Salar De Uyuni With Lodging – 3 Full Days – With Lagoons

Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, is a natural wonder that captivates travelers from around the globe. This immersive 3-day tour promises an unforgettable experience, complete with comfortable lodging and guided exploration of vibrant lagoons, volcanic rock valleys, and the stunningly unique geological formations that define this remarkable landscape. Witness optical illusions, marvel at flocks of flamingos, and unwind in thermal baths – all while discovering the breathtaking beauty that makes Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni a must-visit destination. What awaits those who embark on this journey is an adventure that transcends the ordinary, leaving an indelible mark on the senses.

Good To Know

• The 3-day tour of Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, includes 4×4 adventure, meals, lodging, and a professional guide.
• The tour covers the world’s largest salt desert, with highlights such as the train cemetery, volcanic rock valleys, and lagoons with flamingos.
• The first day includes visits to the Train Cemetery, Colchani for salt extraction, and the Salar de Uyuni, with an overnight stay at the La Cabaña de Sal hostel.
• The second day features a visit to Volcan Ollague, exploration of the Siloli Desert, and a visit to Laguna Colorada, a flamingo nesting area.
• The third day includes a visit to Geiser Sol de la Mañana, exploration of Salar de Chalviri with thermal baths, and a stop at Laguna Verde.

Tour Overview

The 3-day tour of Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia’s renowned salt flat, offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of this stunning natural wonder.

Located in southwestern Bolivia, the tour covers the largest salt desert in the world, lasting for 3 full days. Travelers will embark on a 4×4 adventure with a reliable agency, experiencing highlights like a train cemetery, volcanic rock valleys, and lagoons with flamingos.

The tour includes meals, lodging, a professional guide, and all necessary entrance fees. While the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, it promises breathtaking landscapes, unique photo opportunities, and a chance to take in Bolivia’s extraordinary natural beauty.

Day 1 Itinerary

After the travelers are picked up, they begin their 3-day adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Salar de Uyuni. The first stop is the Train Cemetery, an open-air museum showcasing Bolivia’s mining era. Next, they visit Colchani to observe the local salt extraction and handicrafts.

Destination	Duration	Admission
Train Cemetery	45 minutes	Included
Colchani	2 hours	Free
Salar de Uyuni	3 hours	Included
Isla Incahuasi	2 hours	Included

The tour then takes them to the world’s largest salt desert, Salar de Uyuni, where they witness optical illusions and the "Ojos de Agua" before visiting the "Hotel de Sal" museum. Lastly, they explore Isla Incahuasi, home to cacti, rock fossils, and panoramic views, before settling in at the La Cabaña de Sal hostel for the night.

Train Cemetery

The first stop on the 3-day Salar de Uyuni tour is the Train Cemetery.

This open-air museum showcases the mining era’s remnants, with a graveyard of old steam locomotives and wagons scattered across the barren landscape.

Visitors can spend around 45 minutes exploring the site, learning about the region’s industrial history and the once-thriving railroad system.

The Train Cemetery provides a unique glimpse into Bolivia’s past, contrasting the desolate yet captivating scenery with the rusting, abandoned trains.

Admission to the Train Cemetery is included in the tour package, allowing travelers to enjoy this atmospheric and educational experience.

Colchani

Next, the tour proceeds to Colchani, where visitors can observe the local salt extraction process and browse an array of handcrafted salt products.

This quaint town is the gateway to the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. Tourists spend around two hours here, learning about the history and techniques of salt harvesting.

They can watch the workers rake and collect the salt, then visit the salt handicraft shops to purchase unique souvenirs.

The visit to Colchani provides a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who make a living from the extraordinary natural resource that’s the Salar de Uyuni.

Salar De Uyuni

From Colchani, the tour makes its way to the heart of the itinerary – the Salar de Uyuni. This vast, otherworldly salt flat is the world’s largest, covering over 4,000 square miles.

Visitors marvel at the optical illusions and "Ojos de Agua," or eyes of water, that dot the landscape. The tour includes a stop at the "Hotel de Sal," a museum showcasing the history and importance of salt in the region.

Guests can expect to spend around 3 hours exploring the Salar, taking in its breathtaking vistas and unique natural features, including:

• Vast, mirror-like salt flats
• Surreal optical illusions
• Naturally occurring "eyes of water"
• The "Hotel de Sal" museum

Isla Incahuasi

Isla Incahuasi, an oasis-like island rising from the vast Salar de Uyuni, offers visitors a chance to explore its unique landscape.

Dotted with giant cacti and ancient rock fossils, the island provides panoramic views of the surrounding salt flats. Travelers can spend up to 2 hours wandering the island, marveling at the stunning scenery.

The highlight is the chance to climb to the island’s peak, which affords sweeping vistas of the Salar and its famous "Ojos de Agua" – the shimmering pools that create optical illusions.

Overnight accommodations at the nearby La Cabaña de Sal hostel allow visitors to fully enjoy this otherworldly environment.

Day 2 Itinerary

After exploring the Train Cemetery and Salar de Uyuni on the previous day, the tour moves on to the volcanic region.

The second day starts with a visit to Volcan Ollague, a 5,868-meter volcano with nearby lagoons home to flamingos.

Next, the group ventures into the Siloli Desert, known for its dramatic rock formations in one of the driest regions.

The day culminates at Laguna Colorada, a flamingo nesting area where the water’s vibrant color is caused by algae and plankton.

This diverse itinerary showcases Bolivia’s volcanic landscapes and unique wildlife.

• Volcan Ollague
• Siloli Desert
• Laguna Colorada
• Flamingo sightings

Day 3 Itinerary

The third and final day of the tour takes travelers to the highest point of the excursion at the Geiser Sol de la Manana, where they can observe the boiling mud pools at an elevation of 5,000 meters. This is followed by a visit to the scenic Salar de Chalviri, where thermal baths are available. The tour concludes with a stop at Laguna Verde, offering views of the Licancabur Volcano and the emerald green water. The itinerary for this day is as follows:

Destination	Duration	Admission
Geiser Sol de la Manana	1 hour	Included
Salar de Chalviri	3 hours	Free
Laguna Verde	1 hour	Included

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Salar De Uyuni?

The best time to visit Salar de Uyuni is during the dry season between April and November. During this period, the salt flats offer the most stunning visual effects and optimal conditions for photography.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but the tour agency provides all meals and snacks. It’s recommended to check with the agency about any specific policies or restrictions for bringing outside items.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Charges During the Tour?

The tour price includes meals, lodging, guide services, and all entrance fees. However, there may be additional charges for optional activities or personal expenses during the tour. It’s best to check with the tour agency for details.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not have a strict dress code. However, it’s recommended to wear comfortable, layered clothing suitable for changeable weather conditions in the Bolivian highlands. Sturdy walking shoes or boots are also advised.

Can I Extend the Tour or Add Extra Activities?

Yes, you can extend the tour or add extra activities. The tour agency offers customizable options to accommodate your preferences and extend the duration or include additional stops. Speak with the agency to discuss any modifications to the standard itinerary.

The Sum Up

This immersive 3-day tour of Salar de Uyuni offers a chance to witness the world’s largest salt flat, explore vibrant lagoons, and experience the region’s dramatic landscapes. With comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and professional guidance, it’s an unforgettable adventure through one of Bolivia’s most captivating natural wonders.