We will begin our private tour from Uyuni, the ideal base for reaching Bolivia’s most breathtaking destinations. This journey will take us across the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flats in the world, covering over 10,582 km². We will explore its surreal landscape of white salt crusts, unique geological features, and wide-open skies. Our first day promises contrasts of desert, salt lake, ancient trains, and majestic cacti islands.
We will visit the famous Train Cemetery, Colchani village, and Playa Blanca salt hotel built entirely of salt blocks. Then we will explore the salt eyes, flag plaza, and Dakar monument before arriving at Isla Incahuasi. There, we will hike among towering cacti and enjoy panoramic views of the salt flats. As sunset falls, we will admire glowing colors across the endless white surface.
After dinner, we will sleep in salt-based lodging in Coqueza village, at the base of Tunupa Volcano. On day two, we will enjoy breakfast and hike towards the Tunupa Volcano Salar de Uyuni viewpoint. This volcano is located beside the salt lake and features ancient lava flows and colorful rock formations. Along the route, we will visit the archaeological site of Coqueza’s Aymara mummies.
From the summit area, we will admire an unmatched panoramic view of the Salar de Uyuni Tunupa volcano region. We might see Andean wildlife such as flamingos, llamas, and vicuñas in the surrounding landscape. After lunch, we will descend and begin our return to Uyuni. We will arrive in town around 5:30 PM, concluding an unforgettable 2 days tour.
This private tour blends natural wonders, cultural sites, and scenic hikes with expert guidance. We will travel in 4×4 vehicles equipped for safety and comfort. With Jukil de los Andes, we will enjoy a truly immersive adventure across Bolivia’s most extraordinary terrain.
We will start our private tour at 10:30 AM from Uyuni, the gateway to Bolivia’s highland wonders. Uyuni serves as the main access point to the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt lake on Earth. This massive salt desert covers 10,582 km² and sits over 3,656 meters above sea level. We will travel in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle equipped with oxygen, emergency gear, and satellite communication.
Our first stop is the eerie and fascinating Train Cemetery, where 19th-century locomotives rest under the highland sun. These rusting giants tell the story of Bolivia’s mining past. Next, we will head to Colchani, a small village known for salt production. Here, we will observe the traditional salt-harvesting process and browse local artisan goods made from salt, llama wool, and alpaca fibers.
By midday, we will enter the dazzling Salar de Uyuni. We will stop at the famous “Ojos del Salar,” natural water vents bubbling through the salt crust. Nearby, we will visit the Playa Blanca salt hotel, built entirely of compressed salt blocks. At the Dakar monument and the flag plaza, we will take striking photos surrounded by endless white landscapes.
After a delicious lunch served on the salt flat, we will create surreal perspective photos using props and creativity. We will continue to Isla Incahuasi, a coral island in the center of the Salar, covered with giant cacti. A 40-minute loop trail will let us enjoy panoramic views of the white desert and cactus-covered rocks. As the sun sets, we will witness colors change across the salt crust, an unforgettable scene.
In the evening, we will reach Coqueza, a traditional village at the base of Tunupa Volcano. We will stay in salt-based lodging with shared rooms, or upgrade to private bathrooms for an extra cost. The peaceful highland night will offer brilliant stargazing opportunities.
We will begin the day with a traditional breakfast at 7:30 AM before preparing for a scenic hike. The majestic Tunupa Volcano rises to 5,432 meters above sea level, towering over the salt flats. This volcano is located next to the salt lake and features colorful slopes formed by ancient lava flows. We will drive to a trailhead and begin our ascent toward a scenic viewpoint.
The trail leads to a lookout point above 4,700 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the Salar de Uyuni Tunupa volcano landscape. We will hike slowly and adjust to the altitude, pausing to take photos of the highland vistas. Wildlife lovers may spot Andean geese, vicuñas, or even pink flamingos in distant lagoons.
Midway through the hike, we will stop to visit the Coqueza Mummies, a sacred archaeological site. These preserved remains of Aymara nobles date back centuries and offer insight into pre-Columbian Andean culture. Our guide will explain the significance of this burial site and its connection to Tunupa’s ancient myths.
After descending, we will enjoy a hot lunch in Coqueza and begin our return journey to Uyuni. As we descend from the high slopes, the salt lake stretches out like a frozen sea below us. We will arrive back in Uyuni around 5:30 PM, concluding this unforgettable 2 days tour.
Day 2 Tour Statistics
The tour begins in Uyuni and includes visits to the Train Cemetery, Colchani, Salar de Uyuni, Playa Blanca Salt Hotel, and Isla Incahuasi. On Day 2, we will hike to a panoramic viewpoint on Tunupa Volcano, with stops at the Aymara mummy site and views over the salt lake. The tour ends in Uyuni by late afternoon.
The hike is moderately challenging due to the altitude (up to 4,700 m / 15,420 ft). We recommend acclimatizing to high elevation before the tour. Basic hiking experience and a good fitness level are helpful.
Yes, the tour includes one night in a basic salt hotel in Coqueza village and two lunches. A vegetarian meal option is available if requested in advance.
Bring warm clothes, sturdy hiking boots, sunscreen, a sunhat, sunglasses, a camera, lip balm, and a refillable water bottle. A sleeping bag is optional for added comfort in the salt hotel.
Yes, the Tunupa Volcano Salar de Uyuni hike is suitable for beginners who are physically prepared and acclimatized. The guide will pace the hike according to the group’s comfort.
Unforgettable experience with surreal landscapes!”
We absolutely loved this private tour! The Salar de Uyuni looked like a dream, and the sunset was magical. Hiking Tunupa Volcano was a bit challenging but totally worth it for the views. The salt hotel in Coqueza was simple but cozy, and our guide was very knowledgeable. Highly recommended for nature lovers!
The best way to explore Salar de Uyuni and Tunupa
This 2-day tour covered everything we wanted, train cemetery, salt flats, Incahuasi Island, and the majestic Tunupa Volcano. The private service allowed us to go at our own pace. The highlight was reaching the viewpoint above the salt lake, it was like standing on the edge of another planet! We’d do it again in a heartbeat.
