Discover the Atacama Desert & the Uyuni Salt Flats - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in San Pedro de Atacama

Welcome to Chile! You'll land in Calama and transfer to the town of San Pedro de Atacama. Your adventure begins in the Atacama Desert, one of the planet's driest ecosystems. The landscapes here are often compared to those of the moon and other planets. You'll get out and explore them tomorrow. This evening, after checking into your hotel, take it easy and hydrate! The town is small and easy to explore on foot, so you might go for a short walk and sample Chilean cuisine in a local restaurant. Make sure to look up and enjoy the view of an incredibly starry sky before you turn in for the night.

Day 2: Visit the Valley of the Moon & the Valley of Death

Today you'll venture into the desert's vast landscapes. First, you'll see the Valley of the Moon, with its unique stone and sand formations carved by wind and water erosion. You'll also get to see the Valley of Death, known for giant sand dunes that you can climb. If you're up for it, go on a sandboarding excursion—it's one of the most popular activities in the area. Or you can just hike around and enjoy the views from the rocky outcrops that surround the dunes. Off in the distance, you'll see snow-capped volcanoes.

Stick around for sunset: the dramatic pink and purple sky, framed with rock formations and mountains, is a marvelous sight to see. 

Day 3: Explore the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve

After breakfast this morning, a driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you across the border into Bolivia. In the afternoon, enjoy a Jeep tour through the spectacular sites of the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. You'll visit the Sol de Mañana geysers and go for a dip in the hot springs. Continuing onward, you'll see the Green Lagoon at the foot of Licancabur Volcano, pausing to watch the water change colors as the sun passes overhead.

Later, you'll continue on to visit the Red Lagoon, home to three species of flamingo. At the end of the day, you will arrive at the village of Villa Mar, where you'll have the evening free to relax and have dinner.

Day 4: Spot Flamingos in the Wild

Today, you'll continue your adventure through the high desert. Enjoy views of volcanoes and lagoons, and keep your eyes open for flamingos and other Andean wildlife, on a scenic drive. In the early afternoon, your driver will stop in the village of San Cristobal where you'll have lunch. Take some time to explore the Valley of the Rocks before continuing on to the salt-harvesting village of Colchani, the gateway to the Uyuni Salt Flats. Spend the night here before tomorrow's exploration of the salt flats.

Day 5: See the Incredible Uyuni Salt Flats & Depart Bolivia

After breakfast, you will visit Uyuni's small salt museum (which was constructed with salt!) Then you'll continue to tour the salar, or salt flat, and walk around the otherworldly Incahuasi Island. Covered in enormous cacti, it boasts amazing views of the flats. You'll visit the famed "train cemetery" that's filled with rusting train cars once used to transport minerals and people to and from Uyuni. Transfer to La Paz to catch your flight out in the afternoon. Safe travels!

More Great 5-Day Bolivia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Bolivia? Check out these other 5-day Bolivia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.