3 Day Tour of Bolivia Uyuni Salt Flats Inc Meals + Hotel

Experience the Magic of Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats in 3 Days

Traveling to Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats is like stepping into another world—a vast, shimmering white desert where the sky stretches endlessly above. This 3-day tour, priced at $1,069 per person, offers a well-rounded experience that combines stunning landscapes, cultural sights, and comfortable accommodations, all within a manageable timeframe. Led by friendly guides (possibly in Spanish or English), you’ll visit iconic spots like Incahuasi Island, the Train Cemetery, and Playa Blanca, with ample time to soak in the extraordinary scenery and snap memorable photos.

What we particularly love about this tour is its staying overnight at the Luna Salada Hotel, one of the most unique hotels in the area, built largely from salt blocks. Staying in a salt hotel isn’t just a novelty; it’s an experience that makes you feel like you’re sleeping right on the salt flats. Also, the stargazing tour is a highlight—imagine lying back on the salt flats, gazing up at a night sky so clear and star-filled that it seems almost surreal.

One possible consideration is the permit fee of $370 USD per person, which is paid after booking and adds to the overall cost—something to keep in mind if you’re budgeting carefully. The tour’s small group size (limited to 12 participants) means you’ll get a more intimate feel and personal attention, but it also means spots can fill up quickly.

If you’re eager to see the world’s most photogenic salt desert, enjoy hearty Bolivian meals, and experience authentic local culture, this tour is a strong choice. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate comfort, meaningful sights, and a touch of adventure, all wrapped into a thoughtfully planned itinerary.

Key Points

• Stunning Landscapes: Expect endless white salt flats, giant cacti on Incahuasi Island, and bizarre rock formations.
• Comfortable Stay: Two nights at Luna Salada Hotel, a salt-built hotel offering scenic terraces and cozy rooms.
• Authentic Experiences: Visit the Train Cemetery, salt processing sites, and the Salt Flats’ first salt hotel museum at Playa Blanca.
• Spectacular Night Skies: A dedicated stargazing tour on the flats reveals some of the clearest skies in the world.
• Inclusive Meals & Transport: All major meals and shared transport are included, making logistics straightforward.
• Small Group: Limited to 12 participants for a more personalized, less rushed experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Look at the 3-Day Tour of Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats

Day 1: Arrival & Sunset Views

Your adventure begins in Uyuni, where you’ll be picked up from the bus station or airport. The hotel, Luna Salada, is an experience in itself—imagine waking up to the vista of salt flats stretching to the horizon. Your first afternoon is free, giving you a chance to settle in or explore the hotel’s terraces, perfect for catching the sunset if weather permits.

Dinner at Restaurant Tunupa offers local flavors in a relaxed setting. After dinner, at around 9:30 PM, you’ll head out with your guide to the shores of the salt flats. This is perhaps the most magical part of the trip—lying on the salt, staring up at an almost untouched night sky. The stars here are so bright and numerous that many guests describe the experience as “breathtaking,” with some noting that you can see a faint band of light crossing the sky. It’s a rare opportunity to witness one of the clearest skies in the world, far from city lights.

Day 2: Salt Flats, Cultural Spots & Bizarre Landscapes

The day kicks off with a breakfast at the hotel before heading out at 9:30 AM. Your first stop is the Train Cemetery, where rusted locomotives from Bolivia’s early railway days rest in a surreal desert setting. Many travelers comment on how “photogenic” the cemetery is, with some saying it’s “a perfect photo backdrop,” making it a highlight for photography enthusiasts.

Next, you visit the artisan salt processing site in Colchani, where local workers extract salt by hand and craft souvenirs. Seeing salt being transformed into artworks adds a personal touch to your understanding of local livelihood and tradition. It’s a reminder that this landscape sustains real communities rather than just serving as a photographic backdrop.

Lunch at the Luna Salada Hotel is a highlight—here, you get to taste Bolivian flavors amid salt surroundings, which makes the meal memorable. The hotel’s restaurant offers a chance to relax and rejuvenate before heading towards Incahuasi Island. This enormous island is covered with giant cacti and coral fossils, creating a landscape that looks like a scene from another planet. Here, you can walk or climb to the top for spectacular views of the white desert and take those iconic perspective photos.

Your afternoon continues with visits to Playa Blanca, a salt hotel turned museum, and the Dakar Monument, celebrating the famous race that crosses the flats. Visitors love placing their flags at the Island of Flags, a charming tradition that adds a personal touch to this vast landscape.

As the sun sets, the sky’s changing colors again create an incredible backdrop—perfect for capturing those unforgettable photos. Dinner at the hotel wraps up another day of extraordinary sights.

Day 3: Departure and Final Impressions

After breakfast, it’s time to pack up and transfer back to Uyuni’s bus station or airport, bringing your salt-flavored memories home. The tour’s structure makes it easy to plan your onward travel, whether you’re heading to La Paz or beyond.

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What’s Included & What to Consider

This tour’s value lies in its comprehensive approach: comfortable accommodations, guided visits, meals, and transportation are all covered. The shared transfer and small group size mean you’re not just another face in a large bus—expect a more personal experience, with room for questions and spontaneous stops.

However, the $370 USD permit fee is not included in the initial price, so budget accordingly when planning your trip. Also, keep in mind that weather conditions can affect some parts of the experience, especially the stargazing tour, which depends on clear skies.

Why Travelers Love This Tour

Many reviews highlight the stunning views and delicious local food as major draws. The chance to stay overnight in a salt hotel is rare and creates a sense of being part of the landscape rather than just observing it. The night sky viewing is often described as “one of the most beautiful things we’ve ever seen,” making this tour a memorable highlight.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and cultural insight. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy photography, stunning landscapes, and authentic local interactions. If you’re looking for a straightforward but immersive trip to Bolivia’s iconic salt flats, this tour delivers.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day Uyuni Salt Flats tour offers a compelling way to experience one of the world’s most surreal landscapes without sacrificing comfort. The combination of stunning scenery, meaningful stops, and cozy salt hotel stays makes it ideal for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a photographer eager to capture the perfect shot or a traveler craving a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle under the stars, this tour delivers.

While the additional permit fee is a consideration, the overall value—including guided tours, meals, and accommodations—makes it worth the investment. The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, allowing you to truly soak in the vastness and beauty of Bolivia’s salt flats.

If you’re prepared for a bit of travel logistics and weather variability, this tour will leave you with memories of a place so extraordinary that words often fall short. It’s a journey that balances natural wonder, local culture, and genuine comfort—an excellent choice for curious, adventure-minded travelers.

FAQ

How do I get to Uyuni to start the tour?
You can arrive by bus or plane to Uyuni’s bus station or airport. The tour begins with a pickup from these locations, so you don’t need to worry about separate transport unless arriving at a different time.

What’s included in the price?
The tour covers shared transfers, two breakfasts, two dinners, one lunch, two nights at the Luna Salada Hotel, and a shared stargazing tour. Meals at the hotel are included, but additional food or drinks outside the itinerary are not.

How much is the permit fee?
The permit fee of $370 USD per person is not included in the initial booking cost and will be invoiced afterward. Be sure to budget for this additional expense.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Generally, yes, but travelers should be comfortable with shared transport, outdoor activities, and potentially cool night temperatures during stargazing. Always check with your provider if you have special health considerations.

What is the accommodation like?
You’ll stay in the Luna Salada Hotel, a four-star hotel built largely from salt blocks. It offers terraces with beautiful views, cozy rooms, and a unique salt-themed experience.

How flexible is the itinerary?
The tour follows a set schedule, but stops and timing may vary slightly depending on weather conditions and group pace. The small group size allows for some personal adjustments.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. It’s advisable to confirm your booking early, as spots are limited and demand can be high.

To sum it up, this Bolivia Uyuni Salt Flats tour offers a rare combination of stunning landscapes, cultural highlights, cozy accommodations, and authentic experiences—all within a manageable three days. It’s suited for travelers who crave visual spectacle, enjoy local traditions, and want a comfortable yet adventurous journey. If the idea of sleeping on salt and gazing at a star-filled sky appeals to you, this tour is a great choice to add an unforgettable chapter to your travel story.

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