Recommended byLe Routard & Le Petit Futé
Recommended by
.jpg)
The Salar de Uyuni is one of the most extraordinary places on the planet. This salt desert, roughly half the size of Belgium, forms a perfectly flat white surface interrupted only by a few islands. During the rainy season (from December to March), the Salar de Uyuni is frequently flooded with a 10 to 15 centimeter layer of water, turning it into a giant mirror.
The classic excursion is a one-day trip in Land Cruiser-type 4x4s. Group services use 1 vehicle for 6 passengers (in addition to the driver and often a cook), but private services are also available.
You first visit the Uyuni train cemetery, then head to Colchani, a village on the edge of the Salar de Uyuni where the local population lives from traditional salt harvesting.
Next, the 4x4 sets off across the vast salt desert to reach Incahuasi Island, 80 kilometers from Colchani. From the top of this "island," you get a 360-degree view over the entire Salar de Uyuni and the surrounding mountains, including the Tunupa volcano. A truly extraordinary landscape. You return to Uyuni in the late afternoon.
You can also opt for a 2-day excursion, during which you cross the entire salt flat and can climb the Tunupa volcano (5,430 m).
Please note that during the months of January to March, if there is heavy rain, the Salar de Uyuni may be flooded. The scenery becomes even more beautiful and surreal, but it is no longer possible to reach Incahuasi Island. Excursions are then carried out along the edges of the salt flat.
From the village of Uyuni, 3 to 4-day 4x4 excursions also allow you to discover the remote Southern Lipez region. The classic route runs over 3 days, departing from and returning to Uyuni.
On the first day, you cross the Salar de Uyuni, passing by Incahuasi Island. The next day, you continue south into Avaroa Park in the Southern Lipez region. You'll discover a succession of spectacular lagoons, including the Laguna Colorada, with its red waters.
On the last day, you continue on to the Laguna Verde, emerald in color. From there, it is possible to reach the Chilean border and San Pedro de Atacama. Otherwise, you return to Uyuni in the evening.
The last day of this excursion is particularly long, which is why some travelers prefer to do the tour over 4 days. One option in that case is to depart from Tupiza, pass by the Laguna Verde on day 2, the Laguna Colorada on day 3, and finish with the Salar de Uyuni on day 4.
It should be noted that this is still adventure tourism with fairly basic comfort: long days traveling by 4x4 on dusty tracks, often very simple lodging sometimes without hot water, altitude around 4,000 meters, and temperatures that can drop to -15ºC on certain winter nights. But those who venture here will discover pristine, breathtaking landscapes, with lagoons in almost unreal colors.
Maximum daytime temperature (monthly average):
Minimum nighttime temperature (monthly average):
By air:
By land:
For more information about these hotels, you can see the Hotels in Uyuni page.
For a private, tailor-made journey designed just for you, our local team supports you from your first message until your return home.
