2-day Tour Uyuni Salt Flats
US$ 585 per person
On 2-Day Tour Uyunyi Salt Flats you’ll traverse the Bolivian highland, lagoons and stay at Tayka del Desierto. The next day, you’ll drive to Salar de Uyuni for lunch, perspective pictures and sunset.
Your “2 Day Tour Uyuni Salt Flats” will take you to visit the largest salt desert in the world and the Altiplanic Lagoons in the Bolivian highland led by an expert driver and a personal English speaking tour guide in the area. You’ll get a memorable experience staying the night in the heart of the Siloli desert.
What you’ll do on 2-Day Tour Uyuni Salt Flats (Overview)
DAY 1: Your journey, from Uyuni to Laguna Colorada, begins with the first stop at Uyuni train cemetery then after at San Cristobal village, Sora Canyon, the Black Lagoon, Lost Italy, Valley of the Rocks, Laguna Colorada and finally spend the night at Tayka del Desierto Hotel or at Mallku Cueva lodge.
DAY 2: Your day begins earlier with a direct drive from Tayka to Uyuni Salt Flats. On arrival you’ll have lunch and visit: the Eye of the Salts, Dakar Statue, Playa Blanca First hotel then head out to Incahuasi Island. Here, you’ll hike up the Cactus Island then after take the funniest perspective pictures and wait for the magical sunset.
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2-Day Tour Uyuni Salt Flats Features
TOUR TYPE: private
START PLACE: Uyuni town, Bolivia
START TIME: from 8:40 am, first day.
END PLACE: Uyuni Town, Bolivia.
END TIME: 6:30 pm, second day.
2-Day Tour Uyuni Salt Flats Itinerary:
DAY 1: Uyuni to Laguna Colorada
DAY 1 2
This day you’ll stop at (if weather permitting):
- Train Graveyard
Steel giants abandoned and destroyed cemetery of old locomotives
- Sora Canyon
Appreciate more Andean flora and grazing Llamas, Vicuñas and Alpacas
- Black Lagoon
Captivating out of this world outlandish landscape sprinkled with plants
- Lost Italy
You will see crazy rock formations extending across the valley
- Valley of Rocks
Stone formations with particular shapes as the Camel and World Cup
- Stone Tree
The shape of a tree standing in the Siloli desert
- Laguna Colorada
The lunch place and Flamingo habitat
- Hotel Tayka del Desierto
A simple stay with private bathroom, hot water and comfortable beds in a very secluded and unique landscape
Train Graveyard (Uyuni)
It is located on the otherwise deserted outskirts of Uyuni town, a small trading region high in the Andean plain.
Located on the otherwise deserted outskirts of Uyuni town, here steel giants have been abandoned and destroyed by salt winds becoming a CEMETERY FOR TRAINS, for locomotives. Most of the trains that can be found in the Graveyard date back to the early 20th century and were imported from Britain. There are many train cars with unique structure and occasional graffiti.
In other places in the world, the mighty steel trains would have held up better. The salt winds that blow over Uyuni, which hosts the world’s largest salt plain, have corroded all of the metal. Without guards or even a fence, these pieces were picked over and vandalized long ago.
Farther South the road you’ll reach your hotel for the night, a hotel made of stone, Tayka del Desierto.
Sora Canyon
Your next sightseeing stop will be at the Sora canyon which is the ideal landscape to appreciate more Andean flora and grazing Llamas, Vicuñas, Alpacas and even some foxes can be seen at the place.
Black Lagoon
The Black Lagoon is a captivating out of this world place due it’s outlandish landscape sprinkled with plants that look like rocks and rocks that seem sculptures, around an odd lake populated by Andean wild animals which makes Laguna Negra a succession of marvels, each one more impressive than the last.
Your lunch place might be at this area surrounded by llamas, in the small green valley that leads to the lagoon, and some endemic birds, making funny sounds, living in this quiet and disturbing pond.
In the meantime, while you explore the Black Lagoon, the driver will prepare the lunch for you.
From our point of view this is one of the most remarkable stops of this second day of your journey.
Lost Italy
What is amazing about these rocks, apart from all the bizarre shapes, is the extent of these stunning boulders. You can see these rocks and their crazy formations extending across the valley floor for miles wondering through endless pathways of these boulders.
It’s another amazing attraction to blow your mind. The Lost Italy, locally called Italia Perdida, is an isolated landscape with red rock formations one of the intriguing Bolivian highland Andes stone phenomena geological wind erosion under the Altiplanic blue sky in the serenity and peaceful wanderlust scenery.
Valley of Rocks
The road continuing towards the Laguna Colorada snakes between strange rocky formations, the Valley of Rocks, in one of the most isolated areas of the region.
The Valley of Rocks would easily turn out in one of the neatest stops in the isolated nature reserve as you will see stone formations with particular shapes as the Camel, World Cup and many others.
Stone Tree
After lunch your first day of 2-day off-roading 4WD tour continues onto Laguna Colorada and then after head out to Tayka del Desierto Hotel.
Your stop at the Stone Tree (Árbol de Piedra) which will have you all in awe. This particular rock projecting out of the sand dunes of the Siloli Desert, has been whittled down into the shape of a tree over time by sand and 120km/h winds that whip across 4,000 m high Bolivian Altiplano in the colder months.
The Stone Tree is about 7 m high, its shape, particularly the thin stem, are due to strong winds carrying sand and eroding the soft sandstone.
Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon)
By the afternoon, after a few hours travelling off road, you’ll arrive to a rare natural wonder a Red Lagoon, filled with hundreds of pink flamingos. There are more flamingos during the rainy season (from December through April).
The Laguna Colorada is a shallow salt lake and contains white borax islands, whose white color contrasts with the reddish color of its waters, which is caused by red sediments and pigmentation of some algae. Curiously, the flamingos are naturally white; they look pink because the red algae stains their feathers. It spans 6000 hectares, but is less than a meter deep.
Thanks to Laguna Colorada’s abundant supply of plankton three of the world’s six species of flamingo can be found here: the Chilean, Andean and the James’ Flamingo.
James’ Flamingo is only found in the high Andean plateaus and was thought to be extinct until a small population was rediscovered in 1956.
You will have lunch at this spectacular landscape after exploring its surroundings and before heading towards your hotel located in Siloli Desert.
Hotel Tayka del Desierto
After driving for almost 01 hour 15 min you’ll arrive to your accommodation the hotel Tayka del Desierto Ojito de Perdiz, the only one in the area.
It was ideally placed for exploring the colorful lagoons, geysers, fumaroles and bizarre rock formations of the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve besides of observing Andean fauna, migrating birds, and enjoying the stargazing.
Hotel Tayka del Desierto Ojo de Perdiz is a small lodge amid one of the world’s most unique and epic landscapes. It offers basic comforts in rustic lodging on your way to Bolivia’s otherworldly Salar de Uyuni.
This simple, rustic property blends into its natural surroundings while providing shelter against the strong winds. The property was built by the local community and is very much in tune with its environment, with friendly service and local food.
This remotely located hotel accommodates 47 guests in simple, suite and triple rooms adorned with local textiles, constructed from local volcanic stone, with private bathrooms, hot water and basic amenities. There are also snug feather duvets and heaters.
There are solar panels on the roof that generate electricity and hot water in the evenings. It is limited to a few hours a day, and extra blankets and candles are available upon request.
The restaurant serves an American breakfast and a variety of local and international dishes for lunch and dinner, complemented by local wines and beers.
INCLUDED:
- Uyuni to Tayka del Desierto private 4WD transport
- Private expert driver
- English speaking tour guide
- Entry tickets (Eduardo Avaroa National Park)
- Lunches (picnic) along the way
- 01 night accommodation at Tayka del Desierto
- Dinner
EXCLUDED:
- Extra expenses and amenities at the Tayka del Desierto
DAY 2: Tayka del Desierto to Uyuni Salt Flats
DAY 1 2
This day you’ll stop at (if weather permitting):
- Eyes of the Salt
Your first stop in the white salt flat
- Dakar Statue
In honor of the rally car race
- Playa Blanca Salt Hotel
Learn from your guide about the first Salt Hotel
- Incahuasi/Cactus Island
Stop for lunch and hiking
- Perspective Photos
Drive away for the craziest and funniest pics
- Salt Flats Sunset
Wait with a glass of wine the sun setting over the salt flat
Today is a unique and a memorable experience as you’ll be exploring the largest Salt Flats in the world and wait for a magical sunset over it.
Your day begins with a 4 hr drive from Tayka del Desierto Hotel to Uyuni salt flats.
Eyes of the Salt
Eyes of the Salt, literally means “Ojos de Sal”, These are warm bubbling saline springs and you’ll see how the salt flats were formed in the area where we entered the salt flats, but thereafter just salt as far as the eye can see and Fish Island marooned in the salt.
What can at times look like a snow-covered wonderland is actually several dried-up, prehistoric lakes that formed salty pentagon patterns on the surface. But beneath the crust is lithium, the precious metal element, that could potentially provide a better economic future for Bolivia.
It is absolutely dazzling out on the salt flats and sunglasses are essential.
The Salt Flat is covered with water during the rainy season after raining. Then the sun and the wind dry the surface and a layer of white crust is formed. The crust will eventually crack as the salt, which is still wet, underneath dried up and protrude to the surfacing. The end result is polygon patterns that we saw during the dry season.
Dakar Statue
After a short break at the Eyes of the Salt, you’ll arrive at the Dakar Monument and salt hotel and take some pictures of the flags.
The Dakar is an annual rally raid, started in 1978, organized by the Amaury Sport Organisation. Contestants drive across South America in this off-road endurance competition with different motor vehicles – crossing dunes, mud, camel grass, rocks, and erg. The Uyuni Salt Flat was the stage of the rally since 2014, and the dramatic terrain remained one of the most awaited parts by spectators.
Playa Blanca First Salt Hotel
First Salt Hotel is within walking distance, continuing your journey, you’ll reach an old hotel in the heart of the salt flat. The salt hotel was once in operation, but now it’s a pit spot for tourists to take pictures of the flags and have a walk inside.
The outside of the hotel has many country flags hanging on a series of poles. In fact, these flags were brought there by the tourists.
Many people take pictures all around…you have time to take the first pictures with your preferred toys then after we’re heading to set of flags.
“Wow stunning”
Incahuasi/Cactus Island
After the openings in the salt you’ll head to what it is called an Island on the Salt! An island full of cactuses!
Before you climb the Incahuasi Island have lunch surrounded by a unique landscape.
Since it’s a salt flat, the entire area is really, just salt. There are several “Islands” in the salt flat and the Incahuasi Island is in the center of the Salar.
The island is a hilly and rocky outcrop of the land – “Incahuasi” literally means “Inca House” and the island is a giant rock that is filled with coral-like structure and gigantic cactuses. That’s why sometimes it is called the “Cactus Island” as well. It is also a great view once you reach the top of the island. The view of the salt flat is boundless, and it would look so much more amazing if the salt flat is filled with water.
Following this, you’ll drive away in the endless white layer for perspective photos with toys, llamas, etc.
Perspective Photos
Take optical illusion pictures. The reflection of the water after the rain is the perfect setting for epic photos that allows you to show off to your friends. True, that’s probably the reason that you visit the salt flat.
But in case the weather doesn’t go your way (from May to December), the vast, white flatland is still very impressive. The dry land may be even friendlier for you to take optical illusion pictures. Imagine the flatland is filled with nothing but salt as far as your eye can see.
This is the perfect canvas for taking optical illusion pictures and letting your mind go wild. Play with proportions, and play with distance – the horizon will give the perspective that the objects nearer to the camera are larger than those farther away, and there is nothing else in the frame to ruin your illusion, and there is nothing else in the frame to ruin your illusion.
Uyuni Salt Flats Sunset
Wait for the sunset and return to Uyuni town. You’ll have to bundle yourselves into warm jackets and wait to watch the sunset over the salt flats. The vast expanse of salt turns pink as the sun sinks and the sky deepens to an orange glow. It’s an amazing sight which augures well for the days to come. Salar de Uyuni at sunset absolutely stunning; the orange, pink and yellow light reflecting on the ground is a perfect mirror to what is above.
INCLUDED:
- Breakfast at Tayka del Desierto
- Private transport from Tayka to Uyuni
- English speaking tour guide
- Private driver
- Lunches in the Salar de Uyuni
- Entry tickets to the Salt Flats
- Salt Flats sunset
- Drop-off at your hotel in Uyuni downtown, bus terminal or Colchani village.
EXCLUDED:
- Extra expenses (bathroom uses)
- Dinner at th end of the tour
- Hotel in Uyuni or Colchani
- Bus tickets
Important information
During the rainy season (from December to March approximately) the itinerary may be modified, since the salt flat is flooded and some areas such as Inca Huasi Island or some accommodations may not be accessible. The flooded areas change constantly, so depending on the situation at that time the driver will offer the best alternative to enjoy the tour.
What to bring to Uyuni Salt Flats tour 1 day
- Passport
- Warm clothing
- Raincoat
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal hygiene articles and medication
- Cash
- Camera
- Medication against altitude sickness
- Negative PCR or Certificate of Vaccination
Where does the “2-Day Tour Uyuni Salt Flatts” begin?
If you are planning to arrive from La Paz you can fly directly to Uyuni. If you plan to travel to Uyuni by land you should take a bus. We recommend taking the night bus which departs from La Paz at 9 p.m.
If you arrive in Uyuni on the same day as the tour starts, we offer you a free transfer from the bus station or airport to Uyuni. If you arrive in Uyuni before the day the tour starts, your pickup point will be your accommodation in Uyuni.
Request Further Information. Get more. Do more.
If you have questions and doubts about 2-Day Tour Uyuni Salt Flats, take your time in telling us your inquiries and we’ll show you a lot more options.
Just email us at:
Or WhatsApp us:
+51 965154772 (Fredy, the guy responsible of answering your emails and inquiries at headquarter)
How to book
- We greatly appreciate a First Deposit of 30 to 40% via PayPal and the total balance should be paid in USD or BOB cash upon pick-up from your hotel, bus terminal or Uyuni airport.
- Your payment will allow us to reserve and secure your spots on the tour.
Now please, start by filling the Booking Form below.
