Uyuni: 2-Day Tour with Train Cemetery and Salar de Uyuni

Uyuni: 2-Day Tour with Train Cemetery and Salar de Uyuni

Location: Potosí, Bolivia
Country: Bolivia
Price: $160 per person
Duration: 2 days (check availability for starting times)
Rating: 4.6 (based on customer reviews)
Supplier: Inspires Viagens

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s in Store for You?

Imagine spending two days exploring some of Bolivia’s most iconic sights. For around $160, you’ll visit the Train Cemetery, with its haunting relics of 19th-century locomotives, wander through the small town of Colchani famed for salt crafts, and stand in awe at the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. You’ll also get a chance to see Incahuasi Island covered in giant cacti, take photos at the Dakar Monument, and witness the mesmerizing water mirrors that reflect the sky at sunset. As a bonus, the second day includes visits to stunning lagoon landscapes like Cañapa, Hedionda, and Chulluncani, where flamingos thrive amid colorful waters.

Two things we particularly appreciate: First, the variety of landscapes packed into just two days—from vast salt plains to lush lagoons. Second, the small group size, limited to 15 participants, which offers a more intimate experience and easier opportunities to ask questions and snap photos without crowds.

A noteworthy consideration is that the tour does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off, so you’ll need to arrange your transportation to and from the tour start point. Also, the high-altitude environment means you should be prepared with warm clothing and sun protection.

This tour suits travelers who crave authentic Bolivian scenery and are comfortable with a full, sometimes chilly, outdoor itinerary. It’s ideal for those eager to see the highlights of Uyuni without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 2-day itinerary covering salt flats, lagoons, and cultural sights.
• Affordable price offers good value for the variety of experiences.
• Small group size ensures a more personalized experience and better photo opportunities.
• Includes local lunch and key stops like Incahuasi Island and the Dakar Monument.
• Not suitable for young children, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues due to high altitude and outdoor nature.
• High customer rating of 4.6 reflects overall satisfaction.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: From the Train Cemetery to Salt Production

Your adventure begins around 9:30 AM, starting with a visit to the Train Cemetery, just a few kilometers from Uyuni. Here, you’ll see rusting locomotives abandoned in a ghostly landscape. We loved the way these relics evoke a sense of history, reminding us of Bolivia’s once-thriving mining era. The photo opportunities are fantastic, especially with the contrast of the old metal against the surrounding desert.

Next, you’ll head to Colchani, a tiny town famous for its salt crafts. Walking through the salt processing area, you’ll see locals making everything from salt blocks to handicrafts. Many travelers appreciate how authentic this part feels—no tourist traps here, just real life. You might find purchasing a salt ornament or handmade souvenirs a great keepsake.

Then, it’s time for the highlight: the Salar de Uyuni. Spanning over 10,000 square kilometers, this salt flat is truly surreal. You’ll see piles of salt shaped like pyramids, which serve as markers for navigation and photography. The vastness is awe-inspiring, and we loved the way the flat reflects the sky at certain times of day—offering perfect photo ops and a sense of walking on the horizon.

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Day 2: Islands, Monuments, and Lagoon Views

Bright and early, you’ll visit Incahuasi Island, home to hundreds of towering cacti, some over 12 meters tall. The 30-minute walk around the island gives you a chance to take in the unique landscape and snap photos of the giant plants against the salt flats. Travelers rave about the impressive natural views here, a true highlight of the tour.

Next, you’ll stop at the Dakar Monument, where you can snap shots of the vast salt flats stretching into the distance. The monument makes for a dramatic backdrop—perfect for memorable photos.

Lunch is included, served in a local restaurant or picnic setup—some reviews note the good quality of the food, providing a welcome break in the day.

In the afternoon, you’ll explore the water mirrors at sunset, where the flat’s surface becomes a giant reflection of the sky, creating a magical, almost otherworldly scene. Many travelers tell us this is a must-see for its breathtaking beauty.

The second day also takes you to three stunning lagoons: Cañapa, Hedionda, and Chulluncani. These water bodies are of different colors, home to flamingos and other wildlife. The vibrant waters and colorful mineral deposits make each lagoon a different visual treat, and the flamingos add a lively touch to the landscape. We loved how these lagoons add a splash of color after the stark white salt flats.

Practicalities & What to Expect

The transportation on this tour is comfortable and reliable, with stops timed to give you enough time to explore without feeling rushed. The group size—limited to 15—means you get more personal attention and space for photos. The local lunch serves as a satisfying break, allowing you to taste regional flavors in a casual setting.

Since the tour does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off, you should plan your transportation to the meeting point in Uyuni. The timing begins around 9:30 AM, so early risers or those arriving late might need to coordinate accordingly.

Dress in layers—temperatures can fluctuate widely from chilly mornings to warm afternoons. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection. Bring a camera to capture the unforgettable landscapes, and stay hydrated throughout the day.

While the tour is a fantastic value, it’s worth noting that it’s not suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues due to the outdoor nature and high altitude. Pregnant women and people with back problems are also advised to consider their comfort.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Compared to other options, this 2-day Uyuni tour packs a lot into a manageable time frame and price. The inclusion of multiple iconic sights—from the Train Cemetery to the lagoons—means you get a comprehensive experience without paying extra for each stop. The small group size enhances the overall experience, allowing for better interaction and flexibility.

The local lunch and well-chosen itinerary make the $160 price tag seem reasonable when weighed against the stunning scenery, cultural insights, and memorable photo opportunities. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want an authentic and visually impressive way to explore Bolivia’s salt flats and surroundings.

The Sum Up

This Uyuni 2-day tour offers an excellent balance of natural beauty, cultural insight, and adventure. You’ll visit some of Bolivia’s most famous sights, experience the vastness of the salt flats, and enjoy unique lagoon landscapes—all within a well-organized, affordable package. The small-group format makes the trip more personal, and the itinerary’s variety keeps things interesting.

Ideal for travelers who love landscapes that stretch the imagination and want to avoid overly commercialized tours, this experience delivers authentic sights with a touch of adventure. Be prepared for early mornings, outdoor conditions, and high altitude, but in return, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most extraordinary views Bolivia has to offer.

FAQ

Is hotel pick-up and drop-off included? No, the tour does not include hotel transfers, so you will need to arrange your transportation to the meeting point in Uyuni.

What should I bring? Pack comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunglasses, a hat, a camera, sunscreen, and water. Remember that temperatures can vary, so layering is key.

How long is each stop? The tour includes multiple stops—each with enough time to explore and take photos, with specific sites like Incahuasi Island and lagoons getting approximately 30 minutes or more.

Is this tour suitable for children? It’s generally not recommended for children under 8, pregnant women, or individuals with mobility issues due to outdoor conditions and high altitude.

What is included in the price? The tour includes visits to the Train Cemetery, Colchani, Salar de Uyuni, Incahuasi Island, Dakar Monument, water mirrors at sunset, three lagoons, and a local lunch.

Are drinks and souvenirs included? No, personal expenses like drinks, souvenirs, or additional snacks are not covered. Bring cash for these.

How physically demanding is the tour? Expect some walking, especially on Incahuasi Island and lagoon visits, but it’s manageable for most healthy travelers. Be prepared for high-altitude conditions.

What is the best time to take this tour? Check the availability for specific start times; generally, the dry season (May to October) offers the clearest skies and most reliable weather.

How does the water mirror phenomenon happen? During certain times, rainwater creates a thin layer on the salt flats, turning the surface into a giant mirror reflecting the sky—a breathtaking spectacle at sunset.

Embarking on this 2-day journey across Bolivia’s legendary salt flats promises unforgettable landscapes and cultural insights, making it a trip worth planning for.

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