From La Paz: Uyuni Salt Flats 5-Day Tour

From La Paz: Uyuni Salt Flats 5-Day Tour
Location: Potosí, Bolivia
Country: Bolivia
Rating: 4.5
Price: $345 per person
Supplier: Todo Turismo

A Journey Through Bolivia’s Most Iconic Landscapes

This 5-day tour from La Paz to the Uyuni Salt Flats is a mixture of adventure, surreal scenery, and authentic Bolivian culture. For $345, you get a comprehensive experience covering everything from the famous Salar de Uyuni, with its endless white plains and quirky monuments, to otherworldly landscapes like Laguna Verde and the Sol de Mañana Geyser. We loved how the tour balances guided exploration with ample chances to enjoy the scenery at your own pace, especially on the salt flats and lagoons.

One of the standout features is the expert guides—they don’t just recite facts but add personal insights that make each stop more meaningful. We also appreciated the small group size, which makes for a more intimate experience and easier interactions. Another highlight is the opportunity to take those classic perspective photos on the salt flats—an absolute must for anyone wanting to capture the magic of this landscape.

However, be prepared for early mornings and significant altitude changes, which might not suit everyone. The tour’s focus on natural beauty and cultural sights means it’s best suited for those comfortable with basic outdoor conditions and looking for an authentic, immersive experience in Bolivia’s high-altitude wilderness.

If you’re a traveler who values local guides, is eager to see key landmarks, and doesn’t mind some cold mornings, this tour genuinely offers a well-rounded Bolivian adventure.

Key Points

• Unique landscapes: Experience salt flats, geysers, lagoons, and deserts that look like they belong on another planet.
• Cultural insights: Visit salt mines, the Train Cemetery, and traditional workshops for a taste of local life.
• Comfortable transportation: Travel from La Paz to Uyuni and around the sites in a 4×4 with roof racks, ensuring you see the sights comfortably.
• Authentic guides: Knowledgable local guides enhance the experience with detailed explanations and personal stories.
• Value for money: At $345, including most meals, lodging, and transportation, it’s a strong value given the scope of the trip.
• Early starts and altitude: Prepare for early mornings and high altitudes, which can be challenging but are part of the adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the 5-Day Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

Day 1: The Journey Begins — La Paz to Uyuni

The tour kicks off late in the evening, with check-in at the “Todo Turismo” office at 8:30 PM, ready for a 9:00 PM departure. The bus ride is surprisingly comfortable, with amenities like Wi-Fi, heated compartments, and a choice of drinks making the overnight journey manageable. We found this setup ideal—these overnight buses are common for connecting La Paz and Uyuni, doing away with the need for an extra night of lodging in La Paz.

Day 2: Uyuni and the Salt Flats

Arriving around 7:30 AM, you’re thrown straight into the action. We loved the way the guide explained the history and significance of the Train Cemetery, where rusting locomotives tell stories of Bolivia’s mining past. It’s an eerie, photogenic site and a good first stop to get the adrenaline going.

Next is Colchani, a tiny village with salt workshops and textile makers. Here, you can pick up souvenirs crafted from llama and alpaca wool, and see how salt is harvested. It’s a small but fascinating look into local livelihoods.

By mid-morning, you’re on the Salt Flats themselves. The vast white expanse is mesmerizing, and the salt hotel-museum offers a quirky detour. The world flags display is a fun photo-op—don’t forget your own flag if you want to add to the display. The Dakar Monument, made from salt, is a fun highlight for race fans and a perfect photo prop.

We particularly enjoyed hiking to Incahuasi Island filled with giant cacti and coral rock formations, which provides a striking contrast to the salt. As one reviewer put it, “the flatness and the size of the salt flats make for incredible photo perspective shots,” which are a must-do.

Day 3: The Depths of the Deserts and Lagoons

Depart at dawn for a full day exploring the Chiguana Desert, surrounded by volcanoes like Ollagüe. The multiple lagoons—Cañapa, Hedionda, and Chiarcota—are home to flamingos, and we enjoyed the vivid pink and white contrasts. The guides’ knowledge made these stops more engaging; they explained how the lagoons’ mineral compositions influence their colors.

In the afternoon, you enter the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. We loved the Siloli Desert and the famous Rock Tree, a jagged lava formation that looks like a sculpture. The Laguna Roja with its pink flamingos, and the stark terrain, create a landscape that feels more like Mars than Earth.

Lodging at Huayllajara Hostel is basic but sufficient—think shared rooms, no hot water, and no Wi-Fi to preserve the natural setting. Some travelers appreciated the simplicity, while others found it a bit rustic. Remember, this is remote wilderness; the focus is on scenery, not luxury.

Day 4: Geysers, Hot Springs, and Colorful Lagoons

An early start at 5:00 AM gets you to Sol de Mañana Geyser, where steaming craters and bubbling mud pots give a real sense of geothermal activity. The hot springs nearby, at a cozy 35°C, are perfect for a relaxing soak after the cold dawn. It’s a highlight that makes you appreciate the raw power of nature.

Further exploration takes you to Dalí Desert—a landscape of strange rock formations reminiscent of Salvador Dalí’s paintings—and the Lagunas Verde and Blanca. The striking green of Laguna Verde, due to mineral content, contrasts sharply with the white Laguna Blanca, both set against the volcanic backdrop. The guides are excellent at explaining the geology behind these sights, enriching your appreciation.

We returned to Uyuni in the late afternoon, with scenic views along the way and a picnic lunch that was simple but satisfying. The evening bus back to La Paz departs around 9:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to relax and reflect on the trip.

Day 5: Returning to La Paz

Arriving in La Paz early morning, you’ll feel a bit sleep-deprived but enriched by a truly unique experience. The tour ends at the main bus station, and from there, you can plan your next Bolivian adventure.

Practicalities and Value

The tour’s included transportation, meals, and accommodations make it a convenient option, especially considering the remote locations visited. The small group size (limited to 11 participants) ensures you’re not lost in a crowd, and local guides add a layer of authenticity and insight that large tours often lack.

We appreciated the detailed pre-trip advice—wear warm clothes, bring cash, and prepare for high altitudes. The early starts and altitude adjustments might be tough, but they’re necessary to see the highlights and avoid the crowds.

Cost-wise, at $345, this tour offers a significant amount of value. Meals and lodging are mostly included, with optional small fees for entrance tickets and hot springs. The experience is well-paced, with enough free time to explore and take photos, which is crucial for capturing the essence of Bolivia’s striking landscapes.

A word of caution: some reviews mention no hot water in the second night’s hostel, and basic amenities at the first hostel. If luxury is your priority, this might not be the trip for you. But if you’re after genuine adventure and breathtaking scenery, these minor inconveniences fade into the background.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers willing to embrace shared accommodations and early mornings. It’s suited for those interested in photography, nature, and culture—especially if you’re excited about seeing landscapes that seem almost extraterrestrial. It’s not ideal for very young children, pregnant women, or those with mobility or health issues given the altitude and early starts.

If you’re seeking a deeply authentic, well-organized experience that takes you through Bolivia’s most spectacular scenery with the help of knowledgeable guides, this tour will meet your expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the bus ride from La Paz to Uyuni?
The overnight bus departs at 9:00 PM and arrives in Uyuni around 7:30 AM. The journey is comfortable, with amenities like Wi-Fi, heating, and snacks.

What meals are included in the tour?
Meals on board the bus include breakfast and dinner, while the route provides multiple lunches, including a picnic lunch on the road. Some meals at lodges are also included.

Are accommodations shared or private?
Accommodations are in shared rooms at hostels—one night at Agencha Hostel with 3-6 beds, and one night at Huayllajara Hostel with 6 beds. Expect basic amenities, no hot water for some rooms, and no Wi-Fi in the second hostel.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring warm clothing, sunglasses, a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, insect repellent, and cash for personal expenses. Prepare for cold mornings and high altitudes.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 8, pregnant women, or travelers with back or heart problems due to early mornings and altitude.

What are the major sights visited?
Highlights include the Train Cemetery, Colchani Salt Mines, Salar de Uyuni, Incahuasi Island, Laguna Verde, Laguna Blanca, Sol de Mañana Geyser, and Laguna Roja.

Do I need to pay extra for entrance fees?
Yes, entrance fees such as Incahuasi Island (30 Bolivianos) and the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve (150 Bolivianos) are paid separately. Some optional activities like hot springs (6 Bolivianos) and baths on the road (30 Bolivianos) are also extra.

In the end, this 5-day Uyuni Salt Flats tour offers a well-rounded, authentic adventure into Bolivia’s most iconic landscapes. With expert guides, comfortable transportation, and enough time at each site, it’s an excellent choice for travelers craving a true high-altitude odyssey. Just remember to pack warm, bring your camera, and set your expectations for early mornings and rugged accommodations. It’s a trip that leaves you with unforgettable images—and stories to tell for years to come.

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