+1 (888) 900-5060
+1 (888) 900-5060
Two llamas with colorful tassels on their ears stand in the foreground, looking at the camera. More llamas are in the background, set against a rocky, mountainous landscape near Uyuni under a vast blue sky.

Uyuni, the Atacama Desert & Potosi

  • 3 Days
  • 2 Nights
  • from US $1565
  • Customizable & Combinable
South America travel content reviewed by Juergen Keller, Co-Founder & CEO
A person in a red jacket stands on a vast, reflective salt flat in South America under a bright blue sky filled with clouds, creating a mirror-like effect with distant mountains—one of the travel highlights of the region.
A vivid red salt lake with white mineral deposits in the foreground, set against the arid mountains of the Atacama Desert and a deep blue sky in the background.
A large reddish-brown mountain rises behind a densely packed city with flat-roofed buildings under a clear blue sky, capturing one of the Bolivia highlights that make Bolivia travel so unforgettable.
  • Tour Extension
  • 3 Days
  • 2 Nights
  • from US $1565
  • Customizable & Combinable

*Example by 4 travelers in 4★ accommodation, low season. Flights priced separately. Get a quote for 1 to 99+ below

Summary - Uyuni, the Atacama Desert & Potosi

Uyuni, Lagoons, San Pedro de Atacama & Potosi - Tour Extension

This 3-day Uyuni desert and Atacama Deserts tour combines the desert playgrounds of Bolivia and Chile. From San Pedro de Atacama, explore the Red and Green Lagoon in the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. Once in Bolivia’s Uyuni Desert, visit the Uyuni Salt Flats, and stay in the Salt Hotel (made entirely of salt). Along the way, explore mines, lagoons, volcanoes, and spot flamingos, vicuñas, and other wildlife. Finish this tour extension in Potosi, a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage City that was originally founded as a small mining town.

Note: This is a tour extension, combine this tour with one of our full package tours.

Highlights

  • San Pedro de Atacama
  • Green & Red Lagoons
  • Uyuni Salt Flats
  • Stay in the Salt Hotel
  • Potosi

Included

  • All hotel accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Other meals as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All tours, transfers, and entrance fees
  • English-speaking tour guides

Sample Itinerary

A city with densely packed buildings sits at the base of a large, reddish-brown mountain under a clear blue sky, reminiscent of Potosi near the edge of the Atacama Desert.
Day 1

Depart from San Pedro de Atacama towards Hito Cajon (border between Chile and Bolivia). Enter to the National Reserve of Andean Fauna Eduardo Avaroa and visit the Green Lagoon, an impressive aquatic mirror that resembles a giant emerald with a particular brightness in the mornings and afternoons; its color is due to the high magnesium content in the water. In the proximities of this lagoon is the Licancahur Volcano (5,868 m.). The next stop will be the Red Lagoon, which is very impressive because of its red color, due to the fine sediment accumulation of the same color in the surface, as well as the pigmentation of certain type of seaweed. It is populated by 3 species of flamencos (among them the famous James). Box lunch. Continue the journey crossing the Siloli desert. Arrive to Ojo de Perdiz and accommodation at Hotel Tayka del Desierto Dinner and overnight stay.

A person in a red jacket walks on the vast reflective surface of Uyuni, mirroring the blue sky and white clouds, with distant mountains on the horizon.
Day 2

Depart towards Colchani located on the shores of the Salt Flat visiting on the way the Galaxy Cave, famous because its geological formations. Visit to the Uyuni Salt Flat and Incahuasi Island, this island is located in the heart of the salt flat and is the greatest of a group of islands that represents an isolated ecosystem. The island is populated with cacti species that measures up to 12 meters high (26, 25 feet), adding the background provided by salt flat the panorama becomes impressive. Box lunch. Continue to Colchani. Accommodation at the Salt Hotel, dinner and over night stay.

A striking landscape in the Atacama Desert with a vibrant red lake edged by a white salt crust, set against distant brown mountains and a deep blue sky with a few clouds.
Day 3

Breakfast. Pick up from the Salt Hotel and departure towards Potosi, on the way we visit the Pulacayo mine. Box lunch. Arrival to Potosi and transfer to the hotel.

Map showing travel route from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, across the Atacama Desert to Potosi and Uyuni, Bolivia, with stops at Ojo de Perdiz, Colchani, Pulacayo Mine, and lagoons; overnights and excursions marked in blue. Inset shows South America location.
Uyuni, the Atacama Desert & Potosi
  • 3 Days
  • 2 Nights
  • from US $1565
  • Tour Extension
Customize this Tour
Start Planning This Tour
Name(Required)
Rated 4.5/5 stars based on 701 customer reviews and custom tour testimonials.
Ancient agricultural terraces built into the side of a steep mountain, with green fields and trees below—a breathtaking view that any travel agent would recommend for those seeking a rugged, mountainous landscape.

Assunta

"Travel Consultant Christina is professional, friendly, efficient, thorough!..."
The image shows the Ruins of St. Pauls in Macau, with a well-manicured garden featuring swirling green hedges leading up to the historic stone facade. Visitors here often leave very satisfied by the scenic beauty under a cloudy sky.

Tone Mjelva

"We will of course recommend South America Travel to our friends and acquaintances!..."
A small town with a prominent church tower featuring a large cross, surrounded by rustic buildings with red-tiled roofs and green hills, creates the perfect backdrop for an exceptional trip under a cloudy sky.

Evelyn B. Kelly

"We loved the trip. Again thanks for your efforts in making it so great...."
Aerial view of ancient terraced ruins surrounded by lush green mountains, showing stone structures and pathways—an archaeological site where guides offer excellent service to visitors exploring its rich history.

Sheila

"She was easy to work with, thorough, efficient. I highly recommend Christina!..."
A man and woman stand under a large stone arch with city buildings behind them and a snow-capped mountain in the distance, capturing an "Exceeded Expectations" moment under the clear blue sky.

Tom and Nancy Balogh

"You did an incredible job of working out the itinerary. All of the people that met us and acted as our guides were first rate...."
A historic stone cathedral with twin white towers stands behind a plaza lined with palm trees and trimmed bushes, promising a fine trip under the clear blue sky overhead.

Maureen Bryce

"Thanks again for all your help...."
A stone Moai statue stands among tall yellow grasses on Easter Island under a blue sky, with more statues in the background—an unforgettable sight for any perfect trip or travel experience.

Sean Twining

"So many wonderful and memorable moments to pick just one!..."
A close-up of a hand holding a wine glass with red wine, set against a blurred green field, trees, and snow-capped mountains under a blue sky—a scene that captures the essence of a memorable experience.

Grant Mackenzie

"From the hotels to tour guides to the awesome activities prepared for us......all we can say really is thank you..."
A group of people dressed in traditional striped clothing and red hats parade down a cobblestone street lined with old buildings, some holding up a figure decorated with palm fronds—a trip of a lifetime for anyone witnessing this vibrant celebration.

Charles Dickinson

"Every step of the experience was delightful..."
Abstract geometric shape resembling a funnel, composed of overlapping colorful triangles in vibrant shades, evokes the excitement of a second trip or SAT journey, all set against a crisp white background.

Mark McCoy

"Annica is amazingly helpful..."

Estimated Tour Price Without Flights

Prices vary according to several factors including: season, number of people traveling, shared vs private excursions, when you book and rooming arrangements. These are from prices based on low season.

We can customize anything for any time of year! Contact us for an exact quote for your trip.

⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐
Budget
From US
$1966
Per Person
  • Flights quoted separately
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Basic
From US
$1961
Per Person
  • Flights quoted separately
⭐⭐⭐⭐➕
Superior 👍
From US
$2131
Per Person
  • Flights quoted separately
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deluxe
From US
$2131
Per Person
  • Flights quoted separately

*Budget generally includes excursions in group, Superior & Deluxe private excursions, & Basic is a best mix (varies by itinerary & excurion)

Note: ALL itineraries are 100% customizable to create your perfect trip!

⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐
Budget
From US
$1565
Per Person
  • Flights quoted separately
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Basic
From US
$1565
Per Person
  • Flights quoted separately
⭐⭐⭐⭐➕
Superior 👍
From US
$1725
Per Person
  • Flights quoted separately
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deluxe
From US
$1725
Per Person
  • Flights quoted separately

*Budget generally includes excursions in group, Superior & Deluxe private excursions, & Basic is a best mix (varies by itinerary & excurion)

Note: ALL itineraries are 100% customizable to create your perfect trip!

⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐
Budget
From US
$1614
Per Person
  • Flights quoted separately
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Basic
From US
$1614
Per Person
  • Flights quoted separately
⭐⭐⭐⭐➕
Superior 👍
From US
$1774
Per Person
  • Flights quoted separately
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deluxe
From US
$1774
Per Person
  • Flights quoted separately

*Budget generally includes excursions in group, Superior & Deluxe private excursions, & Basic is a best mix (varies by itinerary & excurion)

Note: ALL itineraries are 100% customizable to create your perfect trip!

South America Travel Guide PDF Cover Page.
Download your free

South America Travel Guide

Download our FREE South America Travel Guide and get inspired to explore to South America. Browse through 26 pages of travel planning tips and ideas – a great resource for planning your dream vacation.
  • Colorful maps and images
  • Unique hotels within South America
  • Inspiration for cruises, remote lodges and trains
  • Wine, golf and adventure ideas
  • 24 top tours of South America
Get My Free Guide