Salar de Uyuni 3 day Tour – Explore the Salt Flats of Bolivia in 3 days

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The Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia – Over 10 years ago, I saw it for the first time in the 2006’s version of the video “Where the hell is Matt”. Already in the first scene, you can see the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia and it looks like Matt is dancing in the sky. I was blown away by this place and vowed to travel to this beautiful landscape myself at some point.

Now, this little dream has finally become a reality. During our honeymoon through South America, we had the chance to do a Salar de Uyuni 3-day tour and it was a real highlight that I will definitely not forget anytime soon.

It wasn’t easy to find helpful travel tips for a Salt Flats Bolivia 3-day tour online. That’s why in this guide, you can find all the information you need to plan your own memorable adventure in the biggest salt flats in the world – whether you spend 3 days in Salar de Uyuni or just a day trip.

What to find out in this post

Best time to visit Bolivia’s Salt Flats

The best travel time for the Salar de Uyuni are both the months of April & May and September – mid-December. At this time there is relatively little rainfall and the temperatures are not too cold. In winter (June, July, and August) there can even be snowstorms near the Chilean border that block the way to San Pedro de Atacama.

However, if you come here to admire the famous Bolivia Salt Flats mirror, be sure to arrive during the rainy season (late December – March). Note, however, that the Inkawasi Cactus Island is often closed due to flooding during this time. The salt hotel is also usually not used. You can either switch to another salt hotel outside or spend the first/ last night of your tour in the center of Uyuni.

Watch our Uyuni Video

 

Where does your Salar de Uyuni 3-day tour start?

You can start your tour from either Uyuni (In the Southwest of Bolivia), Tupiza, or San Pedro de Atacama (Chile).
Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama are the most popular starting points.

Choosing Uyuni or San Pedro de Atacama as your starting point?

In the end, it doesn’t make a big difference from which side you start your tour (the biggest difference is probably the price) – but the tour itself is basically the same. It is best to choose the city as the starting point that is easiest to connect with your South-America-itinerary.

Benefits Uyuni

  • more companies to choose from
  • cheaper prices

Benefits San Pedro

  • Fewer Tourists

What is the difference between the tours – 1 or 3-day Salt flat tour?

Playing with perspectives in Uyuni, uyuni 3 day tour
As you can see we had a lot of fun traveling in Uyuni

The 1-day tour from Uyuni is a day trip to the salt desert. The Salar de Uyuni itinerary is the same as the first day of the Salar de Uyuni 3-day tour (more on this later in the text). However, the big difference is that you return to Uyuni at the end of the day.

The 3-day tour takes you to the other end of the desert, i.e. from Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) or vice versa. Longer tours include the way back to Uyuni / San Pedro de Atacama, depending on where your tour started.

How much does the Uyuni Salt Flats 3-day Tour cost?

Starting from Uyuni

Tours can already be found on-site from 700 Bolivianos (approx. 100 €/ $ 105) (Spanish-speaking guide). Those who are very good at negotiating can theoretically get it even cheaper. However, personally, I would not assume good quality at a cheaper price.

The average price will surely be between 800 – 1100 Bolivianos (about 110 – 155 €/ $ 120 – 165). Those who book online have less risk in terms of the quality of the tour, but they certainly pay a little more.

If you want an English-speaking guide, you should expect to pay a little more (up to € 200/ $ 220).

Additional costs during the tour

  • 150 bolivianos (approx. 20 € / $ 22) for entrance to the national park
  • 6 bolivianos (approx. € 0.80 / $ 0.85) for thermal springs
  • 30 bolivianos (approx. € 4 / $ 4.20) for entry to Isla Incahuasi
  • A few more bolivianos for toilet usage in the desert
  • possible souvenirs, drinks, or snacks

Starting from San Pedro de Atacama

From San Pedro, you can book a 3-day tour through the Salar de Uyuni for as little as 119,000 CLP (approx. 140 €/ $ 150). The same applies here, when booking online the prices are slightly higher. However, booking online saves you a few hours of agency searches and price comparisons on-site.

Additional costs during the tour

  • 150 bolivianos (approx. 20 € / $ 21) for entrance to the national park
  • 6 bolivianos (approx. € 0.80 / $ 0.85) for thermal springs
  • 30 bolivianos (approx. € 4 / $ 4.20) for entry to Isla Incahuasi
  • A few more bolivianos for toilet usage in the desert
  • possible souvenirs, drinks, or snacks

Author’s note: In San Pedro, we only briefly checked the prices in general in order to present them here, but without any negotiating (after all, we were already through the tour). It may, therefore, be that you can get a cheaper price by negotiating.

How to book the Salt Flats Bolivia 3-day tour

car in the Uyuni Salt flats
With this car, we spend our first day in the Uyuni Salt Flats

Both in Uyuni and in San Pedro there are a lot of travel agencies that offer such a tour. Therefore, it makes sense to arrive a day in advance and compare prices.

If you have little time, you can search for suitable agencies online and go directly to them (however, note that many agencies don’t have websites). With very little time you can also book your tour online before your arrival, e.g. here.

Important: If you book your tour on-site, you may end up in a car from another agency. The agencies always try to get their cars full to avoid losing money and therefore exchange passengers with each other. So even if you book with an agency with good , it does not mean 100% that you will actually end up traveling with them.

Accordingly, certain agreements that you may have had with your agency when booking will be invalid.
If you want to be on the safe side, you should book online. Note, however, that online prices can be a little higher.

Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats Facts

  • also called Salar de Tunupa
  • over 10,000 km² area
  • there are more than 10 trillion tons of salt
  • largest salt pan in the world
  • Part of the Altiplano (plateau)
  • Under the salt, there is a salt-water brine that extends deep

Salar de Uyuni Tour – Day 1

Author’s note: Note that we started the tour from Uyuni. The order of the sights is determined accordingly from there. If you start your tour from San Pedro de Atacama, the attractions will of course be approached in the opposite order.

Also, note that details of this Uyuni itinerary may vary depending on the agency and weather conditions. However, this post can be seen as a general overview of what to expect during your 3 days in the Salar de Uyuni.

It started around 10.30 am. Or rather it should have started… But frankly, after more than two months in South America, so much punctuality would have actually been very surprising to us. When the car finally arrived at our accommodation to pick us up shortly after 11 a.m., our tour of the unique Salar de Uyuni was finally able to start.

Cemeterio de Trenes – The Train Cemetery

Train Cemetery in the salar de Uyuni
One of many old trains at the Train Cemetery of Uyuni

The first stop on our tour was the train cemetery just outside Uyuni. In this graveyard, which is the largest train cemetery in the world, quite some old trains and locomotives from the early 20th century were laid to rest. Although one can hardly speak of rest among all the tourists who end up here climbing around the trains.

The trains come from a time when Uyuni was still an important hub for transporting metals from Bolivia to the Pacific Ocean. In the 1940s, however, many of the mines and mining areas were abandoned and the transports were therefore no longer needed.

When you arrive, it becomes clear that you are definitely not the only one to start your journey here. On the contrary – the whole place is filled with travelers from all over the world strolling between the trains, climbing on and in the old train compartments, and self-proclaimed models in long dresses that pose for the perfect Instagram photo.

And yet this place close to Bolivia’s salt desert is somehow impressive. All the trains, or what’s left of them, that have survived all these years here, somewhere in the middle of nowhere… Even if this stop will most likely not be the highlight of your trip, it is a place that will be remembered.

Colchani & Lunch

Lunch during your Uyuni Tour
Having lunch in a house made out of salt

The next stop is just outside of Uyuni. Colchani is a small village not far from Uyuni. Here is the salt company that brings the salt of the desert to the kitchen table. At this stop, you can learn more about the salt extraction process. But above all, you can discover a few dozen stalls with typical Bolivian souvenirs. So if you haven’t already stocked up on alpaca gloves, hats, pullovers, etc., this is your last chance before heading into the cold desert.

You will probably also stop here for lunch. The choice of food differs depending on the tour. If you’ve got a bargain price like ours, it will surely amount to rice with meat (rice and egg for vegetarians) (but if you’ve traveled through Bolivia for a long time, you probably know this type of food well enough already).

Arriving in the Bolivian Salt Flats

Locals in the Salar de Uyuni
Locals use the power of the water

And off we go. Finally, we reached the salt desert and thus the highlight of the day.

Very important: Don’t forget to wear sunscreen with a high sun protection factor during your entire stay in the salt pan. The salt in the ground additionally reflects the sunlight. Despite clouds and sun protection, we had a very nice sunburn at the end of the tour.

What is special about this first stop are the springs (Ojos del salar). Here you will probably also find many locals of the older generation holding their aching limbs in the water. Because thanks to its nutrients, the water here is said to have a healing effect against rheumatism and similar diseases.

Here is your first chance to take funny photos and benefit from playing with perspectives.

A staircase to Nowhere

Staircase in the Bolivia Salt Flats

The next stop on our tour was this staircase, which is also located in the salt desert. Here you can take fantastic pictures.

We also used this stop to make use of the dinosaur that our driver had brought for us. There are no limits to your creativity. You can also collect a few great ideas beforehand on Instagram and Co., which you and your group can then implement (just be aware that you won’t have an internet connection inside of the salt desert)

Continuing into the Salt desert

Perspectives couple in Uyuni
Finally, Eduardo can carry me anywhere I want

Our next stop took us a little further into the salt desert. Our guide told us that this was the best place for the typical desert images and optical illusions. Our van also had to serve for a few photos.

Each guide has their own favorite place in the desert, which gives you enough space to take the perfect photo without other people in the background. If you run out of ideas or need a photographer, your guide will be happy to help you.

Playa Blanca Salt Hotel & Flags

International flags in Uyuni
A sea of flags in the middle of the Salt Desert

The Playa Blanca Hotel was once the only salt hotel located in the salt desert itself. Today, however, the hotel is closed to overnight guests due to the environmental damage it caused. Still, you can admire the salt statues inside and buy some souvenirs or snacks.

A statue out of salt in Playa Blanca
One of the salt statues inside the former Salt Hotel

However, you can find the real highlights outside the hotel. There is a sea of international flags right next door. If you can’t find your own country, you have the option to put your own flag (provided you have one, of course). During our visit, we were unable to discover either the Spanish or the German flag, but all the more Chinese and Japanese flags.

Dakar Rally Statue in Uyuni
The Dakar Rally Statue near Playa Blanca

The large Dakar Rally monument made of salt blocks is also only a few steps away from the salt hotel and is a popular photo spot.

The Salt Fields, Bolivia Mirror (During the Rainy Season)

Reflection in Uyuni, Rainy season
The mirror effect in the Salar was just unbelievably beautiful

The next stop was definitely the highlight of the day, if not the complete tour. The task was to find a place covered with a light film of water. This is the only way to create the mirror effect for which the salt desert is so famous.
This mirror effect can unfortunately only be found after rain (so you should come during the rainy season to admire it).

And even though it had rained every day for the past few days, a large part of the water had already evaporated during the day due to the strong sunshine.

After a few minutes of driving around and searching, we found a place with water. If only a thin film of water.

But it wasn’t just us who had discovered this place. More and more cars joined us and in the end, it was almost impossible to take photos without other cars and tourists in the background.

Sunset in the falt fields of Uyuni desert
Sunset with mirror effect in the Uyuni desert

But despite this big amount of tourists, a small dream come true for me. I was finally able to admire this unique spectacle of nature with my own eyes and I was simply overwhelmed.

And the fact that our guide hadn’t brought rubber boots for us as agreed couldn’t bother me at that time. It was just a magical moment to discover the reflecting clouds under my feet. And I didn’t really care that the sunset was covered by the rising clouds either – it was just beautiful.

Isla Incahuasi – The Cactus Island or Fish Island (often closed during the rainy season)

Cactus island Incahuasi in Uyuni
The Cactus Island (Fish Island) Incahuasi in Uyuni

Entrance Fee Incahuasi: 30 Bolivianos (ca. 4 € / $ 4.20)

Did you know that there can also be islands in salt flats? In Uyuni, you can discover a fantastic example of this. Isla Incahuasi, also called Incawasi or Fish Island, is a cactus island that is located in the middle of the desert. It was once (around 40,000 years ago) an island like any other, surrounded by water. Today it is one of the most unique islands in the world surrounded by salt.

The almost 25-hectare island is the remains of an ancient volcano that had been located here thousands of years ago. Today the island is populated by cacti that are up to 700 years old and sprout up to 10 meters high. A really unique sight.

Unfortunately, the access was blocked during our tour due to flooding. This often happens during the rainy season because the cars cannot pass the way due to a large amount of water and the thin layer of salt. In this case, you can now return to Uyuni or switch to another salt hotel.

Sleeping in a Salt Hotel

If the paths are not blocked due to flooding, you will spend the first night of your three-day tour in a salt hotel.

As the name suggests, the salt hotels are built entirely of salt – including the walls, ceilings, and beds. Depending on the tour, the tour will stop at a different salt hotel. Some of them are luxuriously furnished, while others really only offer the minimum standard.

It can get quite cold at night in salt hotels, as the temperatures in and around the desert drop sharply after sunset. Therefore, especially in winter, you should bring long and warm sleeping clothes.

Day 2

Day 2 is already here. After a hearty breakfast, you can start around 10.30 a.m.
Today you will cover quite a distance. Comfortable clothes are recommended. As the altitude continues to rise, the temperatures drop as you move forward. So put on a warm jacket, especially if you are out there in the winter.

First of all, it is a long way by car through the Chiguana desert, past the Tunupa volcano followed by the Siloli desert.

Lagunas Altiplanicas

Lagunas Altiplanicas in Uyuni
The first of the Lagunas Altiplanicas that we were able to admire

The first stop of the day (Besides the lunch break) will take place at one or more of the Lagunas Altiplanics. The Lagunas Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarkota, and Honda. Here you also have the opportunity to discover flamingos for the first time. The snow-capped mountains in the background also offer a perfect photo opportunity.

Viscachas in the desert

Viscacha in Uyuni

The next stop led us to a large rock wall in the middle of the desert. The big highlight of this stop, however, is not the impressive stone wall that opens up along the way, but rather the fluffy chinchillas (Viscachas) that jump all around. Of course, they are wild animals and you shouldn’t try to touch them or even catch them. Nevertheless, you can take incredibly cute pictures of these little fellows here.

Árbol de Piedra – The Stone Tree

The Stone Tree in Uyuni
The Árbol de Piedra in Uyuni

The next highlight of the desert is not that far away. The Árbol de Piedra (stone tree) lives up to its name. This 7-meter-high rock formation really looks like a tree made of stone.

Another highlight was waiting for us here. A little Andean fox. However, this desert fox was not at all shy. And so we were able to add one more to our collection of cute animal pictures.

Andean fox in Uyuni
We found this little Andean fox next to the Árbol de Piedra

Anyway, don’t underestimate the wind that blows here. Since there is nothing to hold the wind in the middle of the desert, the wind blows pretty hard. So it happened that we got pretty cold despite the summer sun. So you should leave your sun hat in the car and change to a hood.

Laguna Colorada

Laguna Colorada in Uyuni
First view of the Laguna Colorada

And already we arrived at the last stop of the day. For us, however, this was clearly the highlight of the day. Although the colors of the Laguna couldn’t be really seen due to the strong wind, it was still deeply impressive.

The lagoon is a popular gathering point for flamingos, ducks, and other birds as well as vicuñas. This is exactly what made the lagoon one of those places that I only knew from animal documentation. Just beautiful. The setting sun was even more stunning, bathing everything in an orange-yellow light.

Flamingos in Laguna Colorada
Here you can watch a whole bunch of flamingos

Sleeping in the Camp

After the sun had disappeared behind the Laguna Colorada, we made our way to our night base. Depending on the provider, the accommodation is different. However, most of them are very close to the lagoon.

After we had moved into our room (a shared room for us and our tour members) the dinner was already served. This time spaghetti with tomato sauce and a fruit salad was waiting for us.


After dinner, we took the opportunity to take a look at the breathtaking starry sky that you were able to see from outside.

Day 3

Sol de Mañana – Sunrise between the Geysers

Sunrise Sol de Manana Geysers
Sunrise between the geysers

When our alarm clock rang shortly before 4 am after a cold night, it was not so easy to get out of bed.
After a hearty breakfast, we were back in the van almost on time at 4.30 a.m. to watch the sunrise from the geysers Sol de Mañana (morning sun) – how fitting the name is.

Like the famous El Tatio Géiseres in San Pedro de Atacama, the geysers belong to the Altiplano-Puna volcanic region. In addition to geysers, you will also find a lot of fumaroles (steam outlet points) here. So be careful where you step. You can see bubbling mud holes all around you while a slight smell of sulfur pulls into your nose. In the background, the voices of the tourists are lost in the hiss of the geysers and fumaroles.

Sol de Manana Uyuni Geysers

At an altitude of almost 5,000 meters / 16,000 ft. (4,850 meters to be exact), there are rarely temperatures in the positive range (talking about °C) at this time of day. So it’s best to put on some warm clothes.
The geysers were impressive, especially in the warm light of the sun, which was slowly making its way up behind the mountains.

Termas Polques – The Hot Springs

Hot Springs in Uyuni
The Hot Springs of Termales Polques

Entrance Fee: 6 Bolivianos (ca. 0,80 € / $ 0.85)

As soon as the sun rises, it quickly gets warmer. However, if you want to warm up properly, I recommend taking a bath in the thermal springs where you will make your next stop.
Entry costs 6 bolivianos and is not included in your tour.

Even if changing clothes in the cold is not exactly pleasant (it is best to wear your swimsuit underneath so that you can hop into the 30°C/ 86°F warm water as quickly as possible), a warm bath is, however, “warmly” recommended.

It is recommended not to spend more than 15 – 20 minutes in warm water in order not to strain your circulation too much. Then you can change in one of the changing rooms. The temperatures are now also a bit higher than at sunrise.

The Salvador Dalí Desert

View on the mountains of Salvador Dali Desert
Marveling at the colorful mountains of the Salvador Dali Desert

Before we go to the last highlight of our tour, we stop again in the middle of the desert, in the Desierto de Salvador Dalí.

The color gradients that can be seen here in the surrounding mountains are strongly reminiscent of the surreal works by the famous artist Salvador Dalí.

Laguna Verde & Laguna Blanca

Laguna Verde Uyuni
Laguna Verde

The last stop on our tour is once again a real highlight. The Laguna Verde offers the perfect backdrop for a breathtaking snapshot, with which you can make your loved ones at home a little bit jealous.

The lagoon is colored green by minerals inside it. However, this makes its water toxic. Despite everything, there are a lot of flamingos here that seem to be immune to the toxic water.

Even though the Laguna Verde (green lagoon) usually shows its typical green color only in the afternoon due to changes in the wind, this place is a great last stop even when you arrive in the morning.

Return to Uyuni or drive to San Pedro de Atacama

Here the paths divide. Depending on which variant of the tour you have chosen, you will either return to Uyuni as quickly as possible or cross the border to Chile.

Drive to San Pedro de Atacama

If you have decided to continue to Chile, another wonderful adventure is waiting for you, because San Pedro also has a lot of incredible sights to offer.

At your first stop on the way to the border, an exit card must be filled out. Sample cards on the tables will help you with it.

We continue to the Bolivian side of the border at the Hito Cajones border. The bus included in most tours is usually waiting for you here, where you can unload your luggage. However, do not leave the parking lot without getting your exit stamp. The best thing to do is to line up as quickly as possible. Since most tours have the same schedule, the line can get quite long during the morning.

Extra tip: In theory, leaving Bolivia is free. Despite everything, people like to try to charge you for it. With a bit of discussion, we got our stamp in the end, but free of charge.

The bus stops a few meters further on the Chilean part of the border. Depending on how many cars are in front of you, waiting times can be quite long (we waited almost an hour in the car before it was our turn). When it’s your turn, you can get your entry stamp first. Then go with your luggage to the luggage search. Please note that no fruits from Bolivia may be brought. As soon as all travelers on your bus have their stamp, things can finally continue.

The bus will now take you to San Pedro de Atacama in about 20 minutes.

Extra tip: If you have problems with pressure equalization, chewing gum or similar is best while on the bus. The short journey takes you from 4,500 meters down to 2,600 meters.

FAQ about a visit in Salar de Uyuni

How to get to Uyuni

From La Paz to Uyuni

There are several options to get from La Paz to Uyuni. You can either go by bus, train or plane.

Bus from La Paz to Uyuni

Duration: ca. 10 hours

The bus is probably the most uncomfortable but also the cheapest connection between La Paz and Uyuni. The best option is a night bus so that you can spend the ride asleep. This also saves you one night in accommodation.

While there are some direct connections between La Paz and Uyuni, many connections require a transfer in Oruro. If you don’t want to spend so much time on the bus, you can also plan stays in destinations between La Paz and Uyuni, e.g. in Sucre or Potosi.

By train (& bus) from La Paz to Uyuni

Duration: 4 hours Bus & 7 hours train

Did you know that there is a train route between Oruro and Uyuni? However, the route between La Paz and Oruro must still be covered by bus. From there, you can continue by train if you want.

Some travelers who have chosen the train journey are totally amazed by the beautiful Bolivian landscapes that you can admire during the ride.

Important: The train rarely runs. Be sure to check departure times beforehand. If you want to see the landscape during the ride (the main reason to choose to travel by train), you should definitely choose the earlier option and navigate accordingly.

By airplane from La Paz to Uyuni

Duration: ca. 50 Minutes

Another way to travel from La Paz to Uyuni as quickly as possible is by plane. Accordingly, this is by far the most expensive way to travel between the two Bolivian cities.

There are usually two providers that fly from La Paz to Uyuni (and back) several times a day.

From Sucre to Uyuni

By Bus from Sucre to Uyuni

Duration: ca. 8 hours

Probably the most popular option to get from Sucre to Uyuni is by bus. It is recommended to choose a night trip to sleep while driving and save yourself an overnight stay.

If you don’t want to spend so much time on the bus at once, you should plan a stay in Potosi, since the city is located between Sucre and Uyuni.

Salar de Uyuni Altitude

The Uyuni Salt Flat itself is located at 3,656 meters (12,000 ft). Although this is already quite high, the 3-day tour takes you to almost 5,000 meters in the meantime. The geysers Sol de Mañana that you visit on the last morning (coming from Uyuni) are at an altitude of 4,850 meters (15,000 ft).

Altitude Sickness in Uyuni?

The average person is unfortunately not used to the heights that await you in the Andes. So it can always happen that one might suffer from the so-called altitude sickness. Who ends up getting it is unfortunately difficult to predict. The size and fitness of a person have no influence on who and how much the height affects your body.

The altitude sickness mostly manifests itself in headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If you have severe symptoms, it is better to see a doctor. Also, try to avoid headache pills, otherwise, you won’t notice if the pain gets worse. It may also help to contact a doctor in your home country before you travel.

Very important: Whichever side you come from, take a day or two to get used to the altitude and acclimatize. This is the only way to prevent altitude sickness. Here are a few tips in case the altitude sickness should catch you.

  • Arrive by bus instead of by plane
  • Eat light meals
  • Drink lots of water
  • do not consume alcohol and caffeine
  • Coca leaves, whether for chewing, as candy or as tea
  • sleep a lot
  • avoid physical exercise as much as possible

Which temperatures to expect during your tour?

The temperatures during your Uyuni tour can vary greatly depending on the season. It is warmest during the rainy season, but also very wet (obviously). Below are the approximate temperatures that await you.

January – March: -4 – 20°C (25 – 68°F) (when the sun is shining, it feels quite warmer)

April – June: -16 – 16°C (3 – 60°F)

July – September: – 20 – 15°C (-4 – 60°F)

October – December: -8 – 20°C  (18 – 68°F) (when the sun is shining, it feels quite warmer)

You can find more information about the climate in Uyuni here.

Author’s note: The temperatures refer to the entire 3-day tour. Near the Chilean border, it is colder due to the high altitude than in the salt desert. The temperatures represent the coldest average temperature at night near the Chilean border (minimum) and the warmest average temperature (during the day in the Salar).

Is it possible to take a shower during the tour?

It all depends on the tour you booked. In theory, there are showers in almost all accommodations. Most of the time, however, only cold water is available. In some accommodations there is even the possibility to enjoy a hot shower for an additional charge.

It is best to ask the agency directly when booking. (Don’t take the answer at face value, however, as changes can always occur). We had a hot shower the first night and no showers on the second night during our tour. But since we arrived at our accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama around 1 pm., we could simply take a shower there. (As sweaty as we were when we arrived from the sudden temperature difference, this was certainly the best option too)

How much cash should I bring with me?

You need at least 186 bolivianos during the tour (150 BOB entry to national park, 6 BOB thermal springs, 30 BOB Isla Incahuasi). There are also toilet visits (approx. 2-5 BOB per toilet visit) and any snacks, drinks, and extra costs for hot showers or souvenirs. We, therefore, recommend that you have at least 300 – 400 BOB in cash with you.

Can I pay with a Credit Card?

A credit card is not normally accepted. There is no ATM in the desert. You should therefore carry enough cash with you.

Can I charge my cell phone / camera during the tour?

As a rule, there are charging options for your electronic devices in the accommodations. Depending on the accommodation standard, you either have a socket or shared charging options outside your room (don’t forget the adapter!)

Do I have internet/ wifi connection during the tour?

Even if some accommodations or tour operators say otherwise: You are still in a desert and therefore have no internet or wifi connection. So expect to be offline during the tour and if you should find a connection somewhere, consider it a positive surprise. It’s also nice to go offline for a few days, isn’t it?

Are there animals in the Salt flats?

In the salt desert itself, there are hardly any animals. But if you join the 3-day tour, you will be able to discover a lot of animals.

  • flamingos
  • vicunas
  • Lamas
  • Viscachas (a kind of chinchilla)
  • Andean Foxes

What is the best place to stay in Uyuni?

We were totally happy with Beliz – Inn B&B. Even if the accommodation is a bit outside of the city center, its price-performance ratio is simply unbeatable.

Our room and the bathroom were completely clean. In addition, our room was super cozy and unlike many other rooms in the region not cold at night. The breakfast served here as a buffet was by far the best we had in Bolivia throughout the whole month we spent in the country.

Check more information, prices, and availability of Beliz – Inn B&B

Packing List for Uyuni – Things you shouldn’t forget

  • 2-3 liters of water
  • Suncream (!)
  • sunglasses
  • passport
  • Small change (preferably in coins) for toilet use
  • Cap
  • gloves
  • Lip care stick (the salt in the air dries out your lips super quickly)
  • Leggings / long pants for sleeping
  • Toilet paper (!)
  • Swimming gear & towel
  • Flip-flops
  • Sports bra for women
  • slicker

Have you already taken the Uyuni tour? What was your highlight? Do you have any further tips or comments? Let us know in the comments below!


about-the-author

About the AuthorVicki

Hi, we are Vicki & Eduardo, an international travel couple on a mission to help you save money for priceless travel experience. Follow us through the miracles of this world and you will be rewarded with a bunch of practical travel tips.

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18 thoughts on Salar de Uyuni 3 day Tour – Explore the Salt Flats of Bolivia in 3 days

  1. Wow! This looks amazing and your photos are beautiful. I appreciate this well-detailed blog post since I definitely want to go there at some point. What a great adventure!

  2. Great guide with a lot of helpful information. I always wondered how do people go about booking this Bolivian salt flats tour, definitely saving this for the future when we plan to go!

  3. Your fun photos drew me in, this looks like an awesome trip, so unique. Great tips too. How cute is that chinchilla though?!

  4. Great itinerary! We were just talking about tacking on the salt flats onto our Peru itinerary, and here you are, with this post. ☺️ Saving it for later!

  5. This was a great comprehensive guide! I was disappointed that we didn’t get to travel to Uyuni when visiting San Pedro de Atacama but your photos made me feel like I was there… and like I need to book a flight back immediately 😉

  6. Omg the salt flats look so cool! I am so disappointed I didn’t make it here when I was studying abroad in Chile. I hope to make it back one day and will definitely refer back to your post for tips! Thanks for sharing 🙂

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