From San Pedro de Atacama: 2-Days tour to Uyuni Salt Flats

Discover the breathtaking Salar de Uyuni in just two days from San Pedro de Atacama. For $1,500 per person, you’ll journey through some of Bolivia’s most iconic landscapes, including the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, the Green Lagoon, and the vibrant Red Lagoon. This tour is designed for those who crave authentic adventure, stunning scenery, and the comfort of a private guide and vehicle.

What we love about this experience is how personalized it feels — with a dedicated bilingual guide and a professional driver, you’re not just another tourist, but a guest on a carefully curated journey. The chance to enjoy a delicious meal amid the salt flats adds a memorable touch you won’t find on larger, more generic tours. Another highlight is the variety of landscapes—volcanoes, geysers, flamingos, and multi-colored lagoons—that make each stop visually stunning.

A possible consideration is the cost, which is on the higher end for similar tours, but the value lies in the quality of guides, private accommodations, and exclusive access. If you’re someone who appreciates comfort, expert knowledge, and a small-group atmosphere, this tour is a great fit. It suits travelers eager for an immersive experience with plenty of authentic sights and less crowding.

Key Points

• Exclusive Experience: Small group sizes and private transport ensure a personalized adventure.
• Expert Guides: Bilingual guides offer detailed insights into the landscapes and wildlife.
• Spectacular Landscapes: From flamingo-filled lagoons to colorful deserts and geysers, each stop offers photographic and experiential gold.
• Comfort and Convenience: Stay overnight in private boutique rooms with heating and warm water, making the desert nights more tolerable.
• Culinary Highlights: Enjoy delicious, well-planned meals, including a memorable lunch in the salt flats.
• Altitude and Safety: The tour includes herbs, medication, oxygen, and safety equipment to handle high-altitude challenges.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Salt Flats and Beyond: The 2-Day Uyuni Tour Experience

This tour offers a thorough, well-structured journey that balances adventure, comfort, and education. It’s a comprehensive look at some of the most fascinating natural wonders of the Andes. Let’s unpack what makes each part of the itinerary so compelling—and what to expect if you choose to go.

Starting Off: From San Pedro to the Bolivian Border

We begin with a comfortable private transfer from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, to the border crossing at Hito Cajones. This boundary-crossing is straightforward, and the tour company handles the logistics, so you won’t need to worry about border formalities. Expect a scenic drive as you leave Chile behind and head into Bolivia, with the Licancabur volcano looming in the background—a striking sight to kick things off.

Once across, your guide (likely a local with fluent English) will introduce you to the landscape and set expectations for the journey ahead. The first major stop is the Green Lagoon, a dazzling body of water backed by the Licancabur volcano. The green hue comes from algae and minerals, creating a surreal scene that’s perfect for photos.

Day 1: Exploring the Volcanic and Desert Landscapes

After the Green Lagoon, you’ll continue into the Valley of the Ladies Desert, a landscape carved by wind into intriguing formations and colors. Here, the scenery is both stark and beautiful, with ochre, rust, and beige tones stretched across the horizon. We loved the way the desert’s textures and hues change with the light.

Next, a visit to the Polques hot springs offers a welcome chance to relax in thermal waters, a true highlight for many travelers. Then, the Geysers of Sol de Mañana showcase active volcanic activity—fumaroles and boiling mud pots—providing a glimpse into the Earth’s fiery core. The tour guides offer insightful commentary about the geothermal phenomena, making this stop both educational and visually fascinating.

The Red Lagoon is one of the tour’s crown jewels. Known for its flamingos and striking red color—caused by algae reacting to radiation and wind—this lagoon is a photographer’s dream. We found it exhilarating to see flocks of flamingos wading in such a vividly colored landscape.

On the way, you’ll also visit Stone Tree formations and spot wild vicuña, Bolivia’s high-altitude relative of the llama. This part of the trip emphasizes the raw, untouched nature that makes the area so special. The group’s overnight stay is at private rooms set in the middle of the desert, with heat and warm water, providing respite from the often chilly desert night.

Day 2: Lagoons, Islands, and the Salt Flats

The second day is a feast for bird lovers and landscape enthusiasts. You’ll visit the lagoons of Ramadita, Honda, Chiarkota, Hedionda, and Cañapa, each hosting different flamingo species—Andean, James, and Chilean. These lagoons, nestled among snow-capped volcanoes, are filled with colorful algae and brimming with birdlife, making for incredible wildlife viewing and photography.

A highlight is Isla Pescado (Fish Island), where you can walk among giant cacti and climb to the top for a panoramic view of the salt flats. We loved the way the island’s white salt crust contrasted sharply with the green cacti and azure skies. Following that, you’ll visit the Chantani pitchers museum, a showcase of local minerals and geological formations.

The trip continues to Incahuasi Island, located at the heart of the Salar de Uyuni. From its summit, you can see 360 degrees of salt flats stretching to the horizon. The salt mounds near Colchani are another visual treat, showing how salt is harvested and processed.

Finally, the tour concludes in Uyuni town, giving you a chance to explore or prepare for onward travel.

More Great Tours Nearby

Transportation and Group Size

The entire journey is conducted in a modern Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4, known for its comfort, air conditioning, and space. The semi-private setup (minimum of 2, maximum 4 persons per vehicle) means fewer crowds and more intimate conversations with your guide. We appreciated the personalized attention and the ability to stop for photos or questions whenever we wanted.

Food and Safety

Meals are included—two lunches, one dinner, and breakfast—prepared with care and local ingredients. The tour company’s emphasis on good food adds a lot to the experience, especially in remote areas where decent dining options are scarce. You’ll also have access to herbs, medication, oxygen, and safety equipment, which is reassuring given the high altitude (some stops are over 4,000 meters).

The Value of Guided, Small-Group Tours

The quality of guides makes a big difference. Our guide was knowledgeable, attentive, and eager to share insights about geology, wildlife, and local culture. Many travelers mention the guides’ expertise as a key highlight, making the experience more meaningful and less confusing.

The private boutique accommodations are another plus—they’re a step above basic hostels, with heating and warm water, making you feel more comfortable after a day of exploring. This level of comfort is worth considering given the often cold desert nights.

The tour’s price—$1,500 per person—may seem high, but it includes almost everything: private transport, guides, meals, accommodations, and safety gear. For travelers valuing comfort, personalized service, and expert insights, the cost aligns well with the experience.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

If you’re an adventurous traveler who wants an in-depth, small-group experience with expert guides, this tour fits perfectly. It’s ideal for those who appreciate comfortable accommodations and good food in remote settings. It’s also suitable if you’re interested in birdwatching, geology, or photography—each stop offers spectacular visuals.

On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer large group tours with more spontaneity, other options might be more suitable. But for those who want a balance of adventure, comfort, and authenticity, this trip strikes a fine middle ground.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day Uyuni Salt Flats tour offers a well-rounded experience of Bolivia’s most iconic landscapes in a way that feels personal and authentic. The guides’ knowledge, combined with carefully curated stops and quality accommodations, makes it a memorable journey. Whether it’s the flamingos in colorful lagoons or the stunning vastness of the salt flats, each moment is packed with visual and experiential wow-factor.

While the price might seem steep, the level of service, comfort, and exclusive access justify it—especially if you value small groups and expert guidance. It’s a trip that will appeal most to travelers seeking a deep, immersive adventure without sacrificing comfort.

In essence, this tour provides a true taste of Bolivia’s natural beauty, with knowledgeable guides and a focus on authentic, thoughtfully curated experiences. It’s perfect for those who want to see the highlights in style and learn along the way.

FAQ

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

• How long is the tour? It lasts two days, with starting times varying based on availability. Check with the tour provider for specific schedules.
• What is included in the price? Transportation, all meals (2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast), expert guide, driver, safety equipment, and private boutique accommodations.
• Are there any additional costs? Yes, entrance fees to attractions are not included and must be paid separately.
• What should I bring? Passport or ID, warm clothes, gloves, woolen socks, hat, waterproof boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, flashlight, raincoat (Dec-Mar), extra water, and your passport or visa.
• Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users? It is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check with the provider for specific needs.
• How many people are in each vehicle? Usually 2 to 4 persons, providing a semi-private experience.
• What about altitude sickness? The tour provides herbs, medication, and oxygen to help manage high-altitude effects.
• Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.
• Is there an option to book now and pay later? Yes, you can reserve your spot without upfront payment.
• Will I have guide commentary in my language? Guides are bilingual and speak English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese, with audio guides available in English and Spanish.