Day 1: Uyuni Salt Flat (L, D)
Today we take an unforgettable journey across 4,600 sq mi (12,000 km²) of salt landscape. Get your camera ready! The white blanket of Uyuni looks like an immense glacier.
We enter via Colchani to visit the salt museum and processing plant, the heart of the local economy.
Next, we reach Incahuasi Island, follow the trail to its summit, and enjoy a panoramic 360° view.
Weather permitting, we will watch the sunset over the salt flat before spending the night at a salt hotel (Luna Salada or Palacio de Sal).
Day 2: Lagoons and multicolored deserts (B, L, D)
Our first stop is the Train Cemetery, home to rusted 1890s steam locomotives.
We continue to San Cristóbal, a town relocated 8.7 mi (14 km) by a mining company due to vast mineral deposits.
In the afternoon, we head to the lagoons (Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarkota, Honda, and Ramaditas) to spot flamingos, Andean gulls, and wild ducks amidst snow-capped volcanoes and vivid mineral colors.
We then enter an off-road desert area filled with shifting shades of red, orange, and beige, arriving at Tayka del Desierto Hotel (14,760 ft / 4,500 m) for the night.
Day 3: Colored lagoons and valle de las damas (B, L)
Early morning, we visit the Stone Tree (Árbol de Piedra) and Laguna Colorada, a flamingo nesting site whose red waters come from sun-activated algae.
We reach the Sol de Mañana geysers at peak activity—the trip's highest point (16,400 ft / 5,000 m)—walking through steamy, roaring mud pools.
Next, enjoy a relaxing soak in the Polques Hot Springs, taking in Altiplano views from natural thermal pools.
We then explore Valle de las Damas, a desert with wind-sculpted rock pillars, before reaching Laguna Verde at the foot of Licancabur volcano—arriving around lunch when its waters turn deep emerald green.
Finally, we head to the Chilean border, switch vehicles, and transfer to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama (approx. 2 hours).
