San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni 3 day tour

How time flies when you are having fun! Bolivia was my 78th country on my journey to visit all the UN-recognized countries in the world. After doing 3 weeks in Chile, I crossed the order to Bolivia (more on this below). So this blog covers how I solo traveled from San pedro de atacama to uyuni 3 day tour. If you are looking to do the same, read on.

Bolivia, often referred to as the “Tibet of the Americas,” is a land of stunning contrasts and rich cultural heritage. From the otherworldly landscapes of the Salar de Uyuni to the vibrant streets of La Paz, Bolivia promises an unforgettable experience.

There are obviously way more places to visit in Bolivia, but my time was limited and I knew I had to experience something truly unique to this incredible country. That’s why I chose to visit the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat.

San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni 3 day tour

Where to stay in San Pedro De Atacama?

San Pedro de Atacama offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some recommendations for where to stay, categorized by budget:]

For accommodation, I recommend using booking.com and sorting with price, then consider the ones with highest reviews plus within 1km of center/old town. Below I have researched and linked the best ones with this filter (at the time of writing)
For tours, I recommend using get your guide and walking tours available in most places

Luxury Accommodations

Explora Atacama
- Description: This all-inclusive resort offers luxurious rooms, guided tours, and excursions to explore the Atacama Desert.
- Amenities: Swimming pools, spa, gourmet restaurant, and private terraces.
Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa
- Description: A boutique hotel with stunning views of the Licancabur Volcano, offering a range of excursions and a full-service spa.
- Amenities: Infinity pool, spa services, gourmet dining, and guided tours.

Mid-Range Accommodations

Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama
- Description: A comfortable hotel offering a blend of traditional and modern design with extensive facilities.
- Amenities: Outdoor pools, spa, restaurant, and tour services
Hotel Poblado Kimal
- Description: A charming hotel with bungalow-style accommodations, located in the heart of San Pedro de Atacama.
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, restaurant, spa, and tour desk.

Budget Accommodations

Hostal Lickana
- Description: A cozy, budget-friendly hostel offering basic but comfortable rooms and a convenient location.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, breakfast, garden, and communal areas
Hostal Solor
- Description: A well-rated budget hostel with clean and comfortable rooms, run by a friendly and helpful staff.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, breakfast, communal kitchen, and tour assistance

Unique Stays

Domos Los Abuelos
- Description: Offers unique dome-shaped accommodations providing a different experience of staying in San Pedro de Atacama.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, breakfast, swimming pool, and tours
Lodge Quelana
- Description: A lodge offering a more rustic and nature-oriented stay with beautiful views and a tranquil atmosphere.
- Amenities: Swimming pool, breakfast, and eco-friendly practices

For accommodation, I recommend using booking.com and sorting with price, then consider the ones with highest reviews plus within 1km of center/old town. Below I have researched and linked the best ones with this filter (at the time of writing)
For tours, I recommend using get your guide and walking tours available in most places

Tips for Choosing Accommodation

Location: Staying close to the town center makes it easier to access restaurants, shops, and tour agencies.
Amenities: Consider what amenities are important to you, such as a pool, Wi-Fi, breakfast, and air conditioning.
Reviews: Check recent reviews on websites like TripAdvisor or Booking.com to get an idea of the quality and service.
Tours and Activities: Some accommodations offer in-house tour services which can be convenient.

How to go from San pedro de atacama to uyuni 3 day tour?

Before I went on this trip I was super nervous because I couldn’t figure out how to go from San pedro de atacama to uyuni 3 day tour. I had limited time so I wanted to lock in a tour beforehand but the responses I got over emails from suppliers weren’t that great/clear or super expensive. I had many questions and no concrete answers. If you are in the same position, I get it and my recommendations are as follows.

As I got to San pedro, and walked around Uyuni town, my worries immediately subside as I saw many local travel agencies offering all kind of deals for 3 day Uyuni tour. So I booked it onsite with no hassle. However if you would like to plan in advance, I recommend booking below tour by trusted get your guide.

Traveling from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile to Uyuni in Bolivia on a 3-day tour is a popular journey that takes you through some of the most stunning and unique landscapes in South America. Here’s a guide on how to plan and enjoy this trip:

Booking the Tour

Research Tour Operators: Several tour operators offer the 3 days San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni tours. Some reputable operators include:
- Cordillera Traveller, Estrella del Sur, Red Planet Expedition, World White Travel
  
  Alternatively, if you would like to plan in advance, I recommend below tour by trusted get your guide.

2. Compare Prices and Services: Look at the inclusions and exclusions of each tour. Most tours include transportation, accommodation, meals, and a bilingual english speaking guide. Prices typically range from $200 to $300 USD per person. More people cheaper it will be for a group trip and some tours allow for private room if you pay extra on top. However if you are after a private tour, price will ne higher for obvious reason.

3. Book in Advance: Especially during peak season (June to August and December to February), it’s a good idea to book your salt flats tour in advance to secure your spot. They most likely use whatsapp or emails.

Alternate option is to drive which seemed like a hassle to me so I went with the tour and it was pretty cruisy,

Tour Itinerary

Here’s what a typical 3-day itinerary for the San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni tour looks like:

Day 1: San Pedro de Atacama to Eduardo Avaroa National Park

Early Morning Departure: Tours usually start early in the morning around 7-8 AM. You’ll be picked up from your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama.
Border Crossing: Drive to the Chile-Bolivia border at Hito Cajón. Here, you’ll go through immigration and customs procedures. Be prepared with your passport, necessary visas, and any required documents.
Laguna Blanca and Laguna Verde: After crossing into Bolivia, visit these stunning high-altitude lakes, known for their striking colors caused by mineral deposits.
Salvador Dali Desert and Hot Springs: Continue to the surreal landscapes of the Dali Desert, named after the artist Salvador Dalí. Enjoy a relaxing dip in the Polques hot springs.
Sol de Mañana Geysers: Visit these impressive geysers and fumaroles, which are especially active in the morning.
Laguna Colorada: End the day at Laguna Colorada, a vibrant red lake populated by flocks of flamingos. Overnight stay in basic accommodation near the lake.

Day 2: Eduardo Avaroa National Park to Chiguana Desert

Lagunas Route: Visit a series of beautiful high-altitude lagoons, including Laguna Honda, Laguna Hedionda, and Laguna Cañapa, each offering unique scenery and wildlife.
Siloli Desert: See the famous Árbol de Piedra (Stone Tree), a unique rock formation shaped by wind erosion.
Chiguana Desert: Travel through the vast Chiguana Desert, with its expansive landscapes and distant volcanoes. Overnight stay in a Salt flat hotel which was a new experience for me & totally enjoyed it.

Check out my Bolivia highlights in Instagram for more pictures.

Day 3: Uyuni Salt Flats and Arrival in Uyuni

Early Morning at Salar de Uyuni: Start early to catch the sunrise over the Uyuni Salt Flats, the world’s largest salt desert. The reflections and vastness create a surreal experience.
Incahuasi Island: Visit Incahuasi Island (often referred to as Fish Island), located in the middle of the salt flat. The island is covered with giant cacti and offers panoramic views of the salt flats.
Salt Processing Plant: Learn about salt extraction and processing at a local salt plant.
Train Graveyard: Before arriving in Uyuni, stop at the Train Graveyard, an eerie collection of abandoned locomotives that were once part of Bolivia’s railway network.
Arrival in Uyuni: The tour typically ends in Uyuni in the afternoon. From here, you can continue your travels or take a bus or flight to your next destination. More on this below.

Tips for Atacama Uyuni tour

Altitude Sickness: The tour reaches altitudes of over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). Take it easy, stay hydrated, and consider bringing altitude sickness medication.
Clothing: Pack layers, as temperatures can vary greatly. Bring warm clothing for the cold nights and mornings, and lighter clothing for daytime.
Sunscreen and Sunglasses: The sun at high altitudes can be intense, so protect your skin and eyes.
Cash: Bring enough cash in Bolivian Bolivianos for any additional expenses, as ATMs are scarce in remote areas.
Snacks and Water: While meals are usually provided, having extra snacks and water is always a good idea.

Where to stay in Uyuni?

Uyuni, Bolivia, is the gateway to the world-famous Salar de Uyuni salt flats. There are several accommodation options in and around Uyuni to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some recommendations: