The 3-Day Atacama to Uyuni Adventure isn’t just a trip—it’s a passage through the wild, unforgiving beauty of the Bolivian Altiplano. You’ll soak in steaming hot springs at 15,000 feet, drink wine as the sun melts into the salt flats, and wake up where flamingos dance on blood-red lagoons. No filters, no crowds—just the raw, untamed soul of South America.

DEPARTURES : EVERY DAY with minimum 2 passengers or in private service

This tour requires a minimum of 2 participants. If you are the only person booked, you will need to cover the cost for 2 people, or we can offer a full refund.

 

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3-Day Atacama to Uyuni Adventure: Salt Flats, Lagoons & Flamingos

“Some places change the way you see the world. This is one of them. From the rugged deserts of Atacama to the endless white abyss of Uyuni, this is not just a tour—it’s an odyssey.”

Experience the ultimate 3-Day Atacama to Uyuni Adventure, crossing the breathtaking Bolivian Altiplano from San Pedro de Atacama to the Uyuni Salt Flats. Witness geysers, colorful lagoons, and towering volcanoes, stay in exclusive lodges by flamingo-filled lakes, and explore the endless white desert of Uyuni at sunset and sunrise. Visit Incahuasi Island, the Train Cemetery, and remote Andean villages for an unforgettable adventure.

Book now and discover Bolivia’s most surreal landscapes in the most immersive way possible!

Highlights of the 3-Day Atacama to Uyuni Adventure:

Cross the border from Chile to Bolivia and explore the Altiplano’s most stunning landscapes.
Spend one night by a flamingo-filled lagoon & another at the edge of the Salt Flats.
Witness the surreal colors of Laguna Colorada & relax in natural hot springs. Explore the Uyuni Salt Flats at sunset & sunrise for the ultimate experience.
Geysers & a Thermal Bath at the Edge of the World-Walk through the boiling geysers of Sol de Mañana, where the earth hisses and bubbles at 16,000 feet.

 

Day 1: Crossing Borders & The High-Altitude Wilderness

“Mornings in San Pedro start slow. A quiet town, a cup of coffee, a last look at civilization before stepping into the unknown. But today, we’re not staying here. Today, we cross into Bolivia, where the landscapes get wilder, the air thinner, and the road less traveled takes us somewhere truly extraordinary.”

Distance: 300 km (186 miles)
Total driving time: 6–7 hours (including stops)

The journey starts early, as we leave the dusty streets of San Pedro de Atacama behind and make our way to the Hito Cajón border. Here, immigration is a simple but surreal process—one step and you’re in another world.

First stop: Laguna Blanca & Laguna Verde, where turquoise waters stretch beneath the towering Licancabur Volcano. The wind is sharp, the silence absolute. These places don’t feel real—they feel stolen from another planet.

As we drive deeper into the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, the ground starts to breathe. At Sol de Mañana, geysers spit steam into the freezing morning air. The smell of sulfur lingers, the earth hisses, and you realize just how alive this place really is.

Further ahead, a natural reward: the Polques Hot Springs. A chance to sink into steaming volcanic waters and watch the Altiplano stretch endlessly in front of you.

The road continues through rocky deserts and flamingo-filled lagoons, with a lunch stop along the way. But nothing prepares you for Laguna Colorada. This blood-red lake, home to thousands of Andean flamingos, is so surreal it feels like a hallucination.

We drive through the Siloli Desert, where time and wind have sculpted the Stone Tree, a lone rock formation standing defiantly against the elements. The sun starts to dip, and we arrive at Flamenco Lodge, our home for the night, perched beside Laguna Hedionda.

Flamingos wade through the mirror-like water. The sky shifts to orange, then pink, then black. Dinner is simple, warm, comforting. And as you step outside, you realize the stars here are unlike anywhere else—sharp, endless, electric.

Day 2: Into the Salt Flats & Sunset Over the White Desert

“Some roads don’t lead anywhere. Others take you exactly where you’re supposed to be. Today, we leave the flamingo lagoons behind and enter the kind of landscape that leaves you speechless—the kind of place that feels too vast, too empty, too perfect to be real.”

Distance: 250 km (155 miles)
Total driving time: 6 hours (including stops)

Breakfast comes with a view—flamingos standing knee-deep in a golden lagoon, the rising sun painting the Altiplano in soft pastels. It’s quiet, except for the occasional flutter of wings.

We continue through the Salar de Chiguana, an otherworldly salt flat, smaller than Uyuni but equally mesmerizing. The Ollague Volcano smokes in the distance, a reminder that the earth here is still shifting, still alive.

We pass through forgotten Andean villages, where life moves slowly, untouched by time. Llamas wander past crumbling stone houses, the air crisp and thin. We stop for lunch, somewhere between nowhere and everywhere.

Then, the moment arrives. The entrance to the Uyuni Salt Flats.

It’s not just white—it’s infinite. A vast, blinding ocean of salt stretching endlessly in every direction. We drive across, the crunch beneath the tires the only sound in this silent kingdom. At Incahuasi Island, we walk among giant cacti, some over 1,000 years old, standing as lone sentinels in this white void.

And then—sunset.

The sky explodes into a riot of color—deep purples, fiery oranges, soft pinks reflecting perfectly on the salt. We celebrate with a toast of Bolivian wine and local snacks, standing in the middle of this surreal landscape, knowing that no camera will ever capture what it feels like to be here, in this exact moment.

By nightfall, we arrive at Tambo Coquesa Lodge, a secluded retreat at the edge of the Salar. Tonight, we sleep in a room made of salt or stone, warm blankets wrapped around us, the silence of the desert embracing us.

Day 3: Sunrise Over the Salar & The Journey’s End

“Not all sunrises are worth waking up for. This one is. Stepping onto the salt flats at dawn, the cold biting, the horizon stretching infinitely in every direction—it’s the closest thing to walking on another planet.”

Distance: 120 km (75 miles)
Total driving time: 3–4 hours (including stops)

The first light of day touches the salt, turning everything golden, then pink, then blue. The stillness is overwhelming. Coffee in hand, we watch the sun rise over the largest mirror on Earth.

After breakfast, we make a stop in Coquesa, a tiny village with ancient mummies hidden in a cave, their preserved bodies whispering stories from centuries past.

We continue to the Train Cemetery, where rusted locomotives sit abandoned, relics of Bolivia’s railway dreams. They’re haunting, beautiful, a reminder that even the greatest ambitions can be left to the sands of time.

Our final stop: Colchani village, where locals carve salt bricks, craft artisanal goods, and turn the endless white desert into something tangible.

With a final lunch in Uyuni, our 3-Day Atacama to Uyuni Adventure comes to an end. The journey may be over, but the memories—the silent deserts, the flamingo lagoons, the endless salt flats—stay with you forever.

The Journey Back

With our minds full of unforgettable memories, we start our return journey to Uyuni. We’ll drive back through more breathtaking landscapes, stopping for final photo ops and enjoying the last stretch of this legendary trip.

🕕 Estimated arrival in Uyuni: 3 PM – 4:00 PM.

From here, you can:
Take an evening flight back to La Paz.
Stay overnight in Uyuni & explore more of Bolivia.

Important Information:

We recommend you book this tour at least 3 weeks in advance.If you have any extra question about this tour please contact us or chat with us via what’s app 00 51 971  186 418 or contact  us 

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FAQs – 3-Day Atacama to Uyuni Adventure

Is this tour private or shared?

This 3-Day Atacama to Uyuni Adventure is a small-group tour to ensure a comfortable and immersive experience. If you prefer a private tour, contact us for availability and pricing.

What type of accommodation is included?

We stay in comfortable, exclusive lodges with WiFi in common areas:

• Night 1: Flamenco Lodge – Located next to Laguna Hedionda, home to hundreds of flamingos.
• Night 2: Tambo Coquesa Lodge – A unique eco-lodge on the edge of the Uyuni Salt Flats.

Both lodges offer private rooms with heating, warm blankets, and private bathrooms to ensure a comfortable stay in the high-altitude desert.

Is there WiFi or phone signal on the tour?

Yes! Both lodges have WiFi in common areas, but due to the remote location, the connection may be limited.

📵 There is no mobile signal for most of the trip, so we recommend downloading offline maps and any important info in advance.

What’s the weather like?

• Daytime: 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) depending on the season.
• Nighttime: -10°C to -5°C (14°F to 23°F), especially in winter (June–August).

☀ Bring layers! The high-altitude sun is intense, but nights can be freezing.

What should I pack?

✅ Warm clothes (jacket, gloves, hat) for cold nights.
✅ Comfortable trekking shoes for walking on rocky terrain.
✅ Swimsuit & towel for the hot springs.
✅ Sunglasses & sunscreen (high-altitude sun is strong).
✅ Cash (BOB/USD) for personal expenses & tips.

How high is the altitude? Will I feel altitude sickness?

The 3-Day Atacama to Uyuni Adventure reaches altitudes of 4,500m – 5,000m (14,800 – 16,400 ft). Some travelers may experience mild altitude sickness (headache, dizziness).

💡 To minimize effects:

• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol the night before.
• Take it slow, especially on Day 1.
• Coca tea (available locally) helps alleviate symptoms.

If you have pre-existing conditions, consult your doctor before traveling.

How does the border crossing from Chile to Bolivia work?

• We handle all logistics at Hito Cajón, the Chile-Bolivia border.
• Passports & entry fees: Some nationalities may require a Bolivia visa (check in advance).

🔹 Chile immigration: Quick exit stamp in San Pedro.
🔹 Bolivia immigration: Entry stamp at a remote border post.

💡 Bolivia may charge a visa fee depending on your nationality. Contact us for details.

What happens at the end of the tour in Uyuni?

The 3-Day Atacama to Uyuni Adventure ends in Uyuni town around 1:00 PM.

From Uyuni, you can:
✔ Take a domestic flight to La Paz (ask us for recommendations).
✔ Stay overnight to explore more of Uyuni.
✔ Take a night bus to Sucre or Potosí.

Need help with onward travel? Let us know!

How many people are needed for a confirmed departure?

This 3-Day Atacama to Uyuni Adventure operates with a minimum of 2 travelers.

What if I am traveling alone?

If you are the only person booked, you have two options:

1️⃣ Join an existing group (subject to availability). Contact us to check upcoming confirmed departures.
2️⃣ Pay for two travelers to secure a private departure on your preferred date.

We recommend booking early so we can help find another traveler to share the experience.