La Paz: Uyuni Salt Flats & San Pedro De Atacama 3-Day Tour

Explore the striking salt flats of Uyuni and the arid landscapes of San Pedro de Atacama on a captivating 3-day tour from La Paz. Enjoy the region’s natural wonders, from the surreal Train Graveyard to the vibrant lagoons of Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. With comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and cozy accommodations, this adventure promises an unforgettable journey through Bolivia and Chile’s most breathtaking destinations. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or seeking a new global perspective, this tour offers a chance to discover the contrasts and complexities that make this corner of South America truly remarkable.

Key Points

• This 3-day tour takes travelers from La Paz to Uyuni Salt Flats and San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, covering natural wonders along the way.
• The tour includes 2 nights of accommodation and 4WD transportation, with a limited group size of up to 11 participants.
• Highlights of the itinerary include visits to the Uyuni Salt Flats, Train Graveyard, Ollague Volcano, flamingo observation, and geothermal features.
• Travelers are advised to pack warm, layered clothing, comfortable footwear, sun protection, and a first aid kit for the remote desert conditions.
• The tour offers border crossing assistance at the end, ensuring a hassle-free transition from Bolivia to Chile.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This 4-day tour from La Paz takes travelers on an immersive journey through the Uyuni Salt Flats and San Pedro de Atacama in Chile.

Priced from $360 per person, the tour promises an unforgettable experience, with 2 nights of accommodation and transportation in 4WD vehicles.

Group size is limited to 11 participants, and the tour is offered in both Spanish and English.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The itinerary includes visiting the Uyuni Salt Flats, Train Graveyard, and several natural wonders before crossing the border into Chile and arriving in San Pedro de Atacama.

Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins with an overnight bus journey from La Paz to Uyuni, departing at 9:00 p.m. The bus is equipped with amenities like dinner, breakfast, water, hot drinks, heating, toilets, polar blankets, and a first aid kit, ensuring a comfortable ride.

Upon arrival in Uyuni at 7:30 a.m., travelers have free time before the 10:30 a.m. tour of the renowned Uyuni Salt Flats.

On the second day, the itinerary includes:

1. Exploration of the Train Graveyard, Colchani, and Ojos de Agua Salada.
2. Visit to Isla Incahuasi.
3. Sunset viewing.

The group then overnights in Ajencha.

Included Experiences

On the third day, travelers visit the Ollague Volcano and observe flamingos at the nearby lagoons.

They then explore the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve, a dramatic landscape of thermal springs, volcanoes, and salt flats.

The tour also includes a stop at the Sol de Mañana Geyser, where travelers can witness the powerful geothermal activity.

After soaking in the hot springs, they visit the surreal Dali Desert and the colorful Green and White Lagoons.

The tour culminates with assistance at the border crossing into Chile, arriving in San Pedro de Atacama by 2:00 p.m.

Throughout the journey, travelers are provided with comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and a range of included meals and activities.

Packing Essentials

Packing the right essentials is key to fully enjoying this immersive tour. Comfortable, broken-in shoes are a must for navigating the Uyuni Salt Flats and various terrains.

Layering with warm clothing, including a hat and gloves, is recommended to stay cozy in the chilly desert climate. Plus, don’t forget sun protection like sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield against the intense sun.

With these items packed, travelers will be well-prepared to make the most of this remarkable adventure through Bolivia and into Chile.

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Health and Safety

Though not suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems, this tour through the Bolivian desert and into Chile’s Atacama region is generally safe for most travelers.

The tour operator advises against participation for those susceptible to altitude sickness.

Travelers should bring essentials like sunscreen, warm clothing, and a hat to protect against the harsh desert climate.

A first aid kit is recommended, as the remoteness of some locations means quick medical attention may not be readily available.

Meeting and Departure

The meeting point for this tour is the bus office of TODO TURISMO, where you will check-in at 8:30 p.m. prior to the 9:00 p.m. departure from La Paz.

The bus journey to Uyuni includes:

1. Dinner, breakfast, water, and a hot drink provided onboard.
2. Amenities like heating, toilets, polar blankets, and a first aid kit.
3. An expected arrival time of 7:30 a.m. in Uyuni.

Once in Uyuni, travelers will have free time before beginning the 10:30 a.m. tour of the famous salt flats.

Detailed instructions on the meeting point and departure time ensure a smooth start to this immersive 3-day adventure.

Border Crossing Assistance

The tour includes assistance with the border crossing at the end of the 4-day adventure.

At around 10:30 a.m. on the final day, the group will receive help navigating the border between Bolivia and Chile. This ensures a smooth transition as travelers leave Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve and head towards San Pedro de Atacama in Chile.

The tour guide and local driver will guide participants through the necessary formalities and paperwork, making the border crossing process hassle-free.

This additional service provides peace of mind and allows travelers to focus on enjoying the final leg of the Uyuni Salt Flats and San Pedro de Atacama tour.

Customer Feedback Highlights

Based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews, customers seem highly satisfied with various aspects of the tour.

Reviews highlight the tour’s strengths, including:

1. Transportation rated 4.2/5, with one traveler noting the vehicles were well-maintained and comfortable.

2. Value for money scored 3.9/5, with customers appreciating the range of inclusions and overall experience.

3. Service excellence, earning a perfect 5/5 rating, as travelers praised the knowledgeable and attentive guide.

While most comments were positive, a few travelers suggested including a first aid kit as an additional safety measure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own snacks on the tour. The tour itinerary doesn’t mention any restrictions on bringing personal snacks, so feel free to pack your favorites to enjoy during the long bus rides and activities.

Will There Be Time for Shopping at the Salt Flats?

The tour does provide time for shopping at the Uyuni Salt Flats. Travelers can browse local handicrafts and souvenirs sold by vendors at the site. However, the schedule is quite packed, so there may not be extensive shopping time.

Can I Extend My Stay in San Pedro De Atacama?

You can extend your stay in San Pedro de Atacama, but you’ll need to book this separately from the tour. The tour only includes transportation to San Pedro, not additional nights there.

Are Tips Expected for the Tour Guides and Drivers?

Tips for the tour guides and drivers are generally expected, though not mandatory. A suggested tip range is 10-20% of the total tour cost, though the amount can be adjusted based on the quality of service provided.

How Strict Are the Weight Limits for Luggage?

The tour company doesn’t specify strict weight limits for luggage, but travelers are advised to pack lightly as space is limited in the 4WD vehicles. Excess weight may be charged, so it’s best to pack essentials only.

The Sum Up

This 3-day tour from La Paz promises an unforgettable journey through the Uyuni Salt Flats and San Pedro de Atacama. Travelers will be treated to comfortable transportation, guided visits to iconic sites, and opportunities to relax in hot springs. With accommodations and expert guides included, this tour offers an immersive exploration of South America’s stunning landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here: