Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama Salt Flats

Traveling to the world’s largest salt flats and the vibrant landscapes of the Atacama Desert can be a highlight of any South American adventure. This 3-day guided tour, operated by Todo Turismo, takes you from Potosí, Bolivia, to the surreal expanse of Uyuni, ending in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. For $299 per person, you get a carefully curated mix of iconic sights, natural beauty, and local culture.

What we love about this tour is how it balances well-known highlights like the salt flats with lesser-known treasures such as the Red Lagoon and the Dali Desert, making it a truly comprehensive experience. The chance to take iconic perspective illusions on the salt flats and relax in natural hot springs are definite highlights.

A possible consideration is the schedule: starting early each day can be demanding, especially on the third day when you’ll be up around 5:00 AM. This is more for the adventurous spirit willing to embrace long days of sightseeing.

This experience suits travelers who love stunning natural scenery, are comfortable with basic accommodations, and want a guided journey that covers the essentials without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s particularly good if you enjoy social small groups and the convenience of transportation included.

Key Points

• Stunning landscapes: Enjoy the vast white salt flats and colorful lagoons that define this region.
• Authentic experiences: Visit salt crafts in Colchani and see salt architecture, along with natural wonders like geysers and flamingos.
• Comfort with adventure: Expect early starts and long days, with basic but comfortable accommodations.
• All-in-one itinerary: Combines iconic sites, natural hot springs, and local culture in a manageable 3 days.
• Value for money: Includes transport, most meals, and guided commentary in Spanish, with options for added entrance fees.
• Small group size: Limited to 15 participants for a more personal experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama Salt Flats Tour

Starting Point: Uyuni and the First Day’s Attractions

Your journey begins early in Uyuni, a small Bolivian town that acts as the gateway to the salt flats. Meeting your guide—most likely a local with a wealth of stories—you’ll set off toward the Salt Flats, which are nothing short of breathtaking. The Train Graveyard is your first stop, offering a haunting collection of rusted locomotives that seem frozen in time. It’s a perfect spot for quirky photos and a reminder of the region’s once-thriving mining and transport history.

Next, you’ll visit Colchani, a tiny settlement famous for salt crafts and textiles. Here, locals turn salt into art, and you might pick up a souvenir or two. It’s a chance to appreciate the ingenuity of those who live in this stark environment. You’ll also see a salt hotel and salt museum—structures made entirely of salt blocks—that showcase the regional building style and give you a feel for life here.

The highlight of the day is the Salt Flats themselves. Prepare for the fun of creating perspective photos that play tricks on the eye—imagine your friend appearing to hold up the sun or being tiny next to giant salt blocks. As the sun dips lower, the salt flats become a canvas of shimmering whites and blues, ideal for awe-inspiring sunsets with a glass of local wine in hand.

You might also choose to visit Incahuasi Island (additional fee). This island, covered in giant cacti, rises from the salt flat like a strange, green oasis amidst the white expanse. From here, the views are spectacular, and the contrast of cactus against salt is striking.

Overnight, you’ll stay at Agencha Hostel, which offers private or shared rooms with baths, giving you a warm refuge after a long day of exploration.

Day Two: Volcanoes, Lagoons, and Flamingos

The second day kicks off early with breakfast and a drive toward the Chiguana Desert, set against the backdrop of Ollagüe, an active volcano. The landscape here is otherworldly—arid, with volcanic cones and colorful mineral deposits. It’s a reminder of nature’s raw power.

From there, your journey continues through a series of stunning lagoons: Cañapa, Hedionda, and Chiarcota. Each one has its own character, with flamingos often wading gracefully through the shallow waters. The vibrant pinks and reds of the lagoons contrast vividly with the blue sky and volcanic landscape, making for incredible photos and a sense of being on another planet.

Lunch is en route, often in a simple local setting, where you can try Bolivia’s hearty cuisine. Afterward, you’ll visit the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, a protected area that houses the Siloli Desert and the famous Stone Tree formation, a tower of volcanic rocks shaped by wind and erosion.

One of the tour’s standout moments is the Red Lagoon, where flamingos wade in the sunset’s glow and the lagoon’s vivid red waters reflect the sky. This is often cited as one of the most spectacular sights of the trip, showcasing nature’s palette at its most dramatic.

Tonight, you’ll stay at Huayllajara Hostel, where shared rooms and bathrooms keep costs reasonable while offering basic comfort.

Day Three: Geysers, Lagoons, and Crossing into Chile

The final day begins around 5:00 AM with a visit to the Sol de Mañana Geyser field. Here, steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pots make you feel like you’re on another planet. The high-altitude landscape is stark and powerful, with boiling mud and volcanic activity just beneath the surface.

After the geysers, you can relax in a natural hot spring at about 35°C. It’s a welcome pause and a chance to soothe sore muscles while enjoying the scenery.

Next, you’ll visit the Dali Desert, named after Salvador Dalí for its surreal landscape—imagine strange rock formations and salt sculptures that resemble a desert painted by an artist. From here, the tour takes you to the Green and White Lagoons, formed from toxic copper runoff, their colors vibrant and otherworldly, set against the Licancabur Volcano.

Your journey concludes as you cross the border into San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, ending your adventure in the lively main square of this desert town. Your guide will help with border crossing logistics, making sure the process is smooth.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes transport in a 4×4 vehicle, guide (in Spanish), two nights of shared accommodation, and most meals—two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners. You can expect basic but clean lodgings with shared bathrooms, suitable for travelers who prioritize value and experience over luxury.

Entrance fees to Incahuasi Island and the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve are extra, so budget around 180 BOB for those. Hot spring baths cost an additional 6 BOB, giving you a chance to relax after days of exploration.

The Real Experience: Authenticity and Practicalities

This tour offers a good mix of iconic sights and off-the-beaten-path moments. The small group size (limited to 15 participants) ensures a personal feel, and the Spanish-speaking guide adds local insight—though English-speaking options are not included, which might be a consideration for some travelers.

The long days—with early starts and late sunsets—are part of the adventure, but they reward you with views and experiences you’ll carry for a lifetime. The transportation in a 4×4 allows access to remote locations inaccessible by regular vehicles, and the itinerary’s structure maximizes what you see without feeling rushed.

In terms of value, this tour covers many key sights for a reasonable price, especially considering the included transport, accommodations, and most meals. You’ll want to factor in the extra costs for entrance fees and optional activities, but overall, the package offers good bang for your buck.

The Sum Up

This 3-day Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama Salt Flats tour is an excellent choice for travelers seeking spectacular landscapes and a taste of Bolivia and Chile’s natural highlights without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s perfect for those comfortable with early mornings and basic accommodations but eager to see the salt flats, flamingo lagoons, geysers, and colorful lagoons—truly a feast for the eyes.

If you love stunning views like the Red Lagoon or the surreal Dali Desert, this trip delivers on those promises. Its small group format and guided approach make it a practical and enriching experience, ideal for adventurous travelers eager to get a feel for the region’s rugged beauty.

While the schedule is intensive and some optional attractions cost extra, the overall value and access to some of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes make this an experience worth considering. Just pack your camera, some warm layers, and an adventurous spirit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
It’s best for travelers who are comfortable with early mornings and long days. The terrain and pace are more suited for active travelers, but children used to outdoor adventures could enjoy it too.

What language is the tour guide in?
The guide is in Spanish, with no mention of an English-speaking guide. If you don’t speak Spanish, consider bringing a translation app or inquiring about language options beforehand.

Are the accommodations comfortable?
The lodgings are basic but clean, with shared bathrooms. They provide a simple, authentic experience typical of remote areas.

How physically demanding is the trip?
Expect early starts and some walking at various sites. The altitude can be high, especially at geysers and lagoons, so pace yourself accordingly.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour provides two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners. However, additional costs may apply for entrance fees and optional activities.

Can I visit Incahuasi Island?
Yes, for an extra fee of 30 BOB, you can visit Incahuasi Island, renowned for its giant cacti and stunning salt flat views.

What about the entrance fees?
The Eduardo Avaroa Reserve costs 150 BOB to enter, payable on-site. The hot springs are only 6 BOB, making them an affordable way to relax.

Is border crossing included?
Yes, your guide will help you cross from Bolivia into Chile, ending your trip in San Pedro de Atacama.

Would I recommend this tour?
Absolutely, especially if you’re eager to see the best of the salt flats and desert lagoons without the complication of organizing transport and accommodations yourself. Just be prepared for early mornings and the occasional extra fee for certain attractions.

This tour offers a chance to see some of the most surreal and photogenic landscapes in South America while enjoying the camaraderie of a small group. It’s a practical, memorable, and visually stunning way to experience Bolivia’s salt flats and the Atacama desert’s luminous lagoons.

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