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Salt flats at Atacama to Uyuni Salt Flat Crossing adventure

Atacama to Uyuni Salt Flat Crossing

Explora Travesia program - Example 8 Day Tour
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Join an 8-day Explora Travesia tour from Atacama to the Uyuni Salt Flats. This overland trip takes you from Chile’s Atacama Desert to Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats, crossing a remote area. Travel through high plains, volcanic landscapes, and historic trade routes in a 4x4 vehicle, guided by experts for a hands-on experience.

Stay in selected mountain lodges and a unique accommodation near Uyuni, providing a genuine connection to local communities. Hike to the top of Tunupa Volcano, cycle across the salt flats, and follow ancient Inca paths. Explore geysers, lagoons filled with flamingos, and unusual rock formations as you travel through the Altiplano. Experience a fully supported journey at high altitude where each day presents new landscapes, cultural interactions, and memorable adventures.
Atacama Desert at the Atacama to Uyuni Salt Flat Crossing tripStar gazing at Atacama to Uyuni Salt Flat CrossingStar gazing at Atacama to Uyuni Salt Flat CrossingExciting excursions at Explora AtacamaFlora at Atacama to Uyuni Salt Flat CrossingWildlife at Explora Travesia Atacama to Uyuni tripWildlife at Atacama to Uyuni Salt Flat CrossingWildlife at Atacama to Uyuni Salt Flat CrossingThe largest salt flat in the world, Uyuni in BoliviaBiking in the largest salt flat in the world, in Uyuni, BoliviaUyuni Lodge in BoliviaSide shot of the Uyuni Lodge in BoliviaSalt flats at Atacama to Uyuni Salt Flat Crossing adventure
Highlights
  • Travel from Chile’s Atacama Desert to Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats in a 4x4
  • Cross high plains, volcanic areas, and old trade routes with expert guides
  • Explore geysers, lagoons, and striking rock formations in the Altiplano
  • Hike to Tunupa Volcano, bike across the salt flats, and follow Inca paths
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Atacama

Arrive in Chile and transfer to the Explora Lodge in San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at the hotel.

Day 2-3: Exploring the Atacama Desert

Spend the next two days exploring the best of the Atacama Desert with Explora Atacama as your base. The hotel offers a range of excursions to visit top attractions, including the Puritama Hot Springs, stargazing under some of the world’s clearest skies, and a culinary experience featuring a menu crafted by renowned Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez, owner of Central, ranked the world’s best restaurant in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023.

More information regarding excursions can be found here.

Day 4: Journey from Atacama to Ramaditas

After breakfast, travel from Atacama to Ramaditas Mountain Lodge, crossing the high plains and the Andes Mountains.

After leaving the lodge, cross into Bolivia and stop at White Lagoon, where a walk along the south shore offers great views and chances to see birds. Continue to Green Lagoon, then hike to Apachetas viewpoint for a wide view of the Licancabur and Sairecabur volcanoes.

Next, visit the Sol de Manana Geysers, where the smell of sulfur hints at hot underground water. Walk by the lagoons, spotting flamingos and other birds, before having lunch with views of the Altiplano and Red Lagoon.

Duration: 4 hrs
Distance: 2.1 km (1.3 mi)
Difficulty: Easy

More information regarding excursions can be found here.

Day 5: Journey from Ramaditas to Chituca

Leaving the Mountain Lodge for Chituca, the scenery changes from a wide, empty Andean plain to a more welcoming area, showing signs of small communities. Along the way, dry land slowly turns into farming fields.

The route passes Honda, Char Kota, and Hedionda Lagoons, with views of nearby volcanoes. The journey continues to Turquiri Lagoon, home to many birds and surrounded by unique rock formations.

A short walk follows the edge of a wetland, where llamas and goats graze, showing a glimpse of local life. Lunch is served at a viewpoint overlooking Turquiri Lagoon and the Altiplano before heading to Chituca Mountain Lodge.

Duration: 6 hrs
Difficulty: Easy

More information regarding excursions can be found here.

Day 6-7: Journey from Chituca to Uyuni | Exploring the Uyuni Salt Flats

Before departing for Uyuni, the journey begins with a short hike up the hills to take in panoramic views of the landscape, including local vegetation and quinoa fields.

A stop is made at San Pedro de Quemes, a village where old stone structures stand in contrast to a newly developed area. The journey continues to Las Galaxias, a grotto featuring unique rock formations created by the draining of the Uyuni Salt Flat.

Lunch is enjoyed in the heart of the Uyuni Salt Flat, followed by a walk on Pescado Island, a natural formation covered in typical Altiplano vegetation. Climbing the island offers breathtaking views of the vast salt flat landscape.

​Duration: 1 hr 30 min
Distance: 3.2 km (2 mi)
Difficulty: Easy

For the next days, enjoy all of the wonders that Uyuni Salt Flats has to offer with Explora Uyuni as your home base. The Hotel offers a variety of excursions to help you check all of the main attractions off your list, such as climbing Tunupa Volcano, biking across the salt flat, or cruising the volcano's slopes with stops at charming villages. 

More information regarding excursions can be found here.

Day 8: Depart Explora Lodge

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer out of the park and continue your explorations or catch your flight home.

Accommodations

Explora Atacama

The Explora Atacama

Explora Atacama

Explora Atacama is located in the Ayllu de Larache near the village of San Pedro de Atacama. The 17-hectare (42-acre) grounds comprise 20 indigenous parcels, some with timeworn pathways and buildings that Explora is committed to preserving out of a profound respect for the area’s original inhabitants.
Facinating Pool area
Common area - Living Bar
The Bar

Explora Uyuni

Uyuni Lodge on the largest salt flat in the world in Bolivia

Explora Uyuni

The Uyuni Lodge and rooms welcome you with an outstanding view of the vastest salt flat on Earth.
Uyuni Lodge in Bolivia
Side shot of the Uyuni Lodge in Bolivia
The largest salt flat in the world, Uyuni in Bolivia

Explora Ramaditas Mountain Lodge

Explora Ramaditas Mountain Lodge

Explora Ramaditas Mountain Lodge

Nearest Airport to Ramaditas Mountain Home: El Loa Airport (CJC) in Calama, Chile – approximately 5 to 6 hours by car. Alternatively, travelers can also fly into Joya Andina Airport (UYU) in Uyuni, Bolivia, which is about 5 hours away.
Explora Ramaditas Mountain Lodge
Bedroom of Explora Mountain Lodge
View on Ramaditas Mountain Lodge

Explora Chituca Mountain Lodge

Explora Chituca Mountain Lodge

Explora Chituca Mountain Lodge

Nearest Airport to Chituca Mountain Home: Joya Andina Airport (UYU) in Uyuni, Bolivia – approximately 3 to 4 hours by car.
Explora Chituca Mountain Lodge
Dining area at Explora Mountain Lodge
Explora Chituca Mountain Lodge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Save 50% on Your Honeymoon 27904
Celebrate your honeymoon with 50% off your partner's all-inclusive stay at Explora lodges in Chile, Argentina, or Peru. Travel within 6 months of the wedding and enjoy guided explorations, local cuisine, and relaxing amenities. Valid in select destinations and dates. Limited availability. Marriage certificate required.

This offer is subject to availability for new bookings. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to select dates
Stay More, Pay Less 27910
Extend your trip across the Andes with exclusive savings on Atacama to Uyuni Salt Flat Crossing. Book 8 nights and pay for 6, or get 10% off a 7-night stay.

This overland trip links Chile’s Atacama Desert with Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flat, with expert guides and remote lodges. Valid for new all-inclusive, double occupancy bookings made by May 31, 2025, for travel through June 30, 2025. This offer is subject to availability for new bookings. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to select dates
Per person starting at
$8,400 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date
Alternative trip lengths available. Speak with a Trip Planner for more information.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • 4 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • WiFi in the room and common areas
  • Transfer from and to the airport on a preset schedule
  • All meals, snacks, and open bar
  • Bike riding gear and trekking poles
  • Tickets to nature reserves, national parks, and archeological sites
  • Access to leisure areas
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

Map

When to Go

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
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