Everyone has heard of Uyuni, the jumping-off point for the world‑famous salt flats of Salar de Uyuni. Most travelers drop in for a quick look and move on. But there’s another way to do it.
This itinerary is designed to reveal the lesser‑known, still largely untouristed corners around the world’s largest salt flat—Salar de Uyuni. Our route leads to places that 99% of visitors to the area never see.
Most people approach Salar de Uyuni from the town of Uyuni and its eastern edge. We take a different angle. We explore from the north, then traverse the western shore, where the Altiplano feels at its purest. Out here, silence rules, the horizon is empty, and the sense of isolation is complete—we may go several days without seeing another traveler.
If you crave the solitude of high‑mountain landscapes without traveling all the way to Bolivia’s far south, this loop is ideal. It starts and ends in Uyuni and blends Salar de Uyuni, the Tunupa volcano, authentic countryside, and lesser‑known places off the main tourist routes.
Day 1 – Arrival in Uyuni
After landing in Uyuni, we transfer to our accommodation, with free time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. In the evening we meet for a group dinner and a briefing on the days ahead.
Day 2 – Uyuni → Coqueza
We spend the morning at Uyuni’s local markets to get a feel for everyday life. Then we stop at the Cementerio de Trenes, the region’s iconic train cemetery. In the afternoon we drive to the north of the Salar, to the village of Coqueza at the foot of the Tunupa volcano. We end the day with dinner at our hotel.
Day 3 – Salar de Uyuni, caves and Isla Incahuasi
We spend the day out on the salt itself. Before rolling onto the endless white, we visit a local cave with mummies (Chullpas / Cueva de las Momias near Coqueza), a rare glimpse into the history of Altiplano cultures. Lunch is a picnic right in the middle of the salar. In the afternoon we continue to Isla Incahuasi, famous for its giant cacti, and also explore the Cueva del Diablo on nearby Phia Phia island. In the evening we return to our hotel in Coqueza.
Day 4 – Trek to the crater of the Tunupa volcano
After breakfast we drive to the trailhead at roughly 4600 m a.s.l. From there we ascend towards the crater of Tunupa, reaching around 5150 m a.s.l., adjusted to the group’s fitness. The reward is sweeping views over Salar de Uyuni and the surrounding ranges. We return to the village for dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 – Coqueza → Llica
Today we skirt the edge of the salar to the small town of Llica. The day’s plan is flexible by group agreement—options include visiting the Ulo crater or an off‑road drive up Cerro Hualchisa to 4363 m. We spend the evening and night in Llica and sample specialties at authentic local restaurants.
Day 6 – Llica → San Pedro de Quemes
In the morning we keep breakfast simple, Bolivian street‑food style. We then continue along the western side of Salar de Uyuni—one of the least visited parts of the region. En route we stop at the remote hot springs Aguas Termales de Empexa for a short soak with a superb view of a lesser‑known corner of the Altiplano. By evening we reach San Pedro de Quemes and check in for dinner and the night at a local hotel.
Day 7 – San Pedro de Quemes → Uyuni
In the morning we explore San Pedro de Quemes—strolling through this traditional Andean village, visiting the church and main square, and getting a glimpse of everyday life on the Altiplano. In the afternoon we drive back to Uyuni for the final night of the loop.
Day 8 – Departure from Uyuni
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport and group departure from Uyuni.
Trip profile
- Duration: 8 days
- Start/finish: Uyuni
- Pace: unhurried, with time to acclimatize; includes several 4×4 overland transfers
- Type of trip: off-road, trekking, nature, and local culture
- Ideal for travelers who want to experience Salar de Uyuni in depth and without the rush