Bolivia · Geological Wonders

Full-Day Salar de Uyuni Tour from Uyuni with Incahuasi Island

2 Days Round trip from Uyuni Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flats
  • 02 Visit Incahuasi Island and hike among towering cacti
  • 03 Discover the Train Graveyard and the history of the former Salt Hotel
  • 04 Learn about traditional salt production in Colchani
  • 05 Enjoy lunch in the heart of the salt flats with extraordinary photo opportunities

Embark on a one-day Salar de Uyuni expedition to explore the most iconic sights of the Bolivian salt flats. Hike to the top of Incahuasi Island for astonishing views over the endless white expanse, visit the Train Graveyard, uncover the history of the former Salt Hotel, and learn about traditional salt production in Colchani. Enjoy a surreal lunch in the heart of the flats, browse unique salt crafts at the local market, and capture unforgettable photographs in one of Bolivia's most extraordinary landscapes.

Later in the afternoon, we'll arrive at Isla Incahuasi, a rocky outcrop in the middle of the Salar covered with towering cacti.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities La Paz, Santa Cruz, Uyuni
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Dry Season Adventure Across Salar de Uyuni

  • This itinerary typically begins in the city of Uyuni, but it can also start in La Paz or Santa Cruz if needed. Simply add your flights when booking, and don't forget to attach your passport for ticket issuance.
  • Your experience begins with a welcome meeting in Uyuni at approximately 9:30 am, perfect for those who spent the previous night in Uyuni or took an early morning flight from La Paz or Santa Cruz.
  • After meeting your driver, you'll board one of our comfortable 4WD vehicles, equipped with functioning seatbelts, comfortable seats, a first aid kit, and, upon request, oxygen, though it is seldom needed. These vehicles are specifically designed to ensure your safety and comfort during your Uyuni Salt Flats adventure.
  • The journey begins as we depart from Uyuni and head towards Colchani, approximately 30 minutes away. Along the way, the vehicle will stop at Cementerio de Trenes (Train Graveyard) and the Colchani market, where you can purchase locally made salt crafts. You'll also have the opportunity to visit a rustic family-owned salt processing operation to learn about the salt trade.
  • After leaving Colchani, we will make our way to the stunning Salar de Uyuni.
  • Upon entering the world's largest salt flats, we will explore the 'salt eyes' area, where bubbling brine springs can be seen. Next, we will visit the international flag stand, located next to the first salt hotel, now turned into a museum.
  • Lunch will be served in the heart of the vast Salar, giving you the chance to appreciate the immense beauty of the area and practice your photography skills. The endless salt flats create a unique deep-perspective illusion, perfect for photos.
  • Later in the afternoon, we'll arrive at Isla Incahuasi, a rocky outcrop in the middle of the Salar covered with towering cacti. This island provides an excellent opportunity for a moderate hike to the top, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views. You may also catch glimpses of local flora and fauna and, in the distance, the imposing Thunupa Volcano.
  • After the hike, we'll head back towards Uyuni, with more stops along the way for photography and leg stretches. If time permits, a surreal sunset over the salt flats will be the perfect way to end this unforgettable day.
  • The tour concludes with drop-off in the center of Uyuni, at the bus station, or at the airport for your flight to La Paz or Santa Cruz, or your chosen destination.

Special Information:

  • The tour officially begins in Uyuni. You can arrange travel to and from Uyuni independently. Night buses depart daily from La Paz, and flights are available. We also offer special rates for flights from La Paz or Santa Cruz, which can be added during booking.

Meals Included:

  • Lunch
2
Day 02

Rainy Season Mirror Effect Experience

  • This itinerary typically begins in Uyuni, but it can also start in La Paz or Santa Cruz if needed. Simply add your flights during booking, and remember to attach your passport to issue your flight tickets.
  • Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting in Uyuni at approximately 9:30 am, allowing for a well-needed rest or breakfast if you've spent the previous night in Uyuni or taken an early morning flight from La Paz or Santa Cruz.
  • After meeting your driver, you'll board one of our 4WD vehicles, specially assigned to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. These vehicles are fully equipped with working seatbelts, comfortable seats, a first aid kit, and oxygen upon request, though it is rarely needed, to ensure a smooth and secure Uyuni Salt Flats adventure.
  • Leaving Uyuni, we will travel to the old, rustic town of Colchani, about 30 minutes away. En route, we will stop at the Cementerio de Trenes (Train Graveyard) and the Colchani market, where you can purchase locally crafted salt souvenirs. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to visit a family-run salt processing plant to learn about the traditional salt production process.
  • After departing Colchani, we will head to the breathtaking Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flats.
  • During the rainy season, the salt flats transform into one of nature's most awe-inspiring spectacles. A thin layer of water floods the surface, creating a mesmerizing mirror effect. If conditions are right, with little wind and few clouds, you'll witness the perfect reflection of the sky and clouds on the flats, making it one of the most surreal sights on earth.
  • Lunch will be served amidst the vast expanse of the Salar, offering a perfect opportunity to pause and take in the grandeur of the surroundings. Use this time to practice your photography skills and attempt to capture that perfect reflection shot.
  • In the afternoon, prepare for a surreal sunset that will be etched in your memory forever.
  • The tour concludes with drop-off in the center of Uyuni, at the bus station, or at the airport for your return flight to La Paz, Santa Cruz, or your chosen destination.

Special Information:

  • The tour officially begins in Uyuni. You can arrange travel to and from Uyuni independently. Night buses depart daily from La Paz, and flights are available. We offer special rates for flights from La Paz or Santa Cruz, which can be added during booking.

Meals Included:

  • Lunch
Salar de Uyuni salt flats, Isla Incahuasi towering cacti, Cementerio de Trenes locomotives

Where this trip takes you

Salar de Uyuni salt flats, Isla Incahuasi towering cacti, Cementerio de Trenes locomotives

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Uyuni 3 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transportation: Private vehicle service from and to Uyuni, including pick-up and drop-off
  • Bilingual guide: English-Spanish speaking guide or digital guide available through an iOS or Android app
  • Meals included: Lunch provided during the tour

What's Not Included

  • Admission fee to Incahuasi Island: 30 BOB / 5 USD
  • Drinks: Soft drinks, fizzy drinks, and alcoholic beverages
  • Optional tips/gratuities: Suggested but not mandatory

What to bring

What to Bring for the 1-Day Salar de Uyuni Tour:

  • Comfortable clothing: Lightweight and breathable clothes for the day, a light jacket or sweater for the chilly mornings and evenings, and long pants for comfort during the hike.
  • Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable shoes for walking and hiking, preferably closed-toe shoes.
  • Sun protection: Sunscreen with a high SPF to protect against the strong sun, sunglasses to shield your eyes from the glare, and a wide-brimmed hat or cap to protect your head.
  • Water: A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. There will be opportunities to refill along the way.
  • Camera/Phone: To capture the breathtaking scenery and surreal landscapes. Don't forget extra memory cards or power banks.
  • Personal medications: Bring any necessary personal medications and any items you may need for motion sickness or altitude sickness.
  • Snacks: If you prefer a particular snack or energy bar, feel free to bring it along, although lunch is provided.
  • Cash: For optional purchases or souvenirs, such as local crafts and drinks.
  • Travel documents: A copy of your passport or ID if required.
  • Light backpack: To carry your essentials comfortably throughout the day.

Remember that the weather can change quickly in the salt flats, so it's always a good idea to prepare for both warm and cold conditions.

Know before you go

Know Before You Go - Salar de Uyuni 1-Day Tour

  1. Weather Conditions:

    • The temperature can vary significantly throughout the day. It's cold in the morning and evening, especially during the dry season (May to November). During the rainy season (December to April), the flats may be covered with water, creating the famous mirror effect, but it can also be windy and rainy.
    • Bring layers to adjust to temperature changes and a good jacket for chilly mornings and evenings.
  2. Altitude:

    • Uyuni is located at around 3,650 meters (12,000 feet) above sea level. Some visitors may experience mild altitude sickness, so be sure to stay hydrated, take it easy, and avoid heavy meals before the tour.
  3. Duration:

    • The tour typically lasts from 9:30 AM to around 5:30 PM, with a lunch stop in the middle of the salt flats. Be prepared for a full day of exploration and travel.
  4. Photography Tips:

    • The vast, flat landscape of Salar de Uyuni offers unique photo opportunities, especially the 'deep perspective' illusion. Be ready to take many pictures, but also bring extra memory cards or a power bank to keep your devices charged.
  5. Lunch:

    • A packed lunch is provided, typically served in a scenic area on the salt flats. Vegetarian and special dietary needs can be requested in advance.
  6. What's Included:

    • Round-trip transportation from Uyuni in a 4WD vehicle.
    • A bilingual guide (English-Spanish) to help you understand the history, culture, and geography of the region.
    • Lunch and a chance to explore the salt flats, train graveyard, Colchani market, and Isla Incahuasi.
  7. What's Not Included:

    • Entrance fee to Incahuasi Island (30 BOB / 5 USD).
    • Drinks (soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, etc.).
    • Tips or gratuities (optional, but recommended).
  8. What to Bring:

    • Comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a camera, personal medications, and cash (for optional purchases).
  9. Travel Arrangements:

    • The tour starts in Uyuni, but you can arrange transportation from La Paz or Santa Cruz if needed. Flights or buses from these cities can be added at the time of booking.
  10. Health & Safety:

    • The vehicles used are equipped with seatbelts, first-aid kits, and oxygen if needed, but always carry any personal medication you might need. Wear sun protection and stay hydrated throughout the day.
  11. Packing Tips:

    • Be sure to pack light and carry only the essentials, as the vehicle can get crowded and there are limited stops to access personal items during the tour.
  12. Travel Insurance:

    • It's recommended to have travel insurance in case of any unexpected issues during your trip.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Uyuni, Bolivia
Tour start
Uyuni, Bolivia
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 2 days finish where they began, in Uyuni.

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