SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA TO UYUNI - 3 DAY SALAR DE UYUNI TOUR

Day 1 - Eduardo Avaroa Reserve

Welcome to Bolivia!

We leave San Pedro de Atacama early this morning for a short and scenic drive to Bolivia’s remote southwestern border (drive is unaccompanied by guide, only driver). Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our staff who will be ready to assist with migrations procedures if needed.

Once in Bolivia, we start our 4WD adventure entering Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, home to endemic wildlife and protected Andean landscapes. Our first stops are Laguna Blanca and Laguna Verde, two jewels in the middle of an unforgiving high-altitude (4500m) desert. Continuing, we have the opportunity to spend some time in the hot springs of Polques with stunning views of the Bolivian Altiplano. Later, we continue toward the boiling geysers and steam jets of Sol de Mañana at nearly 5000m!

The day’s main highlight is Laguna Colorada with its hundreds of pink flamingos and beautiful volcanic views all around it.

End the day by reaching our very basic lodge (Basic, Standard) or the more comfortable and private hotel (Plus) further north in the evening.

MEALS
Lunch, Dinner

ACCOMMODATION

BASIC: Very basic dormitory-style room, shared bathroom, no shower nor hot water (very basic, almost primitive accommodation)
STANDARD: Private room with private bathroom and lukewarm shower
PLUS: In order of availability/preference: Hotel Tayka del Desierto, Los Flamencos Eco Hotel or Mallku Cueva Hotel

SPECIAL INFORMATION
Ideally, take some time to acclimatize before this trip as the altitude reaches almost 5000m. Otherwise, talk to your doctor to be prescribed altitude medication e.g. Diamox if needed

Day 2 - Lagoons, deserts & wildlife

Our second day will take us further north to our next destination in Salar de Uyuni (Plus) or the southern rim of it (Basic, Plus) The morning will see us driving across scenic Andean landscapes, including the “Jewels of the Bolivian Altiplano” (a chain of pristine lagoons home to hundreds of flamingos you can see/photograph up close). We will also be lucky enough to stop at other beautiful sites such as quirky rock formations and scenic viewpoints. The rest of the day will depend on the time of year in which you join us:

Dry season (May to November)

Plus package: We will enter the might Salar de Uyuni in the afternoon. We will enjoy our first taste of salt plains by driving to the northernmost end of the salt flats where we will be based for the night, not before enjoying the colors of sunset against the white backdrop of the salt flats. Sleep in a village in the northern rim of the flats. Accommodation: Tayka Hotel de Sal or Tambo Coqueza

Basic & Standard packages: We will arrive in a small village in the southern rim of Salar de Uyuni but will not enter it until the following day.

Rainy season (December to April)

Plus package: In the afternoon, we will head toward the town of Colchani (past the town of Uyuni) where we will arrive in the southeastern rim of the salt flats. Here, the famed Salt Hotels are located where we will be able to enjoy a picturesque sunset before arriving in one of these unique hotels. Accommodation: In order of preference/availability: Hotel Palacio de Sal; Luna Salada or Cristal Samaña

Basic & Standard packages: We will arrive in a small village in the southern rim of Salar de Uyuni but will not enter it until the following day.

MEALS
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

ACCOMMODATION

BASIC:Basic room, shared bathroom, may have hot shower
STANDARD: Private room with private bathroom and hot shower.

SPECIAL INFORMATION
Your choice of package level will affect the location of your accommodation today. However, regardless of the package, you will see/visit all the same attractions, only in a different order/day

Day 3 - Salar de Uyuni

A full day is dedicated to enjoying the trip’s grand finale: Salar de Uyuni.

Dry season (May to November)

Plus: On our Plus package and in the dry season, we will visit the northern part of the salt flats, including the lesser-known village of Coqueza, gateway to the gorgeous Volcan Thunupa. You will optionally have the opportunity/time to take a moderate hike to an ancient site but what really stands out is the unmatched view of the entire extension of the Salar. Later, visit and hike to the top of Isla Incahuasi (easy to moderate hike) to enjoy the 360-degree views all around as well as the giant cacti growing on this bizarre island.

Basic & Standard: We will enter the salt flats through the southwestern end, immediately being mesmerized by the vastness and whiteness of this unique desert. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the deep-perspective effect which works great for fun photographs as well as climbing Incahuasi Island with its giant cacti to appreciate the sheer size of the salt flats thanks to the 360-degree view from here.

Rainy season (December to April)

Plus, Basic & Standard: In the rainy season, you will enter the salt flats through the southeastern rim (all packages) and pass through the village of Colchani where you will be able to see its colorful market and optionally, a rustic, salt-processing plant. Most of the day will be spent slowly driving along the shore of the salt flats as it is not possible to drive much further. Immediately, we are in awe by the perfect “mirror” of the sky at our feet. Take your time to find the perfect reflection as well as playing with the deep-perspective effect offered by the endless, flooded plains.

Regardless of the package, you will be able to stay until sunset (time permitting) to appreciate the beautiful colors against the white backdrop of Salar de Uyuni. Alternatively, head out of the salt flats towards the town of Uyuni to make one last stop at the Train Cemetery (not a major attraction, just a picturesque stop) to end the day. We will take you to your desired place of drop off, either at your hotel, airport or bus station in Uyuni where this trip of a lifetime ends.

• This trip covers around 800 Km in three days of off road driving at high altitude and cold climate.
• The trip can be easily enjoyed if you are prepared. It is recommended you read the itinerary before booking
• You may attempt to form a small group of people to reduce costs, but bear in mind that the more people in the vehicle, the less comfortable the trip will be. Consider that you will be driving through rugged terrain and in most parts, it cannot even be considered a road (which is why we use top-notch 4WD vehicles)
• It is ideal if you are headed from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni. It can also be taken in the opposite direction (See our Classic 3-Day Uyuni Salt Flats tour)
• Please note that the itinerary is modified during the rainy months of Dec to April (see itinerary)

PLEASE NOTE THAT PARK AND OTHER SITES' ADMISSION FEES - IF APPLICABLE - ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE (READ BELOW)

WHAT TO BRING

• Camera/drone
• Effective sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
• Warm layers as temperatures drop considerably in the evenings and mornings
• Bathing suit, sandals
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Money in Bolivianos for national park entrance fees and personal spending (drinks, souvenirs, tips, etc) unless you request admission fees to be included in the final price

WHY TAKE THIS TRIP WITH US?

• We are a tour operator, not a travel agency. We organize this trip by putting everything from transport to accommodation providers together to make sure it works as flawlessly as possible. Our trusted partners both in Chile and Bolivia have been tried and tested and we put our name confidently up front because we trust the safety and reliability they offer. A travel agency merely books you with a tour operator earning a commission for themselves and not giving a lot of care to your experience
• We put safety at the top of our priorities. We know Bolivia and Chile inside out and the roads, towns, villages, deserts, etc. that are safe to travel through. By using our services, you can rest assured that we will get you to your destination at the end of every day safely

IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO CONSIDER

• The itinerary may suffer changes without previous notice due to factors outside our direct control such as weather and road conditions. If we are forced to alter the itinerary in any way, it will be based on good judgment and necessary modifications for your own safety and comfort and you will be promptly notified. We never alter or skip attractions in the itinerary without explaining the reasoning behind any possible change and providing adequate proof that such change may be necessary. Therefore, you should not take the above itinerary as “set in stone” and we will not he held liable for any loss or damage that you may feel arising from such changes made for your benefit.
• Please note that the itinerary differs in the rainy season from the itinerary in the dry season. We will not be held liable/responsible for failure to read this information
• This region is a remote area that lacks the usual comforts of the modern world. You should not expect high standards of accommodation, hot water is available some of the time (according to respective package) and electricity is available for a few hours or more where possible.
• Food is handled hygienically and it is our priority and job that you are satisfied with the limited resources available in this region. Vegetarians are welcome, but should not expect special menus as we do what we can to serve appropriate portions of vegetables and fruit in the vegetarian menu
• During the rainy season (December to March/April) some parts of the salt flats may be inaccessible such as Incahuasi Island and time on the actual salt flats is limited. Most of the regular itinerary is followed as normal

The following are dates in which other people have shown interest in forming a group for this tour. Use the ENQUIRY tab to request a new date or join one of the dates below to form a group and obtain the respective price. The number of interested persons is shown for your reference and you will be updated via email if other people are interested in the same date. If your party consist of four persons, we suggest booking a tour outright to confirm departure.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Transportation by private vehicle from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni for 3 days
• Spanish-speaking driver (digital guide in IOS or Android app included) or English speaking guide (price varies)
• 2 nights’ accommodation according to selected package
• 3 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts
• Bottled water

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• National park and other sites’ admission fees: Approx. 30 USD, paid only local currency (Bolivianos/BOB). Please exchange to BOB before you leave San Pedro de Atacama (you may choose to have these included at the time of booking).
• Soft/fizzy and alcoholic drinks
• Optional tips/gratuities (highly recommended, but not mandatory)