Flats and have put together this detailed guide with everything you need to know about the Uyuni Salt Flats Tour including where to book and what to expect.

Table of Contents

WHERE IS SALAR DE UYUNI?

The Uyuni Salt Flats are so massive that it actually crosses the borders of three countries in South America – Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.

Click here to see the location on Google maps.

Most Salar de Uyuni tours operate out of Uyuni in Bolivia, a small dusty town approximately 540kms south of La Paz.

HOW TO GET TO SALAR DE UYUNI

There are two options to consider when looking at how to get to Salar de Uyuni and they are by bus or plane.

Bus from La Paz to Uyuni:

The cheapest and most common way of reaching Uyuni is by taking an overnight bus from La Paz to Uyuni and the journey takes around 8 hours.

You can book your bus ticket online in advance for just $30 USD and the bus leaves from Terminal De Buses Lapaz.

You can then travel back from Uyuni to La Paz by bus after the one-day Salt Flats Tour.

La Paz to Uyuni flights:

A faster and more convenient way of reaching Salar de Uyuni is by taking a 50-minute flight from La Paz to Joya Andina Airport in Uyuni.

La Paz to Uyuni flights operates on a daily basis.

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From weekend explorations to month-long expeditions, this EPIC backpack is up to the task and will stand the test of time.

WHERE TO BOOK A UYUNI SALT FLATS TOUR?

There are dozens of tour operators and offices located in both Uyuni and La Paz to book a Uyuni Tour, but in my experience, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which operator to book a tour through without being ripped off.

Alternatively, you can book your tour online in advance to avoid the hassle of having to organize a trip once you have arrived.

I recommend finding a tour that best suits you on the Get Your Guide website . They have thousands of travel deals worldwide that are affordable and reliable!

Click Here to search for all Salar Uyuni Tours and book online ahead of time.

Have you got travel insurance for your trip?!

We all know accidents can happen and having Heymondo Insurance will save you thousands of dollars if something goes wrong.

Heymondo offers low-cost Travel Insurance to keep you covered on all your adventures.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE TOUR

A one-day Uyuni Salt Flat Tour not only includes a 4×4 trip out onto the world’s largest salt flat but also a visit to the Uyuni Train Cemetery, lunch at a local restaurant, salt museum and village markets, Hotel de Sal (the world’s first salt hotel), giant cacti at Incahuasi island and an unforgettable sunset at the largest mirror in the world!

The tour begins at 10 am and finishes after sunset at around 6 pm.

Book Now → Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

Best time to visit bolivia salt flats.

The best time to visit Bolivia Salt Flats, funnily enough, is in the rainy season which is December to April in order to witness the reflective mirror effect on the salt flats.

During the dry season, from May to November, temperatures are much cooler and the ground hardens.

The peak season is typically from June to August and prices are known to rise during this time.

SALAR DE UYUNI FACTS

Before visiting, here are some Salar de Uyuni facts you may find interesting:

• Uyuni altitude is 3,700m above sea level
• The salt flats measure 11,000km² making it the world’s largest salt flat
• 11 billion tonnes of salt are believed to be within Salar de Uyuni
• NASA uses Uyuni Salt Flats to figure out the positioning of its satellites
• Formed by prehistoric lakes that evaporated long ago
• Pink flamingos have been spotted at Uyuni

WHERE TO STAY IN LA PAZ

La Paz has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of my favorite places to stay in La Paz to fit the needs of budget backpackers and luxury travelers.

See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:

Luxury:  Ritz Apart Hotel

Ritz Apart Hotel, a modern 5-star hotel centrally located in La Paz, provides air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms, a fitness center, hot tub, sauna, in-house restaurant, room service, and free WiFi.

Perfect for travelers with a larger budget.

Mid Range:  Selina La Paz

Selina La Paz is a 3-star property that is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers!

Great location in La Paz offering double, triple, and dormitory rooms at an affordable price. Selina also features a billiards table, an in-house restaurant, and a bar for all guests.

Budget:  The Rooftop Bolivia

The Rooftop Bolivia is rated one of the best accommodations in La Paz for budget travelers.

Featuring a bar, shared lounge, city views, restaurant, shared kitchen, free wifi, and a nightclub!

The Rooftop has dorms and private rooms available and breakfast is included.

For all other La Paz accommodations, Search on Booking.com

What to pack for bolivia.

When visiting Bolivia, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you;

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden money wallet.

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Reusable Water Bottle

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!

Travel Backpack

The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!

Quick-Dry Travel Towel

The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!

Portable PowerBank

Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

MORE CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA TRAVEL GUIDES

• Mexico: 4 Week Mexico Itinerary
• Cuba: 10 Day Cuba Itinerary
• Peru: Backpacking Peru – 3 Week Itinerary
• Bolivia: Things To Do In Bolivia
• Brazil: 2 Day Rio De Janeiro Itinerary
• Argentina: Things To Do In Argentina
• Chile: Things To Do In Chile

FINAL THOUGHTS – SALAR DE UYUNI TOUR

If you have any questions about Salar de Uyuni, please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

Search all rental cars in your next destination.

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

Click here to find out how you can support the site organically .

Many thanks!

PIN IT FOR LATER

4 thoughts on “Uyuni Salt Flats Tour In Bolivia – A Complete Guide”

Hey Jonny, Thank you for the insightful blog.

I am not sure if they are still running the 50-minute flight from La Paz to Joya Andina Airport in Uyuni or if they still operate on a daily basis as I am unable to find any direct flight from La Paz airport to Uyuni. I understand you took the overnight bus but do you know by any chance the name of the airline that goes directly there and how to find it online?

Hey Ali, unfortunately I am not sure about this flight, perhaps since the pandemic things may have changed. I hope you can find your way and have a safe trip!

Hey Jonny, We are planning our South America trip for next year. A question about using the overnight bus to and from La Paz to Uyuni Salt Flats with the 1 day tour like you did. Did you travel with only a day pack? And if so where did you leave your main bag? Or did you travel with your main bag as well and then what did you do with it during the tour? Many thanks Natalie x

Hi Natalie, great question, I traveled with just an overnight bag and left my main luggage in storage at my hotel in La Paz, they had no issues holding it for me so this is something that I’m sure you could do also! Have a great trip!

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A thin layer of water transforms Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni into a striking reflective canvas.

These Salt Flats Are One of the Most Remarkable Vistas on Earth

Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni can make for an incredible experience or a logistical nightmare. Plan your trip with these tips.

Bolivia ’s Salar de Uyuni is considered one of the most extreme and remarkable vistas in all of South America, if not Earth. Stretching more than 4,050 square miles of the Altiplano, it is the world’s largest salt flat, left behind by prehistoric lakes evaporated long ago. Here, a thick crust of salt extends to the horizon, covered by quilted, polygonal patterns of salt rising from the ground.

At certain times of the year, nearby lakes overflow and a thin layer of water transforms the flats into a stunning reflection of the sky. This beautiful and otherworldly terrain serves as a lucrative extraction site for salt and lithium—the element responsible for powering laptops, smart phones, and electric cars. In addition to local workers who harvest these minerals, the landscape is home to the world's first salt hotel and populated by road-tripping tourists. The harsh beauty and desolateness of Salar de Uyuni can make for an incredible experience or a logistical nightmare. Here’s a guide to help:

HOW TO GET THERE

Located at the crux of Bolivia, Chile , and Argentina , the logistics and length of your trip to Salar de Uyuni will depend where you’re coming from. Tours originate from three main places:

Uyuni, Bolivia : The most popular jumping-off point for salt flats tours, Uyuni is a small, dusty town packed with tourism agencies in Plaza Arce, its main square. Travelers can book tours in advance online, through tour offices in La Paz, or they can simply arrive in Uyuni and peruse the options in town. Since Uyuni is so close to the salt flats, tourists can easily book day trips. Flights from La Paz to Uyuni can be booked through Amaszonas and BoA (one hour, about $130 round-trip). Overnight buses from La Paz are available with Trans Omar and Todo Turismo (10-12 hours, $30 to $40 each way).

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile : Agencies drive travelers to the border before handing the tour over to a Bolivian operator. Due to the distance, this is a three-day tour.

Tupiza, Bolivia: This is the best starting point for travelers coming from Argentina. Tour operators recommend four-day tours from Tupiza, visiting Salar de Uyuni on the final day.

The star-studded night sky casts the salt flats shades of blue. During the dry season the ground hardens and polygonal patterns of salt rise from the ground.

Salar de Uyuni has two distinct seasons. The rainy season (December to April) is when visitors come to witness the Salar’s breathtaking mirror effect. Be wary of excessive rain in December and January, as it can cause tour cancelations. During the dry season (May to November) temperatures are colder, the ground has hardened, and travelers can drive across the stark white landscape to places that aren’t accessible in the rainy season. Tour operators consider June through August their high period, and rates may rise accordingly.

CHOOSING A TOUR

While the salt flats are one of Bolivia’s most popular attractions, it’s only a small part of the gorgeous Altiplano region. Many visitors indulge in a three-day tour (or longer) that includes the deserts, volcanos, geysers, hot springs, and high-altitude lakes to the south. Tours out of San Pedro de Atacama and Tupiza are already scheduled to drive through these sites.

Travelers can choose between a shared tour (cheaper and standardized) or private tour (higher-priced and custom-tailored). Shared tours generally provide Spanish-speaking guides who double as the driver and chef. These follow a rigid itinerary that will not likely accommodate individual requests and can hinder certain times of day, like sunrise or sunset. Private tours, by contrast, can be customized to a client’s liking, giving travelers more control over itinerary and the ability to go off the beaten path to volcanos or caves. Private tours also provide an English-speaking guide, chef, and a more comfortable vehicle.

Check online reviews and travel guides to carefully choose a reputable guide. Avoid companies that offer rock bottom prices—they may not provide an accredited guide or working car, which can endanger tourists. Also ask your agency whether they carry an emergency radio and first-aid kit.

HOW TO TAKE GREAT PHOTOS

One of the highlights of Salar de Uyuni is an endless horizon that allows photographers to play with perspective and depth of field. Stage battle scenes with toy dinosaurs, cook your friends in pots and pans, or crawl out of seemingly giant jars of peanut butter. The key to great photos is to get the camera low to the ground and close to your prop. This gives the perspective that the prop is larger than the human subjects, who stand farther away. Don’t let your subjects venture too far, though—the larger the distance between the prop and the subjects, the harder it will be to keep everything in focus. If your camera permits, make the aperture as narrow as possible.

Salar de Uyuni's seemingly endless horizon allows photographers to play with perspective and depth of field.

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ODDS AND ENDS

At nearly 12,000 feet above sea level, visitors may experience altitude sickness if they haven’t properly acclimatized. Symptoms include nausea, headaches, and insomnia among others. Discuss various options for preventing and treating altitude sickness with your doctor before your trip.

Bolivia requires a tourist visa ($160 for U.S. citizens) as well as a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate to enter the country.

Liz Unger is a National Geographic Young Explorer, photojournalist, and filmmaker from New York. Follow her on Twitter @ewu5191 and Instagram @ewu5191 , and explore her work at www.lizunger.com .

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Tour details

• What to bring

2 Day Uyuni Tour

Group tour to the Uyuni Salt Flat for 2 days with accommodation in Uyuni

Get to know the Salar de Uyuni staying in Uyuni

With the 2-Day Uyuni Tour, you will visit the largest salt desert in the world with an expert driver in the area. You will visit the Train Cemetery, the town of Colchani, the Incahuasi Island or the altiplanic lagoons among other attractions and you will get lost in a magical sunset in the Salar de Uyuni. You will spend the night in an accommodation in the city of Uyuni and the next day you will visit the cultural part of the tour.

Enjoy a 2-day guided tour in 4x4, and cross the Salar de Uyuni in the safest way. Do you want to know all the details of this adventure? Below we tell you how your trip will be 🙂:

• Transportation 4X4 (Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Armada)
• Expert driver in the area
• Lodging in Uyuni (shared or private room)

Not included

• Entrance fee to Incahuasi Island (30 Bolivian pesos per person)
• Entrance fee to museum (10 Bolivian pesos)
• Entrance fee to hot springs (10 Bolivian pesos)

Important information

This tour includes accommodation in the city of Uyuni. In case you want to stay in the Salar de Uyuni, we recommend you to book the 3-day tour . 

It is very important to make a good acclimatization to the altitude before starting the tour, as the tour goes through high altitude areas.

🌧️Durante the rainy season (December to March) the itinerary may be modified, as the salt flat is flooded and some areas such as Incahuasi Island or some accommodations may not be accessible. The flooded areas are constantly changing, so depending on the situation at that time the driver will offer the best alternative to enjoy the tour.

🚗 The tour is conducted in 7-seater 4x4 vehicles.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation! If you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour starts, you will receive 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of no-show, no refunds will be given.

Tour itinerary

Day 1 uyuni - train cemetery - colchani - incahuasi island - sunset on the uyuni salt flat - return to uyuni.

Lodging in private or shared room in the city of Uyuni

Meeting point

The 2 days and 1 night tour to the Salar de Uyuni will start in the center of Uyuni at 10 am. With the whole group assembled, you will depart in the 7-seater 4x4 to the first stop: the train cemetery of the Salar de Uyuni.

Train cemetery

A landscape formed by the remains of what was once a symbol of Bolivian development. Remember that a maximum of 6 passengers plus the driver will travel in the 4x4. If you prefer, you can also select the private tour mode and enjoy this adventure without sharing the vehicle with other travelers.

Colchani - Salt refinery

You will continue the trip to the next stop: Colchani. A small Andean village where you will observe the manual process of salt in its refinery and visit the salt museum. Take advantage of this stop and discover the local handicrafts in the small stores run by the local villagers.

Ojos del Salar

Just a few meters away from the Colchani salt refinery you will see the piles of salt that are formed. And you will also see the well-known Ojos del Salar just a few meters away from you, small water eruptions that spring up under the salt flat. Did you know that these eyes have healing properties? If, like us, you are curious, don't hesitate to ask your guide all the questions during the trip, he knows all the answers!

Dakar Monument - Island of the Flags

The last stops inside the salt flat will be to visit the Dakar sculpture and the famous Isla de las Banderas. 

Incahuasi Island

You will advance through the Salar until you reach Incahuasi Island. Access to Incahuasi Island costs 30 Bolivian pesos for foreign travelers and 15 Bolivian pesos for national travelers.

Incahuasi Island is the heart of the Salar, where giant cactus will be waiting to surprise you even more of the magic of this place. Also, as it is the highest point of the Salar de Uyuni, you will have the best perspective to appreciate the immensity of the Salar. In order not to miss a single detail, you will take a short walk of about 30-40 minutes in the company of your guide. After this short walk, you will return to the vehicle and head to our next destination. It's time for lunch!

Remember to carry some cash with you during the trip, as the entrance fee to Incahuasi Island is not included in the tour.

Lunch at the Uyuni Salt Flat

After the visit to Incahuasi Island, you will leave for lunch with the rest of the group in the middle of the Salar de Uyuni. The guide will prepare the table and chairs and cook for us to enjoy the meal with one of the best possible views of the Salar de Uyuni.

Sunset at the Uyuni Salt Flat

After lunch, you will continue touring the Salar de Uyuni. The best moment is about to arrive, had you forgotten, today you will see the sunset in the Salar de Uyuni!

Return to Uyuni

After admiring the magical sunset on the Uyuni Salt Flat, you will head back to the city of Uyuni, where you will spend the night.

DAY 2 Uyuni - Pulacayo Village - Hot Springs - Tomave Church - Uyuni

Pulacayo Village

The day will start with a 9:30 a.m. pick up from your accommodation in Uyuni. You will head to the town of Pulacayo, home to a silver mining center that became the second largest in Bolivia. 

Pulacayo locomotives

Next, you will visit the old steam locomotives that were the first to enter Bolivia at the end of the 19th century and transported the ore extracted by the Huanchaca mining company. 

Hot Springs 

After going through a winding road, you will arrive to a rustic place where the hot springs are located. Get ready for a relaxing bath in its mineral waters! These are natural medicinal waters that reach up to 35 degrees of heat. 

Warmi Lagoon - Green Lagoon

Later, you will visit the altiplanic lagoons Warmi and Verde where you will see authentic flora and fauna of the area and it will be time for lunch. 

Colonial church of Tomave

The last stop of the tour will be a visit to the colonial church of Tomave, declared a heritage site. Later, you will return to the city of Uyuni to end the 2-day tour to the Salar de Uyuni.

What to bring to 2 Day Uyuni Tour

Warm clothing

Waterproof jacket

Comfortable shoes

Sunscreen and lipstick

Cash and bolivianos

Bathing suit

Where does the tour 2 Day Uyuni Tour start

If you are planning to arrive from La Paz you can fly directly to Uyuni. If you plan to travel to Uyuni by land you should take a bus. We recommend taking the night bus which departs from La Paz at 8 p.m. with the company Bus Titicaca or Bus Cisne. Upon arrival, you will have time for breakfast before starting the tour.

*If you arrive in Uyuni on the same day as the tour starts, we offer you a free transfer from the bus station or airport to Uyuni. If you arrive in Uyuni before the day the tour starts, your pickup point will be your accommodation in Uyuni.

Questions & Answers

Can i do this tour as a private tour, just for my group.

If you want to do the tour in private, please contact us and we will inform you.

2 Day Uyuni Tour tour reviews with Howlanders

Other tours that might interest you from bolivia.

Uyuni Salt Flats Full Day Tour

Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

Uyuni Salt Flats Sunrise Tour

Uyuni Sunset Tour

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Backpacking in Bolivia , Backpacking in South America , Unique Experiences

Tupiza tours: uyuni salt flat tours from tupiza bolivia.

The Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia are truly incredible.  One of the highlights of my time in South America as a whole, and an experience not to be missed in Bolivia , a tour of the Uyuni Salt flats is something you will remember for a long time to come.  The first time I went to Bolivia, I actually decided to skip el Salar de Uyuni.  That was a mistake, although I still had a great time exploring Sucre , Samaipata & La Paz !  Luckily, I had the time, and the flexibility to be able to return to Bolivia later on in my journey, and this time I knew I had to do a Salar de Uyuni tour.  This time, I was coming from Argentina into southern Bolivia, so decided to take one of the Uyuni Salt Flat tours from Tupiza, with Tupiza Tours.

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READ MORE: Backpacking Bolivia Travel Guide

What is the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flat?

First thing is first.  El Salar de Uyuni, or Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia are the largest salt flats in the world.   The Salar is actually called el Salar de Thunupa but is more commonly known as el Salar de Uyuni due to the proximity to the town of Uyuni.  Covering an area of 10,582 square kilometres, the Salar is thought to have 11 layers of salt, which vary between two and ten metres thick, covering mud & brine below.  The whole salar is estimated to contain around 10 thousand million tons of salt, of which around 25 thousand tons are extracted each year.

As the name suggests, the salt flats vary very little in height, no more than one metre, although their elevation at 3656 metres above sea level can cause problems with altitude sickness.  Drink plenty of water, and try to allow time in Bolivia before your tour to acclimatise to the altitude.

Where is El Salar de Uyuni?

The Salar is in the south west of Bolivia, not far from the border with Chile.  Uyuni itself is a town approximately 550km south of La Paz, and is the nearest large town to the salt flats, and where most of the tours leave from.

Which Salar de Uyuni Tour is Best for You?

The first thing to consider when planning your visit to the Salt Flats is how it will fit with the rest of your itinerary.  There are essentially 3 different routes, which can also be done in the reverse, depending on where you are coming from, and where you plan to go next.

Round Trip Uyuni – Uyuni

Starting the Salar tour in Uyuni is great for those who are coming from Machu Picchu, Peru, or Bolivia, and planning to continue their journey in Bolivia.  This is usually a 3 day tour, although if you are short on time it is possible to do a Salar de Uyuni day trip to see just the salt flats – but you will miss out on the other incredible scenery and coloured lagoons.  If you have time I definitely recommend the longer Uyuni tours which allow you to fully explore the area.

Atacama Chile – Uyuni (or Uyuni – Atacama Chile)

Starting and/or ending in Chile is best for those coming from, or going to Chile.  There are several companies based in Santiago de Chile or Atacama which run tours from Atacama to Salar de Uyuni.

Tupiza – Uyuni (or Uyuni – Tupiza)

Salt flat tours from Tupiza in the South of Bolivia, or ending in Tupiza, are best for those coming from, or going to Argentina.  It is also possible to start and finish the tour in Tupiza, although this means a long final day’s drive back to Tupiza.

Both of the options from Atacama and Tupiza actually take in more of the Bolivian countryside before arriving to the Salt Flats.  Generally, these tours are over 4 days, as you cover much more ground.  There is a lot of time spent driving in the 4×4, but the scenery is constantly changing and varies from desert sand, to rocky formations, colourful lagoons and snow-capped mountains – as well of course as the salt flats themselves.

How to Get to Uyuni

If you decide to start your tour from Uyuni, you can get a night bus from La Paz to Uyuni, which also runs the reverse route again on a night bus from Uyuni to La Paz.  There are several companies which run the route – Todo Turismo has the best reputation, with comfortable seats and a toilet, however I took a cheaper bus which was just fine (although without a toilet on board).  Don’t expect to get too much sleep though!  The road used to be unpaved, but is now paved all the way, and journey time is around 8 hours.  Todo Turismo leaves La Paz at 9pm.

If you are short on time, it is possible to take a night bus from La Paz, and start the Uyuni tour that morning, and take another night bus back to La Paz that night, if you wish.  It is best to book the buses in advance if you can, to make sure you are guaranteed a place.

You can also fly to El Salar de Uyuni Airport, flights from La Paz to Uyuni cost around $250-$300, depending on the time of year, and take around 50 minutes.

CHECK FLIGHTS NOW

Hostels in Uyuni Bolivia

If you prefer to spend a night in Uyuni, there are several hostels and hotels in Uyuni to choose from.  There isn’t much to do in Uyuni itself, so one night before the tour would be enough.

BOOK YOUR HOSTEL NOW

The Best Time of Year to Visit El Salar de Uyuni

Deciding when to visit the Salar de Uyuni is a tough call.  In general, dry season is best as in rainy season some of the routes across the salar become impassable, and Isla Incauhuasi is closed.  However, if you can time it right to visit when there is still some water on the ground you have a chance of taking those beautiful photographs with a mirror-like reflection between the sky & the standing water on the salar.  With nothing but salt for miles around, you lose all sense of perspective and it seems like the sky goes on forever.  I went in March, and although there was still some water I didn’t get the chance to take those reflection shots, so it also depends on the weather, your driver, and a good dose of luck too!

Choosing a Company for the Uyuni Tour

I was getting rather worried when I was trying to find the company which offers the best Salar de Uyuni tours.  For every good review one company got, there was a terrible review to match it.  Horror stories of drunk drivers, crashes on the freezing salt flats, breakdowns, poor organization, rude guides and everything that could possibly go wrong plagued the reviews on Tripadvisor.  It seemed that the various tour agencies contracted the freelance guides, and the experience totally depended on the guide.  In the end, due to my route from Northern Argentina to La Paz, I took the tour from Tupiza, to finish in Uyuni.  If you are taking this route, I was very happy with my choice of Tupiza Tours .  For other routes, check recent reviews on Tripadvisor for up to date experiences from other travellers.  Salar de Uyuni tour companies with reasonable reviews include Red Planet, although I can’t personally vouch for them as I didn’t travel with them.

My Experience on El Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats

I decided to start my Uyuni tour from Tupiza, as I was currently in Iguazu Falls, and wanted to finally head back through Bolivia to see some friends at Colibri Camping who I had met last time I was in Bolivia, then back to Peru.

I contacted both of the top Salar de Uyuni tour companies in Tupiza; Tupiza Tours and Torre Tours.  I had asked a couple of questions about travelling alone to see if there were other people on the tours for the date I was looking for, and Torre Tours replied with a stock response without answering my questions.  Tupiza Tours answered my questions, and offered a better rate for a 4 person tour, and Erika from Tupiza Tours assured me there would be a full tour going to avoid me paying extra fees.  Based on this initial contact, I chose to book with Tupiza tours & I’m very happy I did.

As I mentioned, there seemed to be an element of luck with which guide you get on the tour, but our guide was fabulous.  Sadly, I have forgotten his name as I lost my original notes when I had my laptop stolen in Ecuador.  He was fabulous, explaining our route and the landscape we passed through.  He was an excellent driver, safe and experienced, and was the first to drive across the Salar at night so we could reach Isla Incahuasi first for sunrise.  Driving across a huge expanse of salt desert with no signposts, and no compass, is no easy task, and other drivers seemed hesitant to lead what became a convoy of cars across the salt flats.

Another reason I was very happy with my choice, is that Tupiza Tours had 2 cars going out on the same day, so we shared one cook between the two cars.  Again, this was pretty lucky, but the cook usually went with the other car so we had plenty of space for spreading out in our car!  I also noticed each car had a spare wheel, which came in handy when we found Torre Tours’ car needed a replacement, which they didn’t have.  I felt our drivers were more experienced, and better prepared than Torre Tours, who also had 6 tourists plus their cook & guide in the car.

The food was good, and we had plenty of hot tea and snacks too.  The coca tea definitely helped with the altitude!

The Route from Tupiza to Uyuni through Southern Bolivia

We left Tupiza early in the morning, and headed through the Quebrada de Palala to the Sillar, where we passed fascinating coloured rock formations.  We visited an abandoned colonial ghost town, San Antonio Viejo, which was plagued with mysterious illness so the people moved away, leaving creepy ruins of homes and churches.  We spent the night in Quetena, and set out again early the next day.

The second day of the tour was all about lakes.  We visited several coloured lagoons, all taking on the colour of the minerals from the mountains around them.  La Laguna Colorada one spectacular, and had some flamingos sifting through the lake water.  Then, the scenery changed to sandy desert as we crossed ‘Dali’s Desert’ where bizarre rock formations stand in the middle of nowhere.  Along the way we also spotted a couple of ostriches and vicuna, a rare relative of the llama family.

On the third day, we crossed the Desert of Siloli, with more strange rock formations including the ‘Arbol de Piedra’ (the stone tree).  We visited more lakes, passed active volcanos and the Salar de Chiguana to finish in Atulcha, spending the night there in a salt hotel.

On the final day, we left when it was still dark, to drive across our first part of the Salar de Uyuni, to reach Isla Incahuasi for sunrise.  This bizarre island in the middle of the Salar is formed from volanic rock, and offers 360 degree views of the Salar.  It is also covered with huge cacti, some up to 1200 years old!  We climbed to the top and waited for the sunrise, a beautiful sight indeed.  After breakfast, we took some of the famous Salar de Uyuni photographs, which was entertaining trying to get the perspective just right.  Our guide had brought some props, and with a bit of imagination we got some great shots.

We then visits the community of Colchani, where the first salt hotel was built, and where they extract salt from the Salar for processing.  We ended the tour at the rather creepy train cemetery just outside the town of Uyuni.

How Much does the Salar de Uyuni Tour Cost

Salar de Uyuni tour prices vary quite a bit.  Remember that cheap is not always best when it comes to your safety, however, in most cases the tours all offer very similar packages, and there is no such thing as a Salar de Uyuni luxury tour.  All accommodation in the salt hotels is pretty basic, no hot water in most cases, and with temperatures dropping to below zero at night due to the high altitude, luxury just doesn’t come into it!  I was quoted a cost of 5200 BS between 4 people, so 1300 BS per person in 2016.

What is Included in the Salar de Uyuni Tours

Transport in a 4×4 (some companies will have a maximum of 4 people plus the driver & cook, others have 6 people max, plus the driver which can get cosy!)

Three meals per day: breakfast, lunch & dinner, excluding breakfast on the 1 st day and dinner on the last day.

Drinking water

Basic accommodation

Driver/Spanish speaking guide & cook

Additional Costs:

Entry for the Reserva Nacional Eduardo Avaroa (150 Bs in 2016)

Entry for the Isla Incahuasi (30 Bs in 2016)

Payments for showers/bathroom facilities where appropriate (approx. 15 Bs in 2016)

English speaking guide, if required approx. 200 Bs per person

Personal spending & tips

What Should You Bring on the Salar de Uyuni Tour:

Photocopy of your passport                            Sleeping bag (available to rent if needed)

Warm clothing                                                    [amazon_textlink asin=’B00ZLN4VCO’ text=’Hiking boots’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’talesofaback-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’c500860d-3051-11e8-a74c-196bd4b898c2′] [amazon_textlink asin=’B004D2DR0Q’ text=’Sun screen’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’talesofaback-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’d0d53d96-3051-11e8-ad10-3b596aadb007′]                                                        [amazon_textlink asin=’B013MSPS1M’ text=’Sun hat’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’talesofaback-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’03f48d2d-3052-11e8-9346-5b8478579a28′]

Woolly hat & gloves                                          Bathing suit

What are the Salt Hotels?

All accommodation on the Salar de Uyuni itself is in Salt Hotels.  A salt hotel or ‘hotel de sal’ is physically made of salt bricks, with a salt floor, and although the beds were comfortable I was still glad of the extra sleeping bag I had booked.  There were limited shower facilities, and shared bathrooms, and I shared a room with one or three of my fellow (male) tourists.  As it was cold inside I still wore several layers of clothes inside, but I was actually surprised at how nicely decorated our salt hotel was.

Overall, the tour of the Salar de Uyuni was one of the highlights of my travels around South America.  I am very glad I chose to do the route from Tupiza as we saw more of Bolivia’s incredible rugged scenery.  If you are a fussy eater, or a big eater then take some snacks with you, bring plenty of warm clothes, and enjoy!

Have you been to el Salar de Uyuni?  Any other tips you would like to share?  Please let me know in the comments below.

By the way, this wasn’t a sponsored trip, I loved my experience and wanted to share with you all the details of the Uyuni salt flats tours from Tupiza.

READ MORE ABOUT BACKPACKING IN BOLIVIA

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Hi! I'm Claire Sturzaker, a 30-something foodie traveller who loves to enjoy the best of a destination without breaking the bank. I'm here to help you and all women backpackers to plan their best budget travel adventure. I am an avid supporter of female solo travel, and took my first solo trip 20 years ago! I love to write about travel, hostels, backpacking and van life.

20 thoughts on “ Tupiza Tours: Uyuni Salt Flat Tours from Tupiza Bolivia ”

Awesome, it is a great trip! Actually I took my time with a couple of weeks – I crossed the border at Foz do Iguacu to Paraguay on foot then took a bus (I went to Asuncion then Encarnacion to see some of Paraguay but you can just pick one if you like) then to Corrientes in Argentina, then Salta, and north to Jujuy, Tilcara and La Quiaca (just spending the night) before crossing into Bolivia to Tupiza. If you’re short on time I’m not sure how quickly you could do this – I presume you could also take a bus from the Argentinean side of Iguazu straight to Posadas (close to Encarnacion) then on to Salta but either way would take a few days probably, unless you can find a bus direct to Salta from Iguazu.

Great post! We are actually visiting Iguazu Falls now and then planning on making our way to Bolivia. First on our agenda is the salt flats! How did you get to Tupiza from Iguazu??

Hi Libby! I emailed them initially, I think I sent a form through their website – I’ve had a look at my emails and found these two addresses for them [email protected] and [email protected] – they replied to me on the same day so hopefully it won’t take too long! I don’t have a phone number for them, just what is on the website. Good luck!

Hi Claire! Were you able to get in touch with Tupiza tours ahead of time by phone or by email? I haven’t been able to get through when I called the number listed on their website and am just wondering what the turnaround is for an email response from them? Do you happen to have the number you reached the woman Erika on if you did in fact communicate with them by phone? Thanks in advance for the help. 🙂

I almost considered not going to Bolivia because I need a visa and it is really a painful process to apply for it in advance. But your post inspires me to visit and the same as you, I dont want to leave South America with regrets, so I will try to get my visa in Chile or Argentina and go from there. Thanks for mentioning the name of the tour companies. You are right about the reviews, I really cannot find a tour agent not have a bad review.

I really want to make it to the salt flats in Bolivia sometime! We’ve been to the salt flats in Utah, but they are much smaller and less diverse so Salar de Uyuni would be such a cool adventure. I always love the perspective shots–they make me laugh! 🙂 Thanks for the great breakdown on routes–super helpful tips! Looks like you had a great trip!

This is great info. I am going to pin this. I really want to visit the salt flats so this is great informative post.

Oh, this looks incredible and it reminded me of the similar kilometer expanses in Kutch. Your pictures are simply amazing as well as some shots are super cool. The train cemetery too looks cool and I think it will be a different experience staying at salt hotels. Overall, this whole trip looks super exciting.

What an incredible experience. Bolivia is on my bucketlist. I hope my South America dream trip comes true soon!

The salar de Uyuni are really high on our bucket list! I always thought it^s only the flats, but you showed so many other fantastic landscapes <3 The salt hotels sound really cool! Thank you for the tip with the extra booked sleeping bag 😀 Kudos for the shot at the train cemetery!

This is a great guide! So helpful to know that you had a good experience with Tupiza Tours. I’ve heard so many nightmare experiences about some of the tour companies, especially regarding drunk driving, so it’s great to know that there are some that put safety as a higher priority.

Looks like you had an amazing trip! I would love to experience this, thank you for all your tips, safety is so important. Your photos are beautiful and the salt hotel looks very interesting, can’t believe everything is made with salt!

This is such fantastic information! I was just in Peru and considered going to Bolivia just for the salt flats but it didn’t work out! Great post!

Yay! So happy to see this because this trip has been on our travel bucket list. It looks so beautiful there and can’t wait to go.

I’m visiting the Salt flats next year. missed out on it this year due to travel problems :/ But your post just gave me more motivation.

I’ve wanted to visit here for awhile now. I am so fascinated by the fact there is SO MUCH SALT in one place! Loving your photos =)

Is there anything that you didn’t write here? You have covered each and every details of the tour. It is like a one stop shop. I hate it too when I get impersonal and stock replies from companies. By reading your post I understand the importance of choosing the correct season and how important is ‘luck’ in getting those reflective photos. I almost got a virtual tour of Salar through your blog!

The salt flats look incredible. Must have been an out of the world experience. The Train cemetery also caught my attention and it sounds really fascinating. I was reminded of similar salt flats in Kutch, India which has a similar kind of landscape.

I’ve never heard of this and it looks so amazing. Great tips on drinking plenty of water and the time to acclimatise yourself. I also love reading personal experiences with tour companies. Based on the two responses you received, I would have done the same thing and gone with the one that had a better response. It really goes to show how important that initial contact is!

Learning about the salt flats was fascinating. Had no idea that it covered ten thousand million tons of salt! How did all that salt get there in the first place? Also so sorry to hear that you lost your laptop in Ecuador.

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Shadows Of The Salt Flats: Secrets Of The Great Basin

Published: September 24, 2024

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Have you ever wondered what secrets lie beneath the shimmering surface of the Great Basin 's salt flats ? This vast, arid region, stretching across Nevada, Utah, and parts of California, holds more than meets the eye. From ancient lake beds to unique wildlife, the Great Basin offers a glimpse into a world shaped by time and nature. Imagine walking on a crust of salt that once was the floor of a prehistoric sea. The salt flats are not just a barren wasteland; they are a living, breathing ecosystem with stories waiting to be told. Ready to uncover the hidden wonders of this mysterious landscape?

The Enigmatic Salt Flats

The Great Basin's salt flats stretch like a vast, white desert. These flats hold secrets waiting to be uncovered. Here are some must-see spots.

Bonneville Salt Flats Famous for land speed records, Bonneville's shimmering surface feels otherworldly. Perfect for photography or just marveling at nature's artistry.

Black Rock Desert Known for hosting Burning Man, this desert offers more than just a festival. Explore its vastness, ancient lake beds, and unique rock formations.

Hidden Gems of the Great Basin

Beyond the salt flats, the Great Basin hides many treasures. These spots offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and natural beauty.

Lehman Caves Located in Great Basin National Park, these caves boast stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Guided tours reveal fascinating geological formations.

Pony Express National Historic Trail Trace the path of the legendary Pony Express. Visit historic stations and imagine the daring riders who once carried the mail across this rugged terrain.

Natural Wonders Await

The Great Basin's diverse landscapes include more than just salt flats. Discover lush valleys, towering peaks, and serene lakes.

Ruby Mountains Often called the "Swiss Alps of Nevada ," these mountains offer hiking, wildlife viewing, and breathtaking vistas. Lamoille Canyon is a must-visit.

Pyramid Lake A remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan, Pyramid Lake is a striking blue oasis in the desert. It's home to the unique tufa rock formations and the endangered cui-ui fish.

Historical Echoes

The Great Basin's history is rich with tales of pioneers, miners, and indigenous peoples. These sites offer a window into the past.

Virginia City Step back in time in this well-preserved mining town. Stroll along wooden sidewalks, visit historic saloons, and learn about the Comstock Lode silver rush.

Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park These beehive-shaped ovens once produced charcoal for nearby silver mines. Now, they stand as silent sentinels to the region's mining heritage.

Unique Flora and Fauna

The Great Basin's harsh environment supports a surprising variety of life. Discover the unique plants and animals that call this place home.

Great Basin Bristlecone Pines Among the oldest living trees on Earth, these pines have survived for thousands of years. Visit the groves in Great Basin National Park for a humbling experience.

Desert Bighorn Sheep Spot these agile climbers in the rocky outcrops of the Great Basin. Their impressive horns and sure-footedness make them a sight to behold.

Mysteries of the Night Sky

The Great Basin's remote location makes it perfect for stargazing. Experience the wonders of the universe under some of the darkest skies in the country.

Great Basin Observatory Located in Great Basin National Park, this observatory offers public programs and star parties. Gaze through telescopes and learn about the cosmos from experts.

Tonopah Stargazing Park Known for its exceptionally dark skies, Tonopah is a stargazer's paradise. Bring a telescope or just lie back and enjoy the Milky Way in all its glory.

Hidden Wonders Await

The Great Basin and its Salt Flats hold many secrets. From the mysterious moving rocks of Racetrack Playa to the stunning salt formations at Bonneville, this region is full of surprises. Exploring these areas offers a unique blend of natural beauty and intriguing mysteries . Whether you're a nature lover , a history buff , or just looking for a new adventure, the Great Basin has something for everyone. Don't forget to bring your camera; the landscapes are breathtaking. Plan your trip, pack your bags, and get ready to uncover the hidden wonders of the Great Basin. The secrets of the Salt Flats are waiting for you.

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Krakow: Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour

Krakow’s Wieliczka Salt Mine offers an unparalleled subterranean adventure. For over 700 years, this UNESCO World Heritage site has captivated visitors with its stunning salt sculptures and intricate chambers. Descending 800 steps, the guided tour delves into the mine’s rich history, revealing the engineering marvels and artistry hidden beneath the surface. Though the trek may be strenuous, the breathtaking sights, like the magnificent St. Kinga’s Chapel , make it a must-see for any traveler. With knowledgeable guides to enhance the experience, this four-hour journey promises an unforgettable glimpse into Poland’s remarkable salt mining legacy. What secrets might you uncover on your descent into this remarkable underground world?

• A 4-hour guided tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, located 14 kilometers from Krakow, with a maximum group size of 35 participants.
• The tour includes a descent of 800 steps to a depth of 135 meters, showcasing intricate underground corridors, chambers, and the unique St. Kinga’s Chapel.
• Knowledgeable guides provide insights and stories about the mine’s history and legends, and visitors can ride an original miners’ lift for an authentic experience.
• The tour is not recommended for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and comfortable shoes and warm clothing are advised due to the mine’s temperature.
• Flexible booking and cancellation policies, with a convenient meeting point near Krakow’s Main Post Office, make the tour easily accessible for visitors.

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Tour Overview

The Wieliczka Salt Mine offers a captivating 4-hour guided tour , allowing visitors to explore the intricate underground corridors and chambers of this historic site.

Priced from Kč1,754 per person, the tour has a maximum group size of 35 participants and is conducted in English by a live guide, with an optional audio guide also available.

The experience highlights include visiting the remarkable St. Kinga’s Chapel , adorned with unique salt sculptures, and descending 800 steps to a depth of 135 meters.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, though it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to the significant walking and stair climbing involved.

Experience Highlights

Visitors exploring the Wieliczka Salt Mine can expect to be captivated by the underground corridors and chambers, showcasing the mine’s remarkable history and legends.

Key highlights include the stunning St. Kinga’s Chapel , adorned with intricate salt sculptures, and the opportunity to descend 800 steps to a depth of 135 meters.

Tour you will ride an original miners’ lift , providing a unique glimpse into the mine’s past.

Throughout the experience, knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights, bringing the mine’s story to life.

The tour offers a chance to delve deep into this remarkable subterranean world, where the interplay of light and salt creates an otherworldly atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The guided tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine includes an English-speaking driver , a group tour with a knowledgeable guide, and the entrance fee.

However, it excludes meals and drinks, making it unsuitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Participants will explore the underground corridors and chambers, including the awe-inspiring St. Kinga’s Chapel , while learning about the mine’s rich history and legends.

The tour involves a significant amount of walking and stair climbing, so comfortable shoes and warm clothing are essential.

With a maximum group size of 35 and flexible booking options, this tour provides a unique and immersive experience in the heart of Poland’s salt mining heritage.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Flexible booking options allow visitors to reserve their spot now and pay later, with no upfront payment required .

Plus, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund .

The meeting point for the tour is the Parking Kiss&Ride (2 Wielopole street) near the Main Post Office.

This convenient booking policy provides flexibility for travelers.

With no need to pay immediately, guests can secure their place on the tour while finalizing their plans.

And if their schedule changes, they can cancel without penalty up to a day beforehand, giving them peace of mind.

The centrally located departure point also makes it easy for participants to find the starting point for their salt mine exploration.

Important Information

To fully enjoy the Wieliczka Salt Mine experience, visitors should come prepared. Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended, as the mine maintains a consistent temperature between 14°C and 16°C.

Plus, large bags and luggage aren’t allowed on the tour, so guests should pack light. The tour involves significant walking and stair climbing , so it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Travelers should be aware of these physical requirements before booking the tour. With the right attire and preparation, visitors can enjoy the fascinating underground world of the Wieliczka Salt Mine and marvel at its breathtaking salt sculptures and unique history.

Customer Reviews Summary

Travelers who’ve experienced the Wieliczka Salt Mine tour generally provide positive feedback, with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 247 reviews.

Visitors often praise the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides , rating them 4.5 out of 5. The transportation and overall service also receive high marks, with both categories scoring 4.5 out of 5.

Reviewers particularly highlight the impressive salt sculptures and the well-organized nature of the tour, giving it a 4.6 out of 5 rating for organization.

However, some guests have expressed confusion regarding the entrance fees .

Getting to the Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is conveniently located just 14 kilometers from Krakow, making it easily accessible for visitors.

Getting to the mine is a breeze, as it’s well-connected by public transportation. Travelers can choose from several options:

Take a direct bus from Krakow’s main bus station, which takes around 30 minutes.

Hop on a train from Krakow’s central station, with a journey time of about 25 minutes.

Book a private transfer or join a guided tour that includes round-trip transportation from your Krakow hotel.

Opt for a shared shuttle service, which offers a hassle-free door-to-door experience.

Whichever mode of transportation you prefer, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is within easy reach, ensuring a seamless start to your unforgettable underground adventure.

What to Expect

Visitors embarking on the guided tour of Wieliczka Salt Mine can expect to be captivated by the sheer scale and grandeur of this subterranean wonder. As they descend 800 steps to a depth of 135 meters, they’ll explore intricate underground corridors and chambers, marveling at the intricate salt sculptures that adorn the walls and ceilings.

The tour’s highlight is the stunning St. Kinga’s Chapel , an elaborate cathedral carved entirely from salt. Along the way, knowledgeable guides will regale visitors with the mine’s rich history and fascinating legends. Participants will also have the chance to ride an original miners’ lift, adding to the authentic mining experience.

With comfortable temperatures ranging from 14°C to 16°C, the tour provides a refreshing escape from the surface world.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside the Salt Mine?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the Wieliczka Salt Mine. However, the use of flash photography is prohibited to protect the unique salt sculptures and carvings. Visitors should follow the instructions of the tour guides regarding photography.

Are There Any Health or Safety Concerns to Be Aware Of?

The tour involves significant walking and stair climbing, so visitors should be prepared. The mine’s temperature is cool at 14-16°C, so warm clothing is recommended. Those with mobility issues may have difficulty with the tour.

Is There a Gift Shop or Souvenir Store at the Mine?

Yes, there is a gift shop and souvenir store located at the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Visitors can purchase a variety of salt-related items, such as figurines, lamps, and other unique souvenirs to remember their tour of this historic underground site.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point During the Visit?

Participants generally must remain with the tour group throughout the guided visit. Leaving the group is not recommended, as the tour follows a set route deep underground. Rejoining may be difficult and disruptive to the group experience.

What Is the Difficulty Level of the Walking and Stair Climbing?

The tour involves significant walking and stair climbing, descending 800 steps over 135 meters. It may be challenging for those with mobility issues or difficulty with stairs. Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended to navigate the mine’s underground corridors.

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The Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of Poland’s most captivating UNESCO sites .

Descending 800 steps, visitors can marvel at the stunning salt sculptures and intricate chambers.

With knowledgeable guides, the tour provides an enriching experience, though it may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Overall, it’s an unforgettable journey into the depths of this remarkable underground world.