Uyuni Salt Flats 2-Day Review: Is the Tour Worth It?

Okay, the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. It’s something people talk about and dream about, and that is so easy to see pictures of this seemingly never ending flat white space. Naturally, the thought of seeing that amazing space in person can get just about anyone thrilled. I spent two days touring the Uyuni Salt Flats, and, honestly, it’s a story that, maybe, you would want to hear before you plan a trip. I’m going to run through what my tour looked like, high points and maybe a couple of low ones, plus help you make your mind about seeing this corner of South America.

See photos, notes, and practical details here

What You Get on a 2-Day Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

A two day tour is so very different from the longer ones, just because it gives you a taste of the flats without all that back country. It might be exactly what you’re wanting. Usually, these shorter trips kick off from Uyuni itself. Right from the get go, you’re bouncing across the vast, bleached plains in a 4×4. Yep, they really are big.

Typically, first on the list, there is something very cool. It’s a visit to a hotel actually built of salt. And I mean actually! Those hotels give a look into the region’s resourcefulness. Plus, it gives you photo options! You also, usually, hit up Incahuasi Island. It is a rocky bit stuck in the middle of all the salt and is stacked with giant cacti. Walking around there gives something contrasting as far as views, with 360-degree looks over the salt. Most tours I’m pretty sure give plenty of time to get silly with those classic perspective photos. You know, those images where people make themselves look gigantic next to tiny friends? I got caught up and had quite a laugh getting snapshots there.

Day 1: Vast White Plains and Photo Fun

Okay, so Day 1, the big star is the Salt Flats themselves. You’re spending the better portion of the day right out on that never ending, white landscape. Now, the weather, obviously, makes a big impact, so think blue skies for unreal reflections after it has rained. It gives you photos that really mess with your depth perception! Should the sun choose to hide away, there is still the huge, stark appeal of the Salar. Usually lunch is served right out there, and the guides do what they can, creating makeshift tables in the middle of pretty much nowhere. Those sunsets? I mean, honestly, they’re totally gorgeous out on the flats too, with color that just stretches out for forever.

Now, in the evening, expect the group, after watching that sunset, to move somewhere a bit outside the actual flats to get some rest. Loads of smaller towns circle the Salar. Expect somewhere rustic for a nights rest. Keep in mind the basic digs – and pack layers. Nights out there get very cool. Very!

Day 2: From Salt to Surreal Landscapes

Alright, day two, that is a bit of scenery. So after breakfast (expect it to be quite early) the trip sets its sites outside of the purely salt environment. Think you’re leaving those white expanses in your rear view mirror to see a bunch of colored lakes, and wild lands with some, pretty special volcanic landscapes. Most tours go to places like the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve.

Okay, now think of those flamingo-covered lagoons – Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde – for unreal photo stops. And the flamingoes? A sight! It’s a cool world apart from what you might imagine that is actually in Bolivia. So expect, probably, some geysers and hot springs, to get more crazy pics. Honestly, those landscapes could easily be from some different world.

Read the full travel breakdown here

Is the 2-Day Tour Enough? The Positives and Negatives

You know, whether or not a two-day tour suits you really boils down to what gets you going! If you are shorter on time and you mostly want that main “Salt Flats” shot, the two days gets it. Now you might skip some of the extra locations you hit on a longer trip, so it can make the visit a more rapid one. Something I have figured out, the elevation takes getting used to for a lot of people and if that is you, this shorter tour, compared with longer ones, could save you a couple of sick headaches and breathlessness. On the other hand, that rushed feel isn’t necessarily great. If you are one to prefer slow looks and less driving then the quick tour may make you blue. Especially if you care a bit more about going far and deep into southern Bolivia. You may prefer a longer trip that gets you away from it all.

Choosing the Best Tour Operator: Some Things to Consider

Oh, and that tour company, right? I would say pick carefully! Seek out those businesses that are well regarded in traveler circles and be very certain they stress how safety focused they might be, so read a bunch of comments or reviews from folks. You know, seeing what those trips did, from the driver, vehicle state, meal standards, to the guide can be useful when picking. Check they are all about doing the experience responsibly too. I can’t speak for everywhere, though smaller operations are all for caring for local lands and places in the country.

What to Pack: Essentials for the Salt Flats

Now, a must when prepping is layering – believe it! It’s hot out in daylight but damn, frigid when night comes to visit. Next is really great sunscreen. You’ll be very high in the sky and the sun beats off all of those plains. Hats too, obviously! Don’t scrimp on that UV protection. You know the wind whips about that open scenery, then lip balm gets a good go to, so too should lotion since it gets dry at altitude. Cameras – very much! Spares? I mean, consider them just for perspective shots that look so unreal. And by the way bring a few snacks; often there’s time between meals.

Is a 2-Day Uyuni Salt Flats Tour Worth It?

Right, to sum it up, doing a two-day tour to Uyuni is worth it if you’re pressed on time and just wish to see some cool bits, most definitely including those must-see white views. It is so true. Should you wish a fuller view, or a tour not rushing and spending heaps of hours just driving, spending additional time to tour could possibly bring deeper traveling bliss.

So, ready to chase those horizon-bending photos and unearth some scenery? With reasonable preparation, a visit, honestly, may very well be the thing you tell stories about forever!