La Paz: 4-Day Death Road by Bike & Salt Flats + San Pedro

This 4-day adventure from La Paz to San Pedro de Atacama offers an unforgettable blend of adrenaline-pumping experiences and breathtaking natural wonders. Participants can expect an exhilarating 22 km mountain bike descent, the iconic Uyuni Salt Flats, and a journey through Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. Along the way, they’ll encounter stunning landscapes, geysers, and hot springs, all while seeing the region’s rich cultural heritage. With inclusions like gear and transportation, this tour provides excellent value for adventure-seekers seeking an unforgettable journey. But what exactly awaits them on each day of this captivating expedition?

This experience made our list of the 7 Best 4 Day Tours In La Paz.

Key Points

• This 4-day adventure takes travelers from La Paz to San Pedro de Atacama, covering the Death Road, Uyuni Salt Flats, and Bolivia’s altiplano landscapes.
• The tour includes mountain biking, visits to the Train Graveyard, Isla Incahuasi, geysers, and hot springs, with transportation, meals, and accommodation provided.
• The tour is priced from $450 per person, with a reserve-now-pay-later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Participants must be at least 15 years old, with warm clothing, sunscreen, and comfortable attire required due to the high-intensity activities and altitude changes.
• The tour is not recommended for those with physical or medical conditions that could be exacerbated by the activities, with safety and enjoyment prioritized for all participants.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This 4-day adventure from La Paz to San Pedro de Atacama offers an exhilarating combination of mountain biking down the infamous Death Road and exploring the stunning Salar de Uyuni salt flats.

The tour is priced from $450 per person and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, as well as a reserve-now-pay-later option.

Spanning 4 days, the tour provides a comprehensive experience, including transportation, bilingual guides, meals, and hostel accommodations.

With a duration of 4 days, this package offers an excellent value for adventurous travelers seeking an unforgettable journey through Bolivia’s breathtaking landscapes.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins on Day 1 with an early 7:30 a.m. start for mountain biking, which features a 22 km downhill asphalt road leg, followed by a 10 km stretch on the infamous Death Road with safety van support. This culminates in a 32 km ride to the town of Yolosa where participants can relax at a hotel with a pool and enjoy lunch.

That evening, the group departs by bus for Uyuni, arriving at 7:30 a.m. on Day 2. The Uyuni tour covers highlights like the Train Graveyard, Colchani, and Isla Incahuasi, with a sunset viewing at the salt flats.

Day 3 explores the Bolivian altiplano, including Ollagüe, Cañapa, and Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, staying overnight in Huayllajara.

The final day starts early to visit geysers, hot springs, and lagoons before crossing back into Chile.

Day 1: Mountain Biking and Uyuni Departure

On the first day, participants start mountain biking at 7:30 a.m., kicking off the tour’s thrilling activities.

They’ll embark on a 22 km downhill ride on an asphalt road, with an entrance fee of Bs. 50.

Next, they’ll tackle a 10 km stretch on the infamous Death Road, supported by a safety van.

The day culminates with a 32 km ride to Yolosa, where they’ll relax at a hotel with a pool and enjoy lunch.

As the sun sets, you will board a bus to Uyuni, arriving at their destination around 7:30 a.m. the following day.

This exhilarating first leg sets the tone for the incredible journey ahead.

Day 2: Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

Arriving in Uyuni City at 7:30 a.m., participants begin the second day of their adventure with a tour starting at 10:30 a.m.

First, they’ll visit the Train Graveyard, a unique site displaying abandoned steam locomotives.

Next, they’ll explore the salt processing town of Colchani, then check out the Ojos de Agua Salada, a series of natural salt springs.

The tour continues to the Flags of the World exhibit and the Isla Incahuasi, an island in the middle of the salt flats covered in giant cacti.

The day culminates with a stunning sunset view over the world’s largest salt flat before dinner and an overnight stay at a hostel in Uyuni.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Day 3: Lagoons and National Reserve

Participants start the third day with an early breakfast at 7:00 a.m. before embarking on a journey through Ollagüffe, El Pasito Tuntun, Cańapa, Hedionda, and Chiarcota Lagoons within the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve.

They’ll witness the stunning hues of the lagoons, each with its own unique color palette.

After exploring the reserve’s natural wonders, they’ll spend the night at a hostel in Huayllajara.

This day offers a chance to immerse in the diverse Bolivian landscapes and gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s natural beauty and ecological treasures.

Day 4: Geysers, Hot Springs, and Border Crossing

The day begins with an early 5:00 a.m. start to visit the Sol de Mañana Geyser, where participants witness the steam and bubbling pools of this geothermal wonderland.

Next, they’ll explore the nearby Hot Springs Polques, where they can soak in the mineral-rich waters.

The final stop is the otherworldly Dali Desert, followed by the stunning Green Lagoon and White Lagoon.

Before ending the tour, the group receives border crossing assistance at 10:30 a.m. and arrives in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile at 2:00 p.m.

This diverse itinerary offers a thrilling conclusion to the 4-day adventure through Bolivia’s breathtaking landscapes.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This comprehensive 4-day tour includes several key items. Participants will receive a full suspension mountain bike, round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, all meals, two nights of hostel accommodation, a bus ticket from La Paz to Uyuni, and 4WD transportation during the Uyuni portion of the trip.

However, there are a few additional expenses that you will need to cover themselves. These include the Death Road entrance fee of Bs. 50, the Uyuni Salt Flats entrance fee of Bs. 30, the Eduardo Avaroa National Park fee of Bs. 150, and Bs. 30 for using toilets along the way.

Participants will also need to cover any personal expenses, snacks, extra drinks, and heating costs at the hostels.

Participant Information and Restrictions

Not everyone may be suited for this adventure, as it has certain restrictions. Individuals under 15 years old, pregnant women, those with back or heart problems, wheelchair users, respiratory issues, high blood pressure, and persons over 70 years can’t participate.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the tour has the following requirements:

• Participants must bring a valid passport or ID, warm clothing, a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, water, and comfortable attire.

• The tour isn’t recommended for those with physical or medical conditions that could be exacerbated by the demanding activities.

• Participants should be prepared for the high-intensity biking and altitude changes throughout the 4-day journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available Year-Round?

The tour is available year-round. Specific details about dates and availability may vary, so it’s recommended to check with the tour operator for the most up-to-date information prior to booking.

Can I Request Special Dietary Requirements?

Yes, travelers can request special dietary requirements. The tour operator will accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs if notified in advance. However, certain remote locations may have limited food options.

Can I Bring My Own Mountain Bike?

Participants can bring their own mountain bikes, but the tour operator provides full suspension bikes that are suitable for the terrain. Using the provided bikes ensures proper maintenance and safety support throughout the tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Solo Travelers?

The tour appears suitable for solo travelers as it includes round-trip transport, a bilingual guide, and shared hostel accommodation. However, solo travelers should note the age and health restrictions to ensure the tour is appropriate for their fitness level.

How Much Extra Spending Money Should I Bring?

For this tour, travelers should plan to bring an extra $100-$150 to cover optional entrance fees, snacks, drinks, and other personal expenses not included in the tour price. This will ensure they have adequate spending money throughout the 4-day experience.

Recap

This 4-day adventure from La Paz to San Pedro de Atacama offers an exhilarating combination of activities, from the thrilling Death Road bike ride to the breathtaking Uyuni Salt Flats.

Travelers will explore iconic sites, experience stunning landscapes, and enjoy natural wonders, all while seeing the cultural experiences of Bolivia and Chile.

It’s an unforgettable tour that delivers excellent value for adventure-seekers.

You can check if your dates are available here: