Uyuni Salt Flats and Lagoons, 3 day semi-private tour

Uyuni , Bolivia

Uyuni Salt Flats and Lagoons, 3 day semi-private tour

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About this experience

- Small group, maximum of 4 passengers per car
- Accommodation at hotels with private rooms
- Daily departures from Uyuni

Available options

Uyuni Salt Flats and Lagoons, 3 day semi-private tour

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Uyuni (Colchani hotels require additional fee)

Transport by air-conditioned / heating 4wd car (4 passengers per car)

2 breakfast, 1 dinner, 3 picnic lunches

2 nights accommodation at hotels at double private rooms

Detailed itinerary

DAY 1 UYUNI –UYUNI SALT FLAT – UYUNI

We will pick you up from your hotel at 10:00, first we will visit the Train Cemetery and the town of Colchani where you can learn more about Uyuni’s mining past and its artisanal salt production present, later we will enter to the amazing Uyuni Salt Flat, and arrive to the “Salt Hotel-Museum”, the first of its kind that nowadays works only as a museum. On our way we will be able to see fantastic optic illusions, able to see in raining season (December- March), and also we will visit “Ojos de Agua” (Eyes of water), small salt eruptions which help us to explain the development of this huge salt lake.

At noon, you will reach the “Incahuasi Island” in the middle of the Salt flat; there are extraordinary calcareous rocks, large populations of Cactus, local fauna and spectacular 360 grades panoramic views of the salt flat from the summit.

Sunset at the border of the salt flat and overnight in Uyuni.

DAY 2: COQUESA - LAGUNA HEDIONDA (MINOR LAGOONS)

We will start the day visiting a local museum to see pre-Columbian mummies and later we will get to the Salt Flat viewpoint at the foot of the Thunupa volcano.

Leaving the salt flat behind we will travel along the volcanoes range with their eternal snow going to Lípez, there we will find the Ollagüe Volcano that we will observe at the distance. Then we restart the trip to the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, on our way we will appreciate the lagoons called “Joyas Altoandinas” (Jewels from the High lands): Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarcota and Honda where you will have the chance to see different kinds of local birds.

Overnight at the Laguna Hedionda Lagoon.

DAY 3: EDUARDO AVAROA RESERVE

We need to get up very early in order to start the tour at 6:30, our first activity is the visit to the Stone Tree in the middle of the Siloli Desert, later we will get to the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, arriving to the Geysers of “Sol de Mañana”.
Visit to the Laguna Colorada (The Red Lagoon), this is the main flamingos nesting site and there it is possible to observe three kinds of flamingos of the region.

In the afternoon we will take a walk around the Rocks Valley and our last stop is at San Cristóbal village.

Arrival to Uyuni at 5 pm approximately.

What's not included

Travel insurance

Extra expenses

Beberages at hotels

Entrance tickets to attractions

Available languages

Audio guide

PT EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

11 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Not recommended for child aged 8 and under

Meeting point

Hotel Cielo y Sal in Uyuni

About Uyuni

Uyuni is a gateway to the world's largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, and offers a unique blend of natural wonders, adventure, and cultural experiences. The town is a hub for exploring the surreal landscapes of the Altiplano, including colorful lagoons, geysers, and flamingo-filled wetlands.

Top Attractions

Salar de Uyuni

The world's largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, is a surreal and otherworldly landscape that offers stunning views, especially during the wet season when it becomes a giant mirror.

Nature Full day or overnight trip Moderate (depends on tour package)

Incahuasi Island

A small island in the middle of the salt flat, Incahuasi Island is covered with giant cacti and offers panoramic views of the surrounding salt flat.

Nature Half day to full day Moderate (included in most salt flat tours)

Train Cemetery

A unique and eerie attraction, the Train Cemetery is a collection of abandoned steam locomotives from the early 20th century, left to rust in the desert.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Laguna Colorada

A stunning red lagoon in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, Laguna Colorada is home to flamingos and other wildlife, and offers breathtaking views.

Nature Full day or overnight trip Moderate to Expensive (depends on tour package)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Silpancho

A traditional Bolivian dish made with beef, rice, potatoes, and a fried egg, served with a spicy sauce.

Main dish Contains beef and eggs

Salteñas

A type of empanada filled with meat, vegetables, and a spicy sauce, typically eaten for breakfast or as a snack.

Snack Contains meat and spices

Api

A traditional Bolivian drink made from corn, sugar, and cinnamon, often served warm.

Drink Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Salt flat tours Hiking in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve Wildlife watching Visiting local cafés Exploring the town center Enjoying traditional Bolivian cuisine Visiting local markets Exploring the Train Cemetery

Best Time to Visit

May to October (Dry season)

The dry season offers clear skies, making it ideal for exploring the salt flat and other natural attractions. The weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities.

5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F) 41°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: Aymara, Quechua
English: Limited

Currency

Bolivian Boliviano (BOB)

Time Zone

GMT-4

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Uyuni is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid walking alone at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Avoid walking alone at night.
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis.

Getting there

By air

Joya Andina Airport • 5 km (3.1 miles) from city center

By train

Uyuni Train Station

By bus

Uyuni Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Uyuni, but they are not extensive. They are mainly used for travel to nearby towns and attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Not widely used

Rentals

Car

Neighborhoods

Town Center Train Cemetery Area

Day trips

Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve

180 km (112 miles) • Full day or overnight trip

The Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve is a stunning natural area home to colorful lagoons, geysers, and flamingos, offering a unique and breathtaking landscape.

Laguna Verde

150 km (93 miles) • Full day or overnight trip

Laguna Verde is a stunning green lagoon in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, offering breathtaking views and a unique landscape.

Festivals

Carnaval de Oruro • February/March (dates vary)

Pro tips

Book accommodations and tours in advance, especially during peak season.
Bring warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly at night.
Stay hydrated and be aware of the signs of altitude sickness.
Use reputable tour operators and taxis to avoid scams and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Respect local customs and traditions, and be mindful of your impact on the environment.