If you are like us, you probably have had Uyuni Salt Flats on your travel bucket list since the time you came to know about this spectacular place on earth.
And now that you are about to finally take that dream trip to Bolivia, you are wondering how to best experience this dazzling white landscape?
With so many tour Uyuni Salt Flats tour options available, it may be difficult to zero down on that one tour that is right for you.
We get you. Before our Bolivia trip, we were exactly in that phase as you are now.
But now that we have done the research, evaluated all the options, picked a tour for ourselves, went on it, and had an amazing experience, we are here to help you find the best Uyuni Salt Flats tour per your requirements and preferences.
So, in this article, we are going to guide you through all the essential aspects you need to consider for of your trip.
✨ Tour we did (and liked): 3-Day Salt Flats Tour from Uyuni to Atacama
10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing Your Uyuni Salt Flats Tour
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to which is the best Uyuni Salt Flats tour. One tour that is good for another traveler may not check all the boxes that you are looking for.
Selecting the ideal Uyuni Salt Flats tour entails finding all the elements that you are looking for. So, here is our list of ten crucial questions to guide your decision-making process.
What Duration of Tour is Most Suitable for Your Schedule?
Your Bolivia itinerary will dictate whether a whirlwind day is sufficient for visiting the Uyuni Salt Flats, or if a multi-day expedition suits you better.
If you are short on time, a day tour could give you a tantalizing taste of the Salt Flats. But if you have more days to spare or are on a flexible schedule, a longer adventure means diving deeper.
Think not just the salt flats, but also, other otherworldly landscapes landscapes of volcanoes, lakes, deserts, as well as endemic wildlife surrounding Uyuni.
Our Recommendation: If you have the time, definitely go for the multi-day tour.
Also, depending on the time you have available, decide whether you want to travel to Salar de Uyuni directly from La Paz on a tour, or if you can make your own way from La Paz to Uyuni or from Sucre to Uyuni, and then take a tour from Uyuni.
Uyuni Salt Flats Tour Examples: One Day & Multi-Day
| From La Paz | From Uyuni |
|---|---|
| 1-Day Tour + Overnight Bus Rides | 1-Day Tour (Private) |
| 4-Day Uyuni Tour (from La Paz to Atacama) | 3-Day Tour (Shared) |
What is Your Budget for the Uyuni Salt Flats Tour?
Your budget for the Uyuni Salt Flats tour is a significant factor for your decision-making process.
Visiting Salar de Uyuni is by no means a budget activity. But the total cost can vary significantly based on things like, the type of tour company you with: premium, mid-range or budget, whether you go on a private tour or a shared tour, the type of accommodation you would choose, etc.
Most tours include transportation, accommodation and all meals. But there may be some additional expenses to bear out of pocket, example, entrance to Incahuasi Island, national park fees for Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, optional activities like access to hot spring, and border crossing fees, if applicable.
So, compare different tours and their offerings, review their price inclusions, and pick the one most suitable for your pocket.
Tip: This may be a once-in-a-lifetime tour. So, even if you are watching your wallet or do not want to go luxury, book with a mid-range company with good reputation.
What Level of Comfort and Accommodation Do You Expect?
Depending on the tour you choose, it is a going to be one long day touring the salt flats, or multiple long days seeing one spectacular location after another. To be able to fully enjoy the experience, you will want to ensure a restful haven after everyday’s exploration.
You choose your level of comfort. After a chilly sunset, are you okay with staying in shared dorms, or does the idea of a warm, comfortable bed in a private room sound more appealing? Do you need a private attached bathroom or are you good with access to a shared bathroom and shower area?
In our case, we were given the option to choose from shared and private accommodation, and the prices varied accordingly.
Investigate what kind of amenities are on offer, and do not be shy to ask the tour operators about the facilities for each night.
Tip: On multi-day Uyuni Salt Flats tours, companies usually provide accommodation in a salt hotel for the first night. Do not miss out on that experience, where even your bed is made out of salt blocks!
Going to Uyuni Salts Flats on a day tour? You can still experience staying at a salt hotel when you spend a night or two in Uyuni.
Check out these salt hotels:
✔️ Casa de Sal – Salt Hotel or Hotel de Salt Atipax for comfortable stay
✔️ Hotel Palacio del Sal for a luxury stay
How Many People are You Comfortable Traveling With?
What kind of tour experience are you looking for, private or shared? If shared, what would would be your ideal group size?
Private tour offers an exclusive and personalized touch. This is perfect if you are celebrating a special occasion with a loved one. While larger groups may provide a livelier, social atmosphere at a more economic price point.
Our Uyuni Salt Flats tour group was small. Apart from the two of us, there was another group of two friends, and a solo traveler. And we all formed a fun bunch, and had a great time sharing laughs and stories, of course, along with our guide and driver.
Tip: To optimize the tour cost yet have your own space, booked a group tour of Salar de Uyuni, but pick private room for the accommodation choices. That is what we did.
Uyuni Salt Flats Tour Examples: Private & Shared
- Private Tour: Ideal for a special occasion celebration, this private one-day tour of Uyuni Salt Flats picks you up from the hotel in Uyuni, takes you in a private vehicle with driver and certified guide for exploration of the salt flats and other nearby attractions like Train Cemetery, Incahuasi Island, Colchani Village, gives you a mesmerizing experience of watching sunset over the salt flats, and then drops you back at the hotel. An intimate lunch set up is part of the private tour experience.
- Group Tour: We went on this 3-day group tour of Salar de Uyuni. The tour starts in Uyuni and comes back to Uyuni, but if you need (like we did), they can also drop you at San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. Tour price includes transportation in 4X4 vehicle, accommodation for two nights, all meals during the tour, and the services of driver and bilingual guide.
What Kind of Vehicle and Safety Measures Are Provided?
Uyuni Salt Flats tours take you on bumpy roads and expansive landscapes. That is why, robust vehicles and stringent safety measures are non-negotiable.
Ensure your tour provider uses well-maintained, appropriate transport, and has a sound safety record. Double-check that your driver is experienced and that the company has emergency protocols in place.
Usually, companies do this tour in 4X4 vehicles, sturdy enough for the rough rides.
Tip: On an Uyuni Salt Flats tour, you are out in the wild, with no human habitation for miles around you. So, in case of any unforeseen delay, be flexible and considerate, and trust the expertise and experience of your guide and your driver.
Does the Tour Itinerary Include All the Sights You Want to See?
Tailor your Uyuni Salt Flats adventure by making sure your tour hits all the highlights on your personal must-see list.
For us, a major reason for choosing this 3-day tour was to venture beyond the salt flats.
We wanted to experience the striking landscapes of Bolivian altiplano, see the deserts, lagoons and volcanos, and watch the wildlife of the region, from vicunas and llamas, to different species of flamingos and other migratory birds.
Also, we wanted this tour to be our crossover journey from Bolivia to Chile. So, we needed to pick a tour that can assist us with the border crossing formalities, and drop us in San Pedro de Atacama in Chile.
So, before booking your tour, compare itineraries from different providers. Do they allow enough time at each site? Is there freedom to explore independently? Do they take you back to La Paz or Uyuni, or can they transfer you to Chile?
What is the Tour Guide’s Expertise and Content Mastery?
For your overall Uyuni Salt Flats tour experience, a lot depends on your guide’s knowledge, experience and skills.
An expert guide can significantly enhance your tour experience with rich insights into the natural wonders and cultural anecdotes of the region. Our guide was not only knowledgable, but was also friendly and helpful, and that surely added to our tour experience.
Before booking the tour, verify that the guide is certified. If you do not speak the local language Spanish, ensure your guide is bilingual who can communicate effectively in both English and Spanish.
Your tour guide may even get some fun perspective photos of you, like the ones you see below. Our guide took these photos of us, Pubali crushing Indranil in her fist 😅
What Food and Amenities Can You Expect During the Tour?
Fueling your adventure is essential. Find out what meals are provided, what do they consist of, and if they can cater to any dietary restrictions you may have.
It is also a smart move to check if amenities like sleeping bags or extra blankets are provided, especially if you are touring during the chillier seasons.
For the second night, at a very high altitude and in freezing cold in a basic hostel room without a heater, we were glad to get the hot water bags and extra blankets that our tour vehicle brought for all guests.
Can the Tour Accommodate Special Requests or Needs?
Do not hesitate to communicate any special requirements, whether they are related to mobility, health, or dietary needs. Tour operators are often very accommodating and can tailor the experience for your comfort and enjoyment.
In our case, although we did not need any, our tour provider was proactive to ask us about specific dietary requirements.
What is the Cancellation and Change Policy?
Before booking the tour, make sure you are familiar with the cancellation and change policy of the tour operator. Choosing a flexible provider means peace of mind if your plans change unexpectedly.
Booking Salt Flats tours on Viator or Salt Flats Tours on GetYourGuide usually comes with the guarantee of free cancellation, even up to 24 hours in advance.
Do not forget to purchase travel insurance for your trip. We recommend:
✈️ Heymondo for short trips or long term travel (no deductibles, 24/7 worldwide support for any kind of medical assistance)
💻 SafetyWing for digital nomads (add-on options: adventure sports, electronics theft)
Exclusive for Paradise Catchers Readers: Get 5% off on Heymondo (discount automatically applied, not applicable for US residents)
Uyuni Salt Flats Tour Videos
If you would like to get a visual feel of how the Uyuni Salt Flats tour looks like, check out our YouTube videos about it.
- Part 1: Salt Flats of Bolivia – Our Bucket List Experience
- Part 2: Uyuni to Atacama – Tour Highlights and Information
Ready to Book Your Uyuni Salt Flats Tour?
Picking the perfect Uyuni Salt Flats tour might require a bit of legwork, but believe me, it will all pay off when you are gazing out onto an endless horizon of sparkling salt.
By considering these tips, you are setting yourself up for an unforgettable trip that aligns with your expectations, budget, needs and preferences. What are you waiting for? Go book that tour and have the adventure of a lifetime.
Here are some planning resources for traveling in Uyuni, Bolivia:
- How to get from La Paz to Uyuni
- How to get from Sucre to Uyuni
- Things to do in Uyuni, Bolivia
- Uyuni, Bolivia to Atacama, Chile: Our 3-Day Tour Experience
Plan Your Bolivia Trip:
- 2 Weeks in Bolivia Itinerary
- Bolivia and Peru Itinerary
- Chile Bolivia Peru Itinerary
- Is Bolivia Worth Visiting?
- How to Get Around in Bolivia?
- Bolivia Bucket List Experiences
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