2-Days private roundtrip from Chile to Uyuni Salt Flats

Experience the Unique Magic of Uyuni Salt Flats on a 2-Day Private Adventure

If you’re craving an adventure that combines breathtaking landscapes, vivid natural colors, and a touch of otherworldliness, this 2-day private tour from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni Salt Flats offers just that. For $1,350 per person, you’ll explore some of Bolivia’s most iconic sights — from the surreal salt flats and flamingo lagoons to bubbling geysers and star-studded skies — all in comfort and with a knowledgeable guide named Diego (or similar). The trip is designed to be safe, well-paced, and packed with memorable sights that make every penny worth it.

What we especially loved about this experience is the exclusive stay at Luna Salada Salt Hotel, which turns sleeping into part of the adventure, and the chance to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the salt flats, reflected like a mirror on the salty surface. Another highlight is the visit to Laguna Verde and Laguna Colorada, where flamingos wade through vivid red and pink waters against a backdrop of volcanoes and snow-capped peaks. The only thing to consider? The trip covers a lot of ground in just two days, so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy full days of exploration and don’t mind early mornings.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want an authentic, comfortable, and guided experience that hits the highlights without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. It’s especially ideal if you’re after stunning visuals and unique natural phenomena, and you value having local guides who can bring the landscape to life with their stories and insights.

Key Points

• Stunning Landscapes: Witness the vast, reflective salt flats and colorful lagoons, all part of Bolivia’s surreal Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve.
• Comfort & Convenience: Enjoy private transfers, a luxury salt hotel stay, and expert guides speaking multiple languages.
• Unique Experiences: Visit geysers, fumaroles, and volcanic pools, and see flamingos up close in their natural habitat.
• Ideal for Photographers: The sunrise, starry skies, and expansive vistas provide perfect opportunities for memorable photos.
• All-Inclusive Value: Meals, entrance fees, and accommodations are included, making this a hassle-free adventure.
• Limited Time, Big Impact: Two days of intense sightseeing in a well-organized, intimate setting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the 2-Day Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

Starting from San Pedro de Atacama

Your adventure begins with a private transfer in a 4WD vehicle from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, heading toward the Bolivia border at Hito Cajón. This border crossing is straightforward, but remember to carry your passport and visa if required. The drive itself offers a chance to settle into the journey and get excited for what’s ahead.

Day 1: From the Border to the Heart of the Reserve

The first major stop is the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, a sprawling park covering over 7,000 km², known for its diverse and fragile ecosystems. Here, you’ll encounter rare species like vicuñas and flamingos that have adapted to the extreme altitude and arid conditions. As your guide points out flora and fauna, you’ll appreciate how life persists in such a stark environment.

Next, you’ll visit Laguna Verde, famous for its vibrant emerald hue caused by minerals like arsenic and magnesium. The backdrop of Licancabur Volcano towering over the lagoon makes for awe-inspiring photos. The water’s coloration, especially at sunset, is truly spectacular, with shades that seem almost surreal. Keep your camera ready — this is a spot where every angle offers a postcard-perfect view.

A short drive takes you to Sol de Mañana geysers, a geothermal area where steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pools create a lively, primal landscape. The wind here can be fierce, adding an extra element of adventure. These geothermal features are active, with eruptions and boiling pools reminiscent of Earth’s fiery beginnings, and are best appreciated with a warm jacket and waterproof boots.

From there, you travel to Red Lagoon, a 60-square-kilometer body of reddish water that’s a haven for flamingos — pink-feathered tokokoo and chururu dance in the shallow waters. The sight of these elegant birds against the vivid red and violet waters is unforgettable. Vicuñas and llamas also graze nearby, adding to the scene’s authenticity.

In the evening, you check into the Luna Salada Salt Hotel, a hotel built entirely of salt blocks, offering a unique overnight experience. The hotel’s rustic charm and cozy rooms make it a memorable part of the trip, and you’ll enjoy a buffet dinner, often with views of the star-lit sky from the hotel’s outdoor areas.

Day 2: The Magic of the Salt Flats

Rise early to witness the sunrise over the Salar de Uyuni, arguably one of the most iconic moments of the trip. As the first light hits the salt crust, the surface reflects the sky like a giant mirror — a sight so stunning it feels almost unreal, like walking on clouds or floating in air.

After breakfast, you’ll hike to Incahuasi Island, a small island covered with giant cacti, offering panoramic views of the salt flats. The island is a great spot to stretch your legs and take in the vast expanse of white, dotted with cacti and volcanic formations.

Next, you’ll visit a few hilltop vantage points at the edge of the salt flat. The vistas from these locations are breathtaking — endless white salt, contrasting with distant mountains and volcanoes, stretching to the horizon. Here, you can take some of the most memorable photos of your trip, with the reflective salt surface and endless sky.

Mid-morning, indulge in freshly baked bread, steaming coffee, and exotic fruits — a welcome treat after your walk. The salt flats’ crystalline surface acts as a giant mirror, especially during the rainy season, creating reflections of the night sky that seem like floating in space. If you’re lucky with clear weather, the starry sky here is among the best in the world for stargazing.

The tour concludes with a comfortable transfer back to San Pedro de Atacama, filled with unforgettable images and stories to share.

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Why This Tour Offers Great Value

The all-inclusive price of $1,350 covers transport, guide services, meals, entrance fees, and luxury accommodations at Luna Salada Hotel, making it easier to budget and enjoy without surprises. The private group setting ensures a more intimate experience, and the bilingual guides make sure you don’t miss the stories behind each site.

The tour’s strength lies in its balance: it’s well-paced, with enough time at each stop to appreciate the scenery, take photos, and absorb the experience. The guide, usually a local with deep knowledge, enriches the journey with insights about the geology, flora, fauna, and cultural history of the region.

What Travelers Love

Many reviewers mention how stunning the landscapes are, especially the salt flats at sunrise, and how the flamingos in Laguna Colorada are a highlight. The comfort of staying at Luna Salada is also frequently praised, with guests loving to sleep in a salt hotel after a full day of sightseeing.

Considerations for Travelers

Because of the high altitude (up to 4900 meters), some may experience mild altitude sickness symptoms — it’s wise to stay hydrated and take it easy on the first day. Also, since the trip covers a lot of ground, it’s best suited for those who enjoy full days of sightseeing and are comfortable with early mornings and variable weather.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day private tour from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni Salt Flats offers an excellent mix of comfort, adventure, and extraordinary sights. It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want to see some of the most famous landscapes in South America without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. The inclusion of a luxury salt hotel stay and expert guides makes it especially appealing for those seeking both comfort and authentic experience.

If you’re looking for a journey that combines natural wonder with practical comfort, and if the visual drama of salt flats, flamingos, geysers, and starry skies appeals to your sense of adventure, this tour is well worth considering. Just bring your camera, warm clothes, and a sense of wonder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it’s designed for adults and older children comfortable with full days of travel and walking. Keep in mind the high altitude, so some might feel the effects more than others.

Do I need special clothing?
Yes, warm clothes are essential, especially for early mornings and the high-altitude environment. Pack gloves, a hat, sunblock, sunglasses, and waterproof boots if you have them.

How long are the transfers?
The tour includes private transfers from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama to the border and back, with each transfer lasting a few hours depending on border crossing times.

What is included in the price?
All transportation, guide services, entrance fees, meals (dinner, lunches, breakfast), and accommodations at Luna Salada are included, offering good value for such a comprehensive experience.

Is the tour flexible?
This is a structured, guided tour, but it allows for some flexibility in stops like Incahuasi Island and viewpoints. It’s best to follow your guide’s schedule to maximize sights.

What about COVID-19 precautions?
While not explicitly stated, most tours now implement safety measures — check with the provider for current protocols, especially regarding masks and sanitation.

In summary, this 2-day private Uyuni Salt Flats tour is a well-balanced mix of comfort, adventure, and stunning landscapes. It’s perfect for travelers who want an authentic experience with the reassurance of guided support and luxurious accommodations. Whether you’re an avid photographer, a nature lover, or simply seeking a spectacular memory, you’ll find this trip a worthwhile investment in your travel story.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby