4-Day Uyuni Salt Flats & Desert Adventure from San Pedro de Atacama to La Paz

San Pedro de Atacama , Chile

4-Day Uyuni Salt Flats & Desert Adventure from San Pedro de Atacama to La Paz

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About this experience

Depart San Pedro de Atacama on an unforgettable 3-day expedition in a 4x4 Toyota land cruiser through the desert of southwest Bolivia and into the vast and blinding-white salt flats of Uyuni. Along the way, visit tiny villages, multi-colored lakes with flamingos, geysers, and thermal hot-springs at 5,000m.

Available options

4-Day Uyuni Salt Flats & Desert Adventure from San Pedro de Atacama to La Paz

Pickup included

What's included

Local Driver

Transportation in 4WD with rooftop luggage rack during tour

Shower on the 2nd night but very basic (Hot Shower for 10 Bs)

Lunch

Dinner

Breakfast

1 Night bus Uyuni - La Paz (no tour leader on bus)

What's not included

Entrance Fees: Isla Incahuasi (30 Bs*), Reserva Eduardo Avaroa Protected Area (150 Bs*

Please note that these fees must be paid in Bolivianos and are subject to change without prior notice.

English Speaking Guide

Shower on the first night Tips

Please keep in mind that tipping is common in Latin America and would be greatly appreciated.

Airport Transfers

Personal Expenses

Travel Insurance

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This trip takes place at a very high altitude. The salt flats are around 5,000 meters above sea level, and most guests will be able to feel the effects. We recommend acclimating yourself to above 3,000 meters before the trip and bringing along medication for headaches and tablets for altitude sickness in case you feel unwell. And remember, the real key is to drink lots of water!

The reality of visiting a remote area and immersing yourself in nature is that you will be far from modern facilities and the services will sometimes be slow and quite basic. Due to the harsh terrain, vehicle breakdowns are not uncommon, but the drivers are very used to fixing them and wait times are rarely excessive. The accommodations will be very basic, with cots and shared rooms, and the electricity and running water in the National Park are not as dependable as they are back at home. Toilet facilities may have a small local cost. Make sure to bring snacks, some water, toilet paper, and plenty of warm clothes. That said, with some patience, preparation, and an appetite for adventure, this trip will certainly be a positive and unforgettable experience.

Sun hat, sunglasses (to protect your eyes from the bright glare off the salt panes), sunblock, coat, gloves, wool hat, trekking shoes, warm socks, swimsuit and towel for hot springs at Sol de Manana Geysers,

We recommend bringing a 5 Liter bottled water so you can have enough water for the whole trip), snacks, personal medication. Flashlight/torch, camera, extra batteries and memory card, charger (electricity available in most hotels), hand sanitizer, personal first aid kit, water bottle. You will be sleeping up to 4,300 meters above sea level and depending on the season, temperatures can drop well below zero (reaching less than -25 degrees Celsius in the winter months of June and July) and the wind chill can be harsh, so bring plenty of warm clothing, like a scarf and wool hat for the chilly evenings.

Important notes

ALTITUDE: The salt flats are around 5,000 meters above sea level, and most guests will be able to feel the effects. We recommend acclimating yourself to above 3,000 meters before the trip and bringing along medication for headaches and tablets for altitude sickness in case you feel unwell. And remember to drink lots of water!

ACCOMMODATION / FACILITIES ON TOUR: The reality of visiting a remote area and immersing yourself in nature is that you will be far from modern facilities and the services will sometimes be slow and quite basic. Due to the harsh terrain, vehicle breakdowns are not uncommon, but the drivers are very used to fixing them and wait times are rarely excessive. The accommodations will be very basic, with cots and shared rooms, and the electricity and running water in the National Park are not as dependable as they are back at home. Toilet facilities may have a small local cost. Make sure to bring snacks, some water, toilet paper, and plenty of warm clothes. That said, with some patience, preparation, and an appetite for adventure, this trip will certainly be a positive and unforgettable experience.

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST: Sun hat, sunglasses (to protect your eyes from the bright glare off the salt panes), sunblock, coat, gloves, wool hat, trekking shoes, warm socks, swimsuit and towel for hot springs at Sol de Manana Geysers, extra bottles of water (we recommend bringing a 5 Liter bottled water so you can have enough water for the whole trip), snacks, personal medication. Flashlight/torch, camera, extra batteries and memory card, charger (electricity available in most hotels), hand sanitizer, personal first aid kit, water bottle. You will be sleeping up to 4,300 meters above sea level and depending on the season, temperatures can drop well below zero (reaching less than -25 degrees Celsius in the winter months of June and July) and the wind chill can be harsh, so bring plenty of warm clothes like a scarf and wool hat for the chilly evenings.

About San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama is a charming town in northern Chile, known as the gateway to the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world. This unique destination offers stunning landscapes, ancient archaeological sites, and a rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit for adventure and nature enthusiasts.

Top Attractions

Valle de la Luna

Valle de la Luna is a surreal lunar-like landscape with sand dunes, rock formations, and salt formations. It's a must-visit for its stunning views and unique geological features.

Nature Half-day tour Moderate (approximately $20-$30 for a guided tour)

Laguna Cejar

Laguna Cejar is a unique saltwater lagoon where you can float effortlessly due to its high salt content. It's a great spot for swimming and relaxing.

Nature Half-day tour Moderate (approximately $20-$30 for a guided tour)

Geysers del Tatio

Geysers del Tatio is a geothermal field with boiling hot springs and geysers. It's one of the highest geyser fields in the world and offers a unique experience.

Nature Full-day tour Moderate (approximately $50-$70 for a guided tour)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cazuela

A traditional Chilean stew made with meat, potatoes, corn, and pumpkin. It's a hearty and comforting dish perfect for the cool evenings in the desert.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian versions are available

Empanadas de Pino

A popular Chilean snack, these empanadas are filled with a mixture of ground beef, onions, raisins, olives, and a hard-boiled egg.

Snack/Appetizer Vegetarian and vegan options are available

Popular Activities

Sandboarding Dune buggy rides Hiking Mountain biking Hot springs Yoga retreats Meditation Visit to the Atacama Museum

Best Time to Visit

April to October (dry season)

The dry season offers the best weather for exploring the desert, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures during the day. Nights can be quite cold.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English, Quechua (indigenous language)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Chilean Peso (CLP)

Time Zone

CLT (UTC-4)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

San Pedro de Atacama is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night
• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and guides

Getting there

By air

El Loa Airport • 200 km (124 miles) from San Pedro de Atacama

By bus

San Pedro de Atacama Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses connect San Pedro de Atacama to nearby attractions like the Valle de la Luna and Laguna Cejar. They are affordable but not very frequent.

Taxis

Available • Apps:

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Town Center Cascadas

Day trips

Puritama Hot Springs

20 km (12 miles) from San Pedro de Atacama • Half-day to full-day

Puritama Hot Springs offers a relaxing and rejuvenating experience in a stunning desert setting. The natural hot springs are surrounded by beautiful rock formations and lush vegetation.

Rainbow Valley (Valle del Arcoiris)

100 km (62 miles) from San Pedro de Atacama • Full-day

Rainbow Valley is known for its colorful rock formations and stunning landscapes. It's a popular spot for hiking, photography, and exploring the unique geological features of the Atacama Desert.

Festivals

Atacama Desert Festival • February

Pro tips

Visit the Valle de la Luna at sunset for the best views and photography opportunities
Book tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the strong desert sun
Dress in layers to accommodate the significant temperature variations between day and night
Respect the environment and follow the principles of responsible tourism