Across Salar de Uyuni Road Trip

The Across Salar de Uyuni Road Trip is a fantastic journey stretching across 572 km, taking you from the city of Uyuni in Bolivia to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. With a recommended time of 3 days, you will have plenty of time to take in the stunning landscapes and nature along the way. You can also visit UNESCO Heritage Monuments like the Church of San Lorenzo de Carangas and the Inca ruins of Sillustani. Be aware that the roads along the route can be quite poor in places, with some only accessible by 4WD. You will also need to cross a border along the way. The best time of year to take this road trip is during the dry season, from April to November. The Across Salar de Uyuni Road Trip offers a truly unique experience and is sure to leave you with plenty of memories. It is suitable for drivers of all levels and can be managed on a moderate budget. So if you're looking for an unforgettable road trip, this is the one for you!

Uyuni in Bolivia is an ideal starting point for the “Across Salar de Uyuni Road Trip”. Located in the south of Bolivia, the city offers a variety of interesting sights to visit, ranging from the Uyuni Train Cemetery, with an abundance of rusting locomotives, to the Dali Desert, a surreal landscape of rocks sculpted by wind and rain. The nearby Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat, an incredible expanse of blindingly white salt that reflects the light of the sun. The nearby salt hotels are also a popular attraction, offering a unique experience of sleeping in a room made entirely from salt. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Viru Viru International Airport (VVI), located in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The airport offers various car rental services, making it easy to begin your road trip through Bolivia. Uyuni is a great starting point to begin exploring Bolivia’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. From Uyuni, the “Across Salar de Uyuni Road Trip” will take you through some of the country’s most spectacular sights, offering an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking Bolivian countryside.

Embark on a thrilling road trip from Uyuni to Salar Uyuni! This journey takes you through some of the world's most spectacular landscapes and offers a unique opportunity to explore the Bolivian highlands. The entire trip is 239km long and can be completed in fewer than 7 hours. A 4WD vehicle is necessary for this journey, and some sections may be inaccessible to cars with camper trailers. Be sure to keep an eye out for UNESCO Heritage sites along the way. Although there are a few gas stations along the route, it is best to fill up your tank before you begin the journey. As you drive, you will be greeted by picturesque landscapes and scenic roads. Take your time to soak in the beauty of the Bolivian highlands and don't forget to take lots of pictures! For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

Embark on an exciting road trip from Salar Uyuni, Bolivia to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile! This 332km journey will take you fewer than 13 hours and is full of incredible sights and experiences. You'll need a 4WD to take on this adventure, and you'll cross the border between Bolivia and Chile. Some sections of the route may be inaccessible to cars with camper trailers, so plan accordingly. Along the way, you'll see stunning landscapes, historical sites, and plenty of scenic roads. Visit the village of San Juan de Chuchini, where you can explore the colonial churches and buildings. At the Salar de Atacama, you'll be able to observe the vast salt flats and take in the breathtaking views. And don't forget to stop by the Valley of the Moon, where you'll be mesmerized by its unique rock formations. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary for this stage. Enjoy your journey!

San Pedro de Atacama is the perfect ending point for the "Across Salar de Uyuni Road Trip". Located in the northern Chilean desert, it is a small oasis in a vast desert landscape. It is a paradise for those who enjoy desert landscapes, star gazing, and outdoor adventures. The town of San Pedro de Atacama offers stunning views of the Andes Mountains and the Atacama Desert. Visitors can explore the Valle de la Luna, a desert area with its own unique landscape, and the Piedras Rojas, an area of red sandstone formations. For a unique experience, visitors can take a dip in the Puritama Hot Springs, or take a star-gazing tour of the Atacama Desert's night sky. San Pedro de Atacama is also home to many archaeological sites, including the Tulor Village and the Chaxa Lagoon. Visitors can explore the Atacama Desert's many ancient ruins and petroglyphs. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is El Loa Airport (CJC), located in Calama, Chile. San Pedro de Atacama is the perfect destination to end a road trip. With its stunning desert landscapes, archaeological sites, and night sky tours, it offers travelers a unique experience that they won't soon forget.

Before you set off

Embark on the Across Salar de Uyuni Road Trip, a captivating journey stretching 572 kilometers from the quaint town of Uyuni in Bolivia to the oasis village of San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. Lasting approximately three days, this adventure offers a blend of natural wonders and a deep dive into the region's cultural tapestry.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

This Road Trip provides a plethora of awe-inspiring highlights. Roadtrippers will marvel at the otherworldly expanse of the Salar de Uyuni salt flats, the world's largest, which spans an area of over 10,000 square kilometers. The reflective surface during the wet season creates a mirror effect that blends the sky and the ground in a surreal spectacle. A visit to the Church of San Lorenzo de Carangas, known as the `Sistine Chapel of the Andes` due to its richly decorated interior, offers a glimpse into colonial religious art. Additionally, the enigmatic Inca ruins of Sillustani, perched on the shores of Lake Umayo, provide insight into the pre-Columbian Andean civilizations' burial practices with their chullpas, or funerary towers.

Best Time to Go:

For an optimal experience, plan your Road Trip during the dry season, from April to November, when you'll encounter the best driving conditions and weather. The dry season also offers clearer skies for astrophotography enthusiasts, particularly in the Atacama Desert, renowned for some of the clearest night skies on Earth.

Potential Risks:

The journey includes challenging routes with uneven terrain, making a 4WD vehicle essential for safe travel. Additionally, the border crossing between Bolivia and Chile requires preparation, including visa requirements and an understanding of customs procedures.

Facts for Roadtrippers:

The Across Salar de Uyuni Road Trip caters to adventurers with diverse driving skills and can be embarked upon with a reasonable budget. Along the way, Roadtrippers will encounter extraordinary landscapes, from the stark white salt flats to the rich colors of the Atacama Desert's diverse geology. The region's cultural heritage, from Inca fortresses to colonial churches, tells the stories of ancient and more recent histories intertwined with the land.

A good choice for:

Promising a blend of natural beauty and historical exploration, the Across Salar de Uyuni Road Trip stands out as a must-do for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts alike. Whether it's for the striking visual contrasts or the cultural encounters, this journey through the heart of South America's high-altitude desert landscapes is bound to leave an indelible impression on all who traverse it.