Uyuni Salt Flats

Day 1: Uyuni – Colchani – Salar de Uyuni – Incahuasi Island – Chuvica

At 10:00 a.m., we will meet in the town of Uyuni and board our 4x4 Jeep to begin our adventure across the spectacular Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world. This immense white landscape is famous for its thick salt crust and vast lithium resources beneath the surface.

Our first stop will be Colchani, a small village where we will learn about traditional salt extraction and observe how local workers process this valuable natural resource. You will also have the opportunity to browse handcrafted souvenirs and products made from salt.

We will then explore the fascinating Salt Hotel, an iconic structure built using salt blocks. Depending on the location and current access arrangements, we may visit the former salt hotel on the salt flat, which now serves as a museum and landmark.

Next, we will continue toward Incahuasi Island, also known as Fish Island. Rising from the vast salt flat, this rocky formation is covered with enormous cacti and features unique geological formations, fossilized coral, and other traces of the region’s prehistoric past. Keep an eye out for vizcachas, rabbit-like Andean rodents that inhabit the area. From the island, you can enjoy panoramic views of the endless white salt desert.

In the afternoon, we will continue across the spectacular Salar de Uyuni toward Chuvica, a small settlement near the edge of the salt flat. Here, we will spend the night in a local family-run accommodation, offering a glimpse into life in this remote region of Bolivia.

Day 2: Altiplanic Lagoons – Siloli Desert – Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve

After breakfast, we will continue our adventure through Bolivia’s spectacular high-altitude landscapes, visiting the beautiful Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarcota, Honda, and Ramaditas Lagoons. These lagoons are home to Andean wildlife, including flamingos that can often be seen feeding in the mineral-rich waters.

At Hedionda Lagoon, whose name means “Stinking Lagoon,” we may notice the distinctive sulfurous smell produced by its mineral-rich environment. The surrounding wetlands provide an important habitat for several flamingo species, including James’s flamingos, as well as other Andean birds.

We will then cross the striking Siloli Desert, known for its arid scenery and remarkable wind-eroded rock formations. One of its most famous landmarks is the Stone Tree, a naturally sculpted rock formation rising from the desert landscape.

Our journey will continue to Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, where we will visit the spectacular Red Lagoon (Laguna Colorada). Its distinctive reddish waters result from algae, sediments, and mineral content, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding landscape. The lagoon is also an important habitat for Andean flamingos, including James’s, Andean, and Chilean flamingos.

After exploring this extraordinary natural environment, we will spend the night at accommodation in the reserve area.

Day 3: Sol de la Mañana Geysers – Hot Springs – Green Lagoon – Uyuni

We will start the day early, at approximately 5:30 a.m., to visit the spectacular Sol de la Mañana Geysers. Located at high altitude, this geothermal area features bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and powerful bursts of steam emerging from openings in the ground. We will enjoy breakfast while taking in this extraordinary volcanic landscape.

Next, we will continue to the Polques Hot Springs, where you can relax in naturally heated waters surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Bolivian Altiplano. Remember to bring your swimsuit and a towel if you wish to take a dip.

Our journey will then take us to the breathtaking Green Lagoon (Laguna Verde), located at the foot of the majestic Licancabur Volcano. Its striking green color comes from mineral-rich waters, creating a remarkable contrast with the surrounding mountains. The lagoon’s appearance can vary depending on wind conditions.

Finally, we will begin our return journey toward Uyuni, crossing the vast and beautiful landscapes of Bolivia’s high-altitude plateau. Arrival time will depend on road and weather conditions.