Uyuni Salt Flat and Eduardo Avaroa Park 3 Day tour

Experience Bolivia’s Most Breathtaking Landscapes on the Uyuni Salt Flat and Eduardo Avaroa Park 3-Day Tour

If you’re dreaming of wide-open spaces, surreal scenery, and vibrant natural colors, this 3-day Uyuni Salt Flat and Eduardo Avaroa Park tour is a must. Priced at $247 per person, this tour offers a balanced mix of iconic sights—like the Uyuni Salt Flats and Laguna Colorada—and lesser-known gems such as hot springs and geysers. With a duration of just over three days, it’s a perfect way to explore Bolivia’s most dramatic landscapes without feeling rushed.

Two features truly stand out: the variety of stops that keep each day fresh and exciting, and the small group size (max six travelers), which makes the experience more intimate and flexible. We particularly love the photo opportunities at Incahuasi Island, with its towering cacti and volcanic rock formations, and the spectacular sunset over the salt flats that caps Day 1.

A potential consideration is the cost of entrance tickets to national parks and attractions, which are not included in the basic price and add around $30 USD to your budget. This is common for guided tours in this region, but it’s worth planning for.

This tour is ideal for travelers who crave authentic, scenery-rich adventures presented in a comfortable, organized way. If you’re excited by landscapes that seem almost otherworldly and enjoy learning about the diverse flora and fauna of high-altitude environments, this trip will hit the mark.

Key Points

• Diverse Natural Wonders: Each day features entirely different sights, from salt flats to volcanoes and geysers.
• Small Group Experience: A maximum of six travelers ensures a more personalized journey and better photo opportunities.
• Authentic Local Stops: Visit salt-mining workshops, salt hotels, and vibrant lagoons to experience Bolivia’s culture and environment.
• Practical Details: Includes transportation, accommodation, and meals, with optional entrance fees paid separately.
• Unmatched Views: Expect stunning vistas like the pink flamingos at Laguna Colorada and the white salt flats at sunset.
• Limited Hidden Costs: Basic price doesn’t include park entrance fees, but these are manageable and clearly outlined.

A Deep Dive into the 3-Day Adventure

The Uyuni Salt Flat and Eduardo Avaroa Park tour is designed to showcase Bolivia’s most remarkable terrains through an expertly curated itinerary. We’ll walk through each day, highlighting what makes this journey special and worth considering.

Day 1: From the Abandoned to the Surreal

Our adventure begins in Uyuni, where we meet our guide and group in the morning. After a quick briefing, we head out around 10:30 a.m. to the Train Cemetery, a hauntingly beautiful site of rusted locomotives abandoned for decades. The mix of old metal against the desert backdrop provides fantastic photo opportunities and a glimpse into Bolivia’s past.

Next, we visit Colchani, the heart of salt mining activity. This area is lively with salt artisans crafting everything from jewelry to decorative figures, all made from salt or llama wool. We also see Ojos de Agua Salada, where water bubbles up through the salt plains, creating small, shimmering pools. The Salt Hotel here, now a museum, gives insight into how salt is an integral part of local life.

The highlight of the day is Isla Incahuasi, where towering cacti and rocky formations made of fossilized coral create an alien landscape. Climbing to the island’s top offers panoramic views of the salt flats stretching to the horizon. The day’s sunset over the flats, with hues of orange and pink reflecting off the salt crust, is a photographer’s dream.

By about 7 p.m., we arrive at our cozy hostel. Sharing rooms with fellow travelers, we settle in, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next day’s adventures.

Day 2: Flamingos, Volcanoes, and Vibrant Lagoons

Early risers will appreciate the 7 a.m. departure for Laguna Colorada, a standout feature of this tour. En route, we pass the Chiguana desert with views of Ollagüe volcano, still active and visible from the viewpoint. The landscape here is stark and rugged, with volcanic ash blending into the surrounding plains.

Our visit to the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve introduces us to a series of lagoons—Cañapa, Hedionda, and Chiarcota—home to flamingos and other high-altitude birdlife. These lagoons’ colors range from blues to pinks, offering excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.

The Siloli Desert presents lava rock formations and the famous Stone Tree, a natural sculpture formed by volcanic activity. As we approach Laguna Colorada, the landscape becomes more vivid, with its intense red hues, thanks to algae and minerals in the water. Watching flamingos wade through this surreal lagoon as the sun dips low is an unforgettable moment.

The day ends with us staying overnight in a traditional family-run guesthouse in Huayllajara, where we get a taste of local hospitality amidst these wild landscapes.

Day 3: Geysers, Hot Springs, and the Green Lagoon

The final day begins super early, around 5 a.m., with a visit to Geyser Sol de la Manana. Standing near steaming fumaroles, you’ll feel the heat rising from the earth, and the smell of sulfur is part of the adventure. The nearby hot springs offer a relaxing soak in water around 32°C, perfect for unwinding after days of high-altitude exploration.

Next, we stop at Dali Desert and the Green Lagoon, a striking body of toxic copper water nestled at the foot of Licancabur volcano. Its vibrant green color and the surrounding volcanic scenery make this a unique photo stop.

Throughout the day, we pass through Rock Valley and Alota, small towns with colonial charm and local markets. We enjoy a picnic lunch along the route, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

By late afternoon, we’re back in Uyuni, having experienced the best of Bolivia’s high-altitude desert landscapes in just three days.

What Travelers Love About This Tour

Reviewers consistently praise the spectacular scenery and variety of landscapes. One traveler called it a “grand landscape,” emphasizing the contrast of colors and textures—from white salt flats to red lagoons and volcanic rocks. The small group size is also appreciated, as it allows for more flexible stops and better photo opportunities.

Many found the tour well-organized, with a good balance of driving and sightseeing, plus the inclusion of meals and cozy accommodations. The guides are often described as friendly and knowledgeable, making the journey both informative and enjoyable.

Some mention the early mornings and long days—up to 17 hours on Day 2—but most agree that the unforgettable scenery makes it worth the effort. The cost is reasonable considering transportation, guiding, and accommodation, though optional entrance fees and park tickets add a bit to the overall price.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour runs with group sizes limited to six, which creates a more intimate experience. Transportation is in a 4WD vehicle equipped for rough terrain, with ample space for luggage on the rooftop.

Accommodation varies between nights: the first night is in a shared hostel, and the second in a family-run guesthouse, both offering basic but comfortable amenities. Meals are included, but entrance fees to attractions like Incahuasi Island and parks are paid separately, adding about $30 USD in total.

The tour departs at 8:00 a.m. from Uyuni, with pickup from the bus station if needed. It’s suitable for most travelers in good health, given the high altitudes—altitude sickness precautions are recommended.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

If you’re eager to see Bolivia’s most iconic landscapes—from the vast salt flats to flamingo-filled lagoons and volcanic deserts—this trip packs incredible sights into just three days. The stunning views and photo opportunities are a highlight, making it perfect for photography enthusiasts or those who appreciate nature’s vibrant palette.

The tour’s small-group format offers a more personal experience, ideal for travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace but don’t mind early mornings and long days. If you’re looking for an authentic adventure that balances wild landscapes with cultural insights—and you’re willing to budget for park entrance fees—this tour delivers excellent value.

For anyone craving a visual feast of Bolivia’s high-altitude wilderness with knowledgeable guides and manageable group sizes, this three-day trip is an excellent choice.

FAQs

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 days, with each day packed with stops and sightseeing, starting early and ending in the late afternoon or evening.

Is transportation comfortable?
Transportation is in a 4WD vehicle equipped for rugged terrain. The group size is small (up to six), making the ride more comfortable and less crowded.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes dinner (2), breakfast (2), and lunch (3), making it convenient to focus on sightseeing without worrying about food.

What about entrance fees?
Most entrance fees, such as those for parks and islands, are not included in the base price and cost around $30 USD in total. You’ll pay these separately during the trip.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
While most travelers in good health can participate, the high altitudes (up to 5,000m) mean you should be aware of altitude effects. Some walking and climbing are involved, especially on islands and viewpoints.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility in your travel plans.

This tour offers a well-rounded, authentic look at Bolivia’s most striking landscapes, all within a manageable 3-day itinerary. Whether you’re captivated by the vast salt flats, the colorful lagoons, or the geysers steaming at dawn, you’ll leave with memories—and photos—that last a lifetime.