San Pedro de Atacama

The Uyuni Salt Flats tour departing from San Pedro de Atacama starts with a 7:00 AM pick-up from your accommodations. When the whole group has been collected, the shuttle bus will begin its journey to the Bolivian border. Once there, you’ll meet your driver, stamp passports, eat breakfast, and load all your luggage onto the rugged 4x4. Then, the adventure begins!

Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve of Andean Fauna

White Lagoon and Green Lagoon: Upon entering Bolivia, you’ll cross directly into the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, where most of the day’s stops will be. The first is White Lagoon, located at the foot of the Licancabur Volcano, one of the most beautiful sights on this three-day tour. The tour continues with stops at the Green Lagoon, then crosses the Salvador Dali Desert (an overwhelming expansive plateau surrounded by imposing mountains, reminiscent of the famous painter’s works).

Aguas Termales De Polques

Polque Hot Springs - Geysers: The trail continues to the Polque Hot Springs, where you’ll soak in a pool of natural thermal water with the crisp cold air around you. You’ll thoroughly enjoy this relaxing experience! Before we move on, you’ll eat lunch with the whole group a few meters from the hot springs where the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape are on display. After lunch, we’ll continue to the Sol de La Mañana Geyser Field, an area covered in fumaroles and small geysers.

Laguna Colorada

Red Lagoon: The final stop of the first day is the Red Lagoon, the best-known and one of the most photographed sights in the Salt Flat. You’ll walk along a path parallel to the shore of the lagoon and see it up close to observe the immense colony of flamingos inhabiting it. When you’ve got your fill, the group will head to Villa Mar, where dinner will be served with your group, and you’ll spend the night in a shared or private room, according to your specific reservation request.

Valle De Rocas

Valley of Rocks - Lost Italia: At 8:00 AM sharp, after breakfast, you’ll visit two areas known for their rock formations, the Valley of Rocks and Lost Italy. They are becoming increasingly popular with travelers for their whimsical shapes with one in particular: The Camel.

Black Lagoon: Lunchtime is approaching, and as we walk around the last lagoon we’ll be visiting on the tour (the Black Lagoon or Hidden Lagoon) we search for llamas. In this area, it is very common to find them in the small green valley leading to the lagoon. In the meantime, our driver will prepare lunch and at 1:00 PM we’ll sit down to eat at the "rolling restaurant".

Siloli Desert

Anaconda Canyon - Sora Wetland: The tour continues with the route to the Anaconda Canyon. The canyon effortlessly displays the immensity of the Bolivian Altiplano, with its glistening river snaking across the valley floor. To see the canyon in its entirety, you'll have to hike to lookout points, which may not be to the liking of travelers with a fear of heights. We won’t judge anyone who prefers to hang back a little. Following the canyon visit, we’ll make our way to the next accommodations by passing the Bofedal (a high-altitude wetland) of Sora, where you’ll see llamas, vicuñas, and maybe some foxes.

Return to the accommodations: After two days on the road, we’ll stop at an idyllic local shop, a favorite of the locals, where you can relax with a few beers (some made from quinoa!) and if technology permits, connect to Wi-Fi. At sunset, we’ll arrive at the best salt hotel in the area, Tambo Loma Salt Hotel. Dine with sweeping views of the altiplano and rest in rooms entirely made of salt.

Uyuni Salt Flats: Rise and shine! The sunrise won’t wait, so at 5:00 AM, the group will set off for the Uyuni Salt Flats. Make yourself comfortable, wrap up warm, and wait just a few minutes to experience one of the most magical sunrises in the world.

Isla Incahuasi

Incahuasi Island: You’ll continue exploring the salt flat and visit Incahuasi Island. This place is home to a unique ecosystem full of giant cacti and, thanks to its elevation, is one of the best places to take in the views of the salt flat and snap more pictures of the Salar de Uyuni. Please note that during the rainy season, the island may not be accessible if the area is too flooded. However, the rain brings about the "mirror effect" on the salt flat, which you will get to experience. One way or another, nature is very kind to us. You’ll eat breakfast on the island overlooking the immense salt flat, then you’ll head to the next stop on the tour: a photo session in the Salar de Uyuni.

Colchani

Uyuni Salt Flats & Colchani - During the rainy season (January-March), you’ll head to the flooded portion of the salt flat to view the surreal mirror effect. Conversely, in the dry season, you’ll be right in the middle of the salt flat to take some amazing pictures. This is where the true depth of your driver’s abilities will be revealed; aside from driving you to every corner of the Salt Flat, and cooking for you on the route, your driver will also help capture unforgettable moments. This man is a jack of all trades!

Dakar Monument - Island of the Flags: On the way to Colchani, you’ll stop inside the salt flat at the Dakar Sculpture and the famous Island of Flags. After arriving in Colchani, you’ll have time to browse the local artisan shops; a great opportunity to buy souvenirs.

Lunch in Uyuni - Train Cemetery: After eating lunch in the "rolling restaurant" for two days, today your driver will get a break! You’ll be lunching with your group in a restaurant in Uyuni. Lunch is followed by the tour’s last stop at the train cemetery, where the remains of what was once a symbol of Bolivian development rest to their fate. You’ll say goodbye to the group and end the tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats from San Pedro de Atacama.