In short
- 1-day tours cost between $60 and $120.
- 3-day to 4-day tours cost between $150 and $500.
- Bring cash for the 150 BOB Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve entry fee.
In this article
Booking a guided 4x4 Jeep tour is the safest and most standard way to explore the 10,582-square-kilometer salt flat. Prices vary based on duration, group size, and departure point. Note that platform prices are starting rates and frequently change.
How much is a 1-day Salar de Uyuni tour?
A standard 1-day guided tour costs between $60 and $120.
These trips usually depart from Uyuni town and last around 9 hours. They cover the Train Graveyard, Colchani village, and the main salt flat. Food is often included, but entry fees to specific islands are extra.
What do multi-day salt flat tours cost?
Multi-day trips lasting 3 to 4 days cost between $150 and $500.
These extended routes venture into the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. You will see Laguna Colorada, Laguna Verde, and the Sol de Mañana Geysers. Higher prices usually reflect private rooms or starting from locations outside Bolivia.
How much does transport to Uyuni cost?
Overnight buses from La Paz to Uyuni cost $15 to $35.
The bus ride takes 8 to 10 hours, arriving in time for 10:00 AM tour departures. The train from Oruro takes 7 hours and costs $10 to $20. You can also book package tours that include round-trip bus tickets.
Does the starting location affect the price?
Yes, tours starting in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, generally cost more.
A 4-day tour starting in Atacama ranges up to $500. These cross-border trips enter Bolivia through the high desert. You must pay applicable border taxes in cash. Starting directly in Uyuni town is the most affordable route.
Is a private tour worth the extra cost?
Private tours cost around $255 for a day trip and offer complete flexibility.
A private guide and driver let you control the schedule. This is useful for setting up perspective photos on the salt flats. Standard group tours pack up to six passengers in a single 4x4 vehicle.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need cash for the Salar de Uyuni tour?
Yes. Bring cash in Bolivianos to pay the 150 BOB Eduardo Avaroa Reserve fee, use public bathrooms, and buy crafts in Colchani Village.
Can I drive on the salt flat to save money?
Independent driving is highly dangerous. The salt crust averages 8 meters thick but can be deceptively thin in places. Guided tours are necessary.
How much does a short stargazing tour cost?
A 5-hour stargazing and sunset tour costs roughly $45. This option focuses on night views and the mirror effect during wet months.
