Salar de Uyuni, often hailed as Bolivia’s “Jewel,” is a unique and captivating destination in South America, drawing worldwide attention for its stunning beauty. Covering over 10,000 square kilometers, this vast salt flat is not only a marvel of nature’s creativity but also a symbol of Bolivia’s rich natural legacy.
In 2019, this extraordinary site was honored as the “Best Natural Tourist Attraction in South America” by the prestigious World Travel Awards. This recognition highlights Salar de Uyuni’s otherworldly allure and magnificence, enticing visitors with its expansive salt plains, mirror-like surfaces, and a mystical fusion of earth and sky.
The tour starts at 10:30 AM from the Skyline Traveller office. We first visit the Train Cemetery, where locomotives from the 1870s of English and French origin are on display.
11:00 AM – Our second stop is Colchani, where you can witness the manual salt production process and explore shops selling salt handicrafts, llama, and alpaca wool products.
12:00 PM – Next, we enter the Salar, where we observe the “eyes of the Salar,” the salt hotel constructed with salt blocks, the Dakar statue, and the flag plaza.
1:00 PM – Lunch
3:00 PM – We have time for perspective photos, videos, and much more.
4:00 PM – We reach Isla Incahuasi, the heart of the Salar, with giant cacti. Here, you can take a walk around the entire island, which takes about 40 minutes. At the end of the day, we wait to observe the sunset on the salt flat.
8:00 PM – Finally, we arrive at the salt accommodation in the village of San Juan (double, matrimonial, or triple rooms) with shared bathrooms. If you prefer a private bathroom, it can be arranged for an extra cost.
7:00 AM – After a delicious breakfast, we leave the accommodation between 6 AM and 7 AM to continue with the stops.
9:00 AM – You will see beautiful wind-eroded rocks, the Copa del Mundo, and the Camel.
11:00 AM – Italy Lost, Laguna Vinto, and Laguna Katal are challenging to access. To reach them in a 4×4, we have to leave the main road and take a small rocky and sandy path that leads to the edge of a small valley. You’ll enjoy a spectacular natural landscape with abundant flora and fauna.
12:00 PM – Lunch
2:00 PM – Valle de Rocas
4:00 PM – San Cristóbal Church, an architectural gem from the 17th century built by the Jesuits.
5:00 PM – Finally, we arrive in Uyuni, concluding the tour.
The tour typically includes visiting the vast salt flats, Incahuasi Island, the train graveyard, and local villages. The first day focuses on exploring the salt flats and Incahuasi, while the second day involves visiting cultural and historical sites before returning.
Essential items include warm clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, comfortable walking shoes, and a hat. Also, bring water and snacks for personal use.
Yes, the tour includes one night’s accommodation. This is usually in a basic hotel made of salt, offering a unique experience.
Typically, meals are included, but it’s best to confirm with your tour provider. Vegetarian options are often available upon request.
The tour is low to moderate in physical difficulty, but the high altitude can affect some people. It’s advisable to acclimate before the tour if possible.
