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From Uyuni Salt Flat to Lagoons from San Pedro de Atacama – ONEWAY

From Uyuni Salt Flat to Lagoons to San Pedro de Atacama

Shared tour from Uyuni, Bolivia with Budget Accomodation. ONEWAY

  • Uyuni - UYU
  • Oneway
  • 3 Days / 2 Nigths
  • Shared - Up to 6
  • Budget

Shared tour from Uyuni, Bolivia with Budget Accomodation.

 OVERVIEW

  • Laguna Colorada
  • Andean highlands and lagoons
  • Salt Hotels
  • Incahuasi Island*
  • Uyuni Salt Flat
  • Train Cemetery
  • … and many more
    Please check the Itinerary.
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Trip Itinerary

DAY 1: UYUNI – COLCHANI – INCAHUSI ISLAND – PUERTO CHUVICA.
We begin the adventure at 10:30 a.m. with a visit to the Uyuni Train Cemetery to see the first locomotives in Bolivia. We will visit the small town of Colchani , to see traditional crafts and salt. We will continue to the great Uyuni salt flat , to tour the vast white expanse of salt, where we will also visit the Ojos del Salar and a Salt Museum made entirely of salt and the great Incahuasi Island , we will hike to the top of the island to see giant cacti and petrified coral rock formations. We will take some time so that you can take some fun photos with the perspectives on the white surface of the salt flat.

Accomodation.The first day of the tour will end in the town of Puerto Chuvica , spending the night in a hostel made almost entirely of salt, offering a unique and comfortable stay to end the day.
DAY 2: PUERTO CHUVICA – ALTIPLANIC LAGOONS – STONE TREE- LAGUNA COLORADA.
On the second day we will continue through the Chiguana desert on the southern shore of the Uyuni salt flat, surrounded by volcanoes such as the active Ollague, which can be seen from a viewpoint. Then along a rocky road to the beautiful altiplanic lagoons inhabited by three types of flamingos. Marvel at the lagoons along the way: Cañapa , where you will see the first pink flamingos, Hedionda , where you can observe flamingos up close, and Chiarcota, where you can see a wide variety of birds and fauna, before entering the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve ( REA). We will visit the Siloli desert where we will appreciate the Stone Tree. We will make a stop at the “Puntas Negras” viewpoint of the Laguna Colorada to see hundreds of pink flamingos in their natural habitat and admire the intense color of the lagoon.

Accomodation. The second day of the tour will end in the Laguna Colorada refuges and spend the night in a shared basic family lodging.
DAY 3: COLORADA LAGOON – GEYSERS – HOT SPRINGS – WHITE AND GREEN LAGOON.
The last day of the tour will start at 05:00 hrs. We will visit the Sol de Mañana geyser, which will be the highest point of the tour at almost 5,000 meters above sea level, a place between fumaroles and steaming craters full of boiling mud. We will continue to the hot springs of Polques, to enjoy a thermal bath . We will visit the Dalí desert where we will be able to appreciate rocks in the middle of the desert, you will also be able to observe the Green and White Lagoons. To end this tour we have two options:

Option 1. Return to Uyuni, visiting the Valley of the Rocks.

Option 2. Transfer by bus from Hito Cajon (Bolivia – Chile Border), to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Important Note: 


Altiplano Winter
From January to April, the Altiplano winter occurs, a period of rainfall in the central Andes. As a result, the described itinerary may be adjusted as follows:

The second night will be spent in a hostel in Uyuni.
The visit to Incahuasi Island is not included, as it typically accumulates more water during the rainy season.


Changes Due to Force Majeure
This is a reference itinerary. 

The route to the salt flats, the places visited, their order, and the tour’s ending time are all subject to changes based on weather conditions, road situations, events, and accommodation availability. The itinerary will be confirmed during the briefing provided by the operator one day before the start of the activity. However, it may still be modified if any of the aforementioned situations occur once the tour has already started.

Group Size: 

Minibus:
San Pedro de Atacama to Bolivian border & Bolivian border to San Pedro de Atacama

Jeep Toyota LAND CRUISER 4WD:
Maximum capacity of 6 pax + driver/guide in spanish.

Schedule

  • Starting point –   From  our office.
  • Departure – 10:30 AM
  • Duration – 3  days (approx.)

Option 1. 

  • Point of arrival in Uyuni –  Office (Uyuni Center). 
  • Arrival –  17:00 (approx.).  

Option 2. 

  • Point of arrival in San Pedro de Atacama –  Office or parking (Center).
  • Arrival –  1:00 p.m. (approx.).

Accommodation Details

Please note that the accommodations on this tour are basic and located far from modern amenities.

 

1st Night: Salt Hostel
  • Private accommodations including double and triple rooms with private bathrooms and showers, are already included in the tour price.

 

2nd Night: Villamar Hostel
  • Standard Rooms (Included): Accommodations include a variety of options such as double, triple, quadruple, and matrimonial rooms with shared bathrooms. Travelers will be assigned rooms based on availability at the time of check-in.
  • Optional Upgrade: For those seeking added comfort, private double or matrimonial rooms with private bathrooms and showers are available for an additional $25 USD per night.

PLEASE NOTE:
The accommodations on this tour are simple and basic, designed for an adventurous experience in remote areas. All hostels provide hot water, but there is no heating (Sometimes Shower may not work).
Extra blankets are given to keep you warm, as is common in the area.

Sleeping bags are available for rent if needed.

Please note that electricity and water may be limited, and WIFI might not always work. These basic conditions are part of the unique experience of exploring beautiful and remote places.

Standard Language:

Español 🇪🇸

Our standard service includes a driver/guide who speaks Spanish and basic English, providing essential logistical information throughout the journey. Often, other travelers in the group can assist with translations. For urgent needs, the driver can contact our office for immediate support.

Upgrade to an English-Speaking Guide 🇬🇧:

If you prefer English-speaking guide, we can arrange for an additional cost:

  • Driver + Guide (English-speaking): USD $190 per person.

from

$165

Payment Options

We will gladly accept online payment in the methods below, as well as cash or cheque in person.

Have a Question?

Feel free to reach out and we're happy to answer any questions you may have.

Accomodations

Hostal de Sal
Hostal de Sal
Hostal de Sal
Hostal de Sal
Hostal de Sal
Hostal Villamar Mallku
Hostal Villamar Mallku
Hostal Villamar Mallku

Tour Pricing

Spanish Tour
Shared Dorm
$165/person
  • Accomodations for 2 nights Private & Shared
  • Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners.
  • Transfers: Hito Cajon to San Pedro de Atacama (Bolivia-Chile border)
  • Transport: 4x4 vehicle (up to 6 people per car).
  • Driver/Guide: Local guide in Spanish.
  • 2nd Night PRIVATE ROOM EXTRA $25USD
English Tour
Single or Double Room
$200/person
  • Accomodations for 2 nights Private & Shared
  • Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners.
  • Transfers: Hito Cajon to San Pedro de Atacama (Bolivia-Chile border)
  • Transport: 4x4 vehicle (up to 6 people per car).
  • Driver/Guide: Local guide in Spanish.
  • 2nd Night PRIVATE ROOM EXTRA $25USD

What To Bring

  • Passport and/or   Identity Card  
    – Do not forget to bring the necessary documentation to leave the country. Foreigners bring an entry card to Chile (PDI)
  • Lantern – lights go out when the generator runs dry.
  • Extra money in Bolivian pesos –
    We recommend taking a minimum of 350 Bs p/p for entrance fees and other additional expenses en route.
  • Sunglasses – The salt flat is white, this can affect your vision.
  • Camera, extra battery  – To not run out of battery, to take the best photos of your life. 
    If doing the 3 day tour you will usually be able to recharge your batteries on the first night (3 hours of electricity) and a bit on the second night (24 hours of electricity with a generator).
  • Extra water – The tour provides only during meals. An additional 2 liter bottle per day.
  • Sun cream and hat – At more than 3,600 meters above sea level there are high levels of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
  • Sleeping bag – It can be rented in the lodges, but it is better to bring one. 
    You will be sleeping up to 4,300 meters temperatures can drop to -15ºC during winter.
  • Warm clothing  – Wear several layers of clothing.
  • Sandals  – Bathrooms are shared.
  • Bathing suit – For the Polques hot springs! 
  • Toilet paper – Hostels in regular services are basic.
  • Shower gel & Shampoo 
  • Towel – Not available during the tour.
  • Snacks   – The food is adequate in quantity but you can bring something extra for between meals.
  • Lip Cream – Sun and wind and dry air crack them.
  • Luggage  – Per person you can bring a handbag and a backpack or suitcase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can rent a sleeping bag based on availability. You can rent it directly from the office in San Pedro de Atacama the day before the tour for CLP 5,000. After the tour, you must return the sleeping bag directly at the office

The mirror effect happens when there is water on the salt flat, which occurs during the rainy season (January and February) and sometimes in March after the rains.

Yes, but only in English. The English-speaking driver service is available for an additional fee of US$ 240 per group. You can choose this option during the booking process.

Yes, for the 4-day tour, we offer options for both hostels and hotel accommodations. You can review both options and book directly through the website.

The tour is carried out in a minibus in Chile and a 4×4 (Toyota Land Cruiser) in Bolivia, with a group of 6 people.

If you prefer superior accommodation, we recommend checking out our Private Salar de Uyuni Tour (4 days).

Due to the high demand for the tour, we recommend booking at least one week in advance.

The tour takes place at high altitudes over 3000 meters, which can put stress on the body, potentially causing discomfort or risks, especially for people with certain health conditions. Additionally, the tour does not include medical insurance, and there are no medical centers along the route that can provide adequate care.

The pick-up service is not available for accommodations located outside the urban area of San Pedro de Atacama, nor for accommodations in nearby villages like Quitor, Yaye, Checar, Sequitor, Solor, and Coyo, or in the town of Toconao.

This depends on the passenger’s nationality. Passengers from Chile, South America, and Western Europe do not need a tourist visa, while passengers from the United States, Central America, Asia, and Africa will need a visa, which costs US$ 160. The visa can be obtained at the border, where you will need to present your passport and other documents. If you are a foreign resident in Chile, you will also need to bring your Chilean ID card to prove your residency.

The yellow fever vaccination is required for passengers who do not return to San Pedro de Atacama and who are required to pay for a tourist visa at the border (passengers from countries in group II).

Each passenger is allowed a maximum of one 15kg bag or suitcase and one sleeping bag, which will be placed in the 4×4 vehicle. We recommend using a bag instead of a suitcase, as the latter can be fragile and exposed to potential damage. If you must bring a suitcase, it should be no larger than a cabin-sized one (55 x 40 x 20 cm).

The accommodations have type C outlets, which are compatible with types E and F. We recommend bringing an adapter to avoid any inconvenience during your trip.

It is not necessary as the accommodations provide blankets. However, consider the weather based on your travel dates. If you think you may feel cold, we recommend bringing a sleeping bag with a comfort temperature of 0°C.

In summer (December to March), temperatures range from around 4°C at night to 23°C during the day. In winter (June to September), temperatures range from -20°C at night to 16°C during the day.

We recommend bringing at least Bs. 500 per person for expenses not included in the tour, such as park entrance fees, taxes, bathroom access, and water.

In Toconao street, at the intersection with Caracoles in San Pedro de Atacama, there are currency exchange houses where you can obtain Bolivianos for the tour.

A large portion of the tour is above 4000 meters, so altitude sickness is quite common, especially on the first day. To prevent or minimize symptoms, we recommend acclimating for one or two days at altitudes over 2500 meters, drinking plenty of water before and during the tour, eating light meals (avoid meat) in the days leading up to the tour, and avoiding alcohol the night before.

The meals during the tour are varied, including tea, coffee, bread, cookies, and fruit for breakfast, and meats, pasta, rice, soup, and vegetables for lunch and dinner. If you require a vegetarian menu, please select your preference during the booking process.

In the event of rain, the order of the places to be visited, the possibility of seeing the sunrise, and the accommodations may change as some roads may be closed. Additionally, the Salar de Uyuni may be flooded, and Isla Incahuasi (in the middle of the salt flat) will be closed. Therefore, Isla Incahuasi will not be visited, and the tour will proceed only to a safe distance within the salar.

Villamar refuge offers shared rooms for double, triple, or quadruple occupancy (subject to availability), with shared bathrooms and cold showers (Bs. 10 for hot showers, paid in cash). None of the refuges offer internet.

To book the Salar de Uyuni (4-day) tour, choose your date and follow the steps on the website. You can add more tours to your cart before confirming the booking.

We accept bookings up to 1 day in advance, subject to availability. Therefore, we recommend booking as early as possible to secure your spot.

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