Some trips leave a mark, transform you, and leave a deep impression. These five days spent in the South Lipez and the Salar de Uyuni will forever remain in my memory. Breathtaking landscapes, genuine encounters, and total disconnection—welcome to the heart of one of Bolivia’s most beautiful regions.
Practical Tips for Organizing a Tour in the Salar de Uyuni
How to organize a 5-day tour in the South Lipez and Salar de Uyuni? How much does it cost?
We chose a 5-day/4-night tour, starting from Tupiza and ending in Uyuni, with the agency Tupiza Tour. In 2022, it cost us around €250 per person, including the ascent of the Licancabur volcano. This price covered the guide, meals, accommodation, and the fees for the ascent. We were five people, which made it easier to share costs.
💡 Good to know: without the ascent, the tour is significantly cheaper. A perfect option if you just want to explore the salar and the South Lipez landscapes.
How much time should you plan for a tour in the South Lipez and Salar de Uyuni?
The classic Tupiza – Uyuni circuit usually takes 4 days / 3 nights. For the more adventurous, we added an extra day for the ascent of the Licancabur volcano (5960 m)—a physical and mental challenge, but also an unmatched sense of pride once you reach the top. This experience is not for everyone, but if you like to push your limits, it’s absolutely worth it. If the ascent doesn’t appeal to you, the 4-day tour is already very complete and will offer an unforgettable immersion in this unique landscape.
👉 Check out our dedicated article on the Licancabur volcano ascent here.
When to go on a tour in the Salar de Uyuni and South Lipez?
We went in November, on the border between the dry season and the rainy season. The salar was completely dry: a cracked salt desert as far as the eye can see. From January to March, the salar becomes a spectacular water mirror, but access can be more difficult. In November, the compromise is perfect: incredible landscapes, still cool temperatures, and generally stable weather.
Practical Information
🕓 Ideal duration: 4 to 5 days
💰 Average price: €200–250
🚐 Recommended departure: Tupiza (with Tupiza Tours)
📅 Best period: from April to November (dry season) or in February for the mirror effect on the salar
5-Day Journey in One of the Most Beautiful Places in the World
Day 1 – Heading to the Desert
The 4×4 picked us up in front of our hostel in Tupiza. We headed to the agency, where we met Steve and Louise, freshly arrived from Peru. This was the start of our adventure across the Altiplano. All day long, we drove through stunning landscapes, spotting llamas, ostriches, and strange Andean rabbits. The air was pure, the mountains majestic, and I felt a true sense of freedom.
In the 4×4, the music was blasting, and laughter filled the air. A wonderful team energy developed. In the evening, we arrived at the camp: cold shower, dinner, and a card game. I went to bed happy, with the feeling that the next few days would be magical.
Day 2 – Lagoons, Desert, and Hot Springs
This morning, we crossed stunning lagoons with unreal colors. The landscape was of raw, almost surreal beauty. We arrived at a new, very basic camp: no shower, no electricity. After dinner, we went for a ride in the desert… and then the ultimate comfort: hot springs in the middle of nowhere. The cold, the grandiose landscapes, and the warm water… a truly pleasant escape.
During this moment of relaxation, I had the chance to talk with the cook who accompanied us for these 5 days, and her story deeply moved me. She told me about the hardships of life in Bolivia, her desire to work in Chile for a better income, but her inability to leave her children alone in such a harsh environment, with an absent father and abusive grandparents. A striking conversation, which brutally reminded me how privileged I am to have been born in Franceand in a stable living environment.De retour au lodge, nous filons au lit de bonne heure car le réveil est prévu à 1h du matin pour l’ascension du volcan Licancabur.
Day 3 – Ascent of Licancabur Volcano (5960 m)
Wake-up at 1:30 AM. I was exhausted, with a cold… but determined to attempt this adventure. The climb was tough: over six hours of ascent, a steep slope, and the altitude taking my breath away with every step. I struggled against fatigue, cold, and lack of oxygen… but I kept going. Until finally, the summit appeared.
Up there, at nearly 6000 meters, facing a turquoise lagoon and the Andean peaks, I was overwhelmed with emotion. It was breathtaking. I cried—pride, happiness, and that powerful feeling of being exactly where I was meant to be. This moment will stay etched in my memory for a long time.. Je pleure. De fierté, de bonheur, de cette sensation puissante d’être exactement là où je devais être. Ce moment restera gravé en moi pour longtemps.
👉 I share this extraordinary day in detail in a dedicated article about the ascent of Licancabur.
Day 4 – Sunset over the Salar de Uyuni
After an incredible day, we arrived at our hostel. A quick coffee, then we went to admire the sunset over the Salar. The sky, the light—it was a unique spectacle.
A bit of wine, laughter, and conversation. The evening was simple, beautiful, and full of friendship. Back at the hostel, we finally enjoyed hot water before dinner together. A relaxed evening, just among friends, under the stunning starry desert sky.
Day 5 – Sunrise and Final Moments
Early morning sunrise on Incahuasi Island, right in the heart of the Salar. The atmosphere was peaceful, with the sunrise illuminating the giant cacti. We enjoyed hot chocolate and breakfast with a view, soaking in this magical place.
Then we hit the road again, and our guide, full of enthusiasm, helped us capture original photos in the salt desert. A final stop in a small village, then we headed to Uyuni. We had one last lunch together before saying goodbye. It was a moment full of emotion.
On the way back to Tupiza, I felt filled with gratitude. These five days were a unique adventure, a timeless escape that will remain etched in my memory.
Bolivia Salar de Uyuni and South Lipez: Memories of an Unforgettable Adventure
This journey through the South Lipez and Salar de Uyuni was much more than a simple adventure—it was a true immersion into another world. Between the grand landscapes, physical challenges, and moments of pure magic, each day offered us unforgettable memories. It’s an experience that will undoubtedly mark a turning point in our travel journey. If you have the chance to visit Bolivia, don’t miss this unique adventure.
And if you’re looking for new inspiration to complete your South America itinerary, take a look at our article on Peru, which could give you ideas to further enrich your trip.
Manon – Trip Completed in November 2021
