Did you know the world's largest Salt Flats were in South America? They are indeed located in Bolivia.
This trip has been on my bucket list forever because I always thought it was remote and hard to access, but the truth is, it was way easier than I could have ever imagined.
My perception of Bolivia radically changed after this experience, and I couldn't recommend you enough going there!!
From jaw-dropping lagoons to surprising rock formations, getting close to the local animals, and the spectacular sunrise on the Uyuni salt flats, this jam-packed 3 Day Uyuni road trip itinerary covers a ton of the bucket list places and adventures in Bolivia.
So buckle up, grab your camera, and get ready for the ultimate southern Bolivia road trip!
Things to know before embarking on a Uyuni multi-day road trip
Be aware while exploring southern Bolivia
The minimum altitude on this itinerary is 11,995 feet (3,656 meters) above sea level. To avoid altitude sickness and enjoy your trip to the fullest, you should acclimate by staying at least 2 to 3 days in either La Paz in Bolivia or San Pedro de Atacama in Chile.
When to go to Uyuni
Although the best time to visit Uyuni to see the mirror-like effect is the rainy season from December to April, some of the highlights mentioned on this itinerary might become completely inaccessible after heavy rain.
I did this tour during the rainy season and had no problem at all, but keep in mind the weather is unpredictable and it can affect your trip.
How to get there
If you're already in Bolivia, you can reach Uyuni by direct 1-hour flight from La Paz. Alternatively, you can hop on a 10-hour bus that will take you there.
You can also reach Uyuni from the town of Calama in Chile. To get to Calama, take a 1-hour flight from Santiago de Chile. Once you're in Calama, you can either take a transfer to San Pedro de Atacama and join a tour to Uyuni or take a 12-hour bus from Calama straight to Uyuni. I would recommend the first option.
What to pack for a Uyuni multi-day road trip
Pack layers, as the mornings can be chilly and the days rather hot. Remember to pack sunscreen, a hat, and a swimsuit, too.
You will need waterproof shoes for the salt flats. They are available for rent in Uyuni, but you should buy them before the trip if you're not planning on returning to Uyuni or starting in Atacama.
Bringing at least a 2-liter water bottle is essential as you will only have the opportunity to buy extra water at your accommodation at the end of each.
If you booked a shared room, you will probably need to bring your own soap and toilet paper because the shared restrooms have neither. Even if you booked a private room, bringing these two is a good idea since you will need them at the restroom stops during the trip.
Cash is king in Bolivia, and 300 bolivianos (approx. 40 USD) will cover the national park entrance fee of 150 bolivianos and any additional purchases you might make.
Notes on this itinerary
This article provides a detailed itinerary departing from San Pedro de Atacama and finishing in Uyuni.
You can also do this road trip in reverse order, starting in Uyuni and finishing in San Pedro de Atacama.
This road trip is better done by joining a tour. In theory, you could also do it with your own car. However, here are some things you should consider before doing so:
- You will need a 4x4 as the roads are not in great condition
- There are no indications whatsoever inside the national park
- You must ensure your car has the proper treatment so the salt doesn't completely ruin the lower part of your chassis.
- This place is remote, so there might not always be a signal. If your car has any problems, you will probably have to fix it yourself or wait for help to come for a long time.
3 day Uyuni road trip itinerary
Day 1 - San Pedro de Atacama to Villamar
Start your day by driving to the Bolivian border and getting breakfast there. This is a packed day, so make sure you start early. The border opens at 8:30 am, but you will find a queue of vans waiting since 7:30 am.
Once your passport is stamped at both the Chilean and Bolivian borders, you must go through Bolivian customs. To save time, you can fill out the Bolivian custom declaration (Formulario N° 250) online before leaving Chile. You can also fill it out in the customs office, but their wi-fi is pretty slow.
Before starting this incredible journey, you must make one last stop at the Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Abaroa entrance. Here, you will pay the entrance fee of 150 bolivianos (approx. 21 USD), fill out a visitors registry, and be good to go!
White Lagoon (Laguna Blanca)
Your first stop will be the stunning White Lagoon, a salt lagoon surrounded by a scenic landscape. Here, you can walk along the shore and enjoy the watercolor, which, depending on where you are, might seem to be white or have a mirror-like effect.
Green Lagoon (Laguna Verde)
A short drive away from the White Lagoon is the Green Lagoon, another salt lake whose color is due to mineral suspensions of arsenic and other minerals.
Dali Desert
The next stop will be the Dali desert. Wind erosion has formed unique isolated rock formations. These, combined with the contrast of the blue sky and the shadows of the clouds on the sand, give this place its resemblance to the surrealist paintings by Salvador Dalí.
Termas del Polque Hot Springs
After that, head to the hot springs of Termas del Polque, a popular lunch spot where you can also bathe and relax in a hot water pool.
Morning Sun Geysers (Sol de Mañana)
In the afternoon, head to the bubbling geysers Sol de Mañana, situated at an altitude of about 4,900 meters (16,100 ft). Here, you will mainly find mud pools and fumaroles. The minerals found here give the rocks amazing shades of red and yellow.
Red Lagoon (Laguna Colorada)
The last stop of the day will be at Laguna Colorada, a stunning lagoon with red and grey water patterns. This is also a feeding spot for the flamingos, so you will see them up close!
Wrap up your day by driving to the Town of Villamar, where your accommodation should be.
Day 2 - Villamar to Atulcha
World Cup
The extraordinary shapes formed by erosion over time make you wonder at their sight. Locals say this rock is in the shape of a World Cup, perhaps due to Latin America's passion for soccer. What do you think?
Camel Rock
A cool camel-shaped rock expects you at the second stop of the day.
Lost Italy
According to the legend, the first explorer who came to this place was an Italian who, unfortunately, got lost, couldn't find his way back, and died. This place was named in honor of that explorer.
Here, you can climb on the rocks and have fun exploring the place to find unique perspectives for your pictures.
Anaconda Canyon
This impressive canyon overlooks a lush river basin. The green hue surrounding this loopy river evokes the image of an anaconda.
Turuncha Lagoon
Another spectacular lagoon with a mirror-like effect.
Flamingos also come to eat here. However, I could not get nearly as close to them as I could at the Laguna Colorada. Nevertheless, seeing them flying in big groups is entirely captivating.
Salt Hotel
Tonight, you can sleep in one of the hotels made out of salt and located near the main salt flats. We stayed in the town of Atulcha, but you can also stay in other towns like Chuvica, which also has salt hotels.
Day 3 - The Uyuni Salt Flats
Sunrise on the Uyuni Salt Flats
To admire the sunrise on the salt flats, you will need two things: rainfall a couple of days before you go and a clear sky in the morning.
Wear layers and waterproof shoes and leave your accommodation no later than 4:30 am.
The experience is magical in every way. Be prepared for your brain not to know whether you will walk into the void!
Creative Pictures
Once the sunrise is over, head to the dry part of the salt flats and play around with perspective on the salt flats.
Train Cemetery
Climb on abandoned trains or relive your childhood by playing on a swing installed between some of the trains.
Uyuni
Congratulations! You've made it to Uyuni. From here, you can continue your journey further into Bolivia or return to San Pedro Atacama.
