Puno || 3-Day Excursion to La Paz and the Uyuni Salt Flats

Nestled in the heart of Peru, Puno serves as the gateway to an extraordinary 3-day adventure that takes you from the shores of Lake Titicaca to the otherworldly Uyuni Salt Flats. This excursion, priced at a reasonable $265 per person, promises to be a captivating blend of natural wonders and culture. Travelers can expect a seamless experience, with hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, and all necessary inclusions provided. As the journey unfolds, prepare to be swept away by the stunning landscapes and unique experiences that await – from the eerie train cemetery to the awe-inspiring Incahuasi Island. With a flexible itinerary and ample opportunities for exploration, this excursion may just be the highlight of your Andean odyssey.

Key Points

• A 3-day excursion from Puno to La Paz and the Uyuni Salt Flats, priced from $265.00 per person with a reserve now, pay later option.
• The itinerary includes hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, meals, entrance fees, and travel insurance, but excludes accommodation.
• Highlights include crossing the Peru-Bolivia border, visiting La Paz, exploring the Uyuni Salt Flats, and returning to Puno.
• The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but no refunds for cancellations caused by external issues.
• Essential items to bring are passport, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen, as alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited on the tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

This 3-day excursion from Puno to La Paz and the Uyuni Salt Flats is priced from $265.00 per person.

A reserve now and pay later option is available, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The trip includes hotel pickup, an English and Spanish speaking guide, lunch on the second day in Uyuni, entrance fees, breakfasts, dinners, and lunches on the first and third days, as well as travel insurance.

Guests will need to bring their passport, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen.

Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed, and the service is subject to changes due to weather, strikes, or other events, with no refunds for cancellations caused by these issues.

Itinerary Details

The 3-day excursion begins with pickup from the hotel in Puno and crossing the Peru-Bolivia border on the first day.

Travelers will then arrive in La Paz around 2 PM, where they can enjoy an optional visit to the La Paz cable car. Dinner is on your own. At 8 PM, it’s time to board the night bus to Uyuni.

The second day starts with arrival in Uyuni, followed by a 4×4 tour of the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt desert.

Along the way, you’ll visit the Uyuni train cemetery and Colchani for salt extraction. After lunch, the tour continues to Incahuasi Island to admire the cacti.

The evening is free for rest, shopping, and dinner before the night bus back to La Paz.

Day 1 Highlights

Puno || 3-Day Excursion to La Paz and the Uyuni Salt Flats

The first day of the 3-day excursion begins with a pickup from the hotel in Puno and a journey across the Peru-Bolivia border. Once in La Paz, travelers can opt to visit the city’s famous cable car system, providing panoramic views over the bustling capital. After that, it’s time to board the night bus to Uyuni, where the real adventure of exploring the salt flats awaits.

The day one highlights include:

1. Crossing the Peru-Bolivia border.
2. Arriving in La Paz around 2 PM.
3. Taking an optional ride on the La Paz cable car.

Day 2 Highlights

After the night bus journey, travelers arrive in Uyuni early in the morning. They start their 4×4 tour of the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt desert.

The day two highlights include visiting the Uyuni train cemetery, observing salt extraction in Colchani, and capturing stunning photos of the cacti on Incahuasi Island. The tour explores this vast, otherworldly landscape, providing a glimpse into the region’s unique culture and history.

Lunch is served in the Uyuni area before the group returns to the town for free time to rest, shop, and dine.

As the sun sets, the travelers board another night bus back to La Paz, completing the second day of this captivating adventure.

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Day 3 Highlights

Early on the third day, travelers arrive back in La Paz around 5:00 a.m. after the overnight bus journey from Uyuni. From there, they board a bus to Desaguadero on the border with Peru.

Upon reaching Desaguadero, they enjoy breakfast on their own before visiting the colonial-era Santiago Apostle temple. Finally, the excursion departs Desaguadero around 14:00, returning the group to Puno to conclude the 3-day adventure.

The Day 3 highlights include:

1. Arriving in La Paz before sunrise and transferring to the border town of Desaguadero.

2. Exploring the historic Santiago Apostle temple in Desaguadero.

3. Heading back to Puno, completing the 3-day excursion through Bolivia and back.

Transportation and Accommodation

The tour includes round-trip bus transportation between La Paz and Uyuni, which is done overnight.

No accommodation is provided, as travelers sleep on the buses during the overnight journeys. This allows them to maximize their time exploring the Uyuni Salt Flats and other sights during the daytime.

The transportation includes both buses and 4×4 vehicles, which are used to navigate the vast salt desert.

This combination of transportation methods ensures that travelers can experience the highlights of the region efficiently and comfortably, without the need to worry about arranging their own logistics.

The included travel insurance also provides an extra layer of protection and peace of mind throughout the journey.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes a range of services to provide a comprehensive experience, such as hotel pickup, an English and Spanish speaking guide, lunch on the second day in Uyuni, entrance fees, and travel insurance.

However, it’s important to note that accommodation isn’t included, so travelers will need to make their own arrangements. Plus, any extra expenses incurred during the trip are the responsibility of the participants.

To ensure a smooth journey, travelers should come prepared with the following essentials:

1. Passport

2. Sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen

3. Avoiding alcohol and drugs

Important Information

Travelers should bring their passport, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen to prepare for the excursion.

Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed during the tour. Service may be subject to changes due to weather, strikes, or other events, and no refunds will be provided for cancellations caused by these issues.

It’s essential to be prepared for the potential challenges that could arise, as the tour’s schedule may need to be adjusted accordingly. Participants should remain flexible and understanding, as the safety and enjoyment of the group are the top priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Food Is Served During the Excursion?

According to the itinerary, meals included in the excursion are lunch on the second day in Uyuni. Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on the first and third days are not included and are at the traveler’s own expense.

Is It Possible to Book the Excursion for a Single Traveler?

Yes, it’s possible to book the excursion as a solo traveler. The price is quoted per person, and the tour doesn’t require a minimum group size, so you can join the scheduled departures.

Can the Excursion Be Customized to Include Additional Activities?

Yes, the excursion can likely be customized to include additional activities. Travelers should inquire with the tour provider about options and any associated costs. Customizations may be possible but are subject to availability and additional fees.

How Reliable Are the Night Buses Between La Paz and Uyuni?

The night buses between La Paz and Uyuni are generally reliable, though travelers should expect occasional delays due to weather or road conditions. Many tour operators use these buses regularly and they provide a convenient way to travel between the two destinations.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Accommodation During the Excursion?

The excursion does not include any accommodation, but you can likely arrange upgrades to hotels or hostels in La Paz and Uyuni separately. This would come at an additional cost not covered by the base package.

Recap

Set out on a thrilling 3-day excursion from Puno to La Paz and the stunning Uyuni Salt Flats for only $265 per person.

This adventure includes hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, meals, entrance fees, and travel insurance.

Experience breathtaking sights like the Uyuni train cemetery and Incahuasi Island, while enjoying flexible itineraries and free time for exploration.

Don’t forget to pack your essentials for this unforgettable journey.

You can check if your dates are available here: