La Paz: 4-Day Uyuni & Altiplano Journey
Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia
Activity
Official tickets via GetYourGuide
Four days across the Uyuni Salt Flats and Bolivian Altiplano, surrounded by colorful lagoons, volcanic terrain, hot springs, and vast desert landscapes.
Highlights
- Venture across the immense white expanse of the Uyuni Salt Flats
- Wander among giant cacti and ancient coral formations on Incahuasi Island
- Observe flamingos along the colorful lagoons of the high Altiplano
- Encounter steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pools at Sol de Mañana
- Unwind in the warm waters of Polques amid volcanic scenery
Description
DAY 1 – OVERNIGHT JOURNEY TO UYUNI
Complete check-in at the bus office in the City of La Paz at approximately 9:00 PM, then depart at 9:30 PM aboard an overnight bus bound for Uyuni. Travel in a reclining seat with heating, an onboard restroom, a pillow, and a polar blanket for the overnight ride.
Before boarding, please have 2.50 BOB in cash available per person for the terminal fee.
DAY 2 – UYUNI SALT FLATS & SUNSET
Arrive in Uyuni at approximately 7:30 AM and meet our staff at the bus office. Continue to a nearby café for some free time before heading to our office for check-in. Meet your driver and receive a short briefing about the expedition.
Departure at 10:30 AM.
- Train Cemetery – See historic locomotives connected to Uyuni’s railway past.
- Colchani – Learn about local salt production and explore handicrafts made from salt, alpaca, and llama wool.
- Uyuni Salt Flats – Venture across the vast white expanse, visiting the Saltwater Eyes, Playa Blanca, Salt Hotel Museum, Flags of the World, and Dakar Monument.
- Incahuasi Island – Walk among giant cacti and ancient coral formations while taking in sweeping views of the Salar.
- Perspective Photography – Use the endless horizon to capture creative optical-illusion photos.
- Sunset – Watch the landscape change with the evening light while enjoying wine and chips.
Overnight: Salt hostel in Atulcha.
DAY 3 – LAGOONS, DESERTS & ROCK FORMATIONS
Breakfast at 7:00 AM
- Chiguana Desert – Cross wide plains framed by colorful mountains.
- Ollagüe Volcano – Stop at a viewpoint overlooking the volcano and surrounding highlands.
- Andean Lagoons – Explore Cañapa, Hedionda, and Chiarcota, where flamingos can often be seen near mineral-rich waters.
- Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve – Travel through remote mountain, desert, and lagoon scenery.
- Siloli Desert – Journey across an arid landscape filled with remarkable rock formations.
- Stone Tree – See the iconic wind-sculpted rock formation.
- Red Lagoon – Discover Laguna Colorada, known for its reddish waters and flamingos.
Overnight: Hostel in Huayllajara or Polques, subject to availability.
DAY 4 – GEYSERS, HOT SPRINGS & VOLCANIC SCENERY
Set out at 5:00 AM for the final day of the expedition.
- Sol de Mañana – Explore an active geothermal area filled with steaming vents and bubbling mud pools.
- Polques Hot Springs – Unwind in naturally heated waters surrounded by mountain scenery.
- Dalí Desert – Cross a surreal volcanic landscape reminiscent of Salvador Dalí’s paintings.
- Green & White Lagoons – Admire the colorful waters beneath Licancabur Volcano.
Return to Uyuni – Arrive at approximately 5:30–6:30 PM.
Includes
- Overnight bus transportation included
- Comfortable seating with onboard heating
- Shared 4WD vehicle throughout the Altiplano expedition
- Experienced local driver familiar with Uyuni and Altiplano routes
- Tour accompanied by an English-speaking guide
- Two nights of shared lodging
- Two breakfasts provided during the journey
- Two lunches included
- Two evening meals included
- Wine and snacks served during the sunset stop
Excludes
- Incahuasi Island entrance fee – 30 BOB per person
- Entry to Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve – 150 BOB per person
- Access to Polques Hot Springs – 30 BOB per person
- Restroom use along the route – around 40 BOB per person
- Optional sleeping bag hire – 70 BOB per person
- Beverages with the included meals are not covered
- Souvenirs and other personal purchases are at your own expense
- For greater privacy, a private room with bathroom facilities may be requested, depending on availability.
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour includes transportation from La Paz to Uyuni by overnight bus, visits to the Uyuni Salt Flats, Incahuasi Island, Altiplano lagoons, Sol de Mañana geysers, and relaxation at Polques thermal baths.
The overnight bus departs La Paz at approximately 9:30 PM after check-in at 9:00 PM.
Flamingos can be observed along the colorful lagoons of the high Altiplano included in the itinerary.
Bring warm clothing and layers, as temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night and early morning on the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia.
The journey involves long bus rides and visits to high-altitude locations; suitability depends on individual health and mobility, so check with your doctor before booking.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality; check Bolivia's official entry regulations before booking the tour.
Meals vary by day and provider; some meals are included while others may require self-arrangement—check the tour details for specific meal information.
Wi-Fi availability is limited or nonexistent during remote areas of the Uyuni Salt Flats and Altiplano; prepare for limited connectivity.
The overnight bus departs from the designated bus office in La Paz, with exact locations provided upon booking confirmation.
Pack warm clothing, sun protection, comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera for the diverse landscapes including salt flats, volcanic areas, and high-altitude lagoons.
