Salar de Uyuni 3-Day Expedition — Bolivia’s Greatest Adventure

Discover the largest salt flat in the world — an unforgettable journey across the Bolivian Altiplano

Experience 3 days of adventure on the largest salt flat in the world! Explore the Salar de Uyuni, colorful lagoons, volcanoes, geysers and otherworldly landscapes on the Bolivian Altiplano.

Price: From R$ 1.200 per person
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Time: Arrival in La Paz (day before) — Expedition departure: 10:30 AM (Day 1 in Uyuni)
Meeting point: Travelers must arrive in La Paz, Bolivia. The La Paz to Uyuni transfer (overnight sleeper bus) is included. In Uyuni, the meeting point is our partner agency — exact address sent in the booking confirmation.
Group: 6 people per vehicle

🌎 The Greatest Adventure of Your Life Starts in Bolivia

Get ready for 3 unforgettable days exploring the legendary Salar de Uyuni — the largest and most spectacular salt flat on the planet — and the surreal landscapes of the Bolivian Altiplano. This is not just a trip, it is a complete expedition that will change the way you see the world.

🛬 HOW TO GET THERE — THE STARTING POINT IS LA PAZ

Travelers must arrive in La Paz, Bolivia, where the whole adventure begins. From La Paz to Uyuni, we offer two transfer options you can choose according to your preference and budget:

🚌 Option 1 — Overnight Sleeper Bus (included in the package): Departs La Paz around 9 PM on a comfortable sleeper bus with reclining seats, an on-board restroom and heating. The trip takes approximately 10 to 12 hours, arriving in Uyuni early the next morning. A great option for those who want to save money and arrive ready to start the expedition.

✈️ Option 2 — Domestic Flight La Paz → Uyuni (extra, not included): For those who prefer more comfort and speed, there is a direct flight option from La Paz to Uyuni, lasting approximately 1 hour. BoA (Boliviana de Aviación) operates this route. Contact us for prices and availability.

🗓️ Important recommendation: We suggest arriving in La Paz at least 1 day in advance to acclimatize to the altitude. La Paz sits 3,640 meters above sea level, and during the expedition you will reach altitudes of up to 5,000 meters. This helps your body adapt and prevents discomfort during the tour.

🚙 THE EXPEDITION — 3 DAYS ACROSS THE ALTIPLANO

The expedition itself starts in Uyuni at 10:30 AM. You will be welcomed by our team and introduced to the experienced driver-guide who will accompany you throughout the journey. The vehicle is a 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser or similar, the best suited for Altiplano terrain, carrying up to 6 passengers in small groups — no crowded buses.

The expedition follows one of the most impressive routes in South America: you will cross the immense Salar de Uyuni with its endless white horizon, visit the magical Incahuasi Island covered in centuries-old giant cacti, watch Andean flamingos in lagoons of surreal colors, walk among steaming geysers at almost 5,000 meters of altitude, and relax in natural hot springs surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes.

Every stop has been carefully planned so you can make the most of each landscape. Your guide knows the best angles for photos, the ideal light times and the fascinating stories of each place.

🍽️ MEALS — ALL INCLUDED

All meals during the 3 days are included in the package. That means breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, prepared with fresh ingredients and adapted to Brazilian tastes whenever possible. Meals are served at local restaurants during the stops or prepared by the team at strategic spots with incredible views — like having lunch in the middle of the Salar de Uyuni, surrounded by endless white.

Non-alcoholic drinks (water, juices, soft drinks) are also included with meals. Alcoholic drinks and extra snacks can be purchased at the stops and are not included.

🛏️ ACCOMMODATION — SHARED INCLUDED, PRIVATE OPTIONAL

The 2 nights of accommodation are included in the package on a shared basis (rooms for 2 to 4 people, separated by gender or family groups). Accommodations on the Altiplano are simple, clean and cozy, built with local materials and equipped with bathrooms, hot water and heating. They are part of the region's authentic experience.

🌙 Want more privacy? If you prefer a room just for yourself or for you and your partner, we offer private accommodation for an additional US$ 40 per person (for the 2 nights). Just request it when booking and we will secure private rooms at the same accommodations on the route. Subject to availability.

📸 WHAT YOU WILL SEE AND EXPERIENCE

During this expedition you will discover some of the most impressive landscapes on the planet:

🧂 Salar de Uyuni — the largest salt flat in the world, with more than 10,000 km² of white surface. In the rainy season (December to March), a thin layer of water creates the famous mirror effect, where the sky is perfectly reflected on the ground. In the dry season, hexagonal salt formations create a surreal geometric landscape.

🏝️ Incahuasi Island — an ancient volcanic island in the middle of the Salar, covered with giant cacti up to 12 meters tall and over 1,200 years old. The trail to the top offers a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of the Salar.

🚂 Train Cemetery — old locomotives abandoned in the desert since the peak of Bolivian mining in the 19th century. An impressive photo setting full of history.

🏨 Salt Hotel — a hotel built entirely from salt blocks extracted from the Salar itself. Walls, ceilings, tables, beds — everything made of salt.

🏁 Dakar Monument and Flags Square — the famous monument honoring the Dakar Rally's passage through the Salar, and the square with flags from travelers all over the world.

🦩 Laguna Colorada — a lagoon with an intense red color caused by minerals and algae, home to thousands of Andean flamingos. The contrast between the red water, the white flamingos and the blue sky is simply magical.

🌋 Sol de Mañana Geysers — a geothermal field at 4,850 meters of altitude, where jets of steam and bubbling mud rise from the ground at dawn. A spectacle that seems to be from another planet.

♨️ Polques Hot Springs — natural pools of warm thermal water in the middle of the icy Altiplano. Perfect for relaxing your muscles after the expedition.

💚 Laguna Verde — at the foot of the imposing Licancabur Volcano, its emerald-green waters are one of Bolivia's most famous postcards.

🪨 Árbol de Piedra — a rock formation sculpted by the wind over millennia in the Siloli Desert, defying gravity and logic.

🧳 WHAT TO BRING — A GUIDE FOR BRAZILIANS

The Bolivian Altiplano has an extreme climate, very different from Brazil. During the day, in the sun, temperatures can reach 15°C to 20°C. But when the sun sets, thermometers plunge to -10°C to -15°C. The wind chill can make it feel even colder. That is why it is essential to be well prepared:

🧥 Heavy waterproof coat (ski jacket or similar) — essential and mandatory

🧤 Thermal gloves, beanie and scarf — your extremities are the first to feel the cold

👢 Hiking boots or waterproof sneakers — for walking on salt, dirt and rocks

🧴 SPF 50+ sunscreen — solar radiation at altitude is extremely intense

🕶️ Sunglasses with UV protection — the white of the Salar reflects light and can hurt unprotected eyes

💧 Lip balm and moisturizer — the air is very dry at altitude

💊 Altitude medication (consult your doctor before the trip) and personal medicines

🎒 Small backpack to carry belongings during the day (large luggage stays in the vehicle)

📷 Camera with an extra battery — accommodations have few outlets and the landscape deserves to be captured

💵 Cash in Bolivianos (BOB) for personal purchases, extra drinks and souvenirs in local communities

⚠️ IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ALTITUDE

This expedition reaches altitudes of up to 5,000 meters above sea level. The air is thinner and contains less oxygen, which can cause discomfort for some people (headache, nausea, fatigue). This is normal and is called soroche (altitude sickness).

To minimize the effects:

✅ Arrive in La Paz at least 1 day in advance to acclimatize

✅ Drink LOTS of water (at least 2 liters per day)

✅ Avoid alcohol and heavy meals in the first 24 hours

✅ Chew coca leaves or drink coca tea (a local tradition that helps a lot)

✅ Walk slowly, without rushing

✅ Consult your doctor before the trip, especially if you have heart or respiratory problems

✅ The guide is trained to handle emergencies and the vehicle carries supplemental oxygen

💬 FINAL SUMMARY

This is the most complete trip for anyone who wants to truly get to know Bolivia. You don't need to worry about anything — transportation, meals, accommodation, guide and all visits are included. The only thing you need to do is arrive in La Paz ready to live an unforgettable adventure.

If you have any questions before booking, get in touch with us. We are here to help you make this unique experience happen.

📍 Quick summary: Arrive in La Paz → Transfer to Uyuni included (overnight sleeper bus) → 3-day 4x4 expedition with everything included → Return to Uyuni → End of the expedition. The return to La Paz (bus or flight) is the traveler's responsibility and can be arranged with our local team.

Itinerary

Arrival in La Paz — base city. We recommend 1 day of altitude acclimatization (3,640m) before heading to Uyuni.
La Paz to Uyuni transfer included — comfortable overnight sleeper bus (~10 to 12h). Departure around 9 PM.
─── DAY 1: DISCOVERING THE SALAR DE UYUNI ───
10:30 AM — Departure from Uyuni in a 4x4 vehicle.
Train Cemetery — Old steam locomotives abandoned in the desert.
Colchani — Traditional salt extraction village.
Enter the Salar de Uyuni — The immense white surface.
Ojos del Salar — Natural springs bubbling through the salt crust.
Hotel de Sal — Hotel built entirely with salt blocks.
Flags Square & Dakar Monument — Flags from travelers worldwide.
Lunch on the Salar (included).
Incahuasi Island — Volcanic island with giant cacti up to 12 meters.
Sunset on the Salar de Uyuni.
Shared accommodation in Uyuni (included).
─── DAY 2: COLORED LAGOONS, DESERTS AND VOLCANOES ───
Breakfast (included) and departure for the second day.
Ollague Volcano — Panoramic stop at the 5,868m active volcano.
Laguna Cañapa — High-altitude lagoon with Andean flamingos.
Laguna Hedionda — Large concentration of pink flamingos.
Siloli Desert — One of the highest deserts in the world.
Stone Tree (Árbol de Piedra) — Rock formation sculpted by wind.
Laguna Colorada — Red waters with pink flamingos. Magical landscape.
Shared accommodation in the Altiplano (included).
─── DAY 3: GEYSERS, HOT SPRINGS AND RETURN ───
Very early departure for the Sol de Mañana geysers.
Sol de Mañana Geysers — Geothermal field at 4,850m altitude.
Polques Hot Springs — Natural warm water pools (~30°C).
Laguna Verde — Emerald green waters at the foot of Licancabur Volcano.
Laguna Blanca — Last stop with clear waters and snow-capped mountains.
Return to Uyuni — End of the expedition.

What is included

4x4 vehicle transport throughout the expedition
Experienced driver-guide (Spanish)
Small group
Vehicle fuel and expenses
All meals during the route
Breakfast, lunch and dinner as scheduled
2 nights shared accommodation
All visits on the itinerary

Not included

Private accommodation (additional US$ 40 per person for 2 nights — request at booking)
La Paz to Uyuni flight (optional extra — inquire for prices)
Return Uyuni to La Paz after the expedition (bus or flight)
Alcoholic beverages and extra snacks
Travel insurance (recommended)
Personal expenses and purchases in local communities
Tips (optional)
Entry fees for attractions not mentioned in the program

What to bring

Warm clothing (temperatures down to -10°C at night)
Hat, gloves and scarf
Sunscreen (mandatory)
Sunglasses (essential on the Salar)
Comfortable footwear — boots or hiking sneakers
Small backpack for daytime belongings
Water (minimum 1.5 liters per day)
Personal documents
Personal medications
Camera with extra battery (few outlets at accommodations)