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If you’re hoping to explore Bolivia’s Salt Flats, you’ve come to the right place!
The Salt Flats are one of the most incredible places we’ve ever visited. This salt desert makes you feel like you’ve traveled to another planet, and you can’t miss the chance to see it while you’re in Bolivia.
Since it’s so popular, there are many different options when it comes to taking a tour there. The most popular spots to take a tour from are Uyuni and La Paz, but no matter where you’re coming from, it’s always best to visit the Salt Flats with a reputable tour company that has experience in this remote and wild landscape.
So to make sure you have the best Salt Flats experience possible, we’ve created the list below of the absolute BEST tours departing from both Uyuni and La Paz!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
Our personal FAVORITE tour is this 3-day tour of the Salt Flats from Uyuni. Not only do you get to visit the Salt Flats, but also the Ollague volcano, lagoons, several deserts, and hot springs. Oh, and to top it all off, you’ll stay in a Salt Hotel! This tour is VERY popular – check out the 500+ reviews here!
Tip: Reserve this tour early to guarantee your spot and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
Best Salt Flats Tours from Uyuni
Uyuni is a small town in Bolivia right on the edge of the salt flats. It’s the closest place to visit from and also the cheapest. The most popular tour option is the 3-day 2-night tour because there is just so much to see in this area! Check out the best options below:
1. 3-Day Salt Flats Tour from Uyuni (Our Favorite!)
- Price: $250 USD
- Duration: 3 Days (2 nights)
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Visit the famous Salt Flats, stay in a salt hotel, hike up Ollague volcano, visit Cañapa lagoon on a land cruiser, see flamingos, visit the Siloli & Salvador Dali desert, see the geysers of Sol de Mañana, relax in natural hot springs
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, 2 nights accommodation, meals, hotel pick-up
- Pickup from: Uyuni (option to return to Uyuni OR San Pedro de Atacama, Chile)
- Rating: 5 Stars (check 500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
We can’t recommend this 3-day tour we did from Uyuni enough! It conveniently started and ended in Uyuni, but there is also the option to end in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile if you want to continue on your travels. Our English-speaking guide was so informative and easy-going, and the hotels that we stayed in were nice enough. Honestly, you really can’t go wrong with this amazing tour, especially when the price is only $250 USD per person!
Not only do you get to visit the Salt Flats on this tour, you will also stay in a Salt Hotel which is a really unique experience. We also visited several deserts, multiple lakes and lagoons, a train graveyard, geysers spewing steam, hot springs, flamingos, and more! It’s truly a nature lovers paradise and everywhere you turn you’ll want to snap another picture.
Another thing we loved about this tour is the cultural elements it includes. We got to visit the tiny salt-processing village of Colchani on our way to the flats. Only 600 people are permanent residents here but their salt factory is actually the largest one in Bolivia! At the factory, we learned how salt is extracted and refined to be edible. While we were in town we got to see all kinds of goods being sold that were made out of salt.
One thing to note is that it is a “budget” tour, so rooms are shared and hotels are about 2-3 stars. With that said, we loved every minute of the tour. We think a Salt Flats tour is so much more than just salt, it’s about touring the entire area and visiting the different climates and landscapes!
Check availability and learn more about this popular 3-day Salt Flats experience here!
2. Full-Day Tour of the Salt Flats from Uyuni
- Price: $60 USD
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Small group tour of the Salt Flats, travel in a 4×4 vehicle, spot local animals, learn about the salt-producing process, visit the Train Cemetery, see the sunset over the world’s largest salt flats
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, snacks, transportation
- Pickup from: Select Uyuni Hotels or the meeting point
- Rating: 5 Stars (check 280+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you don’t have much time to explore the Salt Flats, or you’re traveling on a limited budget, this one-day tour from Unuyi is a great option!
The day begins by traveling to the Salt Flats in a 4×4 vehicle. Along the way, you will stop at the Train Cemetery and the small town of Colchani to learn all about the salt-making process. It was so interesting to see how the locals processed the salt and to learn about how it affects the local community.
Next up it’s off to the Salt Flats! You will spend hours exploring the beautiful landscape here where you will see the Dakar monument and the “eyes of salt”, which are large holes in the salt flats full of water which the locals claim has medicinal properties.
My favorite part of this tour is that the tour guide will spend lots of time taking goofy and fun photographs of everyone on the salt flats. Let’s be honest, you can’t go on a Salt Flats tour and not take the iconic forced perspective photographs!
The day ends overlooking this incredible natural landscape while watching the sunset. They even give you snacks and red wine to enjoy while taking in the view – it doesn’t get any better than that!
Secure your spot on this highly-rated full-day tour here before it sells out!
3. Overnight 2-Day Salt Flats Tour from Uyuni
- Price: $200 USD
- Duration: 2 days (1 night)
- Time: 10:30 am (pickup times vary)
- Highlights: Visit the famous Salt Flats in a 4WD, tour a salt refinery, stargaze & watch the sunrise over the salt flats, visit the cave of the galaxies, hike at Tunupa Volcano, stay in salt hotel
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, meals, transportation, 1-night accommodation
- Pickup from: Select Uyuni Hotels
- Rating: 5 Stars (check 160+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
This 2-day tour of the Salt Flats is the perfect in-between tour of the two I’ve mentioned already. You will get a thorough tour of the Salt Flats and the highlights of the surrounding area without feeling too rushed. In fact, one of the coolest parts of this tour is that you get to stay the night in a Salt Hotel!
I also love that this tour includes a stargazing experience at the Salt Flats, where you will get to see unmatched views of the Milky Way. Then, you’ll get a whole different perspective of the Flats early in the morning as you watch the sunrise over the expansive landscape – make sure you have enough room on your memory card for this epic activity!
Another highlight of this tour is the visit to Tunupa Volcano. Here, you have the option to go on a 2-hour walk to get an amazing panoramic view over the Salt Flats – which I highly recommend you do if you are able!
Overall this tour is a great option if you only have 2-days to spend in Uyuni. There is so much to explore in this area of Bolivia, and this tour does a fantastic job of fitting some of the best experiences into a short amount of time!
Book this epic 2-day Salt Flats tour here!
Related Read: It’s known as Bolivia’s “Little Switzerland” – here are all the reasons why you need to visit the small town of Samaipata, Bolivia.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Best Salt Flats Tours from La Paz
La Paz is definitely not the closest city to the Salt Flats, but if that’s the only place you’re going in Bolivia, you can still take a fairly quick trip. It’s quite far away, but the tours below will ensure you get a fantastic experience at the famous Salt Flats, with no stress or planning involved.
1. Private 2-Day Tour to the Salt Flats from La Paz by Air
- Price: $850 USD
- Duration: 2 days (1 night)
- Time: 6:30 am (pick-up times vary)
- Highlights: Visit the famous Salt Flats in a 4WD, tour a salt refinery, stargaze & watch the sunrise over the salt flats, visit the cave of the galaxies, hike at Tunupa Volcano, stay in salt hotel
- Inclusions: Airfare to/from La Paz, 1-night accommodation, English-speaking professional guide, meals, private transportation, hotel pick-up/drop-off in La Paz
- Pickup from: La Paz Hotels
- Rating: 5 Stars (check the glowing reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re short on time, then this private tour is the best way to visit the Salt Flats from La Paz. It takes a long time to get here if you’re driving from La Paz, but this tour includes flights, which is not only faster, but also means that you get amazing aerial views of the landscape as you arrive!
Once you’ve touched down in Uyuni, you’ll be picked up by a private driver who will spend the day showing you some of the coolest things that the salt desert has to offer, including Isla Incahuasi, which was one of my favorite places in the Salt Flats. It’s a small rocky island covered with cacti, and it sits in stark contrast to all of the surrounding salt.
In the afternoon, you’ll also explore the Tunupa Volcano with your private guide, which sits between two huge salt flats. This is one of the best places to see some of the wildlife around here and enjoy amazing views over the area.
Your day will end on the Salt Flats, where you’ll enjoy a glass of champagne as the sun sets. Watching the sun go down over this insane landscape is an incredible experience so you really will end your exploration of the salt desert on a high!
Then, you’ll spend a night in a hotel in Uyuni City, which is definitely one of the more comfortable options around. In the morning, you’ll fly back to La Paz and be dropped off back at your hotel, ready to spend another day in the Bolivian capital!
This tour is actually super affordable for the luxury experience that it offers at only $850 USD per person. It is truly the best way to see the Salt Flats from La Paz because it saves you so much time and everything is organized for you making the whole experience completely stress-free!
If you’re ready to see the Salt Flats in style, reserve your spot here!
2. Private Full-Day Tour of the Salt Flats via Overnight Bus from La Paz
- Price: $279 USD
- Duration: Approx 1 Day
- Time: 8 pm (pick-up times vary)
- Highlights: Visit the famous Salt Flats in a 4WD, tour a salt refinery, stargaze & watch the sunrise over the salt flats, visit the cave of the galaxies, hike at Tunupa Volcano, stay in salt hotel
- Inclusions: Overnight bus to/from La Paz, English-speaking professional guide, meals, private transportation, hotel pick-up/drop-off in La Paz
- Pickup from: La Paz Hotels/Hostels
- Rating: 5 Stars (check the 5-star reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
This is another tour from La Paz that transports you to and from the Salt Flats on an overnight bus. It’s ideal for those who are short on time and are looking for a more budget-friendly option. And by traveling overnight, you get the full day to explore the Salt Flats – no time is wasted on this tour!
One thing that we love about this tour is that when you arrive in Uyuni in the morning, you’ll be picked up by your private guide and taken to a hotel to enjoy a hot shower and some breakfast. This will definitely help to perk you up after a night on a bus so that you’re ready for a day of adventure.
During the day, you’ll get to visit Colchani, Isla Inchahausi, the Train Cemetery, and the Tunupa Volcano. Here, you’ll visit the mummy-filled caves and hear some local folklore, as well as enjoy gorgeous views of the Salt Flats.
You’ll see the sunset next to a lagoon on your way back to Uyuni with drinks and snacks, and then you’ll be able to stop off at the hotel again to freshen up and change your clothes before the bus journey back to La Paz.
We love that even though this is a bus tour, they really prioritize comfort by allowing you to freshen up throughout the day and by providing private transportation. You don’t have to worry about a thing – this tour has thought of everything and will make sure you have an unbelievable time!
Book this tour online in advance here to make sure you get a spot!
3. 4-Day 3-Night Salt Flats Tour by Air from La Paz
- Price: $811 USD
- Duration: 4 days (3 nights)
- Time: 6 am (pick-up times vary)
- Highlights: Fly to the Salt Flats, stay in a salt hotel, visit multiple lagoons, see flamingos & local wildlife, visit the Siloli & Salvador Dali desert, see the geysers of Sol de Mañana, relax in natural hot springs
- Inclusions: Airfare to/from La Paz, 3-night accommodation, professional guide, meals, transportation, hotel pick-up/drop-off in La Paz
- Pickup from: La Paz Hotels
- Rating: 5 Stars (check the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
There is SO much to see and do in the Salt Flats area, that if possible, we recommend spending three full days there. This multi-day tour allows you to do exactly that while visiting from La Paz.
The tour includes flights (rather than overnight buses) and three nights of accommodation. You’ll arrive in Uyuni around mid-morning on the first day of the tour and stay for three nights before flying back to La Paz on day four. This means you get three whole days to explore the salt desert and don’t waste any time getting there!
On the first day, you’ll visit the classic stops like the train cemetery, Isla Incahuasi, and the small salt mining village of Colchani before staying overnight in a Salt Hostel, although you’ll have a private room.
Then on day two, you’ll explore some of the desert’s lagoons and the Siloli Desert, which is known for its red sands and unique rock formations. Day two ends at Laguna Colorada, which is a striking red lagoon close to the border with Chile. You can enjoy watching the sunset over the water, which is pretty incredible to see.
Then, on day three, you’ll be up early to watch geysers erupting at sunrise. At this point in your tour, you’ll be at a pretty high elevation and the temperatures will be cold, but the good news is that you’ll also get to bathe in the Termas de Polques hot springs. This was one of the highlights of our time at the Salt Flats, and what’s even better is that you get to enjoy breakfast at this scenic spot, too.
We really feel like this tour gives you the full Salt Flats experience, and highly recommend it if you have the time to fit it in. You won’t be disappointed that you spent the extra time there, believe me!
Reserve your spot early here and get FREE 24-hour cancellation!
Related Read: If your next stop is Brazil, read our border crossing guide on how to get from Bolivia to Brazil!
Where to Stay in Uyuni
Let’s face it, tours to the Salt Flats are long and tiring, so you’re going to need somewhere to stay before and after your tour. If you’re choosing one of the tours above that departs from Uyuni, I thought that it would be helpful to recommend some of the best hotels and hostels in Uyuni, Bolivia:
Hotel Palacio de Sal – $$$
For those looking for a luxurious stay in Uyuni, you really don’t have any options. Instead, head to Hotel Palacio de Sal located a 30-minute drive outside of Uyuni. Believe me, this hotel is worth it! It is a salt hotel that takes luxury to the next level with its classy and modern decor, pool and hot tub, onsite restaurant, and large rooftop patio. There is also an onsite restaurant and bar so you don’t even need to leave the hotel. Arrange for a massage in your room after your Salt Flats tour to relax – pure luxury! Rooms start at $258 USD.
You can book Hotel Palacio de Sal on Booking.com.
Casa de Sal – $$
For something more mid-ranged, the Casa de Sal is a clear winner! It is a salt hotel, made of salt bricks which adds to your overall experience. The staff is super accommodating and the location is central. Breakfast is included in the room rate and you can expect to pay around $130 USD per night for a double room. Family rooms are also available and there are also discounted rates for solo travelers.
You can book Casa de Sal on Booking.com.
Piedra Blanca Backpackers Hostel – $
For those traveling on a tight budget, Piedra Blanca Backpackers Hostel is your best option. Here, you’ll get a clean and comfortable hostel located right close to the center of town. The hostel features both dorm rooms as well as privates. Breakfast is included in the room rate and dorms go for as little as $10 USD per night.
You can book Piedra Blanca Backpackers Hostel on Hostelworld or Booking.com.
You can also browse all hotels in Uyuni here!
Where to Stay in La Paz, Bolivia
If you’re planning to visit the Salt Flats from La Paz, you’ll need somewhere comfortable to stay before and after your tour. Below are my suggestions for where to stay in La Paz based on my own experience and what I’ve heard personally from others!
Hotel Europa – $$$
Hotel Europa is easily the best place to stay in La Paz, Bolivia! You’ll find rooms with a sofa, fridge, balcony, and spa bathtubs. There is also a heated pool, dry sauna, and fitness center onsite.
They have impeccable reviews and to me, the hotel is really reasonably priced starting at $120 USD per night considering it’s a 5-star hotel! You can book Hotel Europa online in advance on Booking.com.
Las Brisas – $$
When it comes to location, Las Brisas is an excellent pick! This hotel is right in the center of La Paz, so you have easy access to the main sights. There’s a lovely rooftop patio area and the daily free breakfast is fabulous with great views of the city while you eat!
The rooms are basic, but clean and comfortable. It’s also really budget-friendly for the location at $30-$60 USD per night depending on the room you choose. You can secure your room at Las Brisas on Booking.com.
Selina La Paz – $
There are quite a few backpacker hostels around La Paz, but a lot of them aren’t very nice. Selina is a well-known name for hostels around the world and the Selina La Paz is a great option if you’re backpacking on a budget.
The rooms are nice and clean and most of the main attractions in La Paz are within walking distance. A huge plus for us was the great co-working space with reliable internet – something that can be harder to find in La Paz!
A bed in a dorm goes for about $15 USD or there are private rooms under $50 USD. You can check for the best rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
You can compare the prices and availability of all hotels in La Paz online in advance!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Hopefully, our guide to the best Salt Flat tours helped you pick out the perfect way to see one of the most incredible natural features in Bolivia and all of South America! If you have any questions about touring the Bolivia Salt Flats, leave them in the comments below, and we’ll get back to you.
Also, if you found this blog helpful, I’m sure you’ll enjoy our other Bolivia travel blogs or even just a few related ones below:
Sucre Spanish School – Guide to learning Spanish in Sucre, Bolivia
10 Best Cities in Latin America (That You Need to Check Out!)