Discover the vastness of Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni with a Full Day Tour to Incahuasi Island. For $50 per person, you’ll spend approximately a day marveling at the world’s largest salt flat, visiting fascinating sites like the train cemetery, salt extraction areas, and the iconic Incahuasi Island. This tour is perfect for travelers eager to see breathtaking scenery without breaking the bank or committing to a multi-day adventure.

What we love about this experience is how it combines a mix of history, natural beauty, and authentic local culture. The stops at the train cemetery and salt microprocessor give a glimpse into the area’s past and present economic activities, while the views of the salt flats are genuinely unforgettable. Plus, the hike on Incahuasi Island offers spectacular panoramic vistas and a chance to see unusual cactus and marine fossils up close.

A couple of considerations to keep in mind: this is a small-group tour limited to 10 participants, meaning it’s intimate but also quite popular, so booking early is wise. Also, there’s an entrance fee for Incahuasi that isn’t included in the price, so you’ll need some cash on hand. This tour suits those who value guided experiences, incredible scenery, and a flexible, affordable way to explore.

Overall, if you’re interested in a well-rounded day trip that balances scenic beauty with cultural insights, this tour offers solid value. It’s particularly good for first-time visitors or those on a tight schedule who want a snapshot of Bolivia’s surreal salt flats environment.

Key Points

Affordable Price: At $50, this tour offers great value for exploring the Salar de Uyuni with an expert guide.
Authentic Experience: Visits to local salt microprocessors and the train cemetery make the tour informative and grounded in real local life.
Stunning Views: The stops at salt flats, Incahuasi Island, and other sites deliver panoramic photo opportunities and unforgettable scenery.
Small Group: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized and engaging experience.
Includes Lunch: A basic meal is provided, giving you energy for the day’s adventure.
Additional Fees: Entry to Incahuasi Island is not included, so prepare for a small extra cost.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Salar de Uyuni Full Day Tour

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

Starting the Day: From Uyuni to the Salt Flats

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Uyuni, a small but vibrant city that acts as the gateway to this surreal landscape. The first stop is the train cemetery, an intriguing site where old locomotives lie rusting and abandoned—an evocative reminder of the area’s railway past. Travelers love this spot for its unusual photo opportunities and historical intrigue. One reviewer noted, “The train cemetery gave us a real sense of Bolivia’s industrial history, and it made for some fun photos.”

From there, the journey continues to Colchani, often called the “gateway to the Salar.” Here, you can see artisans working in rustic workshops and observe the microprocessing of table salt—an authentic look at local livelihoods. We appreciated the chance to see how salt is extracted and processed in traditional ways, adding depth to the experience beyond just the scenery.

Exploring the Salt Flats: Key Stops and Scenic Highlights

The core of the tour is the Salt Flat itself. We make stops at notable points like the eyes of the salt flat, where saline pools and small salt formations are visible. These spots are great for photographs, but they also give you a sense of the salt flat’s immense scale. The Playa Blanca Salt Hotel (now a museum) offers insight into salt extraction and serves as a unique cultural landmark.

The salt flats stretch out in every direction, creating an endless horizon that seems almost otherworldly. The landscape is so vast that it can make you feel like you’re standing on another planet. One traveler recounts, “The salt flat’s expansive white surface was breathtaking—I kept turning around just to soak in the view.”

Incahuasi Island: The Heart of the Experience

The highlight for many is the visit to Incahuasi Island, located smack dab in the middle of the salt flats. The island is famous for its towering cacti, marine fossil rocks, and panoramic views. You’ll enjoy a walk that allows you to appreciate the bizarre cactus forests and fossilized coral that have become part of the island’s landscape. The lookout point offers sweeping 360° views of the salt flats—an ideal spot for photos that capture the scale of this natural wonder.

Multiple reviews praise the guided hike as both enjoyable and educational. One visitor shared, “Climbing to the lookout was worth it just for the view—seeing the salt flats stretch to the horizon is something I won’t forget.”

More Great Tours Nearby

Practicalities and Considerations

The tour is conducted in a 4×4 vehicle with a maximum of six people per group, ensuring a comfortable ride and personalized attention. The guide and driver, usually friendly locals, make the experience even more engaging with their knowledge and stories. Keep in mind that the entrance fee to Incahuasi is not included, so have some cash ready for that.

Lunch is included and typically served en route, giving you a break and some energy for the afternoon. You’ll want to bring essentials like passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen—the high altitude and reflective salt surface mean sun exposure can be intense. Water is recommended, and alcohol or drugs are not allowed on the tour for safety reasons.

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

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for budget travelers, first-timers, and those short on time who want a comprehensive snapshot of the salt flats. It’s perfect if you’re interested in authentic local sights, scenic photography, and guided insights into the salt flat ecosystem. However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with recent surgeries, given the rough terrain and physical activity involved.

Final Thoughts

This full-day Uyuni Salt Flats tour offers a balanced mix of stunning scenery, local culture, and adventure—all at a reasonable price. The stops at the train cemetery and salt extraction sites provide authentic glimpses into Bolivia’s history and economy, while Incahuasi Island’s giant cacti and fossil rocks make for unforgettable photos and memories.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the small group size and expert guide (who is often praised for their knowledge). You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of this surreal landscape and some fantastic images to share.

While the additional entrance fee and the sometimes challenging terrain are considerations, these are minor compared to the incredible views and authentic experiences you’ll enjoy. This tour suits travelers seeking a compact, no-frills yet immersive salt flat adventure—perfect for a first trip to Bolivia or those with limited time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, a 4×4 vehicle is provided for the entire day as part of the tour, accommodating up to six people for comfort and efficiency.

What’s the cost of the tour?
It’s $50 per person, which includes guide and lunch. Remember, the entrance fee to Incahuasi is extra.

How long does the tour last?
It’s a full-day experience, starting from Uyuni and returning the same day. Check the specific start times when booking.

What should I bring?
You should bring your passport or ID, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and water. It’s also wise to wear comfortable, sun-protective clothing.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with recent surgeries.

Is there a guide who speaks English?
The tour includes a Spanish-speaking guide. If you need English, confirm with the provider beforehand.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, the entrance fee to Incahuasi Island is not included, so have some cash ready.

What’s the group size?
It’s a small group, limited to 10 participants, which allows for a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you’re eager to witness the vast, surreal beauty of Bolivia’s salt flats without the fuss of multi-day trips or excessive costs, this tour offers a practical and memorable option. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want an authentic, guided glimpse into one of Earth’s most extraordinary landscapes.