Explore surreal landscapes on this 2- or 3-day trip from Atacama to Uyuni. You'll visit colorful lagoons, deserts, and thermal waters.
2-Day Trip
Day 1
Are you ready to experience two unforgettable days? We'll pick you up at the designated time at your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama and start our day trip by heading to the Hito Cajón. Once we're here, we'll stop for breakfast and get ready to set off to the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve.
First, we'll visit the White Lagoon and the Green Lagoon, surrounded by majestic Andean mountains, as well as the Licancabur Volcano. Did you know its last eruption was over 11000 years ago? Many Indigenous descendants from the region still consider this crater and its valley sacred. Our next stop will be at the surreal Salvador Dalí Desert and the Poloques Hot Springs, where you'll be able to take a dip in its warm waters.
Next, we'll visit the Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon) to admire its intense pink and red colors. Curious to know why it has these colors? You'll find out as we stroll through this beautiful natural site adorned by a large population of flamingos. You'll fall in love with this scenery!
Lastly, we'll go to the hotel, where you'll enjoy dinner and spend the night to be well-rested and fresh for the next day.
Day 2
Before the sun comes out, we'll head to the Isla Incahuasi. Without a doubt, this site is the perfect place to admire the sunrise over the Salar de Uyuni. Next, we'll lace up our shoes and walk toward the Tunupa Volcano to marvel at the sun's reflection over its small lagoons.
Afterward, we'll head to see the enigmatic Coquesa Mummies, where you'll uncover the eerie past of six human remains in a cave in the middle of an arid landscape. Intriguing, isn't it? A true goosebumps moment! Next, we'll make our way to the heart of the Salar de Uyuni to take the best pictures of the trip in Plaza de las Banderas, as well as the Dakar Rally Monument and the stunning Salt Eyes.
Lastly, we'll set off to the Andean town of Colchani to discover the daily life of the locals as we head to the Train Cemetery, on the border of this salt desert. Here, you'll find more than 100 abandoned trains from the 19th century.
Finally, we'll begin our journey back to the center of Uyuni, where we'll say our goodbyes around 5 pm.
3-Day Trip
If you want an even more complete experience at the Salar de Uyuni, we recommend selecting this 3-day trip. In this case, on the first day, we'll add a visit to the Sol de Mañana (Morning Sun Geiser). You'll admire fumaroles and small eruptions at this geiser that stands at 16.404 feet (5000 meters) above sea level.
On the second day, after breakfast, we'll start the day by visiting the Valle de Rocas, also known as Italy Valley. Here, you'll see the Stone Camel and the famous Árbol de Piedra (Stone Tree), which many call the World Cup due to its silhouette that resembles a soccer trophy. Lastly, before returning to the hotel, we'll stop at Laguna Catal and its creek.
On the third day, we'll follow a similar itinerary as the second day of our previously described day trip option. The only difference will be that we'll drop you off at the center of Uyuni at 3:30 pm.
Day Trip Accommodation
- 2-day trip: includes 1-night stay with breakfast at Hotel Luna Salada (4 stars) or similar.
- 3-day trip: includes 2 nights' stay with breakfast at the Hostal Quetena Chico (first night) and the Hotel Rústico Casona de Sal (second night).