Uyuni & Altiplano

Salt flats, volcanoes, and extreme high-altitude deserts

Country: Bolivia 🇧🇴

Overview

A short but intense journey through Bolivia’s south-west Altiplano, focused on the Salar de Uyuni and surrounding volcanic deserts.

This itinerary is tour-based by design — independent travel here is inefficient and risky. When done correctly, it delivers some of the most extreme landscapes on Earth.

Region: Southwest Bolivia
Overall time: 3–5 days
Main focus: salt flats, deserts, volcanoes
Ranking: world-class natural highlight
Best season: May–October (dry season)

Altitude is significant and must be respected.

Arrival Strategy ▾


There are two realistic ways to enter this itinerary.

Best option (recommended):
• Start in San Pedro de Atacama (Chile)
• Join a 3–4 day 4×4 tour crossing into Bolivia
• Border crossing handled by guides

Why this works:
• Gradual altitude increase
• All logistics included
• Landscapes build progressively

Alternative:
• Arrive in Uyuni by bus or flight from La Paz
• Less ideal due to altitude jump and limited flights

Flying directly to Uyuni is discouraged unless already in La Paz.

Day 1 – Salar de Uyuni ▾


Explore the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world.

Highlights:
• Endless white salt desert
• Perspective photography
• Sunset over the flats

Altitude:
• ~3,650 m

What to expect:
• Long driving segments
• Cold evenings
• Very basic facilities

This is the visual centerpiece of the trip.

Day 2 – Altiplano Lagoons & Volcanoes ▾


Traverse the high-altitude Altiplano.

Highlights:
• Laguna Colorada (flamingos)
• Laguna Verde
• Smoking volcanoes (e.g., Ollagüe, Licancabur)
• Surreal desert landscapes

Altitude:
• 4,200–4,800 m ⚠️

Conditions:
• Thin air
• Strong wind
• Very cold nights

This is the most physically demanding day.

Day 3 – Geysers & Tour Finish ▾


Visit geothermal fields and return toward the end point.

Highlights:
• Sol de Mañana geysers
• Hot springs (weather permitting)
• Final desert crossings

Tour ends in:
• San Pedro de Atacama (Chile), or
• Uyuni (Bolivia)

If your tour ends in Uyuni:
- Bus Uyuni → Jujuy (Argentina)
• Exists, but long and demanding

Transportation

  • 4×4 tour is mandatory for the Altiplano
  • No public transport to key sites
  • No self-driving recommended
  • All border formalities handled by tour operators

Altitude Notes

  • Uyuni: ~3,650 m
  • Lagoons & volcanoes: up to ~4,800 m
  • Move slowly, hydrate, avoid alcohol
  • Headaches and fatigue are common but manageable

Notes

  • Comfort is basic — landscapes are the reward
  • Book tours with strong reviews only
  • Bolivia works best when structured and focused