Salt Flats And Colored Lagoons 3d 2n Tour + Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama

Discover the Salt Flats and Colored Lagoons: A 3-Day Adventure from Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama

If you’re dreaming of vast, otherworldly landscapes, this 3-day Salt Flats and Colored Lagoons tour from Uyuni, Bolivia, to San Pedro de Atacama offers a chance to see some of the most surreal scenery in South America. For $285 per person, you’ll visit iconic sites like Isla Incahuasi, the salt flats’ rusting train graveyard, the vibrant Laguna Colorada, and the bubbling Sol de Mañana Geysers. The tour, operated by Andes 2 Amazon, includes shared accommodations, most meals, and a guided border crossing—perfect for those who want a comprehensive experience without breaking the bank.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it combines stunning visuals with a sense of adventure, thanks to knowledgeable guides and a carefully curated itinerary. You’ll get to see less-visited highlights, like colorful lagoons inhabited by flamingos and the shimmering salt flats that seem to stretch endlessly. Plus, the convenience of ending in San Pedro de Atacama saves you time for your onward travels.

That said, it’s not all perfect. Some reviews highlight issues like border crossing delays or shorter-than-expected stops at key sights—so patience and flexibility are a must. Also, keep in mind that this is a group tour with shared rooms and basic accommodations, which may not suit those seeking luxury or private space.

This tour suits adventurous travelers eager to see the highlights of the Uyuni salt flats and surrounding attractions without the premium price tag. It’s especially good if you’re comfortable with rougher transport conditions and shared facilities but want authentic, guided insights into Bolivia’s most stunning landscapes.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $285, it offers a budget-friendly way to see incredible sights.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Includes key attractions like salt flats, lagoons, geysers, and salt hotel.
• Guided Border Crossing: Guides help with border formalities into Chile, saving you hassle.
• Shared Accommodations: Basic but comfortable lodgings that keep costs low.
• All Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided, making planning easier.
• Limited Time at Some Spots: Some travelers find they don’t get enough time at the most photogenic locations.

A Closer Look at the 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Starting in Uyuni

Your adventure kicks off at 10:30 am in Uyuni, where you’ll meet your guide at Andes 2 Amazon’s office. The first stop is the famous train graveyard, a haunting field of rusted locomotives that evokes Bolivia’s railway past. It’s a surreal photo op, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when shadows deepen. We loved the way this site hints at Bolivia’s industrial history but also sets a slightly mysterious tone for the trip.

Next, your group visits Colchani, a small salt-mining village. Here, local artisans craft salt-based handicrafts and textiles from llama and alpaca fiber, giving you a glimpse of local livelihoods. The highlight, however, remains the vast salt flats themselves. Driving onto the white expanse, you’ll see Los Ojos de Agua Salada and a salt hotel made entirely of salt blocks. The sheer size of the flats—spanning thousands of square kilometers—creates an otherworldly atmosphere that’s perfect for expansive photos.

This day’s journey takes around 8 hours, offering a full immersion into Uyuni’s stark beauty. While the adventure is fundamentally spectacular, some reviews mention that the company’s professionalism at times falls short, with experiences overshadowed by organizational issues. Still, most agree the landscape is worth the effort.

Day 2: The Enchanting Eduardo Avaroa Reserve

Day 2 begins early, with a 7 am breakfast before heading south to the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. This part of the trip is particularly notable for its geological and biological diversity. The route visits Chiguana Desert, surrounded by active volcanoes like Ollague, which still vent smoke and steam. From the lookout, you get a close-up view of Ollague’s volcanic crater—a raw and powerful sight.

The day is dedicated to exploring lagoon after lagoon, each with its unique charm and birdlife. You’ll visit Cañapa Lagoon, where the first pink flamingos are visible, then Hedionda Lagoon, where a picnic lunch is served amidst the flamingo flocks, and finally Chiarcota Lagoon with more birds and striking scenery. The vivid colors and the flamingos make these stops some of the most Instagram-worthy moments of the trip.

Most travelers find the guides helpful and informative, as noted in reviews. The landscape is incredibly photogenic, especially if the weather cooperates. However, some mention that the stops can be brief, so don’t expect to spend hours at each lagoon.

Day 3: From Geysers to Green Lagoon and Border

Your final day begins at 5 am with a quick breakfast before heading to see the Sol de Mañana Geysers. Walking past fumaroles and steaming craters, you’ll experience the bubbling power of the Earth at around 5,000 meters altitude. Then, a dip in the hot springs (about 35°C) offers relief after the early start.

Next, you’ll visit Dali Desert, where boulders and scattered rocks remind many of Salvador Dalí’s paintings. From there, you’ll journey to the Green Lagoon, a striking, somewhat toxic-looking body of water at the foot of Licancabur Volcano. The vivid green, contrasted with the volcano’s imposing peak, makes for a memorable photo.

This day wraps up with the border crossing into Chile, with your guides assisting in all procedures. The transfer ends in San Pedro de Atacama, ideal for travelers heading onward in northern Chile.

What Travelers Should Know Before Booking

The transportation and group size are typical of budget tours, capped at 11 travelers, offering a balance between social experience and manageable group dynamics. The shared accommodations are basic—mostly dorm-style rooms with shared bathrooms—but clean and sufficient for a short trip.

Meals are included, which simplifies planning, but don’t expect gourmet cuisine. The hot showers are only available on the first night, so bring some patience if warm water is a priority. The border crossing is handled as part of the tour, removing a common headache for independent travelers but requiring patience due to potential delays.

Pricing at $285 per person is competitive, especially considering the included meals, accommodations, and guide services. However, some reviews suggest that the value depends on your expectations—if you’re after luxury or private rooms, this isn’t the right tour. But for those eager to see the highlights with guidance and convenience, it offers excellent value.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

Many travelers rave about the guided explanations and local insights provided by guides, making the experience more meaningful than just sightseeing. The landscape diversity—from salt flats to flamingo lakes, geysers to volcanic deserts—ensures a range of photo opportunities and memorable moments.

However, some reviewers mention limited time at the most iconic spots and organizational hiccups, such as delays at the border or shorter stops. This highlights the importance of flexibility and patience when joining such tours, especially in remote areas with unpredictable conditions.

Who Is This Tour For?

This three-day tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy guided group travel, don’t mind basic accommodations, and want to see the main highlights of Uyuni and nearby attractions without paying a premium. It’s ideal for those who value guided assistance in border crossings and are comfortable with rough road conditions and shared facilities.

Those looking for luxury or privacy may find this option too rustic, but if you’re after authentic landscapes, stunning photo opportunities, and a well-organized itinerary that covers less-visited sites, this tour ticks many boxes.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day Salt Flats and Lagoons tour offers a solid introduction to Bolivia’s most extraordinary landscapes. The combination of breathtaking scenery, helpful guides, and cost-effective accommodations makes it a worthwhile choice for budget-conscious travelers eager to experience the surreal beauty of the Uyuni region.

While organizational issues and brief stops can be frustrations—particularly for those who want to linger longer at the most photogenic sites—the overall experience delivers incredible vistas and memorable moments. It’s a tour that balances adventure and practicality, helping you make the most of limited time in this remote corner of South America.

If you’re comfortable with basic facilities, looking for guided convenience, and eager to see salt flats, flamingos, geysers, and volcanic landscapes, this trip will serve you well.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 days, with each day packed with visits and travel, starting at 10:30 am in Uyuni and ending in San Pedro de Atacama.

What’s included in the price?
Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner for all three days), basic accommodations in shared rooms, hot showers on the first night, and guided border crossing assistance are included.

Are transportation and border crossing handled?
Yes. The tour includes transportation between sites and guides assist with border crossing procedures into Chile.

What accommodations are provided?
Basic rooms in hostels and lodges, with shared bathrooms. The first night’s accommodations are in double or triple rooms; the second night in shared dorms with up to 6 people.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but those seeking luxury or private rooms might find it less appealing. It’s best for adventurous travelers comfortable with shared facilities and simple accommodations.

How much time do we spend at major sites?
Stops are generally brief but enough for photo opportunities and quick explorations. Some reviews mention that the time at iconic spots like Laguna Colorada can feel limited.

Can I customize my experience?
Since it is a group tour, customization options are limited. However, guides often try to cater to the group’s interests within the scheduled itinerary.

Whether you’re after stunning landscapes, cost-effective travel, or a guided taste of Bolivia’s otherworldly scenery, this tour offers a memorable, if rough-around-the-edges, adventure. Pack your camera, patience, and sense of exploration—you’re in for a truly unique journey.