How much does the 1-, 2-, or 3-day tour to Salar de Uyuni cost?

When planning a trip to the Salar de Uyuni , one of the first questions that arises is: how much does a 1, 2, or 3-day tour cost? The answer isn’t straightforward, because each duration has a different approach to the route, logistics, and included services, which directly influences the price.

In this guide we break down the approximate prices for each type of tour, what you can expect from each one and how to choose the one that best suits your budget and travel style .

How much does a 1-day tour to the Salar de Uyuni cost?

The one-day tour to the Salar de Uyuni is the shortest and usually the most economical option. It’s designed for travelers with limited time or those who want to see the most iconic spots on the salt flats without a long trek.

This type of tour is usually done in shared 4×4 vehicles, with departures from Uyuni very early in the morning and return in the afternoon.

Average price of a 1-day tour

The cost of a one-day tour typically ranges from US$65 to US$90 per person, depending on the season, the agency, and the level of service. During peak season, especially during the months with the mirror effect, the price may be closer to the higher end of this range.

This price is considered affordable considering that it includes specialized transportation on the salt flats and a guide throughout the day.

What does this tour normally include?

The 1-day tour typically includes:

• • Shared 4×4 vehicle transport
  • Specialized guide or driver
  • Visit to the main attractions of the salt flats
  • Simple lunch during the tour

Some tours also include rain boots during the rainy season or support for perspective photography, although this may vary depending on the agency.

Places to visit on a 1-day tour

This tour covers the most representative points of the salt flat, such as:

• • The Train Cemetery
  • The salt flats
  • Salt mounds and photography areas
  • Incahuasi Island (entrance not always included)

Due to time constraints, the highland lagoons and areas far from the salt flat are not visited.

Who is the 1-day tour ideal for?

This tour is ideal for:

• • Travelers with tight schedules
  • People with limited budgets
  • Those who want a first experience in Uyuni
  • Tourists who do not wish to sleep outside the city

However, it is important to note that it does not allow you to see the salt flats at sunrise or sunset, nor explore more remote areas, experiences that longer tours do offer.

How much does the 2-day tour to the Salar de Uyuni cost?

The 2-day tour to the Salar de Uyuni is an intermediate option designed for travelers who want to go beyond the basics but without committing several days to their itinerary. This type of tour allows you to explore the salt flats at a more leisurely pace and experience sleeping outside the city of Uyuni.

Unlike the 1-day tour, the 2-day tour offers more varied landscapes, less rushed stops, and a stronger sense of adventure, which explains its slightly higher cost.

Average price and what’s included

The price of a 2-day tour typically ranges from US$120 to US$160 per person, depending on the season and the type of accommodation included. During peak season, the cost may be closer to the higher end of the range.

Generally, this price includes shared 4×4 transport, a specialized guide or driver, basic accommodation in shelters or rustic hostels, meals during the tour, and visits to additional attractions not covered in the 1-day tour.

Experience and differences compared to the 1-day tour

The main difference is the pace of the trip. The 2-day tour allows you to enjoy the salt flats at a leisurely pace, witness unique sunsets, and access less crowded areas. Furthermore, staying overnight outside of Uyuni adds a different dimension to the experience, especially on clear nights.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a more complete experience without committing to a long tour, and represents a good balance between price, time and depth of the tour.

How much does the 3-day tour to the Salar de Uyuni cost?

The 3-day tour to the Salar de Uyuni is the most comprehensive option and also offers the best value for the experience. This tour not only includes the salt flats but also ventures into remote regions of the Bolivian highlands, with landscapes that change dramatically from day to day.

It is the most popular tour among international travelers, photographers and adventurers, as it allows you to get to know Uyuni in depth and experience a true expedition through one of the most extreme environments in South America.

Average price of a 3-day tour

The cost of a 3-day tour typically ranges from US$180 to US$250 per person for shared accommodation. The price varies depending on the season, the type of accommodation (basic or more comfortable), and whether the tour ends in Uyuni or at the Chilean border.

Although the price is higher than short tours, many travelers consider the value for money to be excellent, as it includes multiple days of transportation, food, lodging, and a specialized guide.

What’s included and what places are visited

This tour usually includes shared 4×4 transport, driver-guide, two nights’ accommodation in shelters or salt hotels, all meals during the tour and visits to a wide variety of natural attractions.

In addition to the salt flats and classic tourist attractions, the 3-day tour allows you to visit high-altitude lagoons with vibrant colors, geysers, rock formations, deserts, volcanoes, and areas inhabited by flamingos. The diversity of landscapes is one of the key differences compared to shorter tours.

Who is the 3-day tour ideal for?

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive, unhurried experience with a more adventurous focus. It’s also the best option for those looking to photograph landscapes, sunrises, and sunsets in diverse settings across the highlands.

Although it requires more time and a larger budget, the 3-day tour is considered by many to be the best way to truly experience Uyuni, as it showcases much more than just the salt flats themselves.