Uyuni Salt Flats Full Day Tour

Venturing out to the Uyuni Salt Flats is a captivating experience that draws adventurous travelers from around the world. This full-day tour showcases the surreal landscapes of the world’s largest salt flat, offering a chance to take in the serene beauty of this natural wonder. From exploring the iconic train graveyard to witnessing the mesmerizing Isla Incahuasi, the tour promises a day filled with awe-inspiring sights and unforgettable moments. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, participants can expect to be captivated by the sheer scale and unique features of this extraordinary destination. It’s an opportunity not to be missed for those seeking to uncover the magic of the Uyuni Salt Flats.

This experience made our list of the 18 Best Full-Day Tours In Uyuni.

Key Points

• The full-day guided tour explores the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, including stops at the train graveyard and Colchani salt miners’ workshops.
• The tour covers major highlights of the salt flats, such as a salt hotel, Los Ojos de Agua Salada, and a hike to Isla Incahuasi, with stunning sunset views.
• The tour is conducted in a 4WD land cruiser with a small group size, ensuring personalized attention from knowledgeable guides.
• Proper preparation is essential, and visitors are advised to bring sun protection, sturdy shoes, and warm clothing for the high-altitude environment.
• The tour departs at 10:30 am from Uyuni and concludes around 6:30 pm, with optional pickup service available.

Tour Overview

The Uyuni Salt Flats tour offers a full-day guided exploration of the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni.

With an overall rating of 4.5 stars from 25 reviews, this tour includes transportation in a 4WD land cruiser, lunch, and entrance fees to Isla Incahuasi and Reserva Eduardo Avaroa Protected Area.

The small group size ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable guides.

While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is located near public transportation.

Highlights of the tour include visiting Uyuni’s train graveyard, exploring the vast salt flats, and hiking to the iconic Isla Incahuasi to capture unique perspective photos against the stunning salt flats backdrop.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at 10:30 am from Uyuni, with the first stop at the city’s train graveyard to see Bolivia’s first locomotives.

Visitors then head to Colchani to witness salt miners’ workshops and browse local handicrafts.

The highlight of the day is exploring the vast Salar de Uyuni at an altitude of 3650m. Travelers can:

• Visit a hotel made entirely of salt, now a museum

• See the mesmerizing Los Ojos de Agua Salada (salt water eyes)

• Hike to Isla Incahuasi (Fish Island) to admire giant cacti and rock formations

After lunch, the tour concludes with a stunning sunset view over the salt flats before returning to Uyuni by 6:30 pm.

Departure and Initial Stops

The tour departs at 10:30 am from Uyuni, with the first stop at the city’s train graveyard to see Bolivia’s first locomotives. From there, visitors head to Colchani to witness salt miners’ workshops and browse local handicrafts. This initial portion of the tour provides a fascinating glimpse into Bolivia’s industrial and cultural heritage before venturing out onto the vast Salar de Uyuni.

Departure	Initial Stops	Tour Highlights
10:30 am	Train Graveyard	Salar de Uyuni
from Uyuni	Colchani	Salt Hotel
–	Salt Miners’ Workshops	Los Ojos de Agua Salada
–	Local Handicrafts	Isla Incahuasi
–	–	Sunset View

Salar De Uyuni Exploration

After exploring the town’s industrial and cultural heritage, the tour ventures out onto the vast Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, situated at an impressive altitude of 3,650 meters.

Visitors can marvel at the sheer expanse of the pristine white landscape, stretching out as far as the eye can see.

The tour provides opportunities to:

• Visit a hotel made entirely of salt, now a museum showcasing the unique architecture and construction methods.

• Witness the captivating Los Ojos de Agua Salada, or ‘salt water eyes,’ natural formations that appear as if the ground is weeping.

• Capture unique perspective photos against the strikingly geometric patterns and reflective surfaces of the salt flats.

Isla Incahuasi and Sunset

Following the exploration of the Salar de Uyuni, the tour makes its way to Isla Incahuasi, also known as Fish Island.

Visitors can hike up to witness the island’s unique geological formations and the towering giant cacti that dot its landscape.

From the island’s vantage point, guests can capture stunning photographs of the expansive salt flats below, creating a one-of-a-kind perspective.

As the day draws to a close, the tour concludes with a beautiful sunset over the Salar de Uyuni, providing a breathtaking finale to the day’s adventures.

Guests then return to Uyuni, having experienced the full breadth of this natural wonder and its captivating landscape.

Important Information

Proper preparation is paramount for an enjoyable Uyuni Salt Flats tour, as the unique environment presents specific considerations.

Visitors should pack a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunblock to combat the intense UV rays at the high-altitude location. Sturdy trekking shoes are recommended for the hikes, while a warm coat and gloves are essential during the colder months. Carrying a water bottle and personal medication is also advised.

Tour itineraries may be subject to change without notice, especially during the rainy season (November to April) when access to Isla Incahuasi may be limited, or in winter (May to August) when entry to Eduardo Avaroa National Park could be restricted.

Flexibility and adaptability are key to making the most of this unique experience.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour meets at Av. Ferroviaria s/n, between Sucre & Camacho Street, with check-in at 10:00 am and departure at 10:30 am. Pickup service is available upon request.

This ensures a punctual start to the full-day guided tour of the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni. Travelers can expect a knowledgeable guide and a personalized experience in a small group setting.

The tour includes transportation in a 4WD land cruiser, lunch, and entrance fees to key attractions like Isla Incahuasi and the Reserva Eduardo Avaroa Protected Area.

With detailed planning and efficient logistics, guests can make the most of their time exploring the stunning salt flats and surrounding natural wonders.

Reviews and Feedback

Positive feedback from past participants highlights the knowledgeable guides and the spectacular views encountered during the Uyuni Salt Flats tour. Reviewers praise the guides’ deep understanding of the local history and geology, enhancing the overall experience.

The tour’s itinerary showcases the stunning beauty of the salt flats, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. Some reviews, however, mention room for improvement regarding the lunch quality and tour time management. Guests suggest booking directly with Red Planet to secure better pricing.

The Uyuni Salt Flats tour offers an immersive and unforgettable adventure, with:

• Breathtaking panoramas of the world’s largest salt flat

• Fascinating insights into the region’s unique geology and culture

• Opportunities to capture remarkable perspective photos

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Participants are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on guided tours. However, it’s best to check with the tour provider beforehand, as some may include meals or have restrictions on outside food and beverages.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

During the tour, there are restroom facilities available at the various stops, such as the Colchani salt processing site and the Isla Incahuasi. However, the availability may be limited in remote areas of the salt flats.

What Languages Do the Tour Guides Speak?

The tour guides typically speak Spanish and English fluently, allowing them to provide informative commentary and answer questions during the tour. Some guides may also speak other languages depending on the tour operator.

Is There an Option to Extend or Customize the Tour?

The tour company may offer options to extend or customize the tour, depending on the traveler’s preferences and interests. Customization could include adding or modifying activities, changing the itinerary, or adjusting the duration of the experience.

How Far in Advance Should I Book the Tour?

It’s generally recommended to book tours to popular destinations like the Uyuni Salt Flats at least a few weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. This ensures availability and gives you time to plan your trip accordingly.

Recap

The Uyuni Salt Flats Full Day Tour offers an unforgettable experience, with visits to the iconic train graveyard, salt workshops, and Isla Incahuasi.

Knowledgeable guides provide insights, and the small group setting allows for breathtaking views and unique photo opportunities.

Witnessing the stunning sunset over the world’s largest salt flat makes this tour a must-do adventure for any traveler to Bolivia.