Book the best Salar de Uyuni tours from Uyuni or La Paz. Experience dazzling white salt flats, colorful lagoons, flamingos, hot springs and epic sunsets on 1–4 day private and shared expeditions. Jeep tours, star photography and Incahuasi Island included. Secure your Bolivia salt flats adventure today!
Our most popular Salar de Uyuni tours cross the world’s largest salt flat at sunrise, hit mirror-effect lagoons full of flamingos, climb volcano viewpoints, and sleep in salt hotels under star fields that break your brain.
World’s largest salt flat, mirror skies, giant cacti islands, flamingo lagoons, Salvador Dalí desert, hot springs and volcanoes. Comfortable 4×4, salt hotel stays, all meals and expert guide included (3 days/2 nights).
Train Graveyard → endless salt flats with perspective photos → sunset wine toast. Then flamingo lagoons, Siloli Desert, Árbol de Piedra, red Laguna Colorada, sunrise geysers, hot springs, Dali Desert and Green Lagoon. 4×4 jeep, 2 nights salt-brick hostel nights, all meals and expert guide included.
This 11-day adventure dives deep into its raw beauty and living culture without the usual tourist polish. You’ll fly to charming Sucre for two free days wandering colonial streets, markets and maybe dinosaur footprints. Potosí’s silver-mining history hits hard, then it’s off to the mind-blowing Salar de Uyuni for three days of 4x4 exploration across the endless white salt mirror, flamingo lagoons, surreal deserts and high-altitude hot springs, sleeping in simple refuges A night bus back to La Paz gives you a final free day to soak in the chaotic markets, winding alleys and nightlife.
Our Salar de Uyuni day tours blast across the endless white salt flat at sunrise for mirror photos, visit the train cemetery, Incahuasi cactus island, and salt processing villages.
Pre-dawn 4×4 ride to the heart of the world’s largest salt flat. Catch a surreal sunrise, play with mind-bending perspective photos, then stay after dark for South America’s clearest, star-filled sky. Breakfast, warm blankets and return to Uyuni included.
Hotel pickup → eerie Train Cemetery → Colchani salt factory → endless white expanse with salt-extraction demo and local lunch → Incahuasi Island giant cacti (dry season) → epic sunset over the glowing salt flat (mirror effect in rainy season). Comfortable 4×4, guide, all meals and return to Uyuni included.
Small-group 4×4 adventure (max 10 guests) across the world’s biggest salt desert: salt museum, Incahuasi cactus island, perspective photos and wildlife spotting. End with a magical sunset over the mirror-like salt flat (rainy season) or glowing white expanse (dry season). Snacks, lunch and hassle-free transport included.
Our Salar de Uyuni multi-day tours run 3-4 day 4×4 expeditions across the blinding salt flat, red and green lagoons packed with flamingos, bubbling geysers at 5,000 m, hot springs, and desert nights in basic refugios or salt hotels.
Train Cemetery, salt refinery, endless white horizon photos, sunset mirror effect (rainy season), overnight in a real salt hotel, sunrise at Tunupa Volcano viewpoint. Comfortable 4×4, all meals, guide and Uyuni pickup/drop-off included.
Train Graveyard, salt refinery, Dakar monument, endless white expanse for perspective photos, Incahuasi giant cacti island, sunset over the flats, overnight in a real salt hotel, sunrise at Tunupa Volcano viewpoint. 4×4 jeep, all meals and guide included.
Train Graveyard → endless salt flats with mirror photos → Incahuasi giant cacti → sunset over the white expanse. Then flamingo lagoons, Siloli Desert + Stone Tree, Red Lagoon, sunrise geysers, hot springs, Dali Desert and Green Lagoon. Finish with border drop-off to San Pedro de Atacama. 4×4 jeep, 2 nights basic hostels, all meals and expert guide included.
Our Salar de Uyuni sunset and starlight tours drive onto the salt flat in late afternoon for golden hour mirror shots, stay for fiery sunset reflections, then lie back under the southern hemisphere’s sharpest Milky Way with zero light pollution.
Leave Uyuni at 4:30 PM for a magical 4-hour escape to the world’s largest salt flat. Watch the sun melt into a blaze of pink and gold, turning the endless white expanse into a perfect mirror. As darkness falls, lie back under one of Earth’s clearest night skies—the Milky Way explodes overhead, reflections shimmer below. Waterproof wellies let you wade into the dreamlike scene, sip hot coffee to stay cozy, and capture those surreal Instagram moments. Return to town by 8:30 PM with photos that look like another planet.
Leave Uyuni at night in your own 4×4, lie back under the clearest starry sky in South America, then watch the first light explode across the mirror-like salt flat. Perfect perspective photos at dawn with no one else around. Private guide, warm blankets, hot drinks and hotel pickup included.
Arrive before dawn in your private 4×4 to catch a breathtaking sunrise over the endless mirror-like salt flat, snapping those famous perspective-bending photos with no crowds around. Relax through the day, then as darkness falls, lie back under one of South America’s clearest, star-packed skies—the Milky Way glows like nowhere else. Warm blankets, hot drinks and undivided guide attention make this magical light-to-dark experience unforgettable.
Our Salar de Uyuni private tours give you your own 4×4, driver, and guide for the whole trip—choose sunrise on the salt, extra time at flamingo lagoons, sunset at Incahuasi, or stargazing until midnight.
Morning flight over the Andes, land at Uyuni and jump straight into a comfy private Land Cruiser. Train cemetery, Incahuasi giant cacti island, Tunupa Volcano lookout, champagne sunset over the endless salt mirror, then evening flight back to La Paz. Lunch, all transfers and flights included.
Your own 4×4 and dedicated guide for three full days of pure wonder: endless salt flats, mirror sunrises, Incahuasi cacti island, flamingo lagoons, Siloli Desert, geysers, hot springs, Red + Green Lagoons. Set your own pace, skip the crowds, relax in hand-picked salt hotels or refuges. All meals, transfers and hotel pickup included.
Head into the heart of the world’s largest salt flat after dark. Watch a fiery sunset (or glowing sunrise) over the endless white mirror, then lie back under one of the planet’s clearest, starriest skies. Hot drinks keep you warm while the Milky Way lights up the desert silence. Perfect short escape for stargazers.
Salar de Uyuni is the biggest salt flat on Earth, 11,000 square km of blinding white that turns into a perfect mirror when it rains and the sky literally falls onto the ground. You drive for hours without seeing another car, stop in the middle of nowhere and can’t tell where horizon ends, watch flamingos wade through water the color of rosé, then sleep in hotels built entirely from salt blocks. Sunrise here feels like the first one ever. With Salar Uyuni Tours you get private 4×4s, drivers who know every island and hidden lagoon, hot quinoa soup at 5,000 m when your fingers are frozen, and photos that make your friends think you faked the whole trip.
Stand on water that reflects clouds so perfectly you can’t tell up from down. Jump, run, play with dinosaurs – the classic shots everyone wants.
Walk among thousand-year-old cacti taller than houses on a rocky island rising straight out of the white, vizcachas sunning themselves like they own the place.
4:30 a.m. wake-up, freezing toes, then the sky goes from black to purple to flamingo pink while the mirror turns gold. Worth every lost minute of sleep.
Drive to red and green lagoons at 4,500 m, watch three species of flamingos feed in water that smells like rotten eggs and looks like paint.
Our expert team has been helping navigate and book Salar de Uyuni tours and activities for tourists from all over the world for over a decade, ensuring you have a hassle-free trip with everything booked in advance.
With deep knowledge of the Bolivian altiplano, partnerships with the best local operators, and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, we're committed to making your salt flats adventure truly extraordinary. From your first inquiry to your last tour, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Salar de Uyuni Tours is recognized by leading adventure travel platforms worldwide
Bolivia Altiplano Excellence Award
2024
Andes Explorer Choice Award
Best Salar de Uyuni Tour Operator
Uyuni Region Sustainable Adventure Award
2023
Altiplano Eco Tourism Verified Excellence
Booking upon arrival in Uyuni or San Pedro de Atacama can save you 30-50% compared to online booking, though advance booking offers certainty and convenience. Booking on arrival advantages: Tours cost significantly less—expect to pay $90-150 USD for 3-day tours when booking locally versus $200-300+ online, easy price negotiation since dozens of agencies line Uyuni's main street competing for business (travelers report negotiating from $200-300 starting prices down to $120), ability to compare multiple operators in person checking vehicle conditions and asking detailed questions, flexibility to choose departure dates and travel companions, and Spanish-speaking guides cost even less ($90-100 for same tours versus $150+ for English guides). One traveler reported: "We negotiated our price down to $120 USD. We asked around our tour group and everyone booked at different agencies but most people paid double what we paid for the exact same tour." Booking in advance advantages: Guaranteed spot on preferred dates (especially important during high season July-August and December-February), certainty around timing if you have fixed travel schedules, less stress than scrambling upon arrival, ability to arrange visas showing proof of accommodation, and email confirmation/itinerary documentation. Verdict: If you have flexible dates and some Spanish skills, book upon arrival and save significant money. If traveling during peak season, have rigid schedules, or want guaranteed English-speaking guides, book 2-4 weeks ahead. Most tour companies use identical routes, vehicles, and accommodations regardless of booking method—you're paying primarily for the guide and timing certainty when booking online.
Tour duration dramatically changes what you experience—the salt flats themselves are just one component of longer tours. 1-day tours visit only Salar de Uyuni itself including sunrise/sunset on the flats, Incahuasi Island (cactus island), train cemetery near Uyuni town, and the famous mirror-effect photography spots (during rainy season when water covers sections). Tours depart early morning (5:00-6:00 AM) returning late afternoon. Best for: Travelers with limited time, those uninterested in high-altitude highlands, or visitors primarily wanting Instagram salt flats photos. 3-day/2-night tours (most popular) cover much more than just salt flats: Day 1: Cross into Bolivia from San Pedro de Atacama (or depart Uyuni), visit Laguna Verde, Laguna Blanca, Dali Desert rock formations, geysers, and Laguna Colorada (stunning red lake with thousands of flamingos). Day 2: More rock formations, Bofedas (wetlands with llamas), mining towns, ending at Salt Hotel overlooking the flats. Day 3: Pre-dawn departure for sunrise on salt flats, Incahuasi Island, several hours photographing on the flats including mirror sections, train cemetery, then tour ends in Uyuni or continues to San Pedro. 4-day/3-night tours are identical to 3-day tours except they include the return drive to San Pedro de Atacama on Day 4 (early morning departure, 3-4 hours driving, arriving noon). The 3-day tour is substantially more than just salt flats—you spend only 4-6 hours actually on the flats (Day 3 morning), with Days 1-2 exploring Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve's incredible volcanic landscapes, colored lagoons, and wildlife. Verdict: 3-day tours offer best value showing extraordinary diversity beyond salt flats alone.
Altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness/AMS) is the biggest challenge on Uyuni tours—even experienced high-altitude hikers get sick. What is altitude sickness: Your body's reaction to reduced oxygen at high elevations causing headaches (most common), nausea and vomiting, dizziness and lightheadedness, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping, and loss of appetite. Why Uyuni tours cause problems: You rapidly ascend from 2,400-3,600m to 4,500-5,000m in hours (some passes exceed 5,000m/16,400 ft), sleep at 4,200-4,500m for two nights when your body needs rest to adjust, engage in physical activity (hiking, walking) while oxygen-deprived, and experience early wake-ups preventing adequate sleep recovery. One experienced traveler reported: "I was skiing in Jackson Hole/Denver a week prior and regularly am at high elevation...I figured a few days at 4-5000m wouldn't be bad. I was so wrong. Altitude sickness will take away from the trip and if it's bad, will be worse than any hangover you have experienced." Prevention strategies: Acclimatize gradually—spend 2-3 days in Uyuni (3,656m) or San Pedro (2,400m) before starting tours, doing day trips to higher elevations, stay hydrated—drink 3-4 liters water daily (dehydration worsens symptoms dramatically), bring Diamox/acetazolamide (prescription altitude medication—take 125-250mg twice daily starting day before ascent), chew coca leaves—locals constantly chew them, and they provide mild relief (though not a cure), avoid alcohol the night before and during tours (worsens dehydration and symptoms), and eat light meals (altitude reduces appetite but you need calories). If symptoms are severe: Descend immediately—altitude sickness can become life-threatening (HACE/HAPE). Drivers don't carry oxygen or Diamox, so bring your own medication.
Proper packing prevents misery in Uyuni's extreme conditions. Essential clothing: Warm layers (temperatures range 70-80°F/21-27°C daytime, dropping to 20-32°F/-7 to 0°C at night—fleece, down jacket, warm hat, gloves), moisture-wicking base layers (not cotton—cotton stays wet and cold), sun protection (wide-brimmed hat, buff/neck gaiter, UV-blocking sunglasses), and comfortable walking shoes plus flip-flops (for salt hotels and hostels). Sun protection is critical: At 12,000-16,000 feet elevation, UV radiation is 50% stronger than sea level. Multiple travelers report severe sunburns even with dark skin—reapply SPF 50+ sunscreen every 1-2 hours. Essential items: Toilet paper (bathrooms in Bolivia rarely provide it—bring your own roll), hand sanitizer, water bottles (6 liters recommended over 3 days—dehydration worsens altitude sickness), snacks (tour meals are basic and sparse—bring protein bars, nuts, chocolate), coca leaves or Diamox for altitude, headlamp with extra batteries (accommodations lose power at night), and cash in multiple currencies (Bolivianos, Chilean pesos, US dollars—all accepted). For photography: Camera/phone with extra batteries and memory cards (you'll take 1,000+ photos), waterproof bag for protecting electronics from salt and dust, and props for creative salt flats photos (dinosaur toys, unique sunglasses—tour operators provide some props). Don't bring: Excessive valuables, laptops, or items you can't afford to get dusty/salty. Important: Bills must be in excellent condition (no tears, excessive wear) or they'll be rejected at borders and shops.
Tour meals are simple, filling, but nothing special—set expectations accordingly. Typical meals: Breakfasts include pancakes or bread rolls with jam/dulce de leche/butter, instant Nescafé coffee (not real coffee), and boxed maté tea. Lunches start with vegetable soup course followed by chicken/beef with rice, potatoes or fries, and cooked vegetables. Dinners are similar—soup followed by protein and carbs. One memorable dinner described: "Traditional Bolivian saltaña: hot dogs/beef mixed with peppers, onions, tomatoes, and hard-boiled eggs over fries—sounds gross but it slaps." What to expect: Meals are prepared at basic hostels along the route, portions are generous and provide adequate fuel for hiking, vegetarian options available (notify operators in advance), quality varies by hostel—some meals are delicious, others mediocre, and some lodges include cheap Bolivian wine at dinner. Important notes: Food at the second-night accommodation is notably worse than the first night—travelers universally recommend bringing supplemental snacks (protein bars, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate) because tour meals alone leave you hungry. Dietary restrictions: Gluten-free, vegan, and other special diets are accommodated with advance notice, but options are limited. One traveler noted: "The food was rough and little throughout the tour but some sides/soups were delicious." Water: Bottled water available for purchase at stops (5-10 Bolivianos per bottle) but bring your own supply to save money.
Nearly all tours use Toyota Land Cruiser 80 or 100 Series (occasionally Lexus LX or Nissan Patrol—rebadged Land Cruisers). Vehicle details: Older models with 500,000-1,200,000 miles on the odometer but generally well-maintained for harsh conditions, seating for 6 passengers plus driver in tight quarters (4 in back row, 2 in middle, expect knee-to-knee contact), minimal luggage space (pack light—large bags go on roof rack), no guaranteed air conditioning (many vehicles have broken AC, windows can't open in dusty sections), and sturdy suspension handling rough roads. One car enthusiast noted: "The 80 Series we had had over 1.2 million miles on it, seat covers, and some mangled body parts but was maintained reasonably well and only needed a second crank a handful of times." Vehicle condition varies: Some are well-kept with working AC and comfortable interiors, others are rough with duct-taped seats and heat coming through floorboards, but all get you safely to destinations—these Land Cruisers are legendary for reliability. Driver maintenance: Expect to see drivers checking fluids and banging cabin air filters on rocks each morning—basic maintenance only. If you're tall (6'2"+/188cm+): Specifically request front seat when booking—back seats are cramped for tall passengers over 8+ hour days. The vehicles are part of the adventure—embrace the overlanding experience rather than expecting luxury SUVs.
Season dramatically changes your salt flats experience—choose based on priorities. Rainy season (December-April, peak January-March): Iconic mirror-effect photography when thin water layer covers sections of salt flats creating perfect reflections of sky and mountains—this is the "famous" Uyuni everyone envisions. Water depth ranges 1-6 inches allowing walking/driving. Wildlife viewing is excellent (flamingos, vicuñas, llamas more active). Temperatures are warmer (60-75°F/15-24°C daytime, 30-40°F/-1 to 4°C night). However, roads can be muddy/impassable after heavy rain, tours may skip certain routes, and higher season means more tourists/higher prices. Dry season (May-November, peak June-August): Hexagonal salt crust patterns visible—stunning honeycomb formations covering the flats' surface impossible to see when water-covered. Easier road access with dry, firm surfaces. Cooler temperatures but clearer skies. However, NO mirror-effect photography—the flats are completely dry. Lower tourism means cheaper tours and easier booking. Shoulder seasons (April-May, November-December): Best compromise—partial water for some mirror sections plus some hexagonal patterns, fewer crowds than peak rainy season, and moderate temperatures. Verdict: Visit December-March if iconic mirror photos are your priority (worth the crowds). Visit June-August for hexagonal patterns, budget prices, and solitude. Both are spectacular—just different. Don't visit May or November expecting mirrors—you'll likely miss the water.
Visa requirements vary dramatically by nationality—research your specific country well in advance. US citizens: Require visa ($160 USD) plus yellow fever vaccination certificate—one of the most expensive/complicated nationalities. Visas can be obtained at borders, La Paz airport, or in advance at Bolivian consulates. At land borders like Hito Cajón (Chile-Bolivia), expect additional "fees" (bribes) adding $20-40 to stated costs—travelers report paying $180-200 total instead of advertised $160. Yellow fever vaccination: Officially required but enforcement varies—some border officials demand certificates, others accept $20-40 "exemption fees." Getting vaccinated in home country is cheaper than bribes. European citizens (most): No visa required—free entry stamps at borders. Canadian, Australian, New Zealand citizens: Similar policies to Europeans—check specific requirements. What you need at borders: Valid passport (6+ months validity), cash in good condition (brand new $20, $50, $100 bills only—torn or worn bills rejected), proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or tour confirmation), proof of onward travel (bus tickets, tour ending in Chile), and yellow fever certificate (if required for your nationality). Additional "fees": Expect creative charges at Bolivian borders—3,000 Chilean peso "exit taxes" (negotiable to 2,000), processing fees, and other invented charges. Budget extra $50 USD beyond official visa costs. Pro tip: Get visa at La Paz airport if possible—faster, more organized, less negotiation than land borders.
Solo travelers easily join group tours—you'll never need to book private tours unless desired. How it works: Tour operators continuously fill 6-passenger Land Cruisers by combining individual bookings from multiple sources, meaning your tour group typically includes travelers who booked through different agencies (they coordinate to fill vehicles efficiently). Typical groups: 6 passengers total often including mix of couples, solo travelers, and occasionally families. One solo traveler reported: "I was solo and booked upon arrival...ended up with a Brazilian family and Brazilian couple—it turned out to be fun." Solo traveler advantages: Meet international travelers from diverse countries (one tour included people from 6-7 countries), split costs without paying single supplements, and built-in social experience versus isolated travel. Potential downside: You cannot choose companions—might get great matches or personality conflicts over 3 days of close contact in small vehicles. Private tours available: Pay $75-100+ extra per person for private groups (2-6 people) allowing you to control pacing, route choices, and photo priorities without waiting for others. Verdict: Don't worry about traveling solo—joining group tours is standard, easy, and often enhances the experience through shared adventure and international friendships. However, if you value control and flexibility, spring for private tour upgrade.
The multi-day tour is absolutely worth it—the salt flats themselves are just 20-30% of the total experience. What makes 3-day tours special beyond salt flats: Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve contains some of Bolivia's most spectacular landscapes including Laguna Colorada (vivid red lake with thousands of flamingos), Laguna Verde (brilliant green lake beneath Licancabur volcano), Laguna Blanca (white lake in stark volcanic setting), active geysers and bubbling mud pools, Dali Desert (surreal rock formations resembling Salvador Dali paintings), thermal hot springs at 3,800m (magical experience bathing under stars and Milky Way), and countless vicuñas, llamas, Andean foxes, and bird species. One experienced traveler wrote: "The tour is so much more than visiting the Salar de Uyuni...you continuously have the opportunity to view incredible landscapes. This was one of the most memorable trips of my life." Another added: "Some of the most unique and breathtaking landscapes I've ever seen." 1-day tours visiting only salt flats miss: 90% of the region's beauty, Eduardo Avaroa's colored lagoons (highlight for many), wildlife viewing opportunities, and the adventure of crossing remote high-altitude deserts. However, if you're severely time-limited or altitude-sensitive: 1-day tours provide salt flats experience without multi-day commitment. You'll see the iconic mirror photos, Incahuasi Island, train cemetery, but none of the highlands' volcanic landscapes. Verdict: If you can handle 3 days of basic conditions and early mornings, absolutely do the full tour—it's exponentially better than salt flats alone.
