From La Paz: 3-Day Biking Tour Death Road & Uyuni Salt Flats

Potosí Department, Bolivia



Ride along the famous Death Road on a mountain bike on day 1 of your guided tour. On day 2, tour the Train Cemetry, Uyuni Salt Flats, and Dakar Monument before taking an overnight bus back to La Paz.

Overview

This is a 3-day guided adventure combining mountain biking on Death Road and a full-day tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats, starting and ending in La Paz. It suits active travelers interested in cycling and natural landscapes.

Itinerary

Day 1: Death Road Bike Tour and Bus to Uyuni

The mountain biking starts at 7:30 a.m. with a 22 km downhill ride on asphalt.

After 45 minutes, you reach a police checkpoint where a Bs. 50 entrance fee to the national park is required (cash only). This first section helps you get comfortable with the bike.

The guided group cycles about 10 km along the 'Death Road' with safety protocols and snack breaks. The final 32 km section includes a waterfall splash and ends in Yolosa, where you can use hotel showers, swim, and have a buffet lunch.

After the tour, the guide drops you at the bus office for the 9:00 p.m. bus from La Paz to Uyuni. Bring your bags with you, as you won’t return to your hotel.

Day 2: Uyuni Salt Flats Full-Day Tour and Bus to La Paz

Arrive in Uyuni at 7:30 a.m. with some free time before meeting at the office near the bus station. Departure is at 10:30 a.m. by 4WD vehicle to explore the salt flats.

  • Train Cemetery: 19th-century locomotives, ideal for photography.
  • Colchani: Salt iodization plant, artisanal salt market, and a small salt museum.
  • Uyuni Salt Flats: At 3,665 meters altitude and 12,000 km² area, visit salt eyes and take photos.
  • Museum - Salt Hotel: Unusual buildings constructed entirely of salt blocks.
  • Dakar Monument & Flags of the World Island: A monument and flag display where you can add your own flag.
  • Incahuasi Island: An isolated oasis with giant cacti, good for photography and resting.

The day ends by watching the sunset on the salt flats with a glass of wine. Return to Uyuni by 7:30 p.m. and take the 9:00 p.m. bus back to La Paz, arriving at about 6:30 a.m.

Day 3: Arrival in La Paz

The tour concludes at La Paz bus station at approximately 6:30 a.m.

Additional Information

  • During the rainy season (January to April), Incahuasi Island is inaccessible.
  • The tour starts and ends in La Paz city.

Includes

  • English-speaking certified guide
  • Full suspension bike for Death Road tour
  • Equipment: full-face helmet, gloves, jacket, and trousers
  • Lunch and snack on Death Road day
  • Round-trip transportation by bus La Paz - Uyuni - La Paz
  • Full-day Uyuni Salt Flats tour by 4WD with rooftop luggage rack
  • Lunch and sunset drink in Uyuni

Excludes

  • Death Road entrance fee: Bs. 50 (cash)
  • Drinks during Death Road lunch
  • Uyuni Salt Flats entrance fee: Bs. 30 (cash)
  • Toilets on the way: Bs. 10
  • Personal expenses: Bs. 150
  • Additional snacks

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking Tips

Bring cash for entrance fees and toilets. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for biking and high-altitude conditions. The best months to visit are outside the rainy season (May to December) for full access to Incahuasi Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes a full-day Death Road mountain biking experience with a certified English-speaking guide, full suspension bike and equipment, transport from La Paz to Uyuni, and a full-day Uyuni Salt Flats tour by 4WD.
The mountain biking starts early morning at a point on Bolivia's Death Road near La Paz, followed by a 22 km downhill ride on asphalt.
The Death Road biking is suitable for adventure travelers with basic mountain biking skills due to its downhill nature and variable road conditions.
The mountain biking day starts at 7:30 a.m.; check the tour provider’s website for the schedule of other days.
While some biking experience is recommended, riders should be comfortable with downhill mountain biking and variable terrain in Bolivia’s mountainous environment.
A full suspension mountain bike with safety equipment is provided for the Death Road biking segment.
The Uyuni Salt Flats tour explores the vast Salar de Uyuni in southwest Bolivia using 4WD transport for the full-day excursion.
Yes, a certified English-speaking guide accompanies travelers during the Death Road biking and the Uyuni Salt Flats tour.
Yes, transportation from La Paz to Uyuni is included as part of the 3-day tour itinerary.
Riders are required to pay a national park police checkpoint fee during the Death Road ride; check the tour details for current requirements.

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