THE AMAZING UYUNI SALT FLATS

Climbing Volcanoes and exploring Uyuni Salt Flats: Tunupa, Iruputunkhu, Uturunkhu

OVERVIEW

Embark on a unique adventure through the most breathtaking landscapes of the Bolivian highlands, exploring the endless Uyuni Salt Flats and climbing three majestic volcanoes: Tunupa, Irruputunku, and Uturunku. Each offers a distinct experience — from the ancestral energy of Tunupa to the grandeur of Uturunku, the highest volcano in southern Bolivia — revealing panoramas where sky and earth seem to merge.

Over five unforgettable days, you’ll journey across deserts, multicolored lagoons, and Andean villages, enjoying scenic routes, living culture, and the challenge of high-altitude hiking. This expedition combines raw nature, moderate trekking, and otherworldly landscapes — perfect for travelers seeking an authentic connection with the Andes and their own inner strength.

  • High altitude: All three volcanoes are above 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), which means you’ll need to be acclimated to avoid altitude sickness.
  • Extreme weather: The Andes are known for their unpredictable weather, with temperatures that can range from freezing to scorching in a single day. Be prepared for strong winds, rain, and snow.
  • Difficult terrain: The volcanoes are challenging to hike, with steep slopes and loose rocks. You’ll need to be in good physical condition and have proper footwear.

 

  • Tunupa volcano: 5321 m
  • Irruputunku: 5163 m
  • Uturunku: 6008m

*No experience is required

IS THIS TOUR FOR ME? 

Experience: Nature and adventure

Get in touch with Mother Earth

Quality: Superior

Travel with professional guides, enjoy longer at attractions and hiking in high altitude

Tour Type: Adventure

If you enjoy challenging hikes, stunning landscapes, ethereal sceneries, and loving mountains, it’s the best option for you.

Activity Level: Medium

Medium, being in fit is mandatory

*Check AMS

ITINERARY

DAY 1: UYUNI SALT FLATS

Arrive in Uyuni and acclimatize to the high altitude (3,600 meters). Doing the classic one day trip, visiting markets, taking nice pictures, and exploring the Inkahuasi Island are part of the first day, on a 4-hour jeep tour. You’ll see how amazing it is the region, and ending the day you’ll enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets on earth, this will give you a closer look at the climb ahead and help you acclimatize further.

Staying overnight in a hotel made of salt in Tawua , a tiny village at the Tunupa volcano’s bank.

Day 2: Climbing Tunupa Volcano

Summit day! Early morning, depart from hotel on a 4×4 vehicle towards the high camp of Tunupa volcano (5,000 meters). The drive takes about 1 hour.

Climbing   (3 hrs ) to reach the summit of Tunupa volcano (5,321 meters) before noon. The climb is challenging, with steep sections and loose scree.

Enjoy the breathtaking views from the summit of the world’s largest salt flat and the surrounding volcanoes. Descend back to base camp and a have a yummy lunch in the middle of the white desert. Crossing salt flats from north to south you’ll arrive to San Pedro de Quemez, another charming village where you’re gonna stay for the overnight.

Day 3: Climbing Irruputunku Volcano

After breakfast , the drive takes around 2 hrs, to get the volcano’s base camp, getting ready the backpacks, water, buffs (because wind  brings sand and the smell of sulfur) the group start the hike uphill, the average time to reach the summit is 3 hrs. once on the top, you’ll feel how strong is the Andes’ energy, the way back takes just 40 min, and to celebrate the achievement, a bath in the hot spring is the perfect way to chill out, enjoying lunch at the same place, the place to stay the night will be in San Juan village.

Day 4: Over landing in National Reserve- Siloli desert- Stone tree- Red Lake- Quetena Chico

Today the expedition will drive across deserts , stopping in the colorful lakes, watching the Andean wild life, and taking amazing pictures of the pink flamingos and other stunning sceneries, you’ll have lunch on the way, and ending the day, the overnight will be at Quetena village, very close to the Super volcano Uturunku.

Day 5: Climbing Uturunku Volcano

Another early morning start for the climb to Uturunku, the highest volcano in Bolivia. The climb is even more challenging than Tunupa (6008m), with steeper slopes and potentially icy conditions.Reach the summit of Uturunku and be rewarded with panoramic views of the Andes Mountains and the Salar de Uyuni.

Drive back to Uyuni, celebrating your accomplishment with a traditional Bolivian feast.

Additional Tips:
  • Bring plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the intense sun.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially at high altitudes.
  • Pack layers of clothing so you can adjust to the changing temperatures.
  • Be respectful of the local culture and environment.
INCLUDES
  • 4×4 Jeep
  • Meals as per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • Sunset snacks on the first day
  • 4 nights’ accommodation *ask about upgraded accommodations
  • Visits to tourist spots
  • Professional guide
DOES NOT INCLUDE

✖ Entrance fees
✖ Extras

WHAT TO BRING?
  • Flashlight (torch) – the lights go out when the generator runs dry.

  • Sunglasses – The salt flats are blinding.

  • Camera, extra battery and loads of memory cards – There are no better pictures than here. If you do the 3 day tour you will usually be able to recharge batteries on the first evening (24h electricity)

  • Sunblock and hat – At 3.5km above sea level there is significantly less atmosphere to absorb the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.

  • Sleeping bag – You can rent one with the tour. Down is best, and check to see that the zipper works. This is mainly needed in the winter time.

  • Warm clothes – Layered is best.

  • Flip-flops – The restroom facilities are shared.

  • Towel – None are available during the tour.

  • Extra snacks, especially fruit and protein – The food is adequate in quantity but tends to be heavy on starches.

  • Lip Balm – Sun, wind and dry air will crack them up.

    Bolivia requires a tourist visa ($160 for U.S. citizens) as well as a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate to enter the country.

PRICE CHART

IN U$ AMERICAN DOLLARS

Private trip or according with calendar

Classical group tour

PRICE X PERSON
01 pax:
02 pax: 1450$us
03 pax: 1140$us
04 pax: 990$us
05 pax: 899$us

DESCRIPTION

  • 01 PRIVATE OFF ROAD JEEP
  • ACCOMMODATION ACCORDING PROGRAM
  • MEALS ACCORDING PROGRAM
  • ENGLISH SPEAKING TREKKING-GUIDE
  • ALL ENTRANCES FEES
  • SNACKS AND WATER

OTHER ITEMS

Bus from Uyuni to La Paz

Price x person $ 25

Bus cama, heating, bathroom, blanket

Private Transfer To San Pedro de Atacama

Total price $ 200

Any time

Sleeping bag

Price x person $ 40
Highly recommended for winter season

Flight from La Paz to Uyuni

Price x person $ 280 (approx).

Prices according seasons.

WHAT’S INCLUDED PER DAY

Day 1

  • Accommodation: Hotel Tayka de Sal
  • Includes: Lunch, guide, 4×4 jeep, accommodation, dinner, entrance fees

Day 2

  • Accommodation: Hotel Tayka de Piedra
  • Includes: Breakfast, lunch, guide, 4×4 jeep, accommodation, dinner, entrance fees

Day 3

  • Accommodation: Hostel San Juan (basic)
  • Includes: Breakfast, lunch, guide, 4×4 jeep, accommodation, dinner, entrance fees

Day 4

  • Accommodation: Hostel Quetena Chico ( basic)
  • Includes: Breakfast, lunch, guide, 4×4 jeep, accommodation, dinner, entrance fees

Day 5

  • Includes: Breakfast, lunch, guide, 4×4 jeep, entrance fees
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