Explore the world’s largest and most famous Salt Flats with this 4 Day Private Salt Flats Express itinerary. This rare and incredible place is a real highlight for those who want to extend their Peru or Bolivia adventure with its exceptional flatness and awe-inspiring photography.
The Salar de Uyuni is over 10,000km2 and contains 50% to 70% of the world’s known lithium reserves. You will be able to visit the best sights while on this short itinerary, including Colchani a salt refinement centre, San Pedro de Quemez, Ollagüe Volcano and the Dali Desert. All whilst on a private itinerary in your own 4×4 vehicle. You will visit Laguna Verde, where a curious phenomenon happens when the wind picks up, the waters of Laguna Verde changes to a spectacular emerald colour.
Your Salt Flat Express tour ends back at the town of Uyuni. From here you can continue onward to your next South America destination or return home.
NOTE: The nights on the salt flats are cold, no matter what time of year you visit. Bring warm layers and be prepared for changing temperatures.
This tour is completely flexible – activities & dates will adapt to personal preferences. Build Your Quote to view your obligation free, customised trip.
Suggested Itinerary
Please keep in mind North South Journeys itineraries are all examples and completely customisable.
Salt Flats Express
Travel Just 4U's representative in Bolivia will meet you at the airport upon arrival. They will be holding a sign with your name after you leave the secure area with your bags. Please do not leave this area until you have found each other.
They will escort you to your private transfer, bring you to your hotel and present you with a detailed itinerary for your experiences in Bolivia. This is your chance to run through specific pick up times and logistics for your tours in the country.
If you have any questions regarding your itinerary, ask them now.
Full day excursion to the Uyuni Salt flat, the world's largest salt deposit (around 10.000 km2), which is the most impressive and unforgettable experience of this 3 day trip.
Before arriving to the salt flat, you will visit Colchani, a traditional salt refinement center to see how it is processed and used. Lunch will be served in the middle of the salt desert.
From a distance, the Uyuni Salt Flat seems to be a large ice-skating rink or glacier. The tour begins by heading towards the famous Incahuasi Island (formerly known as the Fish island) covered with petrified algae and huge cactus. There is a nice panoramic view of the surrounding area from the top as the 'island' is surrounded by a sea of white salt.
After exploring the island, taking many photos using the unique depth perspective provided by the uninterrupted salt flats, you will continue on to San Pedro de Quemez. On the way, visit to a natural rock formation Cueva de las Galaxias.
Dinner at the hotel.
Located south of the Uyuni Salt Flat in an environment of majestic mountains the Tayka de Piedra Hotel welcomes visitors who travel through this area in search of new and unforgettable experiences.
Its strategic location allows it to be a resting place for travelers between the majestic Salt Flat (to the north) and the colorful lagoons (to the south). In addition, it is a destination itself. As the name implies, the hotel is built with local stones and was made using ancestral techniques. The hotel is a few meters away from the historical ruins of the burned Village of San Pedro de Quemes and in the vicinity of cultural and natural attractions that you cannot miss.
Today you will drive across the vast high plateau to reach the lookout of Ollagüe Volcano stopping at beautiful sites along the way.
Enjoy lunch after the lookout at the volcano.
In the afternoon, you will visit three of the smaller lagoons in the area including Honda, Cañapa, Hedionda and Chiar Khota. A variety of endemic Andean bird species, including the famous 'James Flamingo' can be found.
After visiting the lagoons, continue to your hotel for the evening.
Dinner at the hotel.
In the middle of an incomparable spot, painted with a range of colors that nature has whimsically combined, is the Tayka del Desierto Hotel, in the heart of the Siloli Desert.
The hotel was built next to a water source, where different birds of the place (among them partridges) went to drink water. The combination of the water source, also called water eyes, and the presence of these birds ended up giving the hotel its name: Tayka del Desierto Hotel Ojo de Perdiz (Partridge´s eye), also known as Ojito de Perdiz.
The Tayka del Desierto Hotel not only offers a unique view, it is also strategically located to visit one of the most beautiful places in South America: the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Flora and Fauna National Reserve, where you will find the wonderful Colorful Lagoons, the Sol de Mañana Geyser and the Stone Tree, among other attractions that await your visit. Its perfect location makes it a unique hotel and the first choice of accommodation in the area.
Today is an early starting and you will stop for breakfast along the way to the first sights of the day.
Visit the “Arbol de Piedra”, a surreal natural rock formation in the middle of Siloli’s desert. Next you will visit Laguna Colorada. This lagoon owes its intense red-brick colour to the light sensitive phytoplankton present in its water.
Next, continue to head north for an excursion to the Sol de Mañana Geysers (el. 4850 m.a.s.l.), a volcanic crater from which sulphuric fumes and heavy water escape, then cross the Dali Desert (named after the scenery reminiscent of one of his paintings). Box Lunch.
Finally, you will reach the Lagunas Blanca and Verde, at the foot of volcanoes Juriques and Licancabur (el. 5960 m). There is a curious phenomenon: when the wind picks up, the waters of Laguna Verde changes to a spectacular emerald colour.
In one of the most attractive and impressive places on the route of the Colored Lagoons, nestled in a gigantic rock and inspired by the rustic and regional Andean architecture, you will find our hotel “Jardines de Mallku Cueva”, a warm, cozy and cozy space comfortable, specially prepared to captivate each of the guests who dare to enjoy a unique and magical destination
There is 12 rooms, each with private bathroom and central and / or electric heating, as well as other fine and cozy environments that will make your stay an unforgettable memory. Features include:Satellite telephone for emergencies, central and / or electric heating in bedrooms and bathrooms, Permanent hot water, heated with solar panels, dining room properly conditioned and heated, bar - Living room with a nice fireplace and free WiFi Internet
Inclusions
Included
- All ground transportation as detailed in the itinerary
- Accommodation in 3.5 star hotels (pricing based on a twin share room)
- Daily Breakfast and additional meals where indicated in the itinerary
- Tours with an English Speaking guide
- All Entry Fees for National Parks, Museums or Important Sites on Tours as indicated in descriptions
- Access to North South Journeys Emergency Assistance Line available 24 hours a day
Not Included
- Flights*
- Additional Meals or Drinks
- Personal Expenses
- Tips (not mandatory, but they are customary in Latin America)
*Note that we will quote flights for you when provided with your desired travel dates. Costs will vary depending on your travel dates.
