San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni 3 day tour

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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

1. 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.
2. 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

1. 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
2. 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

1. 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
2. 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

1. 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
2. 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

1. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Laguna Blanca and Laguna Verde: After crossing into Bolivia, visit these stunning high-altitude lakes, known for their striking colors caused by mineral deposits.
4. 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.
5. Sol de Mañana Geysers: Visit these impressive geysers and fumaroles, which are especially active in the morning.
6. 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

1. Lagunas Route: Visit a series of beautiful high-altitude lagoons, including Laguna Honda, Laguna Hedionda, and Laguna Cañapa, each offering unique scenery and wildlife.
2. Siloli Desert: See the famous Árbol de Piedra (Stone Tree), a unique rock formation shaped by wind erosion.
3. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Salt Processing Plant: Learn about salt extraction and processing at a local salt plant.
4. 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.
5. 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

1. 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.
2. Clothing: Pack layers, as temperatures can vary greatly. Bring warm clothing for the cold nights and mornings, and lighter clothing for daytime.
3. Sunscreen and Sunglasses: The sun at high altitudes can be intense, so protect your skin and eyes.
4. Cash: Bring enough cash in Bolivian Bolivianos for any additional expenses, as ATMs are scarce in remote areas.
5. 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:

Luxury Accommodations

1. Hotel Palacio de Sal
   • Description: This unique hotel is built entirely from salt blocks and offers a one-of-a-kind experience with luxurious amenities.
   • Amenities: Spa, restaurant, bar, free Wi-Fi, and salt-themed decor
2. Hotel de Sal Luna Salada
   • Description: Another salt hotel with beautiful views of the salt flats and high-end facilities.
   • Amenities: Spa, restaurant, bar, free Wi-Fi, and panoramic views

Mid-Range Accommodations

1. Hotel Jardines de Uyuni
   • Description: A comfortable and charming hotel located in the heart of Uyuni, offering a cozy atmosphere.
   • Amenities: Restaurant, bar, free Wi-Fi, indoor pool, and tour services
2. Cristal Samana Salt Hotel
   • Description: A mid-range hotel made of salt, providing a unique experience with modern comforts.
   • Amenities: Restaurant, bar, free Wi-Fi, and tour services

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

Budget Accommodations

1. Hostal La Magia de Uyuni
   • Description: A budget-friendly hostel with clean and basic rooms, offering good value for money.
   • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and tour assistance
2. Tonito Hotel
   • Description: A family-run hotel with comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere, known for its popular restaurant, Minuteman Pizza.
   • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, restaurant, and tour services

Unique Stays

1. Kachi Lodge
   • Description: A luxury dome camp located on the Salar de Uyuni, offering an immersive and unique experience right on the salt flats.
   • Amenities: Luxury domes, gourmet dining, guided tours, and stargazing opportunities
2. Uyuni Glamping
   • Description: Offers a glamorous camping experience with comfortable tents set up in the stunning Uyuni landscape.
   • Amenities: Comfortable tents, meals, and tours

Tips for Choosing Accommodation in Uyuni

• Proximity to Tours: If you’re planning to join a salt flats tour, staying in Uyuni town can be convenient as most tours depart from there.
• Comfort vs. Experience: Decide if you prefer a unique experience, like staying in a salt hotel, or if you prioritize comfort and modern amenities.
• Book in Advance: Especially during peak tourist seasons (June to August and December to February), it’s advisable to book your accommodation in advance to ensure availability.

Where to go after Uyuni 3 day tour

How to plan a trip to Argentina includes how I border crossed from Uyuni, Bolivia to Jujuy, Argentina & itineraries. However, if you have more time to spend in Bolivia below are few more options.

1. La Paz: Nestled in a canyon, this high-altitude city is a blend of modernity and tradition. Don’t miss the bustling Witches’ Market and the breathtaking views from the cable cars.
2. Lake Titicaca: Straddling the border between Bolivia and Peru, this is the world’s highest navigable lake. The serene beauty and the unique culture of the indigenous communities here are captivating.
3. The Amazon Basin: A journey into the heart of the Bolivian Amazon reveals an unparalleled biodiversity. From exotic wildlife to lush rainforests, it’s an adventure like no other.
4. Sucre and Potosí: These historic cities offer a glimpse into Bolivia’s colonial past. Sucre, the constitutional capital, is known for its white-washed buildings, while Potosí, once one of the richest cities in the world, tells tales of its silver mining heritage.

Solo travel Bolivia

When is best time to visit Bolivia?

The best time to visit Bolivia largely depends on what you want to see and do, as well as the regions you plan to visit. Bolivia’s climate varies significantly due to its diverse geography, ranging from the high-altitude Andes to the lowland Amazon basin. Here’s a breakdown of the best times to visit based on different factors:

General Best Time to Visit

May to October (Dry Season):

• Weather: The dry season is the most popular time to visit Bolivia. During these months, the weather is generally clear and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities and travel.
• Temperature: Daytime temperatures are pleasant, especially in the highlands, while nights can be cold, particularly in June and July.
• Road Conditions: Better road conditions and less likelihood of travel disruptions due to rain.

Specific Activities and Regions

Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats)

• Best Time: April to October (Dry Season)
  • Dry Season: The salt flats are dry and form a stunning white landscape, perfect for photography and exploring.
  • Wet Season: From November to March, the flats may be covered in a thin layer of water, creating a mesmerizing mirror effect. This is also a unique and beautiful time to visit, though access can be more challenging.

La Paz and the Andes

• Best Time: May to October (Dry Season)
  • Dry Season: Clear skies and mild temperatures make this an excellent time for exploring the city and trekking in the surrounding mountains, including the famous Death Road and the Huayna Potosi climb.
  • Wet Season: While it’s possible to visit during the rainy season, trekking and outdoor activities can be less predictable due to rain.

Amazon Basin (Rurrenabaque and Madidi National Park)

• Best Time: May to October (Dry Season)
  • Dry Season: Easier access to remote areas, less rainfall, and fewer mosquitoes. Wildlife viewing is generally better as animals congregate around water sources.
  • Wet Season: From November to April, the Amazon experiences heavy rain, which can make travel more difficult, but the forest is lush and vibrant.

Lake Titicaca

• Best Time: May to October (Dry Season)
  • Dry Season: Ideal for visiting the lake and exploring the islands. The weather is sunny and clear, perfect for boat trips and hikes.
  • Wet Season: Rain can occur, but it’s still possible to visit, and the landscapes are greener.

Festivals and Cultural Events

• Carnaval de Oruro: Late February or early March. This vibrant and colorful festival is one of Bolivia’s most famous events and is worth planning your trip around.
• Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): Early November. Celebrated throughout Bolivia with various traditional customs and festivities.
• Gran Poder: May or June. A major festival in La Paz, featuring elaborate costumes, dances, and parades.

Summary

• Dry Season (May to October): Generally the best time to visit for favorable weather and travel conditions, especially for outdoor activities and exploring the highlands and salt flats.
• Wet Season (November to April): Offers unique experiences, such as the mirror effect on the Uyuni Salt Flats, but can come with travel challenges due to rain.

Is it safe to travel to Bolivia?

Travel safety in Bolivia can be influenced by various factors, including political stability, public health conditions, and general crime levels. Here are some key points to consider to help you assess the safety of traveling to Bolivia:

Political and Social Stability

• Political Protests: Bolivia has experienced political protests and demonstrations, particularly in urban areas like La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz. These can occasionally disrupt travel and public transportation. It’s advisable to stay informed about the local political climate and avoid large gatherings or protests.
• Local Advice: Always heed local advice and check for travel advisories issued by your government. Embassies often provide updated information on safety and security conditions.

Health Considerations

• Ensure you are aware of any latest health guidelines and restrictions. This includes vaccination requirements, testing, quarantine measures, and any specific entry protocols for travelers. Check reliable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and local health authorities.
• Healthcare: While major cities have adequate healthcare facilities, rural areas may have limited medical services. I don’t travel with insurance but understand it’s important to have travel insurance that covers health and medical emergencies.

General Safety

• Crime: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in tourist areas. Stay vigilant, especially in crowded places, and keep your valuables secure.
• Transportation: Exercise caution when using public transportation. Taxis should be booked through reputable companies or via your accommodation. Avoid traveling alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas.
• Altitude Sickness: Many parts of Bolivia, including La Paz and Uyuni, are at high altitudes. Be aware of altitude sickness symptoms and give yourself time to acclimatize. Stay hydrated and consider consulting a doctor for advice on how to manage high altitude.

Natural Disasters and Environmental Factors

• Weather: The rainy season, from November to March, can lead to flooding and landslides, particularly in rural and mountainous areas. Road conditions can deteriorate, so plan your travel accordingly and check weather forecasts.
• Remote Areas: When traveling to remote regions such as the Amazon basin or the Altiplano, ensure you have a reliable guide and adequate supplies. Inform someone of your travel plans and expected return.

Tips for Safe Travel

1. Stay Informed: Regularly check travel advisories from your government and local news for updates on safety conditions.
2. Local Contacts: Keep contact details for your embassy or consulate handy. They can provide assistance in case of emergencies.
3. Travel Insurance: Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations.
4. Local Knowledge: Engage with locals or fellow travelers to get real-time advice and tips on safe areas to visit.
5. Emergency Contacts: Have a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services and your accommodation’s contact information.

Why Visit Salar de Uyuni

If you are still not convinced, here’s why 3 day salt flat tour in Uyuni should be on your travel bucket list:

1. Otherworldly Landscapes: Salar de Uyuni offers a surreal experience like no other. During the rainy season, a thin layer of water transforms the salt flat into a giant mirror, reflecting the sky and creating an illusion of walking on clouds. In the dry season, the vast expanse of white salt crust creates a strikingly stark and beautiful landscape.
2. Unique Photography Opportunities: The endless horizon and mirror-like surface make Salar de Uyuni a paradise for photographers. The unique perspectives and optical illusions you can capture here are simply stunning. It’s a place where creativity knows no bounds.
3. Rich Cultural Experience: Visiting the salt flats also provides an opportunity to connect with local cultures. The nearby town of Uyuni and the surrounding indigenous communities offer insights into traditional ways of life and the history of this remarkable region.
4. Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, Salar de Uyuni is an excellent location for stargazing. The night sky here is incredibly clear, offering a spectacular view of the Milky Way and countless stars.
5. Wildlife and Nature: Despite its seemingly barren appearance, the area around Salar de Uyuni is home to diverse wildlife, including flamingos, vicuñas, and Andean foxes. The nearby Tunupa Volcano and various lagoons add to the natural beauty and ecological significance of the region.

Let me know in the comments:

If you have any questions about this San pedro de atacama to uyuni blog
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