Explore the otherworldly Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia on a comprehensive full-day tour. This shared excursion, led by an English-speaking guide, takes you through the region’s iconic sights, from the Train Cemetery to the salt processing plant in Colchani. Indulge in a delightful lunch at Playa Blanca Hotel before marveling at the giant cacti of Incahuasi Island. As the day draws to a close, witness a breathtaking sunset at Tunupa Volcano, sipping complimentary wine. This unforgettable Bolivian experience promises to leave you in awe of the natural wonders that await.
Good To Know
- A full-day shared tour of Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, with visits to the Train Cemetery, Colchani salt processing plant, Playa Blanca Hotel, and Incahuasi Island.
- Opportunity to witness the sunset at Tunupa Volcano and spot flamingos, with a 5.0 rating and 94% recommendation based on 16 reviews.
- Tour includes a professional English guide, lunch with drinks, and complimentary wine, with a group size limited to 12 travelers for a personalized experience.
- Pickup available from Uyuni hotels and hostels, with an additional pickup at Hotel Luna Salada, enhancing accessibility for various travel needs.
- Positive traveler reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge, unique photo opportunities, quality of lunch, and overall satisfaction with the tour organization.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview and Highlights
This full-day shared tour of Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia takes visitors on an exploration of the world’s largest salt flat in a 4WD vehicle.
The tour features visits to the Train Cemetery, Colchani salt processing plant, Playa Blanca Hotel for lunch, and the iconic Incahuasi Island with its giant cacti.
Travelers will also witness the sunset at the Tunupa Volcano and have the opportunity to spot flamingos.
Recommended by 94% of past participants based on 16 reviews, this tour earns an impressive 5.0 rating with 15 five-star reviews.
Itinerary Details
The tour departs Uyuni at 10:30 AM, first heading to the Train Cemetery.
After a brief stop at the Colchani salt processing plant at 11:00 AM, the group enters the Salar de Uyuni at noon to observe the salt extraction process and natural waterholes.
Lunch is served at the Playa Blanca Hotel at 12:30 PM.
The tour then visits the Incahuasi Island at 1:30 PM, where travelers can see the giant cacti.
At 3:30 PM, the group arrives at the Tunupa Volcano to take photos and see the flamingos, before enjoying the sunset at the Salar with complimentary wine at 5:30 PM.
The tour returns to Uyuni at 7:00 PM.
Key highlights of the itinerary include:
- Visiting the Train Cemetery and Colchani salt processing plant
- Observing salt extraction and natural waterholes in the Salar de Uyuni
- Exploring Incahuasi Island and its giant cacti
- Witnessing the sunset at the Salar with complimentary wine
Inclusions and Additional Information
The tour includes a professional English guide, lunch with drinks, and complimentary wine for the sunset viewing.
Ticket payments are an additional $7 per person. Travel insurance is included in the tour price.
The group size is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers per tour. Customers can cancel their booking for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available. Most travelers can easily participate in the day-long excursion.
Pickup and Accessibility
Pickup for the tour commences at 10:30 AM from Uyuni hotels and hostels, with an additional pickup option at 12:00 PM from the Hotel Luna Salada.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infant seats are available. Most travelers can participate in the experience.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
This tour offers a convenient and accessible way for visitors to explore the stunning Salar de Uyuni, with multiple pickup locations to accommodate various travel needs.
Traveler Reviews and Experiences
Travelers have widely praised the tour guides for their extensive knowledge and deep passion for Bolivian culture, which has enhanced the overall experience.
The unique photo opportunities throughout the tour, particularly at the Salar de Uyuni and Incahuasi Island, have been consistently highlighted by travelers.
Feedback on the quality of the provided lunch and complimentary wine at sunset has also been positive.
While one traveler complained about the lack of an English-speaking guide for their group, the majority of reviewers expressed satisfaction with the tour’s organization and execution.
Train Cemetery and Colchani
Departing Uyuni at 10:30 AM, the tour first stops at the eerie Train Cemetery, where travelers can explore the abandoned locomotives and railcars that litter the landscape.
This unique outdoor museum offers a glimpse into Bolivia’s industrial past, with rusting machinery and forgotten equipment scattered across the site.
The next stop is Colchani, the main salt processing center of the Salar de Uyuni.
Visitors can observe:
- Salt extraction and processing techniques
- Handicraft workshops where locals create intricate salt sculptures
- Opportunities to purchase souvenirs and local products
These initial stops provide an engaging introduction to the wonders that await on the world’s largest salt flat.
Playa Blanca Hotel and Lunch
After exploring the eerie Train Cemetery and observing the salt processing at Colchani, the tour proceeds to the Playa Blanca Hotel, where travelers enjoy a well-deserved lunch.
Located on the edge of the Salar de Uyuni, the hotel offers a picturesque setting for the midday meal. The tour includes a lunch with drinks, allowing guests to replenish their energy levels before continuing their journey.
The menu features a variety of local Bolivian dishes, providing travelers with an authentic culinary experience. With its prime location and quality fare, the Playa Blanca Hotel ensures that participants are well-fed and ready to tackle the next leg of the Uyuni salt flat tour.
Incahuasi Island and Tunupa Volcano
Leaving the Playa Blanca Hotel behind, the tour heads to Incahuasi Island, a remarkable oasis amidst the vast Salar de Uyuni.
This unique island is home to giant cacti, some over 12 feet tall, which have adapted to the harsh, arid landscape.
After exploring the island, the tour continues to the Tunupa Volcano, where stunning vistas await.
Travelers can witness the beauty of the Salar at sunset, complete with a complimentary glass of wine.
This segment of the tour offers:
- Visiting Incahuasi Island and its giant cacti
- Arriving at the Tunupa Volcano for sunset photos
- Enjoying a complimentary glass of wine while taking in the views
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
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- Uyuni Salt Flats 3 Days/ 2 Nights With English Speaking Guide
- Private Service | Salar De Uyuni (Sunset and Night of Stars)
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- Uyuni Salt Flat at Sunset and Starry Night | Private Tour |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Camera Gear for Capturing Salar De Uyuni Photos?
A wide-angle lens, like a 16-35mm, is best for capturing the vast expanse of the Salar de Uyuni. Bring a tripod to stabilize long exposures. Polarizing filters can enhance the dramatic skies and reflections.
Is It Possible to Visit the Salar During the Rainy Season?
Yes, it’s possible to visit the Salar de Uyuni during the rainy season, though the experience will be different. The flooded salt flats create stunning reflective surfaces, but accessibility and some activities may be limited.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Fit My Personal Interests?
Customizations are generally limited on shared group tours, but it’s worth inquiring with the tour provider. They may be able to accommodate minor adjustments to the itinerary to suit your personal interests within the tour’s overall structure and schedule.
How Can I Avoid Getting Sunburned During the Tour?
To avoid sunburn, wear sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen regularly throughout the tour as the glare from the salt flats can be intense. Staying hydrated is also key to preventing sunburn.
Are There Any Additional Activities or Stops Available on the Tour?
The tour includes visits to the Train Cemetery, Colchani salt processing plant, Incahuasi Island with giant cacti, and the Tunupa Volcano for sunset and flamingo viewing. There aren’t any other additional activities or stops mentioned in the overview.
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The Sum Up
The Uyuni Salt Flats tour offers an unforgettable experience, showcasing Bolivia’s natural wonders. Visitors can explore the iconic Train Cemetery, observe salt processing, enjoy a delicious lunch, and marvel at the stunning Incahuasi Island and Tunupa Volcano. With an English-speaking guide and complimentary wine, this shared tour provides a comprehensive and awe-inspiring glimpse into the beauty of the Bolivian landscape.