Uyuni Salt Flats Tour from La Paz by Overnight Bus (2D)

Uyuni Salt Flats Tour from La Paz (2D, overnight bus)

Discover the Uyuni Salt Flats, the largest salt desert in the world, leaving from La Paz without staying in Uyuni. You spend 2 nights on a tourist bus (reclining 140 degrees seats) round trip, and 1 day on the salt flats by 4x4.

Ideal if you have few days in Bolivia and want the essentials: the salt plains, Incahuasi Island, the Train Cemetery and perspective photos.

• Departure from La Paz at 9:00 p.m., with hotel pickup (maximum 3 blocks from the main square).
• 1-day excursion on the Uyuni Salt Flats: Colchani, Salt Eyes, Incahuasi and sunset (weather and season permitting).
• Overnight return to La Paz and transfer to your hotel on arrival.

Hotels in Uyuni and La Paz are not included: both nights are spent on the bus.

Day 1: La Paz / overnight bus to Uyuni

We pick you up at your hotel around 8:00 p.m. (if it is within 3 blocks of the main square) and take you to the terminal to board the tourist bus to Uyuni departing at 9:00 p.m.

The trip takes about 10 hours. Rest: the next day you have a full day on the salt flats.

Day 2: Uyuni Salt Flats (1 day) and return to La Paz

When you arrive in Uyuni we meet you and show you where to have breakfast on your own. Around 11:00 a.m. the tour starts by 4x4.

On the route (times are approximate and depend on weather):

• Train Cemetery: locomotives and wagons from the early 20th century.
• Colchani: village on the edge of the salt flats, artisanal salt production and crafts.
• Uyuni Salt Flats: white plains, Salt Eyes, Playa Blanca Salt Hotel (museum) and perspective photos.
• Incahuasi Island (Inkawasi, House of the Inca): giant cacti and a 360 degree view of the salt desert. In the rainy season (approx. January to March) access may be closed.
• Lunch picnic along the way.
• Sunset on the salt flats, if weather and timing allow. In the rains, the mirror effect.

Return to Uyuni. Dinner on your own and bus to La Paz at 8:30 p.m.

Day 3: Arrival in La Paz

Arrival in La Paz and transfer to your hotel. End of services.

Times are for reference and may change with weather, traffic or salt-flat conditions.

INCLUDES

• Transfer from hotel in La Paz to the La Paz bus terminal (hotel within 3 blocks of the main square).
• 140 degree tourist bus ticket La Paz to Uyuni.
• 1-day tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats: 4x4 transport, driver-guide in Spanish, lunch and help with perspective photos.
• 140 degree tourist bus ticket Uyuni to La Paz.
• Transfer from the terminal to your hotel in La Paz on arrival.

NOT INCLUDED

• Hotels in La Paz (before or after).
• Breakfast and dinner in Uyuni.
• Incahuasi Island entrance (Bs. 30 per person, paid on site, cash).
• English-speaking guide (on request, extra cost).
• Drinks, extra snacks and personal expenses.
• Tips (optional).

Practical information

• Duration: 2D = 2 nights on the bus + 1 day of excursion (you leave one day, tour the next, arrive in La Paz on the third). No hotel night in Uyuni.
• Altitude: the salt flats sit at about 3,650 m a.s.l. If you arrive in La Paz the same day, altitude sickness is more likely. Better to spend 1 night acclimatizing.
• Dry season (approx. April-November): white salt, polygons and perspective photos.
• Rainy season (approx. December-March): mirror effect. There may be water on the route and Incahuasi Island is sometimes not visited.
• Pickup: only hotels within 3 blocks of La Paz main square. Outside that range there is a surcharge; reservas@incalake.com.
• Guide language on the salt flats: Spanish. English on request.

Recommendations

• Layered clothing: a jacket for the night on the bus and at sunset; midday sun is strong.
• Sunglasses with UV filter and SPF 50+ sunscreen (the salt reflection burns).
• Closed shoes; in the rains, waterproof or boots.
• Water (min. 1.5 L), snacks and a spare battery for your phone.
• Cash in bolivianos for bathrooms, souvenirs and the Incahuasi entrance.
• ID or passport.
• Avoid alcohol and heavy meals the night of the bus. Coca tea helps with the altitude.