From Uyuni: Adventure to Uyuni Salt Flats – 2 Days/1 Night

Getting to the Uyuni Salt Flats isn’t just about seeing a giant expanse of white. It’s about feeling the vastness, witnessing surreal landscapes, and catching moments that seem almost too perfect to be real. For $167 per person, this two-day tour offers a balance of adventure and cultural insight, starting from the Bolivian city of Potosí.

We love how this tour combines the iconic Salt Flats sunset with visits to historic sites like the Train Cemetery—a nostalgic relic of Bolivia’s railway past—and the colorful lagoons of the high-altitude altiplano. The chance to spend a night under the stars, with the vast salt flats stretching infinitely around you, is genuinely memorable.

One thing to consider is the tour’s basic accommodation and the fact that some attractions, such as Incahuasi and hot springs, are not included in the price. This means you might pay extra if you want to visit these popular spots. Still, it’s a solid value for travelers eager to explore these remarkable landscapes without breaking the bank.

This tour suits adventure travelers, photography enthusiasts, and cultural explorers who are comfortable with off-the-beaten-path conditions and looking for a memorable, authentic experience. If you’re looking for a well-organized introduction to Bolivia’s most famous natural wonder, this trip hits the mark.

Key Points

Stunning landscapes: Experience the surreal beauty of the world’s largest salt flat, especially at sunset.
Historic sites: Visit the abandoned Train Cemetery, a nostalgic reminder of Bolivia’s railway era.
Colorful lagoons: Explore multiple high-altitude lagoons with vibrant hues that change with the light.
Night under the stars: Sleep in a basic hotel and wake up to the breathtaking desert sky.
Limited inclusions: Some popular sites like Incahuasi and hot springs require extra entry fees.
Small group size: With a maximum of 10 travelers, expect a personal experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the 2-Day Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

This tour from Potosí is a fine way to get a taste of Bolivia’s most iconic landscapes without spending a week on the road. Over two days, it strikes a good balance between sightseeing, cultural insight, and adventure. Let’s break down what you’ll encounter and why it matters.

Planning more time in Bolivia? We've covered other experiences worth considering.

Day 1: The Salt Flats and Sunset Reflection

Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel or bus station in Uyuni, where friendly guides like Luis — known for their local knowledge and enthusiasm — will start setting the scene. The first stop is the Train Cemetery, a hauntingly beautiful stretch of rusted locomotives and carriages, just a few kilometers from Uyuni. It’s a photographer’s dream, and as one traveler put it, it is “probably the most iconic image of Uyuni,” evoking a sense of Bolivia’s history and the era of steam.

As you traverse different salt eyes—small salt flats and mini ecosystems—you’ll understand the vast scale of the Salar de Uyuni. The terrain is otherworldly, with cracks and salt formations that look like they’ve been shaped by some celestial artist. Lunch is served en route, usually picnic style, giving you a chance to refuel amid spectacular scenery.

The highlight of the day is the sunset at the water mirrors—a stretch of the salt flats that, during the rainy season or after rain, reflect the sky perfectly. Imagine standing in an endless field of white, with a sky painted in oranges, pinks, and purples mirrored below you. Travelers frequently describe this as “magical” and “unforgettable,” and it’s easy to see why. The immense blue sky and the salt surface seem to merge into one, creating surreal, photo-worthy moments.

Day 2: Lagoons, Mines, and Local History

The second day kicks off with a pickup in the morning, around 9:30 am, and often includes an optional visit to the hot springs and saunas—a welcome treat after a chilly night and a busy day. You’ll have time for lunch along the lagoons, which are dotted along the route, each with distinct colors such as deep reds, vibrant greens, and soft blues—these hues are caused by mineral content and algae.

The tour includes visits to at least three lagoons, each offering unique photo opportunities and a chance to marvel at Bolivia’s high-altitude ecosystem. These lagoons are part of the altiplanic system, and their vivid colors contrast beautifully against the stark white salt flats and the surrounding volcanic landscapes.

Further enriching the experience is the visit to Pulacayo Mine, a historic site where miners once worked in difficult conditions, and the colonial church reflecting Bolivia’s colonial past. Travelers find these visits add depth to the trip, turning a natural wonder into a glimpse of Bolivia’s layered history.

The tour concludes in Uyuni around 6:00 pm, offering a full but fulfilling day of exploration.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s cost of $167 includes transportation in a 4×4 vehicle, guide and driver, all meals (breakfast, two lunches, dinner), and a bed in a basic hotel. It’s a practical package for travelers looking for convenience and value.

However, some popular attractions like Incahuasi (an island of giant cacti), hot springs, and Pulacayo are not included in the fee, meaning you may need to budget extra for entrance fees. The tour operator clearly states this, so travelers should plan accordingly.

More Great Tours Nearby

Transportation and Group Size

Traveling in a 6-person 4×4, you’ll enjoy a more intimate experience—less crowded and more flexible than larger tours. The small group size, capped at 10 participants, fosters a friendly atmosphere and allows guides to pay more attention to individual needs.

While you're exploring Bolivia, here are other experiences we've looked into

Practical Tips for Travelers

Bring your passport or ID for access to certain sites.
Pack sunglasses, water, comfortable shoes, and hiking shoes—the high altitude and sun can be challenging.
Drinking coca tea before the trip is recommended to help with altitude sickness.
Prepare for basic hotel accommodations—it’s part of the adventure, not luxury.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Insights

Reviewers consistently mention the stunning views and surreal landscapes as the main draws. One traveler remarked, “The salt flats are truly otherworldly. Standing in the middle of that endless white surface, I felt like I was on another planet.” Others appreciated the small group size, making the experience more personal and engaging.

Some mention that extra costs for sites like Incahuasi or hot springs can add up, so budget accordingly. The basic hotel accommodations are described as “perfectly fine,” but not luxurious, suitable for those more interested in the scenery than hotel pampering.

A common theme is the photography potential—the salt flats, lagoons, and sunsets provide perfect settings for memorable pictures. The early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for capturing the spectacular reflections and vivid colors.

What to Expect and What Not

While the tour covers many highlights, it doesn’t include everything—like some hot springs or additional lagoons—which may require extra fees. This is a good reminder that Bolivia’s attractions often come with entrance costs, and travelers should be prepared for some additional expenses if they wish to see every site.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This 2-day experience is ideal for those seeking a guided adventure that combines stunning scenery with cultural highlights. It caters well to small groups and travelers who appreciate authentic, unpretentious accommodations. It’s perfect for photographers, history buffs, and nature lovers willing to embrace Bolivia’s rustic charm.

Travelers should be comfortable with high-altitude conditions and open to some basic comforts. If you’re after a comprehensive, luxury experience, this might not be your best fit, but for genuine landscapes and cultural touches, it’s a solid choice.

The Sum Up

This Uyuni Salt Flats tour offers an impressive snapshot of Bolivia’s most captivating natural and historical sights. Its value for money, given the included meals, transportation, and small group size, makes it appealing for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize experience over luxury. The stunning landscapes, especially at sunset, will stay with you long after you leave.

If you’re adventure-minded, enjoy photography, or want to explore Bolivia’s cultural sites, this tour provides a well-rounded, authentic experience. The basic hotel and some extra fees are minor considerations compared to the unforgettable vistas and insights you’ll gain.

Overall, it’s a rewarding journey into one of the world’s most surreal environments. Whether it’s your first visit to Bolivia or a repeat trip, this tour can add a memorable chapter to your travel story.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people with altitude sickness?
Yes, but drinking coca tea beforehand is recommended to help prevent altitude sickness. The tour takes place at high elevations, so acclimatization is advisable.

What is included in the price?
The tour fee covers transportation in a 4×4 vehicle, a guide and driver, all meals (1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner), and a night in a basic hotel.

Are there any extra costs I should expect?
Yes, entrance fees to attractions like Incahuasi, hot springs, and Pulacayo are not included and may require additional payment.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sunglasses, water, comfortable shoes, hiking shoes, and warm clothing for the evening. It’s also wise to carry some cash for extras.

How large are the tour groups?
Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personal experience and flexibility.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
It’s best for travelers comfortable with basic accommodations and high altitude. It’s not recommended for recent surgery patients, pregnant women, or those over 70.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
While not specified, the water mirror reflections are best after rain, typically during or right after the rainy season, which is roughly November to March.

This detailed review aims to prepare you to make the most of your Uyuni adventure—balancing the breathtaking vistas with practical tips, honest insights, and thoughtful guidance.