Uyuni Salt Flats - Full day tour from Uyuni

Uyuni , Bolivia

Uyuni Salt Flats - Full day tour from Uyuni

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(4 reviews)

8h - 9h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

We know as travelers that finding a quality tour in Uyuni might be tricky, here we are to clear your concerns and make your day trip unique with Howlanders.

During the one-day Tour to the Uyuni Salt Flats, we will have the chance to enjoy one of the most wonderful landscapes in the world, an infinite desert of salt where we will be able to visit the train cemetery and the incredible Incahuasi island, eat in the middle of the desert and contemplate a spectacular sunset.

Available options

Private tour

Private tour : Up to 6 travelers per car<br/>Pickup included

Shared tour

Shared tour up to 6 people.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Hotel or Uyuni airport pickup

Expert driver

Lunch

Shared transportation in 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser or similar (7 seats)

Detailed itinerary

After meeting and picking up the rest of our fellow travelers at their hotels, we will leave in our 7-seater 4x4 to our first stop: the train cemetery, a landscape formed by the remains of what a long time ago was a symbol of Bolivians development into a modern nation.

We will continue our trip through the salar and visit the Colchani salt refinery, here we will learn about the extraction and refinery process of the salt. Just a few meters away we will see the large salt heaps and the salt eyes and understand how the extraction process works.

We will go deeper into the salar and we will make our first long stop at the Incahuasi Island (the entrance fee is 30 bolivian pesos). This island is one of the few elevated places in the whole salt flats and hosts a unique environment. We will walk through its trails and see the different species of cactus that inhabit it. As we reach the highest point, we are rewarded with a fascinating panorama view of the wide desert. The perfect spot for some memorable photos...

Stop 4

After the visit of Incahuasi we will go further into the desert to have lunch together in the middle of the salar. The tour guide will prepare the table and chairs and will cook for us so we can enjoy the meal with one of the best possible views.

After lunch, we will continue and make a stop at the first Salt Hotel that was built in the Salar: the Playa Blanca Hotel. Here we will be able to take pictures in front of the famous DAKAR statue.

On the way back we will stop in a quiet area where we can see the magical sunset in the salt flats before returning to Uyuni town, where we will arrive around 7 pm, right on time for you to take the bus back to La Paz in case you need to do so

What's not included

Tickets to Incahuasi Island

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

These are the contact details of the local agency

Skyline Traveler
+591 68506665
Av. Ferroviaria #22 (between Sucre and Camacho streets) - Uyuni

To coordinate the exact time of pick up and start of your tour, please contact me two days before the departure date. You can do it by Whatsapp or call me at +591 68506665. Remember that it is very important that you make sure what are the current restrictions to get to Uyuni and access the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve. If you have any questions, please contact us at bookings@howlanders.com. Remember that if you take the tour during the rainy season (from December to March), the itinerary may be modified depending on the areas of the salt flats that are flooded.

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.