Uyuni Central Plaza & Local Market
Get acquainted with the charming, albeit rustic, base town before venturing into the extraordinary landscapes.
Good to know
Best explored on foot; grab some local snacks or supplies for your journey.
What this plan covers
This 3-day itinerary is designed for first-time visitors eager to experience the iconic Salar de Uyuni and its surrounding natural wonders. From the vast white expanse of the salt flats to colorful lagoons and geothermal fields, you'll witness breathtaking scenery and unique geological formations. Perfect for adventurers and photographers seeking an otherworldly escape.
Culture 1
Sightseeing 2
Activity 3
Viewpoint 1
Nature 6
Food 1
Day 1
Uyuni Central Plaza & Local Market, Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes) and 3 more
See the day
Day 2
Salar de Uyuni Photo Opportunities, Incahuasi Island (Isla Incahuasi) and 2 more
See the day
Day 3
Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon), Sol de Mañana Geysers and 3 more
See the dayOpening hours, prices and routes can change, so check the details before you set off.
Day 1
Train Cemetery (Cementerio de Trenes)
Witness a hauntingly beautiful collection of abandoned 19th-century steam locomotives, a stark reminder of Bolivia's mining past.
Good to know
Located just outside town, often the first stop on salt flat tours; wear sturdy shoes for exploring the rusty relics.
Colchani Village & Salt Processing
Observe traditional salt extraction methods and browse artisan salt crafts, understanding the local industry.
Good to know
Support local communities by purchasing unique salt souvenirs; guides often explain the process.
Salt Hotel (Playa Blanca)
Explore a unique hotel constructed almost entirely from salt blocks, showcasing the ingenuity inspired by the environment.
Good to know
Remember it's now primarily a museum/lunch stop rather than an active hotel; respect the structures.
Sunset on the Salar de Uyuni
Experience the magical transformation of the vast white expanse as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors.
Good to know
Bring warm layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset; prepare your camera for stunning shots.
Day 2
Salar de Uyuni Photo Opportunities
Unleash your creativity with iconic perspective shots, playing with the endless horizon and unique optical illusions of the salt flat.
Good to know
Your tour guide will often have props and ideas for the best photos; wear sunglasses to protect from glare.
Incahuasi Island (Isla Incahuasi)
Hike among towering ancient cacti on this 'fish island,' an oasis of life in the middle of the dazzling white desert, offering panoramic views.
Good to know
There's a small entrance fee to the island; wear comfortable shoes for the short uphill walk.
Ojos del Salar (Salt Eyes)
Discover small geysers where underground water bubbles up through the salt, revealing the dynamic nature beneath the surface.
Good to know
Exercise caution around the openings as the ground can be uneven and wet; a unique natural phenomenon.
Lunch on the Salt Flats
Enjoy a surreal picnic lunch amidst the vast, reflective expanse of the salt flat, a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Good to know
Most tours include lunch; communicate any dietary restrictions to your tour operator in advance.
Day 3
Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon)
Marvel at the striking red hues of this high-altitude lagoon, home to thousands of flamingos, a truly iconic Andean landscape.
Good to know
Bring binoculars for birdwatching; the strong winds can make it feel colder, so dress warmly.
Sol de Mañana Geysers
Explore an active geothermal field with bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and sulfur vents, showcasing Earth's raw power.
Good to know
Visit early in the morning for the most dramatic activity; stick to marked paths as the ground can be unstable and hot.
Hot Springs (Termas de Polques)
Relax and warm up in natural thermal baths amidst the stunning high-altitude desert scenery.
Good to know
Bring a swimsuit and towel; changing facilities are basic, and there's a small fee to enter.
Salvador Dalí Desert
Drive through a surreal landscape of bizarre rock formations and vast plains, reminiscent of a Salvador Dalí painting.
Good to know
A quick photo stop to appreciate the unique geological artistry; keep an eye out for vicuñas.
Rock Tree (Árbol de Piedra)
Admire this iconic, wind-sculpted rock formation resembling a tree, a testament to the desert's erosive forces.
Good to know
A popular photo stop; ensure your tour allows sufficient time to capture its unique beauty.
Where to stay
Hotels in Uyuni
Book direct on our own Uyuni hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.
Hostal Terra Sal - Bed Breakfast Garage & Salar de Uyuni Tours
Camacho Fernando Alonzo | Uyuni, 1010, BO
Salar home Uyuni
Avenida Colon Entre Santa Cruz Y Camacho. Apartamento 1a Puso 1 Edificio Plomo Cosmos | Uyuni, BO
Hotel Boutique Andina de Sal
Calle Colon Esq. Av. Treinta Y Tres Edificio Andina | Uyuni, 0069, BO
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Things to book
Tours and activities in Uyuni
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
جولة قياسية
Sunrise at Salar de Uyuni
Free cancellationFind deals
جولة متعددة الأيام
Private 3 Days tour Uyuni Salt Flats and Colorful Lagoons from Uyuni
Free cancellationFind deals
جولة قياسية
Spectacular Sunset in Uyuni Salt Flats from Uyuni
Free cancellationFind deals
جولة قياسية
From Uyuni: Starlight and Sunrise Tour in Salt Flats
Free cancellationFind deals
جولة قياسية
Private experience Biking in the Uyuni Salt Flats
Free cancellationFind deals
جولة متعددة الأيام
3 Days Uyuni salt flat and colored lagoons from Uyuni
Free cancellationFind deals
جولة قياسية
Uyuni salt flats: Full day with sunset and starlight tour.
Free cancellationFind deals
جولة قياسية
Private: Sunset and starlight tour in Uyuni salt flats.
Free cancellationFind deals
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Keep planning
More Uyuni itineraries
Other ways to spend a few days in Uyuni, from our own travel research.
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Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days enough for Uyuni?
Yes, three days cover several stops each day, including Uyuni Central Plaza, Incahuasi Island, and Laguna Colorada.
Where to stay in Uyuni for 3 days?
Stay near Uyuni Central Plaza, which keeps Train Cemetery and Salt Hotel close by.
When is the best time to visit Uyuni?
May to August is the best time to visit Uyuni; April is the least favourable.
How long do you need at Train Cemetery?
Allow 1 hour to see the abandoned steam locomotives outside town.
How long do you need at Incahuasi Island?
Allow 1.5 hours to hike among ancient cacti and view the salt flat.
What is there to see at Uyuni Central Plaza & Local Market?
You can get acquainted with Uyuni and pick up local snacks or supplies for the route.
What happens at Colchani Village & Salt Processing?
You can observe traditional salt extraction and browse artisan salt crafts with local guidance.
What can you see at Laguna Colorada?
Laguna Colorada has red hues and thousands of flamingos in a high-altitude lagoon.
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