There are trips that leave a mark, that transform you, that leave a deep impression. These five days spent in South Lipez and the Uyuni Salt Flat will forever remain etched in my memory. Breathtaking landscapes, genuine encounters, and total disconnection — welcome to the heart of one of Bolivia’s most beautiful regions.

Our Practical Tips for Organizing a Tour of the Uyuni Salt Flat

How to organize a 5-day tour in South Lipez and the Uyuni Salt Flat? 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 about €250 per person, including the ascent of Licancabur volcano. This price covered the guide, meals, accommodation, and the fees for the climb. We were five people, which helped share the costs.

💡 Good to know: Without the volcano ascent, the tour is significantly cheaper — a perfect option if you just want to explore the salt flat and the South Lipez landscapes.

How much time should you plan for a tour in South Lipez and the Uyuni Salt Flat?

The classic Tupiza – Uyuni circuit usually takes 4 days / 3 nights. For the more adventurous, we added an extra day to climb Licancabur volcano (5960 m), a physical and mental challenge but also an incomparable pride once you reach the summit. This experience isn’t for everyone, but if you like pushing your limits, it’s definitely worth it. If the climb isn’t for you, the 4-day tour is already very comprehensive and offers an unforgettable immersion in this unique landscape.

👉 Find our dedicated article about the Licancabur volcano ascent here.

When to go to South Lipez and the Uyuni Salt Flat?

We went in November, at the border between the dry and rainy seasons. The salt flat was completely dry: a cracked salt desert stretching as far as the eye can see.

• From January to March, the salt flat turns into a spectacular water mirror, but access can be more difficult.

• November is the perfect compromise: 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 agency)

📅 Best time to go: April to November (dry season) or February for the mirror effect on the Salar

5-Day Story in One of the Most Beautiful Places in the World

Day 1 – Heading to the Desert

The 4x4 came to pick us up in front of our hostel in Tupiza. We headed to the agency where we met Steve and Louise, who had just arrived from Peru. It was the beginning 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.

Inside the 4x4, the music was blasting and laughter filled the air. A great team spirit was building. In the evening, we arrived at the camp: icy showers, dinner, and a game of cards. I went to bed happy, with a feeling that the coming days would be magical.

Day 2 – Lagoons, Desert, and Hot Springs

This morning, we crossed stunning lagoons with unreal colors. The landscape was raw and almost surreal in its beauty. We arrived at a very basic new camp: no showers, no electricity. After dinner, we went for a ride into the desert… then came the comfort: hot springs in the middle of nowhere. The cold, the vast landscapes, and the warm water — a truly pleasant break.

During this moment of relaxation, I had the chance to talk with the cook who has been with us for these 5 days, and her story deeply touched me. She told me about the hardships of life in Bolivia, her desire to work in Chile to earn more, but also her inability to leave her children alone in such a tough environment with an absent father and abusive grandparents. A powerful conversation that sharply reminded me how privileged I am to have been born in France and to live in a stable environment.

Back at the lodge, we went to bed early because the wake-up call was set for 1 a.m. for the ascent of Licancabur volcano.

Day 3 – Ascent of Licancabur Volcano (5960 m)

Wake-up call at 1:30 a.m. I was exhausted, congested… but determined to take on this adventure. The climb was tough: over six hours of ascent, a steep slope, and the altitude stealing my breath with every step. I fought against fatigue, cold, and lack of oxygen… and I kept going. Until finally, the summit appeared.

Up there, nearly 6,000 meters high, facing a turquoise lagoon and the Andean peaks, emotions overwhelmed me. It was breathtaking. I cried. Tears of pride, happiness, and that powerful feeling of being exactly where I was meant to be. This moment will stay with me forever.

👉 I share all the details of this extraordinary day in a dedicated article about the Licancabur ascent.

Day 4 – Sunset over the Uyuni Salt Flat

After an incredible day, we arrived at our hostel. A quick coffee, then we headed out to admire the sunset over the Salar. The sky, the light — it was a unique spectacle.

Some wine, laughter, and conversations. The evening was simple, beautiful, and full of warmth. Back at the hostel, we finally enjoyed hot water before having dinner together. A relaxed evening, just friends under the stunning starry desert sky.

Day 5 – Sunrise and Final Moments

An early sunrise on Incahuasi Island, right in the heart of the Salar. The atmosphere was magical, with the sun rising and lighting up the giant cacti. We enjoyed hot chocolate and breakfast with a view, soaking in this enchanting place.

Then we hit the road again, and our enthusiastic guide helped us capture unique photos in the salt desert. One last stop in a small village, then off to Uyuni. We had lunch together one final time before saying our goodbyes. It was a moment full of emotion.

As we headed back to Tupiza, I felt full of gratitude. These five days had been a unique adventure, a timeless pause that will stay forever engraved in my memory.

The Unforgettable South Lipez and Salar de Uyuni

This journey through South Lipez and the Uyuni Salt Flat was more than just an adventure—it was a true immersion into another world. Between the breathtaking landscapes, physical challenges, and moments of pure magic, each day gifted us unforgettable memories. It’s an experience that will no doubt stand as a turning point in our travel journey.

If you ever get the chance to visit Bolivia, don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

And if you’re looking for new inspiration to complete your South America itinerary, take a look at our article on Peru—it might just spark some ideas to enrich your trip even more.

Manon - Trip Completed in November 2021