For most travelers, Uyuni is the gateway to the salt flats and an ideal jumping-off point for exploring the most iconic landscapes of southern Bolivia. This itinerary focuses on the region’s classics—colorful lagoons teeming with flamingos, dramatic volcanic scenery, hot springs, and the high-altitude deserts of the Altiplano.
Along the way we take in sweeping views of active and dormant volcanoes, soak in hot springs set in stark wilderness, and—for those keen and feeling strong—there’s the option of an optional high-altitude trek up Licancabur. The loop begins in Uyuni and heads into the finest corners of southwestern Bolivia, where nature is at its most untamed.
Day 1 – Arrival in Uyuni
After arriving in Uyuni, we transfer to our accommodation. The rest of the day is for unwinding and gradually acclimatizing to the altitude. In the evening we meet over a shared dinner to get to know each other and go over the plan for the days ahead.
Day 2 – Salar de Uyuni and Isla Incahuasi
On day two we head out onto the iconic Salar de Uyuni. We’ll step onto the endless white expanse, make time for photos, and explore Isla Incahuasi, where giant cacti rise from a sea of salt. The day serves as an introduction to southern Bolivia’s landscapes and an important step in acclimatization.
Day 3 – Uyuni → Villa Mar
We leave the Salar behind and drive south. En route we stop at the Yapi and Vinto lagoons and visit the curious rock formations known as Ciudad Italia and Copa del Mundo. The scenery gradually shifts into the quintessential southern Bolivian Altiplano. By evening we reach the hamlet of Villa Mar for dinner and a night in a comfortable local hotel.
Day 4 – Laguna Colorada and Árbol de Piedra
We continue deeper into the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve. Today brings one of the region’s signature sights—Laguna Colorada, famous for its red hues and thousands of flamingos. Along the way we stop at the legendary stone formation Árbol de Piedra. We spend the night in a simple local hostel near the lagoon.
Day 5 – Sol de Mañana and Laguna Chalviri
In the morning we drive to the Sol de Mañana geothermal field to see fumaroles, bubbling mud, and active volcanic features at over 4,800 m above sea level. We then continue to Laguna Chalviri for a soak in thermal baths right in the heart of the Altiplano. Dinner and overnight in a local hostel.
Day 6 – Laguna Kollpa, Laguna Hedionda and Uturuncu volcano
Today we travel northward beneath the massif of Uturuncu volcano. En route we visit the Kollpa and Hedionda lagoons, known for their flamingos and mineral-rich waters. The landscape is open, rugged, and far less visited than the reserve’s central areas. We end the day in simple mountain lodging in the Uturuncu area.
Day 7 – Drive up the slopes of Uturuncu volcano and return to Uyuni
Today brings a standout experience—we take 4x4s along one of the highest roads in Bolivia to roughly 5,620 m on the slopes of Uturuncu volcano. It’s a unique ascent with panoramic views across the Altiplano. After returning from altitude we head back to Uyuni for dinner out in town and a night in a hotel.
Day 8 – Departure from Uyuni
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and flight out of Uyuni.
Optional extensions:
The itinerary can be extended by one or two days to climb Licancabur and/or attempt the summit of Uturuncu. Both options require excellent fitness, successful acclimatization, and favorable weather conditions.
Route overview
- Duration: 8 to 10 days
- Start / finish: Uyuni
- Pace: moderate, with gradual acclimatization; overland drives in 4x4s
- Trip type: off-road, lagoons, volcanoes, hot springs, high-altitude landscapes