From Puno: 2D, one-night excursion to the Salar de Uyuni

From Puno: 2-Day, One-Night Excursion to the Salar de Uyuni

If you’re looking to add a touch of Bolivia’s surreal landscapes to your trip from Puno, this 2-day tour to the Salar de Uyuni is a solid choice. Priced at $170 per person, it offers a whirlwind experience of Bolivia’s most iconic sights, with stops at the eerie train cemetery, rustic Colchani community, and the breathtaking salt flats around Incahuasi Island. The tour includes transport, a guide, and a tasty lunch, making it a convenient package for those craving an authentic salt-flat adventure.

What we love about this tour is its focus on genuine sights—walking among abandoned train cars is a quirky highlight, and the chance to explore local salt workshops adds an authentic touch. Plus, the opportunity to take that perfect Instagram shot on the vast salt flats is hard to beat.

However, keep in mind that the schedule is fairly packed, and the journey involves multiple transfers and long bus rides, which might feel rushed if you prefer leisurely explorations. Also, the tour’s price doesn’t include some extras like the entrance fee to Incahuasi Island, so budgeting accordingly is wise.

This experience is best suited for travelers who love striking landscapes, cultural encounters, and don’t mind a bit of travel time. It’s ideal for those with a sense of adventure looking to maximize their short time in Bolivia with a memorable, immersive outing.

Key Points

• Quick but comprehensive: This tour packs in key highlights of the Uyuni Salt Flats within two days.
• Authentic sights: Walk through the train cemetery and visit local salt workshops for a taste of real Bolivia.
• Photo opportunities: Excellent chances to capture iconic salt flats and cacti-filled islands.
• Transport included: Comfortable bus and 4×4 transfers make the journey smooth.
• Limited group size: Small groups (max 15) foster a more personal experience.
• Additional costs: Some attractions like Incahuasi Island entry are not included, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the 2-Day Salar de Uyuni Tour from Puno

Starting Point: From Puno to La Paz and Uyuni

The adventure begins early, with pickup at a designated meeting point in Puno. From there, you’re transferred to the bus terminal, where the journey continues with a tourist bus ride to La Paz. This part of the trip takes roughly four hours, and it’s your first taste of Bolivian scenery, which winds from the Peruvian border into Bolivia’s vibrant capital.

Arriving in La Paz around 2:00 pm, you have some free time to explore the city’s colorful markets, towering hills, or the striking cable car system. The tour then continues by bus heading south to Uyuni. The transition from the busy cityscape to the stark, otherworldly salt flats is quite striking, and the bus ride offers a chance to see more of the Andean landscape.

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization in Uyuni

By late afternoon, you arrive in Uyuni, Bolivia’s tiny but famously rugged town that acts as the gateway to the salt flats. The overnight stay here is not included, but you’ll be well-positioned early the next morning for the big day.

Day 2: Exploring the Salt Flats and Surroundings

The following morning starts around 10:30 am, after a hearty breakfast at the local cafeteria. From there, the real adventure kicks off. Your guide, often a local with a wealth of stories, takes you to several standout sites.

The train cemetery is an immediate hit—rows of rusted, abandoned locomotive cars stretch into the distance, making for some fun photo opportunities. It’s a quirky reminder of Bolivia’s past industrial activity and a great place to wander and imagine the bygone days when trains crisscrossed this desolate landscape.

Next, you venture to Colchani, a small community famous for rustic salt workshops. Here, you can see traditional salt extraction methods, and if you wish, buy some handmade crafts directly from local artisans. It’s a good chance to appreciate the community’s efforts to preserve their livelihood and culture amid the salt flats.

The tour then proceeds onto the Salt Flats themselves. You’ll stop at the “eyes” of salt—natural formations that look like giant, weathered eyes—and visit the Playa Blanca Salt Hotel, which now functions mainly as a salt museum. These stops highlight the scale and natural beauty of the salt flats, as well as Bolivia’s resourcefulness.

The highlight of the day is the trip to Incahuasi Island, located in the heart of the salt flat. You’ll walk among giant cacti and see marine fossils embedded in volcanic rock. The panoramic views from the island’s viewpoint are striking, offering a 360° perspective of the endless salt plains stretching to the horizon. Many travelers mention how this place feels like stepping onto another planet—truly surreal.

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Transportation and Logistics

The tour’s use of a 4×4 vehicle for the salt flat exploration ensures access to the most scenic spots, and the small group size (limited to 15 participants) helps maintain a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The bus transfers between Puno, La Paz, and Uyuni are comfortable enough to handle long hours, but expect some downtime.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package includes the bus rides, guide, 4×4 excursions, and a lunch at the salt flats—good value given the remote nature of the sites. However, some extras, like the entrance fee to Incahuasi Island, are not included. It’s worth budgeting for those if you want to access all sites without surprises.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Feedback

Many travelers appreciate the chance to see real Bolivia beyond the tourist spots. One reviewer mentions how the rustic salt workshops provided insight into local craftsmanship, while another loved the chance to walk among abandoned train cars, describing it as “a fun, strange experience that feels like stepping into a movie.”

However, some noted that the schedule can be somewhat rushed, with limited time at each stop. If you’re looking for a leisurely look at each site, this might not be the perfect fit, but overall, the value and uniqueness of the experience shine through.

Practical Tips for Your Uyuni Salt Flats Adventure

• Book early to secure a spot, especially if you’re traveling in peak season.
• Bring layers of clothing—temperatures can vary dramatically from day to night.
• Prepare for long bus rides; pack snacks, water, and entertainment.
• Remember, the entrance fee to Incahuasi Island isn’t included, so bring cash if you want to visit.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the salt flats and salt workshops.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits adventurous travelers eager to see Bolivia’s most iconic landscapes within a short timeframe. It’s perfect if you want a snapshot of Uyuni’s surreal salt flats, local crafts, and intriguing history—without the need for a multi-day commitment. It’s also great for those who don’t mind a packed schedule and long travel hours in exchange for a memorable experience.

If you love striking scenery, quirky roadside stops, and authentic cultural encounters, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s a fantastic choice for those arriving from Puno, looking to cross into Bolivia with ease and come away with unforgettable photos and stories to tell.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the bus ride from Puno to La Paz?
The bus ride from Puno to La Paz takes approximately four hours, providing a comfortable start to your journey.

Is there free time in La Paz?
Yes, after arriving in La Paz around 2:00 pm, you have some free time to explore the city’s sights and markets before continuing to Uyuni.

What’s the schedule on Day 2?
The tour begins at around 10:30 am after breakfast, with visits to the train cemetery, Colchani, salt flats, and Incahuasi Island, ending in Uyuni in the late afternoon.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes a lunch at the salt flats, giving you energy for the day’s adventures.

What does the tour not include?
You’ll need to budget separately for entrance fees to Incahuasi Island and any personal purchases or snacks.

How many people are in each group?
The group size is limited to 15 participants, fostering a more personal and engaging experience.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

This 2-day tour from Puno to the Salar de Uyuni offers a solid, value-packed way to see one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes. It combines iconic sights, authentic local experiences, and the convenience of organized transport — a worthwhile addition to any Andean adventure.

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