2-Day Trips from Uyuni

Situated in the vast and stark landscapes of southwestern Bolivia, Uyuni is a gateway to an other-worldly region. This unassuming hub of South America connects visitors to the illustrious Salar de Uyuni, an unparalleled salt flat stretching over almost 13,000 square kilometers.

Beyond these mesmerizing flats, intrepid travelers find themselves enveloped in the desolate allure of lagoons enriched with minerals, with the formidable presence of volcanic peaks casting shadows over the horizon.

A 2-day tour from Uyuni unfolds as a narrative of nature’s artistry. The vast expanses of snow-white pans create an ethereal aura during the day, perfectly complemented by nights under a star-lit sky that seems almost within reach. Moreover, the one-of-a-kind salt hotel accommodation elevates the experience, making it more than just a visual treat.

Here’s everything you need to know about 2-day trips, some of the most popular multi-day trips from Uyuni.

2-Day trips from Uyuni: Uyuni Salt Flats and Tunupa Volcano

The iconic Uyuni Salt Flats, combined with the magnificent backdrop of the Tunupa Volcano, forms the crux of this region’s magnetism.

Whether you embark from the high-altitude city of La Paz or initiate your adventure directly from Uyuni, rest assured that the logistics will be deftly handled by your chosen tour operator.

Entrust your journey to seasoned guides, skilled in navigating the challenging terrains, while simultaneously enlightening you about the delicate balance and the fragility of this unique ecosystem.

Uyuni Salt Flats and Tunupa Volcano are the two most distinctive natural features of this Bolivian landscape and the destinations on this popular tour itinerary.

The volcano is representative of the power of nature, and the salt pans demonstrate how climate and the soil and mineral composition of an area can define it so closely.  

Whether your tour begins with your transfer from La Paz Paz or starts in Uyuni, it will be pre-planned and coordinated by your tour operator.

Let your knowledgeable guide lead your 2-day trip from Uyuni with confidence across the harsh environment, while taking the time to make the more fragile aspects of this kind of ecosystem known to you.

What is the typical itinerary?

The journey might start with a scenic bus ride from La Paz to Uyuni. After rendezvousing at a designated meeting point or perhaps your hotel in the case of private tours, many travelers opt to explore local gems like the Train Cemetery which remain as a reminder of the decline of mining and the changing aspect of the region.

The sprawling salt flats are undeniably the star attraction, with sites like the cactus-studded Incahuasi Island enhancing the experience. Most tours ensure comfortable overnight stays, often in hotels crafted from the very salt that blankets the region.

Day 2 of the tours are marked by a thrilling ascent of the Tunupa Volcano by foot, beginning at the eerie cave of mummies, and culminating at the volcanoes base. From this vantage point, the panoramic view is nothing short of breath-taking, with the vast salt flats stretching endlessly before you.

Before retracing your steps to Uyuni, detours to other captivating spots like the Stone Tree, Sol de Mañana, and Lago Verde are often on the agenda, each adding another layer to this diverse and fascinating landscape.

Which optional activities can be done?

Visits to attractions such as the Train Cemetery, where you will see trains from a bygone era of rail in the late 1800’s, now stand abandoned at the train cemetery.

After the collapse of the mining industry, and regular sabotage by indigenous populations train operations all but ceased. The corroded and graffitied trains now remain as a site for visitors to wander through

The Kawsay Wasy Museum is around 150 kilometers from Uyuni. This museum houses several tombs and mummies and a visit here may automatically be included in some tours, or offered as an optional activity in others.

The Archaeological and Anthropological Museum of the Southern Andes is also an option if you are interested in viewing artifacts including mummies, ceramics and textiles from the area.

Which types for 2-day trips to Uyuni Salt Flats and Tunupa Volcano are available?

There are three basic types of 2-day trips to Uyuni Salt Flats and Tunupa Volcano. There are tours that include a tourist bus ride from La Paz and a guided group tour from Uyuni, small group guided tours that begin in Uyuni and private guided tours that accommodate your group exclusively.

How much does it cost?

Starting prices hover around $90 per person for the combined bus and group tour, excluding certain amenities. Small group expeditions are priced from $200, while private tours begin at $300 per person. These last two options often incorporate meals, beverages, and accommodation.

2-Day trips from Uyuni: Uyuni Salt Flats and Hedionda or Colorada Lagoon

The flat and arid landscape around Uyuni transforms in the rainy season, with enormous flamingo populations inhabiting several impressive lagoons. These lagoons, surrounded by volcanic peaks, add color and life to the inhospitable surroundings.

2-day trips to Uyuni Salt Flats and Hedionda or Colorada Lagoon offer the opportunity to experience the stark contrasts and raw beauty of this Bolivian region.

What is the typical itinerary?

Starting from Uyuni, terrain-adapted vehicles pave the way, introducing travelers to indigenous settlements, bubbling geysers, therapeutic hot springs, and imposing volcanic formations.

While the immense Uyuni Salt Flats remain central, the tours also encompass attractions like Incahuasi Island and the vibrant lagoons of Colorada and Hedionda.

Overnight accommodations ensure a restful end to the day, and the return to Uyuni concludes the trip. Note that the return journey might entail additional costs, typically managed by the operator.

Being a significant transport nexus, Uyuni is accessible from La Paz, Sucre, Villazón, and Ollague by road, and also welcomes flights from La Paz and Amazones.

Which optional activities can be done?

Sites such as the expansive Salar Uyuni and the intriguing Cacti island might be integrated into some tours or listed as add-ons in others.

Which types for 2-day trips to Uyuni Salt Flats and Hedionda and Colorada Lagoon are available?

Generally, these tours are guided and are small group or private in nature. Specifics, such as group size and itinerary nuances, tend to differ based on the tour operator, accommodation availability and season of the year due to temperature and weather changes.

How much does it cost?

These specific types of tour usually start at around $700 per person. Slight concessions may be available for children below 12 years. The final price tag may depend on your hotel choice and room configuration. Group size and whether your tour is private also affect the rate.