From Uyuni: Full-Day Guided Trip to Salar De Uyuni

Embarking on a full-day guided trip from Uyuni to the breathtaking Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, is a must-do experience for any traveler visiting Bolivia. This adventure promises an unforgettable journey filled with stunning natural landscapes, culture, and photographic opportunities that’ll leave a lasting impression. With a team of knowledgeable guides, travelers can explore the rich history and unique features of this natural wonder, from the eerie Train Cemetery to the iconic Salt Hotel. As the day draws to a close, the chance to witness the mesmerizing sunset over the salt flats, accompanied by a glass of wine, sets the stage for an experience that’ll truly captivate the senses.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Guided Tours In Uyuni.

Key Points

• A full-day guided trip from Uyuni to Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, with a duration of 525 minutes and a price of $109 per person.
• The tour includes transportation in a 4WD vehicle, an English-speaking guide, meals, and entrance fees, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
• Highlights of the itinerary include the Train Cemetery, the salt iodization plant and artisan market in Colchani, and the iconic Salt Hotel on the salt flats.
• The tour offers a sunset experience over the salt flats with a glass of wine, as well as the opportunity to capture unique perspective photos playing with scale and reflection.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with altitude sickness or those over 95 years old, and recommended items include comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and passport/ID.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This full-day guided trip from Uyuni to Salar de Uyuni offers an immersive exploration of Bolivia’s renowned salt flats, providing a comprehensive itinerary at a price of $109.00 per person for a duration of 525 minutes.

The tour departs at 10:30 a.m. from Uyuni City, returning at approximately 7:15 p.m.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, or opt for the reserve now & pay later option.

The guided experience includes transportation in a 4WD with a rooftop luggage rack, an English-speaking guide, and select meals and entrance fees.

Itinerary Highlights

The guided tour takes visitors on a journey through the highlights of Salar de Uyuni, beginning with a visit to the Train Cemetery – a relic of the 19th-century railways that once operated in the region.

Travelers then explore Colchani, where they can observe the salt iodization plant, browse the artisan market, and visit a small salt museum.

The main attraction, of course, is the breathtaking Salar de Uyuni itself, the world’s largest salt flat at an altitude of 3,665 meters.

Guests also visit the iconic Salt Hotel, constructed entirely from salt blocks, as well as the Dakar Monument and Flags of the World Island.

The tour culminates with a sunset experience over the salt flats, accompanied by a glass of wine.

Inclusions

The tour includes transportation in a 4WD vehicle with a rooftop luggage rack, as well as the services of a local driver and an English-speaking guide. Plus, it covers one lunch and a glass of wine for participants. Entrance fees to Isla Incahuasi (30 Bs*) and the toilets along the way (10 Bs) are also included. Pickup from the airport and bus station is provided, though personal expenses are not covered.

Inclusions	Details
Transportation	4WD vehicle with rooftop luggage rack
Guide	Local driver and English-speaking guide
Meals	1 lunch and 1 glass of wine
Entrance Fees	Isla Incahuasi (30 Bs*) and toilets (10 Bs)
Pickup	Airport and bus station

Important Information

Important information to consider when booking this full-day guided trip to Salar de Uyuni includes that it’s not suitable for individuals with altitude sickness or those over 95 years old.

Guests should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

Pets, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour.

The itinerary may be subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

To help ensure a memorable experience, the tour includes:

1. Transportation in a 4WD vehicle with a rooftop luggage rack.

2. An English-speaking guide to provide information and assist with photography.

3. Entrance fees to Isla Incahuasi and use of the toilets along the way.

4. Pickup from the airport or bus station.

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Customer Reviews

According to the customer reviews, this full-day guided trip to Salar de Uyuni has received an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on 3 reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the guides’ helpfulness in taking pictures and providing informative commentary, as well as the memorable experiences including the sunset and stargazing.

Travelers have also recommended this tour agency for its well-organized excursion.

The reviews suggest that the guides excel at enhancing the participants’ experience, whether by capturing stunning photos or sharing insightful information about the unique landscapes.

On top of that, the breathtaking sunset and opportunities for stargazing are noted as particularly impactful moments that contribute to the tour’s high praise from satisfied customers.

Visiting the Train Cemetery

After departing from Uyuni, the tour journey begins with a visit to the Train Cemetery, where travelers can explore the eerie remains of 19th-century locomotives that have been abandoned in the vast, arid landscape. The ghostly presence of these rusting trains creates a captivating and somewhat haunting atmosphere, inviting visitors to imagine the stories behind their demise.

As they wander through the site, travelers can:

1. Marvel at the scale and sheer number of locomotives, some of which are partially buried in the salt-encrusted soil.

2. Capture stunning photographs, framing the trains against the backdrop of the Salar de Uyuni.

3. Appreciate the historical significance of these relics, once vital to the region’s transportation and economic development.

4. Engage with the local guide to learn more about the site’s history and the factors that led to the trains’ abandonment.

Exploring Colchani

From the Train Cemetery, the tour then proceeds to the small town of Colchani, where visitors witness the production of salt and explore a bustling artisan market. At the salt iodization plant, guests observe the process of extracting, processing, and packaging salt for distribution. The artisan market offers a vibrant showcase of locally crafted items, ranging from salt lamps and jewelry to handwoven textiles and pottery. Visitors can browse the stalls, interact with the artisans, and purchase unique souvenirs to commemorate their Salar de Uyuni experience.

Activity	Description
Salt Iodization Plant	Observe the extraction, processing, and packaging of salt.
Artisan Market	Browse stalls selling locally crafted items like salt lamps, jewelry, textiles, and pottery.
Small Salt Museum	Learn about the history and significance of salt production in the region.

Experiencing the Uyuni Salt Flats

The tour then ventures into the heart of the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat spanning an impressive 12,000 square kilometers at an altitude of 3,665 meters.

Visitors are awestruck by the vast, pristine expanse of gleaming white salt, its reflective surface creating mesmerizing optical illusions and mirroring the surrounding landscape.

Guests can:

1. Stroll across the surreal, alien-like salt flats, marveling at the cracked hexagonal patterns underfoot.

2. Capture unique and Instagram-worthy perspective photos, playing with scale and reflection.

3. Explore the Salt Hotel, a structure entirely made of salt blocks, for a truly immersive salt flat experience.

4. Witness the breathtaking sunset over the salt flats, sipping a glass of wine as the sky ignites in a vibrant display.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a provided lunch and glass of wine, but additional personal items are allowed. However, the tour prohibits bringing alcohol, drugs, and pets.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location During the Tour?

The tour spends approximately 60 minutes at the Train Cemetery, 45 minutes at Colchani, 120 minutes exploring the Salar de Uyuni salt flats, 45 minutes at the Salt Hotel, and 45 minutes at Incahuasi Island.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator offers discounted rates for students and seniors, but the specific discount amounts are not provided in the available information. Visitors should inquire about any applicable discounts when booking the tour.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour’s maximum group size is not specified in the provided information. However, it states the tour is conducted in a 4WD vehicle, suggesting a small group size to ensure a comfortable and personalized experience for participants.

Can I Customize the Itinerary Based on My Interests?

The tour operator generally follows a standard itinerary, but they may accommodate customization requests based on travelers’ interests, subject to availability and feasibility. Customers can inquire about potential modifications when booking the tour.

Recap

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni.

Explore the Train Cemetery, discover the vibrant town of Colchani, and marvel at the stunning sunset over the salt flats with a glass of wine.

This full-day guided trip from Uyuni promises breathtaking scenery, immersive cultural experiences, and countless photo opportunities to capture the essence of this natural wonder.

You can check if your dates are available here: