Private Uyuni Salt Flat in Hotels 4 Days (Atacama-Atacama)

Q: What days of the year can I make this excursion?

The tour has confirmed departures all days of the week, the whole year.

Q: What kind of vehicles are used in this activity?

The activity is made on a H1 or Sprinter in Chile, and on a 4x4 (Toyota Land Cruiser) in Bolivia in a group of 5 people each.

Q: How many bags or suitcases can I bring?

Each passenger may carry at most one bag or suitcase of 15 kilos which will go above the 4x4. Because it will be outside the vehicle, it is recommended to take a bag rather than a suitcase, as suitcases are fragile and could be exposed to potential damage. If you do choose to bring a suitcase, it must a maximum size of a cabin suitcase (55 x 40 x 20 cm).

Q: Is it necessary to bring sleeping bag?

Although the accommodations provide blankets, during the colder months (June, July, and August), it is necessary to bring a sleeping bag, which you can rent directly at the San Pedro de Atacama office a day before the tour starts, for a price of CLP$ 10.000. During the rest of the year, a sleeping bag is not needed.

Q: How much money should I bring to the tour?

We recommend bringing at least Bs. 500 per person for expenses not included in the tour, such as park entry fees, taxes, access to bathrooms, and water. On Toconao Street in San Pedro de Atacama (intersection with Caracoles), you can find some exchange houses where you can obtain bolivianos to take with you on the tour. We recommend bringing small bills for expenses such as restrooms or entrance fees, as some places may not always have change available.

Q: It is necessary to have tourist visa to enter Bolivia?

Depending on the nationality of the passenger. Passengers from Chile and the rest of South America, and passengers from Western Europe do not need tourist visa, while passenger that come from United States, Central America, Asia, and Africa do need tourist visa that costs U$ 160. This visa is obtained directly in the border, where along with the payment of the visa in cash, you need to present your passport and other documents. In case you are a foreign person resident in Chile, besides your passport, you need your ID card with you so you can prove your residence with the police authorities in customs.

Q: Do I need to be vaccinated against yellow fever for the tour?

The vaccine against the yellow fever is demanded for all passengers who don't come back to San Pedro de Atacama and that hace to pay tourism visa in the border (passengers that present a travel document from a country of the group II).

Q: How likely is suffer "puna" or altitude sickness during the tour?

Most of the tour is made above 13,123 ft. of altitude so it is quite likely to suffer from altitude sickness specially the first day of the tour. To avoid or reduce the general feeling of discomfort, we recommend acclimate to the altitude one or two days above 8,202 ft., drink lots of water before and during the tour, eat light meals (avoid meat) the previous days, and do not drink alcohol the night before the beginning of the tour.

Q: How is the weather along the tour?

In summer (December to March), the temperature ranges from about 4 °C as a minimum, to 23 °C maximum. In winter (June to September) the temperature ranges from about -20 °C as a minimum, to 16 °C maximum.

Q: What about the tour in case it rains?

In case of rain, the order of the places visited, the possibility to see the sunrise and the accommodation places are subject to change, because some of the roads might be closed. Added to the previous information, water in the Uyuni Salt Flat is an important obstacle and the Incahuasi Island (located in the center of the salt flat) remains closed. This means the Incahuasi Island cannot be visited and we enter to the salt flat only for a certain distance, so the passengers are safe.

4 days private tour to the Uyuni Salt Flat, beginning and ending in San Pedro de Atacama. It includes transport, accommodation in hotels and all meals.

Atacama - Uyuni - Atacama

Prices

1 person: US$ 2,720 per person.
Group of 2 persons: US$ 1,440 per person.
Group of 3 persons: US$ 1,310 per person.
Group of 4 persons: US$ 1,015 per person.
Group of 5 persons: US$ 1,055 per person.

*If your group has 6 or more people on the same itinerary, add the tour to the cart multiple times: once per vehicle (max. 5 passengers per vehicle).

How to book

Select the departure date on the calendar.
Select the number of travelers.
Click on “Add to cart.”
Pay the total price of the program online.
You can reschedule or cancel your booking (with a 100% refund) up to 30 days before the tour starts.

Included

Pick-up at your accommodation (urban area).
Drop off at your accommodation.
Private transport.
Spanish-speaking driver.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (starting with breakfast on the first day and ending with breakfast on the fourth day).
Three nights of accommodations in 3-stars hotels in a double or queen private room, a private bathroom, hot shower, and solar panels heating:
- 1st night in Hotel Tayka Desierto (Hotel Mallku Cueva, or Hotel Flamencos Altiplano according to availability).
- 2nd night in Hotel Luna Salada (Hotel Palacio de Sal or Hotel Cristal Samaña, according to availability).
- 3rd night in Hotel Luna Salada (Hotel Palacio de Sal or Hotel Cristal Samaña, according to availability).

Not included

Round-trip transfer between Calama Airport and San Pedro de Atacama.
Guide.
Border tax (Bs. 17 per person).
Towels.
Park entrance fees (Bs. 210 per person):
- Admission to Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve (Bs. 150 per person).
- Admission to Polques Hot Springs (Bs. 30 per person).
- Admission to Incahuasi Island (Bs. 30 per person).
Access to bathrooms along the route (approx. Bs. 6 each).
Rubber boots (required in case of rain; rental for Bs. 30 per person).

Optional services

English-speaking driver for the first 3 days of the tour (the fourth day is always with a Spanish-speaking driver): US$ 320 per booking.

What to bring

Comfortable and warm clothing.
Comfortable shoes (preferably trekking shoes).
Swimsuit (for the Polques Hot Springs).
Towel.
Sunglasses.
Sunscreen.
Toilet paper.
Personal hygiene items.
Water (1 liter per person for the first day; you can buy more along the way on the following days).
Between Bs. 350 and Bs. 500 for expenses not included in the tour (entrance fees, taxes, restrooms, souvenirs, etc.)

Restrictions

Because the tour reaches 5,000 m (16,404 ft) above sea level and takes place in a limited-space vehicle, the following people cannot participate:
- Children up to 7 years old (minimum age required: 8).
- Adults over 65, unless they present a medical certificate stating they are in optimal condition to do activities above 5,000 m (16,404 ft).
- People who weigh more than 100 kg (220 lb) (due to the vehicle’s limited space).
- Pregnant women.
- People with high blood pressure, heart failure, asthma, or similar conditions.

Itinerary

Start: Day 1 at 7:00 am from your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama.

End: Day 4 at 6:00 pm in San Pedro de Atacama (please note that this time may change due to weather conditions or force majeure. We recommend planning your departure from San Pedro de Atacama for the day after the tour ends.)

Day 1: San Pedro de Atacama - Border - Lagoons

We’ll pick you up from your accommodation and head to the border between Chile and Bolivia to complete the customs procedures. Once in Bolivian territory, you’ll begin to discover the unique landscapes of the high plateau:

Green Lagoon & White Lagoon: Located at the foot of the majestic Licancabur Volcano, famous for their intense colors that shift with the wind.
Polques Hot Springs: Relaxing outdoor thermal waters where you can enjoy the breathtaking Altiplano scenery.
Sol de Mañana Geysers: Fumaroles and steam jets that reach up to 90 °C, creating an impressive natural spectacle.
Red Lagoon: A stunning lake with vibrant reddish tones, home to thousands of Andean flamingos.

At the end of the day, you’ll enjoy dinner and a well-deserved rest at your accommodation.

Day 2. Altiplanic Lagoons - Siloli Desert

This day you’ll explore the most iconic landscapes of the Altiplano, with stops at lagoons surrounded by volcanoes and deserts filled with unique rock formations:

Cachi Lagoon, Honda Lagoon, Chiarkota Lagoon & Cañapa Lagoon: Four high-altitude lakes where you can spot flamingos and other Andean wildlife in their natural habitat.
Siloli Desert: A surreal landscape with wind-sculpted rock formations, including the famous Stone Tree.

If you stay overnight at Mallku Cueva the night before, the itinerary may be modified, visiting the following places:

Italia Perdida (Lost Italy): A surprising valley of rock formations that resemble ancient ruins.
Vinto Lagoon: A beautiful high-altitude lake, perfect for observing local fauna.
Anaconda Canyon: A panoramic viewpoint where you can see a river winding like the famous Amazonian reptile.

You’ll end the day with dinner and a restful night at a lodge near the Uyuni Salt Flat.

Day 3: Uyuni Salt Flat - Incahuasi Island - Colchani - Train Cemetery

After breakfast, you’ll set out for the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt desert in the world and one of Bolivia’s most impressive destinations:

Incahuasi Island: Walk among giant cacti and climb to the top for a stunning 360° view of the endless white expanse.
Salt Museum & Dakar Monument: Unique constructions made entirely of salt.
Colchani: A traditional village where you can learn about artisanal salt production and buy local handicrafts.
Train Cemetery: A fascinating site filled with old, rusting locomotives, perfect for photos.
Sunset at the Uyuni Salt Flats: A magical show of reflections and colors that turns the horizon into an unforgettable postcard.

At the end of the day, you’ll enjoy dinner and rest at your accommodation.

Day 4: Return to San Pedro de Atacama

Early in the morning, we’ll begin the journey back to the Chilean border, complete the migration procedures, and continue to San Pedro de Atacama, where this unforgettable tour through the Bolivian Altiplano comes to an end. A journey that combines nature, adventure, and surreal landscapes, perfect for travelers seeking a unique experience in South America.

*From January to April, during the rainy season known as the Altiplano winter, the itinerary may undergo specific changes, such as spending the second night in Uyuni and skipping the visit to Incahuasi Island if it is underwater. At any time of year, the route, places visited, activity order, and schedules may vary due to weather conditions, road status, demonstrations, or lodging availability.

*The pickup service included does not operate to nor from accommodations located outside the urban area of San Pedro de Atacama, accommodations located in ayllus near San Pedro de Atacama (Quitor, Yaye, Checar, Sequitor, Solor, and Coyo), nor accommodations in the town of Toconao.

Cancellation policy

If you cancel at least 30 days before the tour starts, you will receive a 100% refund of the amount paid.
If you cancel with less notice than indicated, no refund will be issued, regardless of the reason.

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Frequently asked questions

What days of the year can I make this excursion?

What kind of vehicles are used in this activity?

How many bags or suitcases can I bring?

Is it necessary to bring sleeping bag?

How much money should I bring to the tour?

It is necessary to have tourist visa to enter Bolivia?

Do I need to be vaccinated against yellow fever for the tour?

How likely is suffer "puna" or altitude sickness during the tour?

How is the weather along the tour?

What about the tour in case it rains?

When is it possible to see the mirror effect on the Uyuni Salt Flat?

What is it about the meals?

What type of sockets have the accommodations?

Is there internet access in the accommodations?

In what options is the tour available?

Is it possible to do the tour with a driver in another language?

How to book Uyuni Salt Flat Private (4 days) from Atacama: Hotels?

How far in advance should I book Uyuni Salt Flat Private (4 days) from Atacama: Hotels?