How to Plan Your Uyuni Salt Flat Tour & Overnight Roundtrip Bus from La Paz

If you’re planning a trip to Bolivia and looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, then you must consider the Uyuni Salt Flat Tour & Overnight Roundtrip Bus. It’s a two-day trip that takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Bolivia’s countryside, highlighting the salt flats of Uyuni, train graveyards, and much more.

In this guide, we’ll elaborate on how to plan your tour from La Paz, the experience, highlights, and much more. So, let’s start!

Experience

The Uyuni Salt Flat Tour & Overnight Roundtrip Bus takes travelers on an overnight bus from La Paz to the small town of Uyuni, where you’ll start a full-day tour of the salt flats. You’ll explore various landmarks, including the Train Graveyard and Island Incahuasi, where you’ll witness stunning rock formations and a unique ecosystem.

The evening is spent in a hotel made entirely of salt, followed by an early-morning trip to the geysers and hot springs. Finally, you’ll then return to La Paz on the same bus, arriving early the following day.

Highlights

The tour’s major highlights are the salt flats of Uyuni, which are the largest in the world, covering more than 4,000 square miles. The tour includes several stops at various points on the flats like the Train Graveyard, where you can see the remnants of trains that served the industry in the 1940s.

While on the trip, you’ll also visit the town of Colchani, where you can learn about the salt mining process and purchase some handmade souvenirs.

Other highlights include Island Incahuasi, where you can witness enormous and aged cacti, and Ojo de Perdiz, where you’ll be able to admire fiery geysers and hot springs.

How to Plan Your Tour from La Paz

Here’s how you can plan your Uyuni Salt Flat Tour & Overnight Roundtrip Bus from La Paz:

Step 1: Book Your Tour

The first step is to book your tour, which can be done online quickly through the tour operator’s website. The tours depart from Todo Turismo’s offices in La Paz, and the roundtrip bus journey takes roughly 10-12 hours.

Here’s a link to book the tour: book the tour here.

Step 2: Arrive at Todo Turismo’s Office

The company’s representatives will ask you to check in at the office at 8:30 p.m., and the bus departs sharp at 9:00 p.m. Therefore, you should ensure you arrive early enough, at least 30 minutes in advance, to avoid missing the bus.

Step 3: Enjoy Your Bus Journey

The bus journey is a unique experience entirely, that includes various services like dinner (meat and vegetarian options), breakfast, a bottle of water, a hot drink, heating, toilets, a polar blanket, Wi-Fi, and first aid kit.

Step 4: Start Your Tour

Upon arrival in Uyuni at approximately 9:30 a.m., you’ll head to the Todo Turismo’s office, which is located a walk away from the bus station. The tour will start at 10:30 a.m. with a drive towards the salt flats.

Step 5: Enjoy the Tour

You’ll spend the day exploring various landmarks, enjoying a hot lunch and taking in the stunning landscapes available in the region.

Step 6: Overnight in a Salt Hotel

After a day of exploring, you’ll stay overnight in a hotel made entirely of salt.

Step 7: Early morning trip to geysers and hot springs

You’ll wake up early the next day for a trip to the geysers and hot springs before beginning your return journey back to La Paz. The bus will drop you off at the same place you boarded, and it will arrive at approximately 6:50 a.m.

Conclusion

The Uyuni Salt Flat Tour & Overnight Roundtrip Bus from La Paz is a fantastic way to explore Bolivia’s stunning landscapes, particularly the Salt Flats of Uyuni. The entire experience, including the overnight bus journey and a night in a salt hotel, makes for an experience that you won’t forget easily.

By booking the tour early, waking up early on the morning of the tour, and ensuring you have all necessary belongings, you can guarantee a smooth and comfortable experience. We hope this guide helps you plan your Uyuni Salt Flat Tour & Overnight Roundtrip Bus trip.

Insider’s Guide to La Paz: Uncovering the Hidden Gems

La Paz, Bolivia, is a city that has always attracted curious and adventurous travelers. The city offers a perfect blend of rich history, cultural diversity, and breathtaking scenic beauty. Here are some insights that will help you experience La Paz like a local:

Local Attractions: Discovering Hidden Gems

While most tourists flock to the famous landmarks in a city, La Paz has many hidden gems that only locals know about. One such gem is the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), a landscape that looks like it is straight out of a sci-fi movie. Another hidden gem is the Witches Market, where you can observe traditional Andean beliefs and buy authentic Bolivian souvenirs.

The scenic Mirador Kili Kili lookout is not only a great place to take in a panoramic view of the city, but it’s also a perfect spot for an evening picnic. If you’re interested in ancient history and culture, take a trip to Tiwanaku, an ancient civilization a few hours drive from the city.

Dining Spots: Savouring the Flavors of La Paz

La Paz is famous for its street food and traditional dishes. When it comes to food, locals know the best spots to get a true taste of Bolivia. For instance, the Mercado Lanza is a bustling market famous for fresh Bolivian produce and local street food. Try the salteñas (empanadas filled with meat, potatoes, and peanuts), which are a local delicacy and a must-try.

Another must-visit dining spot is Gustu, which was featured in Netflix’s ‘Chefs Table.’ This gastronomic experience offers a unique take on traditional Bolivian dishes and is sure to leave you amazed.

Cultural Experiences: Immersing Yourself in Local Traditions

La Paz is a city steeped in ancient Andean traditions and culture. You can explore the history of the region at the National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore, or observe the city’s rich religious culture by watching a Cholita wrestling match or witnessing the famous Alasitas festival.

Art enthusiasts can participate in local workshops and street art tours, which highlight the vibrant artwork that adorns the city’s streets.

Local History: Uncovering La Paz’s Past

La Paz has a fascinating past that is not well-known to tourists. For instance, you can trace the city’s colonial history by taking a walk up Calle Jaén, the most historic street in the city, lined with colonial-era buildings. Visit the Museo San Francisco, which has been converted from a colonial monastery and has a vast collection of religious art.

Another interesting historical attraction is the Presidential Palace, once home to former Bolivian presidents who were ousted by revolutionary movements. The museum inside contains a collection of distinctive Andean textiles and silverware.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Experiencing La Paz Like a Local

If you want to experience something truly unique, try cycling down the ‘Death Road’ which is infamous for its narrow winding paths. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, take a stroll down La Paz’s Calle Jaén, lined with cafes and small art galleries, or visit the stunning museums such as the Museum of Musical Instruments.

La Paz is a city that comes to life at night, and you can soak up the city’s vibrancy by taking a bar-hopping tour with locals or exploring La Paz’s vibrant music scene.

In Conclusion, La Paz is a city that has much to offer, and a stay in this Bolivian gem provides for an unforgettable experience. With this guide, you will be able to experience the best it has to offer, soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, trying local cuisine, and enjoying some off-the-beaten-path experiences.