Minimum age: 4 years old – Must have parents permission

The pickups from the Uyuni Bus Station is only available on the date of your tour. In case, you arrive in Uyuni before, we highly recommend you choose your meeting point the Perla de Bolivia office

Start your tour off at 10:30 a.m. with a drive out to the Uyuni Salt Flats. The first stop is the haunting “Train Graveyard’, which is found on the outskirts of Uyuni. Get to see the first locomotives in Bolivia, and learn about their history, which connected several major cities. Now, corroded over time from the strong salt winds that run through this desert area, this makes for a great photo setting.

Then visit the small settlement of Colchani (salt miners’ workshops next to the salt flats), there, also find handicrafts made of salt, and textile art manufactured of llama and alpaca wool. These make excellent souvenirs to bring back home. Take photos as you cruise along the vast white expanse of salt, wade through “Ojos de Agua Salada” (salt water eyes), also visit: a hotel made completely out of salt which is currently used as a museum – restaurant, Flags of the world (Where you can bring yours and put there for free) and a Monument of Dakar racing.

After a morning of exploration, Lunch will be served near “Isla Incahuasi” (Fish Island), following that, have time to take a hike to the top of the island to see giant cacti and rock formations made of petrified coral.

Next, take time to organize your group for fun perspective- and proportion-distorted photos, set on the blinding white surface of the salt flats, playing around with the scene, you can be sure to take some funny, and memorable shots!

Finally, head to a spacious area for the unique experience of seeing a beautiful sunset over the salt flats, spreading its dazzling colors all over the Uyuni Salt Flats, and enjoying it with a glass of wine.

Important: Due to the rainy season from the last week of December to the last week of April. (Depending the weather conditions), it is not possible to access Incahuasi Island instead we have a magnificent view of Mirror Effect.

This tour is perfectly tailored for all arrivals in Uyuni, being by bus or by plane. The operator´s office is only 5 minutes away by taxi from the bus terminal and the airport

Notes:
*The operator provides water and refreshments during lunch.
*Enjoy the tour with bilingual guides: English and Spanish.
*The drivers and guide are separate individuals for your safety and the best experience.

10:00 - 10:15

Meeting point at Perla de Bolivia Office

10:30

Depart Uyuni, visit the Train Graveyard

11:30 - 12:30

Stop in Colchani Village, salt crafts and textile art

12:30 - 13:00

Stop in Salt Flats, Ojos de Agua Salada (small lagoon) and Salt Flats museum

13:00

Lunch

14:30 - 15:30

Visit Incahuasi, and see the giant cactus and rock formations

18:30

Arrive back to Uyuni (see the sunset before you leave)

- English Speaking Guide.
- Local Driver
- Transportation in 4WD with rooftop luggage rack.
- Meals: 1 lunch.
- 1 glass of wine during the sunset over the Salt Flats.
- Pick up from Bus Station Uyuni City – Same Day of the Tour
- Pick up from Airport in Uyuni – Same Day of the Tour

- Entrance Fee: Isla Incahuasi (30 BOB)
- Toilets on the way in total fee (10 BOB).
- Personal Expenses (150 BOB) (Optional)
* Please note that these costs are subject to change without prior notice
* Bring cash in Bolivianos, people don’t accept USD or Card during the tour.

- Sun hat / woolly hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Coat
- Gloves
- Trekking shoes
- Warm socks
- Hand sanitizer
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Camera
- Batteries

Cancellation or changes to this tour:

CHANGES: Any changes to the tour date need to be done before 5:00 pm (Bolivia time) 2 days before the tour begins. After this time, there is a 100% administration fee.

NO SHOWS & CANCELLATIONS: If you cancel two days prior to the tour before 5:00 pm (La Paz time) or earlier, a 35% administration fee (+ the card fee) will apply. After this time, there is a 100% no-show or cancellation fee.

You must email bookings@findlocaltrips.com (include the name of the tour and the reservation number) to cancel this tour or to make any changes.

1. From where do the tours start - can I start from La Paz?

   All of the tours of the Salar de Uyuni start in Uyuni. The tours will not include your transfer from La Paz; you will need to organize and pay for this separately. The buses to Uyuni are overnight, departing from La Paz every evening, and arriving into Uyuni the next day at about 7:00 am. You are able to start a tour on the same morning, as tours start from 10:30 a.m. We recommend the bus company Todo Turismo, as it is the most well-known among travelers.

2. Do I need to stay one night in Uyuni before and after my tour?

   You will arrive in Uyuni early in the morning, so it is possible to start a tour the same day you arrive. All tours start at 10:30 a.m. You will return to Uyuni by 18:30 pm ( 3 Day Tour) or 19:15 pm, ( Full Day Tour) giving you time to eat and head back on the overnight bus to La Paz, or even take a bus to Potosi / Sucre. It is advised that you book these buses before doing your tour of the Salt Flats. By following this itinerary, it is not necessary to stay in Uyuni.

3. Can I rent a sleeping bag for the tour?

   Yes, it will cost 50 BOB for the two nights and you must inform in the office in Uyuni City, before your tour start.

4. How does the wet season affect the tours?

   Salt flat (Salar de Uyuni) tours leave year-round, including during the wet season. In fact, many people try to visit during the wet season, in order to see the "mirror effect" of the water sitting atop the salt flats and reflecting the sky, which is an incredible sight. This is caused when the water table below the salt flats has risen enough to cause the water to sit on top of the salt. It is fine to visit the area when there is a certain amount of water, but when it becomes too deep (after long, sustained periods of rainfall in consecutive days) some places can become inaccessible, such as Isla Incahuasi. These must then be omitted from the tours, but we can usually continue visiting other parts of the salt flats. Also, the area to the south (with the colored lakes, geysers, hot springs, etc.) is usually not affected, so tours are not canceled.

5. What should I bring to the tour?

   Take coins and small bills, as the bathrooms aren't free. Don’t forget sunglasses, a camera with spare batteries, extra water, sunscreen and a hat, a sleeping bag, extra snacks (especially fruit and protein), lip balm (the sun, wind, and dry air will crack them up), and your passport. Take warm clothes (layers are best) for nights, as temperatures can get very low. Bring a T-shirt for daytime use, a jumper for the evenings, a warm jacket, gloves, and woolen socks for the nighttime. Also, remember comfortable walking shoes, flip-flops (for shared restroom facilities), a swimsuit, a towel, and a raincoat (for the rainy season, from December to March). Bring a torch, because the lights go out at 10:00 p.m. the second night when the generator runs dry. First Night you have energy all night.

6. Are there additional costs?

   The entrance fees for the attractions will not be covered. Full Day Tour Entrance Fees: Isla Incahuasi (30 BOB) Toilets on the way (10 BOB)

7. Will I have problems with altitude sickness on this tour?

   Altitude sickness can catch many travellers a little bit off guard. Not everyone gets sick in high altitudes, and it is difficult to predict who is likely to be badly affected by it. For most people, it is nothing more than a headache and a dizzy sensation that diminishes over a short period of time, 1 to 2 days for most people. If you want to limit your chances of getting sick, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, do not fly directly into high altitude - proceed slowly, allowing your body time to acclimatise as you ascend gradually. However, for many that is not possible, so it’s important to drink lots of water, and to slow down! This sounds simple, but both of these things are very important. Your body is struggling because you don’t have enough oxygen, so avoiding any strenuous activity is a good idea. Chew some coca leaves - the native people of South America have been chewing coca for centuries, thanks to its ability to alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms. Coca leaves can be bought in any supermarket, and even souvenir shops or street stalls. Take altitude sickness pills (Soroche): these are sold over the counter all over Peru and Bolivia, and are just a few dollars. If you are flying straight into altitude over 2500 metres without spending any time at an intermediate elevation, and you’re worried about getting sick, you can ask your doctor for more specific and stronger altitude sickness medication in advance. In the rare case that your symptoms are more severe than a headache and mild dizziness, you should descend in altitude and seek medical assistance.

8. I heard that I can finish this tour in Chile. Is that possible?

   Yes, it is possible to finish this tour at San Pedro de Atacama in Chile instead of coming back to Uyuni. After your visit to the Green Lagoon, the guides will help you get across the border without any issues, and you will arrive to Chile no later than 1:30 pm. The drop off is at San Pedro de Atacama’s main square, and the cost of this transfer is $20 USD. Please note that you will have no lunch before your transfer to San Pedro de Atacama. We recommend to have a good breakfast or take extra snacks with you.

9. Are there ATMs and an internet connection?

   Bring cash money with you, as sometimes the ATMs do not work in Salar de Uyuni – it’s best to have money prior to arrival. There is no internet connection on the tour, as the places that you’ll visit are in very remote locations and are inside the Natural Reserve “Eduardo Avaroa”.

10. I have heard and read awful stories about the drivers being drunk, and terrible car accidents happening?

    We only work with the best tour operators in Uyuni, and they monitor their drivers closely to ensure that there are none of these issues. We know there are many rogue operators in Uyuni with bad reputations, and for this reason we only offer tours with selected operators that we feel we can trust.

11. What kind of weather can we find in Uyuni Salt Flats?

    From June to September, you will find the lowest temperatures. Generally, it is cold, dry, and windy, and can easily reach -15 °C at night. Daytime temperatures can be between 5 and 10°C, and even increase a little more. The temperatures from January to May increase until at a comfortable level, and particularly in the day it can easily reach 19°C. However, the humidity from rain can cause a drop in the temperature.

12. I do not want to take all of my belongings with me to the Salt Flats. Where can I leave my big bag or suitcase?

    The first day of your tour you can leave your belongings at the Perla de Bolivia's office in Uyuni City, and pick them up on return.

13. Can I have a private room if I travel alone or as a couple for the second night ?

    Yes, of course, but you will need to pay an extra 20 dollars (per person) for a private bathroom on the second night (this room includes towels, toilet paper, and hot water). You need to inform us 48 hours before your tour date. (US Dollar notes must be in perfect condition. Old, torn, or marked notes will not be accepted).

14. Do you sell any Uyuni Salt Flats tour over the Christmas / New Year period?

    We do not sell any Uyuni Salt Flats tours on December 24th, December 25th, December 31st and January 1st, because of safety concerns. Specifically, this is due to the high number of drunk driving incidents that occur on Salt Flats tours during this time. We don't sell tours with any tour operator that we work with, and we think it is best to avoid the dangers and problems that occur at this time of year.

15. How long does it take to get to the Perla de Bolivia office from Uyuni Airport?

    It takes approximately 10 - 15 minutes from the Airport to the Perla de Bolivia office. You can take a taxi and it can cost between 15 Bs to 25 Bs approx.

16. Why book with FindLocalTrips.com?

    Apart from our low-price guarantee, with us you can be 100% assured that your booking is made. We provide instant email confirmation, and have live spaces and availability for each tour. You are in the capable hands of our team here on the ground, with 20 local experts who speak perfect Spanish and English, always ready with a quick response to any of the questions you might have. Tour operators are experts at operating their tours, and we are the experts at reservations, organisation, and assistance with your plans for these tours.