Reviewed · UYUNI
Uyuni Salt Flats Private 3 day tour (Palacio Sal 4* & Tayka 3*)
The salt flats are only the opening act on this private three-day tour. You’ll cross the white expanse of Salar de Uyuni, sleep in a salt hotel, then head south through volcanic country, flamingo lagoons, and the red sands of Siloli Desert. By the final day, you’re close to 5,000 meters above sea level, so this is a big trip in more ways than one.
I like two things in particular: the private 4WD and bilingual guide make a demanding route easier to manage, and the overnight stops turn the trip into more than a long day of salt-flat photos. The sunset toast on the Salar is a thoughtful touch, too. The trade-off is real: rough roads, high altitude, and long stretches in the vehicle can make days two and three feel tough.
In This Review
- At a glance
- Day one: Train Cemetery, Colchani, and the wide white Salar
- Day two: Volcanic ground, flamingo lagoons, and Siloli Desert
- Day three: Laguna Colorada, geysers, and a long return to Uyuni
- What a private vehicle and guide add
- Is $1,672.98 per person worth it?
- Who will get the most from these three days
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- Is this a private tour?
- What is the highest altitude on the route?
- Which hotels are included?
- Are meals included?
- Can the tour visit Incahuasi Island from January to April?
- Is the entrance fee for Eduardo Avaroa Reserve included?
- Is a transfer from San Pedro de Atacama included?
At a glance
- Day one pairs classic Uyuni sights with a salt-flat sunset: Visit the Train Cemetery, Colchani, Incahuasi Island, and the Dakar monument before a toast on the Salar.
- Two remote hotel nights are included: Stay at Palacio de Sal, Luna Salada, or a similar 4-star salt hotel, then at Hotel Tayka del Desierto or a similar 3-star property.
- The southern route reaches almost 5,000 meters: Expect high-altitude driving, volcanic scenery, and stops at several lagoons.
- Flamingos and hot springs are part of the final two days: Laguna Hedionda, Laguna Colorada, and Polques thermal waters bring variety to the long drive.
- The tour is private, with meals and park tickets included: You get private transport, a bilingual guide, a first-aid kit, and an oxygen tank.
- Weather changes what you can see: From January to April, flooding can prevent access to Incahuasi Island and some other salt-flat stops.
Day one: Train Cemetery, Colchani, and the wide white Salar
Who will get the most from these three days
