Uyuni: 2-Day Salar de Uyuni, Train Cemetery, and Lagoons

Uyuni: 2-Day Salar de Uyuni, Train Cemetery, and Lagoons
Location: Potosí, Bolivia
Country: Bolivia
Rating: 4.6
Price: $550 per person
Supplier Name: Inspires Viagens

Planning a trip to Bolivia often means facing the legendary Salar de Uyuni, and if you’re looking for a well-rounded introduction, this 2-day tour from Uyuni offers a thorough taste of what makes this surreal landscape so special. For $550, you get to explore iconic sights like the Train Cemetery, Incahuasi Island, and the water mirrors sunset — all while cruising comfortably in a Jeep or SUV.

What we love about this experience is how it balances stirring natural beauty with touches of local culture — especially the salt-making town of Colchani — and the chance to photograph some of the most breathtaking scenery in South America. Plus, the included lunch on day 1 adds a tasty local flavor to the journey.

A potential consideration is the high-altitude environment, which can be a challenge if you’re sensitive to altitude sickness, so packing layers and staying hydrated is wise. Also, the tour’s limited size (max 15 participants) means it’s intimate, but it’s important to confirm availability early.

This tour suits travelers who love nature, photography, and authentic cultural experiences. It’s perfect if you want a guided, comprehensive glimpse of the salt flats without breaking the bank or spending days on the road.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 2-day itinerary covers major highlights including salt flats, lagoons, and historic sites.
• Small group size ensures a more personal and engaging experience.
• Excellent photo opportunities at the water mirrors, Dakar Monument, and lagoons filled with flamingos.
• Included lunch offers a taste of local cuisine amid stunning scenery.
• Comfortable transportation in a Jeep or SUV makes exploring vast landscapes manageable.
• Guided in Spanish and English with friendly, knowledgeable guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Uyuni’s Wonders: A Deep Dive

The Classic Start: The Train Cemetery

Few sights evoke a sense of Bolivia’s past quite like the Train Cemetery. Located just a few kilometers from Uyuni, this spooky yet fascinating spot features rusted, abandoned locomotives that date back to the 19th century. We loved the way these relics whisper stories of a bygone era of mining and transportation, and how some guides narrate stories behind these rusted giants, adding a layer of historical context. It’s a surreal scene—perfect for photos and pondering the impermanence of human endeavors.

Colchani: The Salt-Making Hub

Next, we visit Colchani, a tiny town where local artisans transform salt into art. It’s not just a quick stop; it’s an immersion into Bolivia’s traditional salt extraction practices. Here, you can buy handmade salt ornaments, souvenirs, or simply observe local craftwork. This stop offers a glimpse into the livelihoods connected to the vast Salar de Uyuni, which covers over 10,000 km². We appreciated how this stop brings the salt flats down to earth, reminding us of their economic and cultural significance.

The Salt Flats: A Landscape Like No Other

The core of the tour is undoubtedly the Salar de Uyuni itself. When you arrive at the salt flats, you’re struck by the endless white horizon and the geometric patterns of salt piles. The pyramids of salt are a simple but compelling sight, illustrating the scale of salt extraction. One reviewer mentioned, “The vastness is almost overwhelming — you feel like you’re on another planet.” This landscape is perfect for photography, especially when the weather is clear.

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Incahuasi Island: Cacti and Views

Arriving at Incahuasi Island is like stepping into a cactus garden in the middle of nowhere. The island is covered in giant cacti, some over 10 meters tall, and provides sweeping views of the salt flats. We loved wandering among the cacti and capturing photos of the strange, otherworldly terrain. It’s a peaceful break from the endless salt, and some travelers find it a highlight for nature lovers.

Dakar Monument & Photogenic Spots

The Dakar Monument is a striking sculpture that commemorates the Dakar Rally. It’s an ideal spot for photos, especially with the dramatic backdrop of the salt flats stretching to the horizon. We took time to appreciate how the monument’s bold design contrasts with the natural surroundings, a reminder of Bolivia’s connection to international motorsport.

Sunset on the Water Mirrors

As the day winds down, the water-covered flats create mirror-like reflections for the sunset, blending sky and earth in a spectacular display. Many find this the most unforgettable part of the tour. The silence, the reflective surface, and the changing colors of the sky make for perfect photo opportunities. We enjoyed watching how the landscape transforms as day turns to dusk — a moment that captures the magic of Uyuni.

Day 2: Lagoon Hopping & Flamingos

Starting around 9:30 AM, the second day takes you to at least three lagoons: Cañapa, Hedionda, and Chulluncani. Each lagoon has a different hue—pink, green, or deep blue—and hosts hundreds of flamingos, which makes for stunning wildlife viewing and photography. The altiplano lagoons sit at high altitude, so the thin air can be an adjustment, but the views are worth it. One reviewer said, “Seeing the flamingos amid these colorful lagoons felt like being on a postcard.”

Practical Details & Value

The tour includes transportation, a live guide (bilingual in Spanish and English), and the lunch on day 1. The group size is limited to 15, which helps keep the experience intimate, and the guides are knowledgeable, often sharing stories beyond just the sights. The price, considering all these elements, offers fair value, especially given the included meals and the small-group atmosphere.

However, note that pick-up and drop-off in Uyuni are not included, so plan your arrival and departure accordingly. Also, this trip may not be suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with back problems due to the terrain and altitude.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

This tour suits those who want a balanced, guided experience that covers major highlights without the hassle of logistical planning. Nature lovers will appreciate the spectacular landscapes, especially the water mirrors at sunset and the lagoon flamingos. Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities, and curious travelers will enjoy learning about salt extraction and local culture.

Final Thoughts

For anyone seeking a comprehensive, well-organized introduction to Uyuni’s salt flats and lagoons, this 2-day adventure offers excellent value. The small-group setup ensures personalized attention, and the variety of sites—from the rusted trains to colorful lagoons—keeps every moment engaging.

While it’s not a luxury experience, the focus on authentic scenery and cultural insights makes it a genuine journey into one of the most surreal landscapes on earth. If you’re prepared for high-altitude conditions and want a full, photographic, and memorable experience, this tour is a smart choice.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
Transportation by Jeep or SUV, a live guide speaking Spanish and English, and lunch on day 1 are included.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, you should bring cash for personal expenses, as ATMs are scarce. Pickup and drop-off in Uyuni are not included.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 8, mainly due to the high altitudes and long days.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunscreen, water, and a camera are recommended.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 days, with pickup times depending on availability.

To sum it up, this Uyuni tour offers an excellent mix of natural beauty, cultural insights, and memorable photo opportunities for travelers who want a guided, small-group adventure. Its focus on authentic experiences and stunning vistas makes it especially suitable for nature lovers, photographers, and those eager to see one of the world’s most otherworldly landscapes. Just be prepared for high altitudes and variable weather, and you’ll find yourself with stories to tell for years to come.

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