Undoubtedly one of the absolute highlights from my South American trip was the 3 day Salar de Uyuni tour in Bolivia. It's 3 days of driving around in a jeep in the mountainous south west corner where Bolivia meets Chile. Prepare yourself for endless deserts, reflective salt plains, wildlife and gorgeous landscapes. This is a tour not to be missed! Here's my guide on how to book the Salar de Uyuni tour in Bolivia...and also how to prepare for it.
First tip is don't be booking anything in advance - there is no need to do that - head to Uyuni and book it there. Or simply book it in Potosi or La Paz. Certainly don't be booking anything online or before your arrival into Bolivia.
I did the Salar de Uyuni tour from the town of Uyuni, so this is my experience of it. I met other travellers who booked their trip in Chile, but I didn't so here's my guide on how to book the Salar de Uyuni tour!!
Booking the Salar de Uyuni tour:
- Ask at the hotel or hostel for help booking a 3 day tour. They normally can help you and the 3 day tour is the best option.
- Get the price from the hostel then look around to compare and get a cheap option - you should be paying somewhere in the region of 70 - 100 US Dollars.
- Don't be fussy with your dates - go when it suits the company - you can book it one day to start the next day or even on the morning of a tour.
- Make sure the cost includes getting picked up from your hostel and 3 days of food.
- Find out exactly when and where the start and finish point of the actual tour will be so that you can book a hostel or bus for the next part of your journey.
- Ask them what other costs you will incur - this could be tips, national park entries etc. Visiting Laguna Colorada has an entrance charge.
- Get a receipt for the tour (you will pay up front in almost all cases).
How to prepare for the Salar de Uyuni tour:
- Check the passport situation as if you head for Chile you will probably have to get your Bolivian exit stamp before the tour starts in Uyuni.
- Take lots of water - it gets particularly hot up there and aside from the drinks with your meals, no other drinks are provided so you need to bring your own water. I brought 2 x 2 litre bottles.
- Bring some beer or wine with you - a great way to interact with your travel mates at night and no alcohol is provided on the tour.
- Bring sun screen and insect spray. You'll need them.
- There is no e-mail or phone during the tour which is fantastic, but with this in mind you should email or contact friends and family before starting the tour to tell them this.
- A good tip is leaving your bags in a hostel in Uyuni beforehand (assuming you're heading back there)
- Bring your passport just in case you decide to spontaneously head across the border to Chile.
- Make sure all of your batteries on cameras, iPods etc. are all charged beforehand - not all the accomodation will have sockets.
Well that sums it up for you - the salar de Uyuni is quite simply a brilliant tour and one that will linger with you forever in the memory. You will love it. Get out there and see it - the incredible salt plains of south western Bolivia.
First tip is don't be booking anything in advance - there is no need to do that - head to Uyuni and book it there. Or simply book it in Potosi or La Paz. Certainly don't be booking anything online or before your arrival into Bolivia.
I did the Salar de Uyuni tour from the town of Uyuni, so this is my experience of it. I met other travellers who booked their trip in Chile, but I didn't so here's my guide on how to book the Salar de Uyuni tour!!
Booking the Salar de Uyuni tour:
- Ask at the hotel or hostel for help booking a 3 day tour. They normally can help you and the 3 day tour is the best option.
- Get the price from the hostel then look around to compare and get a cheap option - you should be paying somewhere in the region of 70 - 100 US Dollars.
- Don't be fussy with your dates - go when it suits the company - you can book it one day to start the next day or even on the morning of a tour.
- Make sure the cost includes getting picked up from your hostel and 3 days of food.
- Find out exactly when and where the start and finish point of the actual tour will be so that you can book a hostel or bus for the next part of your journey.
- Ask them what other costs you will incur - this could be tips, national park entries etc. Visiting Laguna Colorada has an entrance charge.
- Get a receipt for the tour (you will pay up front in almost all cases).
How to prepare for the Salar de Uyuni tour:
- Check the passport situation as if you head for Chile you will probably have to get your Bolivian exit stamp before the tour starts in Uyuni.
- Take lots of water - it gets particularly hot up there and aside from the drinks with your meals, no other drinks are provided so you need to bring your own water. I brought 2 x 2 litre bottles.
- Bring some beer or wine with you - a great way to interact with your travel mates at night and no alcohol is provided on the tour.
- Bring sun screen and insect spray. You'll need them.
- There is no e-mail or phone during the tour which is fantastic, but with this in mind you should email or contact friends and family before starting the tour to tell them this.
- A good tip is leaving your bags in a hostel in Uyuni beforehand (assuming you're heading back there)
- Bring your passport just in case you decide to spontaneously head across the border to Chile.
- Make sure all of your batteries on cameras, iPods etc. are all charged beforehand - not all the accomodation will have sockets.
Well that sums it up for you - the salar de Uyuni is quite simply a brilliant tour and one that will linger with you forever in the memory. You will love it. Get out there and see it - the incredible salt plains of south western Bolivia.
About the Author:
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