A 3-Day Adventure from Uyuni to San Pedro: Salt Flats, Lagoons, and Volcanoes

This three-day tour takes you from the surreal Uyuni Salt Flats to the otherworldly landscapes of San Pedro de Atacama. Starting in Uyuni, Bolivia, and ending in Chile’s main square, San Pedro, you’ll visit some of South America’s most iconic sights—Incahuasi Island, the Andean lagoons, Red Lagoon, Geysers Sol de Mañana, and the Lincancabur Volcano. For about $329 per person, you get a well-rounded experience that includes local guides, comfortable transportation, accommodations, and most meals.

What we love most about this tour? First, the expert guides—their local knowledge makes the journey vibrant and informative. Second, the stunning scenery—the salt flats and lagoons are truly unlike anywhere else on earth. The only thing to keep in mind is that the tour involves long drives and altitude changes, which might be a challenge if you’re sensitive to high elevations.

This trip is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to see Bolivia’s most famous natural wonders in a manageable, organized way. If you’re someone who appreciates authentic landscapes and enjoys learning from knowledgeable guides, this tour will suit you well.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Highlights include the Uyuni Salt Flats, Incahuasi Island, and the Red Lagoon, with plenty of breathtaking views.
All-inclusive pricing covers guides, meals, and accommodations, offering good value.
Small group size (limited to 11 travelers) ensures a more intimate experience.
Border crossing assistance makes the transition into Chile smooth, though a border fee may apply.
Altitude considerations are important—be prepared for high elevations and potential effects.
Seasonal note: During January to April, access to Incahuasi Island might be restricted due to rain.

While in Uyuni, here are other experiences we've covered

Exploring the Salt Flats and Beyond

Starting Point: Uyuni and the Iconic Train Cemetery

Your adventure kicks off in Uyuni, Bolivia’s dusty town that acts as the gateway to the salt flats. The first stop is the Train Cemetery, a hauntingly beautiful collection of rusted locomotives stretching across the desert. It’s a photographer’s paradise and a reminder of Bolivia’s once-thriving rail industry. Here, you can snap artistic shots amid the vintage machinery, making it a perfect way to start your journey.

Uyuni Salt Flats: The World’s Largest Mirror

Next, your group heads into the immense Uyuni Salt Flats, covering around 12,000 km² at an altitude of 3,663 meters. The flats are a vast, brilliant white landscape that seems to stretch forever. Along the way, you’ll see Salt Eyes—pockmarked salt formations—and visit the Salt Hotel-Museum, built entirely of salt blocks. These stops offer insight into local salt production and are just fun places to marvel at Bolivia’s resourcefulness.

Arriving at Incahuasi Island, you’ll be greeted by incredible views and giant cacti that seem to sprout from nowhere. This island, surrounded by the salt flats, feels like stepping onto another planet. The photos here are legendary, especially at sunset when the horizon erupts with color.

More Great Tours Nearby

What Travelers Say: Authenticity and Scenic Beauty

One traveler describes the experience as “comfortable and efficient,” emphasizing the well-organized nature of the tour. The guide’s knowledge and the stunning scenery are often highlighted as key reasons why this trip stands out.

While you're exploring Uyuni, here are other experiences we've looked into

Day Two: Lagoons, Flamingos, and the Red Lagoon

Exploring the Andean Lagoons

After a hearty breakfast, your journey continues with visits to several Andean lagoons—Cañapa, Hedionda, and Chiarcota—each home to vibrant flamingo colonies. These lagoons sit amidst volcanic landscapes, and the vivid pink of the flamingos against the blue and green waters is breathtaking.

Lunch and the Desert Landscape

Following these scenic lagoons, you’ll enjoy a delicious local lunch before heading to the Siloli Desert and the Stone Tree, a surreal formation shaped by wind and erosion. These striking rock structures look like something out of a fantasy film and are perfect for photos.

The Flamingo Haven: Red Lagoon

In the late afternoon, you arrive at Red Lagoon, a shallow, reddish-hued lake teeming with flamingos—Chilean, James, and Andean species. The contrasting colors of the lagoon and the surrounding volcanic terrain make for some of the most captivating views of the trip.

Travelers often comment on the “stunning views” and how the flamingos add a lively splash of color to the landscape.

Day Three: Geysers, Hot Springs, and Volcano Views

Geysers Sol de Mañana and Hot Springs

An early start brings you to the Geysers Sol de Mañana, a geothermal area filled with bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and steaming geysers that smell strongly of sulfur. The sight of natural steam plumes rising from the earth is both impressive and humbling—these are active volcanoes at work.

Afterward, you’ll relax in Polques Hot Springs, enjoying a soothing soak surrounded by striking volcanic scenery. Many travelers say these hot springs offer a much-needed rest after days of exploration.

The Salvador Dali Desert and Volcano Views

Next, you’ll explore the Salvador Dali Desert, famous for its multicolored rock formations and volcanic landscapes. From the lookout points of Green Lagoon and White Lagoon, you’ll get sweeping views of the surrounding volcanoes, including Lincancabur.

Border Crossing and Final Destination

In the late morning, guides assist with the border crossing into Chile. Most travelers arrive in San Pedro de Atacama around 1:30 p.m., ending this memorable journey. Be sure to carry cash for border fees (around 15 Bolivianos) and any personal expenses.

Travelers appreciate the smooth border process and the guidance provided, especially when navigating customs and paperwork.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation: All travel is in a comfortable 4WD vehicle, ensuring smooth rides over rugged terrain.
Group Size: Limited to 11 people, which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.
Meals: Included are two breakfasts, two dinners, and two lunches—giving you energy for each day’s activities.
Accommodations: Shared rooms in local guesthouses in Ajencha and Huayllajara, with options for private rooms if preferred.
Cost: At $329 per person, the tour offers a good value considering the inclusions, but keep in mind that some entry fees (like Isla Incahuasi and the reserva) are extra.

Important considerations

The tour is not suitable for those with back problems, altitude sickness, or over 95 years old.
Please bring passport or ID and cash in Bolivianos for border fees and personal expenses.
During rainy season (January-April), access to Incahuasi Island may be restricted.
Be prepared for high altitudes and potential temperature fluctuations.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who want a compact but comprehensive experience of Bolivia’s most iconic sites. If you enjoy stunning natural landscapes, insightful guides, and well-organized logistics, you’ll find this trip rewarding. It’s especially suited for those who want to avoid the hassle of planning every detail and prefer traveling in a small group.

However, if you’re sensitive to altitude or have mobility issues, you might want to consider how the high elevations and long drives could affect you.

The Sum Up

This 3-day Uyuni to San Pedro tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, scenery, and cultural insight. You’ll experience Bolivia’s world-famous salt flats, flamingo-filled lagoons, and geothermal geysers—all while enjoying the comfort of a guided small-group journey. The knowledgeable guides and stunning landscapes make it an especially rewarding trip for those eager to see the most captivating sights of the high Andes.

While the journey demands some stamina and altitude tolerance, the unforgettable views and authentic experiences are well worth the effort. Whether it’s the vast white salt flats, the flamingos wading in colorful lagoons, or the smoking geysers, this tour captures the essence of Bolivia’s rugged beauty in a manageable format for travelers seeking adventure with good value.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with altitude sickness?
It’s not recommended for people sensitive to high elevations, as the tour reaches over 3,600 meters and involves sightseeing at high-altitude lagoons and salt flats.

Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes two breakfasts, two dinners, and two lunches, giving you energy for the days’ activities.

What do I need to bring?
You should bring your passport or ID, cash in Bolivianos (for border fees and personal expenses), and any personal toiletries. A sleeping bag isn’t included, so check if your accommodation requires one.

Can I upgrade to a private room?
Yes, private rooms are available if you prefer more privacy during your stay in Ajencha and Huayllajara.

How long does each day of the tour last?
Most days involve early starts with full days of sightseeing, returning to the hotel by evening for dinner and rest.

Are there any seasonal restrictions?
Yes, access to Incahuasi Island might be limited during rainy months (January to April).

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 11 participants, fostering a more personal and engaging experience.

Do I need to pay any additional fees?
Entry fees for Isla Incahuasi (30 Bs), Reserva Eduardo Avaroa (150 Bs), and hot springs (6 Bs) are not included and should be paid in cash if you choose to visit those sites. Also, expect a Bolivian border fee of around 15 Bs.

This tour stands out as a fantastic way to see Bolivia’s most iconic landscapes without the stress of self-organizing. It offers a well-rounded glimpse into the country’s natural wonders, guided by knowledgeable locals, all for a reasonable price. Perfect for travelers craving authentic scenery, rich in photo ops, and eager to learn from expert guides.