La Paz: 3-Day Tour to the Salar De Uyuni and San Pedro De Atacama

Nestled high in the Andes, La Paz serves as the starting point for an unforgettable 3-day journey through some of South America’s most breathtaking landscapes. Travelers can embark on this guided tour, exploring the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni salt flats and the striking beauty of San Pedro de Atacama. With comfortable transportation, inclusive meals, and stunning vistas, this adventure promises an enriching experience. But the real question remains: what hidden gems and cultural insights await those who dare to venture beyond the city limits?

Key Points

• A 3-day guided tour from La Paz to Salar de Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama is offered, priced from $360 per person with a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
• The 4-day tour includes transportation, accommodation, meals, and an English-speaking guide, with the first day featuring a late-night bus departure, dinner, and breakfast.
• Highlights on Day 1 include the Train Cemetery, Colchani, Ojos de Agua Salada, and sunset at Incahuasi Island, while Day 2 showcases the Ollagüe Volcano Viewpoint and flamingo lagoons.
• The final day visits the Sol de Mañana Geyser, hot springs, Dali Desert, Laguna Verde, and Laguna Blanca before reaching San Pedro de Atacama.
• The tour includes a one-way bus ticket from La Paz to Uyuni and transportation via 4×4 vehicles, with additional costs for entry fees, sleeping bags, and incidentals.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This 3-day guided tour from La Paz to Salar de Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama is priced from $360.00 per person.

Travelers can reserve the trip now and pay later, and they’re eligible for a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

The 4-day tour includes transportation, accommodation, meals, and an English-speaking guide.

Guests will depart La Paz at 9:00 p.m. on the first day, arrive in Uyuni the next morning, and cross the border to San Pedro de Atacama on the final day, reaching their destination around 2:00 p.m.

Additional costs cover entry fees, sleeping bags, and other incidentals along the way.

Itinerary Highlights

The 3-day tour kicks off with a late-night bus departure from La Paz at 9:00 p.m., providing travelers with dinner, breakfast, and other amenities during the overnight journey to Uyuni.

Upon arrival at 7:30 a.m., guests have free time to explore the town before starting the day’s activities. The first day’s highlights include the Train Cemetery, Colchani, Ojos de Agua Salada, and the iconic Incahuasi Island, where travelers can witness a stunning sunset.

Day 2 takes them to the Ollagüe Volcano Viewpoint, flamingo-filled lagoons, and the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve.

The final day begins early to visit the Sol de Mañana Geyser, hot springs, Dali Desert, and the striking Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca before crossing the border to San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 1: Departure From La Paz

The tour departs La Paz at 9:00 p.m., with a bus service that includes dinner, breakfast, water, hot drink, heating, toilets, polar blankets, and a first aid kit. The journey through the night allows travelers to rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Feature	Included
Dinner	✓
Breakfast	✓
Water	✓
Hot Drink	✓
Heating	✓

The bus is equipped with the essentials to ensure a comfortable ride, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration of the Salar de Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama in the days to come.

Day 2: Arrival in Uyuni

Upon reaching their destination, travelers arrive in Uyuni at 7:30 a.m., where they’ll have free time until 10:30 a.m. to enjoy snacks and refreshments before embarking on the day’s activities.

The tour then takes them to the Train Cemetery, a surreal site featuring abandoned locomotives and railcars.

Next, they’ll visit Colchani, a salt processing town, and the Ojos de Agua Salada, a series of salt-water springs.

The highlight of the day is a visit to Incahuasi Island, a rocky outcrop in the middle of the Salar de Uyuni salt flat, where they can witness the sunset.

The day concludes with a delicious dinner and an overnight stay at a local lodge.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Day 3: Exploration of Lagoons and Deserts

After an early breakfast at 7:00 a.m., the group embarks on a journey to explore the region’s diverse natural wonders.

They first visit the Ollagüe Volcano Viewpoint, taking in the breathtaking vistas of this dormant volcano.

The tour then proceeds to the lagoons, where they observe the vibrant pink flamingos thriving in their natural habitat.

Next, they venture into the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, admiring the stunning Siloli Desert and the unique Rock Tree formation.

As the day draws to a close, the group marvels at the mesmerizing colors of the Red Lagoon before settling in for the night at their lodge.

Day 4: Cross-Border Journey to San Pedro

At 5:00 a.m., the group sets out on an early start to explore the final leg of their journey.

They first visit the Sol de Mañana Geyser, where they witness the dramatic steam vents and bubbling mud pools.

Afterwards, they make their way to the soothing hot springs, where they’ve the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate.

Continuing their cross-border trek, the group then traverses the Dali Desert, taking in the surreal landscape before reaching the stunning Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca.

Transportation and Accommodation

The tour includes a one-way bus ticket from La Paz to Uyuni, as well as a transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. Two nights’ accommodation are provided during the trip, and transportation is facilitated through 4×4 vehicles with roof racks, accompanied by a local driver and English-speaking guide.

Transportation	Accommodation	Guide
One-way bus ticket from La Paz to Uyuni	2 nights provided	Local driver
Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama		English-speaking
4×4 vehicles with roof racks

The combination of comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guidance ensures a seamless and informative journey through the stunning landscapes of the Salar de Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama.

Included Meals and Additional Costs

Meals throughout the tour include 1 dinner and 1 breakfast served on the bus, as well as 2 lunches, 2 dinners, and 2 breakfasts during the trip itself.

However, certain additional costs aren’t covered, such as entrance fees to Incahuasi Island (30 BOB), the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve (150 BOB), and the hot springs (6 BOB), along with toilet fees (20 BOB) and the Bolivian border fee (15 BOB).

Travelers will also need to bring their own sleeping bags for the overnight stays.

These extra expenses aren’t included in the tour price, so it’s important for participants to budget accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The maximum group size for the tour is not specified in the provided information. The tour details do not mention a maximum group size, so the group size may vary depending on the tour operator’s policies.

Can I Book the Tour for a Single Traveler?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a single traveler. The price is provided per person, and the tour doesn’t have a minimum group size, allowing solo travelers to participate.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator does not offer any student or senior discounts. The standard pricing applies to all travelers, regardless of age or student status. Additional fees may apply for optional activities.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Focus on Specific Activities?

Yes, the itinerary can be customized to focus on specific activities. The tour operator often allows travelers to modify the schedule based on their interests, subject to availability and feasibility. Additional fees may apply for customizations.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Salar De Uyuni?

The best time to visit the Salar de Uyuni is typically during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this period, the salt flats offer optimal visibility and reflection effects, making it an ideal time for photography and exploration.

Recap

This 3-day guided tour from La Paz to Salar de Uyuni and San Pedro de Atacama offers an unforgettable adventure.

Travelers can expect breathtaking sights, comfortable accommodations, and included meals, though additional entry fees and sleeping bags should be budgeted for.

With a price tag of $360 per person, this tour promises an enriching experience in Bolivia and Chile’s stunning landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here: