Salar de Uyuni Tour: Best 3-Day Adventure Review

Okay, so you’re thinking of seeing Salar de Uyuni, that unbelievably amazing salt flat in Bolivia, and a 3-day tour has caught your eye, has it? It’s almost like stepping onto another planet, very vast and strange; honestly, pictures just don’t do it justice. It’s arguably one of those must-see destinations, really. So, let’s get into the details, shall we? Here’s my experience and, too, what you should keep in mind before you decide to book that trip.

What to Expect on Your First Day

The start, well that’s usually in Uyuni. This town, so it’s basically your launchpad for adventure. What’s kinda first on the agenda? A rather odd train graveyard! Yeah, seriously! These rusting locomotives are somewhat of a photographer’s dream. Like, the skeletal remains are just sitting there in the desert; you get to climb on them, you know, and take somewhat hauntingly gorgeous photos. It’s quite a surreal intro to the landscape, that’s for certain. After that, usually you visit a spot for handicrafts – so think knitted hats and llama wool blankets; anyway, just a chance to buy a souvenir, you know?

And after the handicrafts? You are off to the salt flats themselves! Which, I mean, very vast, incredibly white! And pretty amazing. You’re driven out onto this huge expanse and it’s blindingly bright! You’ll understand, certainly, what I mean by feeling like you are on another planet. Your guide – he’s like, going to be pointing out fun spots to take those perspective photos; you know the ones? Where you look like you’re holding someone in your hand or they’re standing on a giant crisp? That’s pretty iconic Salar de Uyuni stuff, very, very memorable, is what it is. Finally, the day typically wraps up at a salt hotel! So yeah, everything there is basically made of salt; I’m saying, the walls, the furniture. Is that even real?

Day 2: Lagoons and Wildlife

Day two? Basically, get ready for lagoons! So, in some respects the highlight is Laguna Colorada. And actually, this shallow salt lake is famous because the water is very pink, often incredibly pink! Is that amazing? Thousands of flamingos flock to this place, they arrive; they look lovely against the water. Trust me.

It’s incredibly chilly! That air! But then, of course, you’re high up in the Andes here, in some respects nearly 14,000 feet. So altitude sickness can very be a real thing, or at least very much tiring, so, uh, take it easy. As a matter of fact, most tours include stops at other lagoons; Laguna Honda is just another gem, too! Filled with unique rock formations and just different shades of blue. It’s, anyway, a photographer’s dream, actually. And as you go you see Vicuñas (very similar to llamas). Also keep an eye out for the Andean foxes, but usually they are shy and won’t come too close. It’s such a stark contrast with all the white from day one on the salt flats, so is that great? This second day is just incredibly bursting with life.

Day 3: Geysers and Hot Springs

Alright, so day three, usually it starts seriously early. Very often like, before dawn. What you are attempting to see? Sol de Mañana, that geyser field. In other words this is, maybe, where the earth, that surface boils; actually, you can smell it! And is this area at very high altitude! Which kind of makes it intensely cold! Stepping out there into that area feels pretty Arctic, actually. Still, it’s somewhat an experience to witness these geothermal features up close. The colors and raw energy are pretty awesome, that’s to be true.

Later that same morning? Likely you’ll stop at some hot springs. Is this good? Now’s your time to thaw out and kinda relax, right? It’s quite nice, really. In some respects the pools usually have slightly warm, very mineral-rich water, great! Also, anyway the air is totally crisp. After the hot springs, so then it’s basically back to Uyuni (sometimes tours head back to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile), in other words the drive will be kinda long and bumpy, right? This is when, anyway, most people in your group swap travel stories or maybe get in some napping! Which might happen; that’s right!

Choosing a Tour Operator

So, that choice of tour operator can really, actually, make or break your experience, actually. This is just something that’s very serious. Many companies kinda offer the same basic itinerary. So I’d advise look at their reviews! In other words, look on TripAdvisor, or somewhere! Very carefully read recent comments. A few more companies use newer jeeps, by the way.

What to kinda check for in particular? The operator who can actually take very good care of its drivers. Actually make very good service, provide somewhat better accommodation and, very most crucially, somewhat safe vehicles. As a matter of fact cheaping out here could be very risky in the long run. In particular you might ask any operator that you’re intending to use to provide you the CV’s for the drivers and guides working on the 3 day tours. Too you might verify, slightly, what’s the top speeds set inside the jeeps. Which very cheap agencies do, arguably, run the tour using equipment, just really too dangerous.

What to Pack

Packing well? Arguably vital. Really especially given the extreme conditions that you will meet. So what you need to kinda have? Layers. Like, seriously, bring clothes you could layer, in a way, since temperatures can fluctuate wildly. Anyway it is not important. From, frankly, freezing in the mornings to, possibly, surprisingly warm in the afternoons. Do you know? Good sunglasses? Very definitely. That sun reflecting off the salt flats? Basically intense. Really that sun in the altiplano really demands, well, good protection for your sight. Sunscreen? Actually the same idea goes for your skin.

Lip balm! What do I want that for? To moisturize of course! Very dry air up there, you know? Another aspect is: water. To be hydrated? Obviously very necessary. You might wanna get your own extra supply too if you are able! Also if you know you can actually be afflicted with sickness bring stuff! Also don’t forget, and take, basically, all that medicine; just take it! You have an antihistamine in the winter and possibly anti-altitude drugs. A sleeping bag for 3 season travel. That’s a given too!

Dealing with Altitude Sickness

Speaking of which, yes: the altitude. Could be your, potentially, biggest challenge on this trip. So anyway the air is incredibly thin and your body, probably, can react negatively, by the way. Some tips for easing your acclimatization process? Firstly climb high and sleep low; what I mean by that is gradually ascend to the higher elevations. Which very often the body appreciates, right?

Avoid anyway strenous activity! For the first day at least. Avoid any kind of stress. Also, for instance avoid very, very rich foods and too, obviously! no alcohol!. Cocaine helps in a similar fashion too (but really!). But if you take coca it’s unlikely you have a heart-attack during an adventure. But avoid!

Is It Worth It?

Finally, is the tour to the Salar de Uyuni actually worth the cost and potential discomfort? I am answering, an absolute, like, resounding YES. It’s one of those trips where the landscape kinda transforms you, somewhat. The stark beauty, really. Those remotenesses! The unearthliness! Which can be great? Which makes the memories and stories last forever. Also if you can, slightly, prepare properly and in fact go with a responsible operator you will enjoy anyway one of this planet’s absolute, undeniable very finest treasures, surely.

• Choose Wisely: Selecting a great tour operator impacts the whole experience!
• Pack Smart: Layers, sunscreen, and altitude sickness medication are the most basic essentials.
• Altitude: Acclimatize gradually to minimise altitude sickness.

I really hope this review provides everything to know!

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