San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni 3 Day Tour drives you through lagoons and desert. Stay at Tayka and Palacio de Sal and get Uyuni salt flats tour.
On your San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni Salt Flats 3 Day Tour you’ll discover the charms of natural wonders, stay at the most comfortable hotels, get the best English speaking tour guides, and live the most magical sunset on the white immensity of the largest salt desert in the world.
Your Tour Features
Tour Type Private
Tour Duration 3 Days
Pick-up time 6 – 7:30 AM
Drop-off time 7:30 PM
Pickup at Atacama Hotel
Drop-off Uyuni Hotel
What You’ll Do
DAY 1: You’ll be transferred on a shared vehicle from Atacama to Hito Cajón border. From here, you’ll ride off road to Hotel Tayka del Desierto with sightseeing stops at the White and Green Lagoons, Dali Desert, Polques hot springs, Sol de Mañana Geysers and have lunch at Laguna Colorada along the way.
DAY 2: Today you’ll visit the Valley of the Rock, Lost Italy, the Black Lagoon, Sora Canyon and Wetland, San Cristobal village (toilets) and make a last stop at the Train Cemetery in Uyuni town before heading to Palacio de Sal Hotel in Colchani village.
DAY 3: Your day begins with the visit of the Eye of the Salts, Dakar Statue, Playa Blanca First Salt hotel then head to Incahuasi Cactus Island. Here you’ll hike up the Cactus Island then after have lunch in the salt flats. Later, take the funniest perspective pictures and wait for the magic sunset.
Your Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Atacama to Tayka
6:00 am – 7:30 am – Atacama to Hito Cajón border
Your Chilean driver will show up at your hotel for the shared transfer from Atacama to Hito Cajón border. He might text you when approaching your address, along the way you’ll stop at a series of Chilean paper work control pass (Paso Ollague).
8:30 am – Hito Cajón Border
It’s the estimated arrival time at Hito Cajón Chile and Bolivia borderline. You’ll have a “quick” breakfast (provided by the Chilean transport, optional) then meet your Bolivian English speaking tour guide and personal driver. At Hito Cajón border you’ll be at an elevation of more than 4,000 meters above sea level, the place is dusty and the weather is freezing and windy.
Tourist Visa for Bolivia
Please check out if your nationality requires applying for the Bolivia Tourist Visa, if so it’s your whole responsibility. However your guide is going to assist you at the Bolivian immigration. You should bring all documents and USD in cash.
Then drive off road through the mesmerizing and impressive ethereal highland landscape until you arrive at Tayka del Desierto hotel with sightseeing stops along the way.
Estación Avaroa
After you’ve left Hito Cajón border, you’ll stop twice at the ADUANAS (customs) and Estación Avaroawhich is the entry ticket control pass. Just let your guide arrange this for you as your tickets are included.
White and Green Lagoon
Your first sightseeing stop will be at the Laguna Blanca and Laguna Verde, located at the foot of the Licancabur Volcano a few minutes driving away from the last control. A magnificent view of the lagoon divided into two different colors across the desert.
10:06 am – Dalí Desert
It is a large plateau surrounded by imposing mountains that will remind you of the paintings of the famous Spanish surrealist artist painter. You’ll stop at Dalí Desert for more pics and besides the dusty road you might see some Vicunas. This stop is only for less than 10 minutes.
Polques Hot Springs
The adventure continues on to the Polques Hot Springs, you’ll arrive after 15 min driving, where you will like this remote natural hot springs in the Bolivian High Andes, because taking a bath in the warm thermal water is a really nice and relaxing treat after the bumpy off-road ride to get there (but really optional).
One of the best things about the Polques Hot Springs is the view from the thermal pools overlooking the picturesque pastel landscape of Salar de Chalviri.
Sol de Mañana Geysers
The next stop will be at the Sol de Mañana Geyser field, a great site at almost 15,000 feet (4,570 meters), only reachable through a very rocky road by expert driver and guide.
There are lots of smaller mud holes, one largish geyser as well as a smaller one, and lots of water vapor coming out of the natural burrows. It creates surreal atmosphere, unexpected and interesting feature. One thing for sure is that there will not be too many other people about to share your experience.
There is strong dour of hydrogen sulphide gas, lots of minerals and hot bubbling mud. The walk around there could be a real health issue to infirm of any sort, be cautious of the danger.
The fumaroles place is quite small and would probably need only 5 minutes to walk around. The steady streams of hot vapor are not like geysers in Iceland or Yellowstone. If you have visited them then you can pass this place!
Laguna Colorada (lunch)
After a few hours travelling off road from the border of Chile, you will 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 Uyuni town.
Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve last entry ticket control check.
Stone Tree (Árbol de Piedra)
After the lunch, your 1-day off-roading 4WD tour continues onto Stone Tree (Árbol de Piedra, if time permitting or the next day)
Hotel Tayka del Desierto
After driving for almost 01 hour 15 min you will 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
- Atacama to Hito Cajon shared transfer
- Breakfast provided by the Chilean transport
- Bolivian English speaking tour guide
- Bolivian private driver
- 4WD private transport
- Entry tickets to Avaroa National Reserve
- Entry tickets to Polques Hot Spring
- Lunches at Laguna Colorada (or nearby)
- 01 night at Tayka del Desierto (based on twin or king size room)
- Dinners at Tayka del Desierto Hotel
Excluded
- Tourist Visa for Bolivia, if required
- Extra expenses at Tayka hotel
- Alcoholic drinks
DAY 2: Tayka to Palacio de Sal
After an early breakfast, your three-day off-roading 4WD tour continues onto Colchani’s best salt hotel near Uyuni Salt Flats.
Stone Tree
Your first stop of the day will be 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.
Valley of Rocks
The road continuing after 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.
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.
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 (rainy season), 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.
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.
You’llstop to see and take pictures of cute Llamas before you take the highway. If you’re lucky you’ll see many herds of Llamas pleasantly posing for your photos.
5:30 pm – San Cristobal Village
It’s the estimated arrival time at San Cristobal village. You can stop at this village for bathroom or just keep driving until Uyuni town, located 50 minutes away. San Cristobal is a village characterized by the silver mining.
Train Graveyard (Uyuni)
After a brief photo opportunity at the massive Sora Canyon you’ll arrive at your final stop of the day: the train cemetery. Which 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.
Quick optional stop in Uyuni city, if you’d like to purchase snacks, drinks or withdraw money from the ATM.
Palacio de Sal Hotel
Farther north the road you’ll reach your hotel for the night, a hotel made of salt, Palacio de Sal Hotel.
Included:
- Breakfast at Tayka del Desierto Hotel
- English speaking tour guide
- Private driver
- Private 4WD transport (Toyota Land cruiser or Nissan Patrol)
- Entry tickets to the attractions
- Lunches (picnic) on the way
- Drop-off at Palacio de Sal hotel
- 01 night accommodation at Palacio de Sal (or Cristal Samaña or Luna Salada Hotel)
- Dinners at the hotel
Excluded:
- Extra expenses
- Photographer
Day 3: Uyuni Salt Flats Tour
Today will be a unique and memorable day due to you’ll spend the time on the largest salt flats and wait for a magical sunset over it (dry season).
10:30 am – Pick-up at Hotel
Your driver and guide will meet you once again for the last day of your journey. Embark on your private vehicle and your trip continues on to the world’s largest Salt flats.
Eyes of the Salt
Eyes of the Salt, literally means “Ojos de Sal”, these are where you could see how the salt flats were formed. These bubble springs are outlets for subterranean rivers flowing under the surface of the meters thick salt but thereafter just salt as far as the eye can see and Fish Island will maroon in the salt.
The Salt Flat is covered with water during the rainy season after raining (from January to March). 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 you see during the dry season.
Dakar Statue
After the first stop in the edge of the Salar and taking the first perspectives pictures, you’ll migrate towards the Dakar Monument.
A slat statue honoring the annual rally raid started in 1978, organized by the Amaury Sport Organization, contestants driving across South America in this off-road competition with different motor vehicles – crossing dunes, crossing dunes, mud, camel grass, rocks, and erg.
The Uyuni Salt Flat was the stage of the rally since 2014, and the dramatic terrain of the Bolivian highland and the salt flats remained one of the most awaited parts by spectators.
Playa Blanca First Salt Hotel
Following that, you will reach an old fashioned hotel in the heart of the salt flat. The Playa Blanca 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.
12:30 pm – Incahuasi/Cactus Island (from May to November)
After the openings in the salt you’ll head to what we call an Island on the Salt!
It is the estimated arrival time for lunch/picnic in the Salar. This lunch will have you revived to explore more spots in the area such as the Incahuasi Island, an island full of cactuses!
Well, 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. It’s undeniable that the Incahuasi Island is a visually captivating place. 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 structures 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 looks so much more amazing if the salt flat is filled with water but is not reachable.
Drive away in the endless white layer for perspective photos with toys, llamas,
3:00 pm – Perspective Photos
Time for taking the craziest and funniest 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, 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
How the Sunset in the rainy season (from January to March) would look like.
By the late afternoon before the sun is gone, before you return to your hotel in Colchani or Uyuni town, bundle yourselves into warm jackets and go out the 4WD transport to watch the sunset over the salt flats.
The vast expanse of salt will turn pink as the sun sinks and the sky deepens to an orange glow reflecting on the ground, this would be the perfect mirror to what is above, an amazing sight which augured well for the days to come.
Since the area is so flat you’ll likely witness some insane color in the sky which provides a great juxtaposition to the endless white color of the ground.
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Drop-off at your hotel in Uyuni
It is the estimated time to return to Uyuni town and drop off at your selected place in Uyuni town (hotel or bus station).
Included:
- Breakfast at the hotel
- English speaking tour guide
- Private driver
- Private 4WD transport
- Entry tickets to Incahuasi Island (dry season)
- Lunches (picnic) in the Salar
- Drop-off at your hotel or bus station
Excluded:
- Hotel in Uyuni
- Bus tickets
- Dinners
- Extra expenses
- Cameras
- Gratuities
- Photographer
What to bring:
- Warm clothes
- Small back pack with toiletries
- Hat, cap, scarf
- Local cash currency
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Warm, light jacket
- Comfortable shoes
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Hey! I’m Fredy, one of the support team members, responsible of answering your emails and inquiries at headquarter.
If you have questions about San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni 3 Day Tour or need help making your booking, feel free to text me the number below and reference the name of the tour (or send the link). I’d be happy to help.
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