Group tour from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile with budget hostels. This shared 4 day / 3 night roundtrip route connects San Pedro de Atacama with the Bolivian Altiplano, colored lagoons, geysers, hot springs, Stone City, the Uyuni Salt Flat and the Train Cemetery before returning to San Pedro de Atacama.
The service uses a shared shuttle between San Pedro de Atacama and Hito Cajon, then a Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 in Bolivia with up to 6 travelers per vehicle and a local Spanish-speaking driver/guide.
Important route notes
From January to April, the Altiplano winter may require route changes due to rain, flooding, road conditions or attraction closures. During this period the second night may be spent in Uyuni and Incahuasi Island may be excluded when water levels are high. The final route is confirmed during the operator briefing one day before departure.
What to bring
- Passport and/or identity card, plus the entry card to Chile (PDI) when applicable.
- Lantern, because lights can go out when the generator runs dry.
- Extra money in Bolivian pesos for entrance fees and additional expenses en route; at least 350 Bs per person is recommended.
- Sunglasses for the bright white salt flat.
- Camera and extra battery.
- Extra water; bring an additional 2 liter bottle per day.
- Sun cream and hat for high-altitude UV exposure.
- Sleeping bag, especially in winter when temperatures can drop sharply.
- Warm layered clothing.
- Sandals for shared bathrooms.
- Bathing suit for Polques hot springs.
- Toilet paper, shower gel and shampoo.
- Towel, snacks, lip cream and luggage suitable for a remote high-altitude route.
Itinerary
Day 1Green and White Lagoon - Polques Hot Springs - Geysers - Laguna ColoradaSan Pedro de Atacama - Hito Cajon - Villamar
Start from the hotel with shared shuttle at 7:00-7:30 a.m. to the Bolivian border at Hito Cajon. Change to a Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 and visit Laguna Blanca, Salvador Dali Desert, Polques hot springs, Sol de Manana geysers and Laguna Colorada.
Accommodation: 1st night hostel in Villamar - standard rooms with shared bathrooms
Meals: Lunch and dinner included
Day 2Stone City, Vinto Lagoon, Anaconda Canyon, Sora Wetlands and JulacaVillamar - Stone City - Salt Hostel
Continue from Villamar at 8:00 a.m. visiting Copa del Mundo, Roca del Camello Petrificado, Stone City, Laguna Vinto, Laguna Misteriosa, Gran Canon de la Anaconda, Sora wetlands and the abandoned town of Julaca.
Accommodation: 2nd night salt hostel on the edge of the Uyuni Salt Flat
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Day 3Uyuni Salt Flat - Incahuasi Island - Salt Museum - Train CemeterySalt Hostel - Uyuni Salt Flat - Villamar
Leave the salt hostel at 4:30 a.m. for sunrise on the salt flats. Visit Incahuasi Island with giant cacti, take perspective photos on the salt plains, continue to the Flag Museum, Colchani market and the Train Cemetery, then return to Villamar.
Accommodation: 3rd night hostel in Villamar - standard rooms with shared bathrooms
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Day 4Villamar - Hito Cajon - San Pedro de AtacamaVillamar - Hito Cajon - San Pedro de Atacama
Early morning return to Hito Cajon, then shared transfer back to San Pedro de Atacama. Arrival is usually around 2:00 p.m., depending on border and road conditions. End of service.
Accommodation: No accommodation
Meals: Breakfast included
Includes
Included
- 3 nights accommodation in shared budget hostels
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
- Shared transfer from San Pedro de Atacama to Hito Cajon and back
- Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 in Bolivia, up to 6 travelers per car
- Local Spanish-speaking driver/guide
- Visits to colored lagoons, geysers, Stone City, Uyuni Salt Flat, Colchani and Train Cemetery
Not included
- Eduardo Avaroa Protected Area entrance fee
- Termas de Polques entrance fee
- Border tax
- Additional snacks and bottled water outside meals
- Bathroom fees along the route
- Tips
- Airport transfers
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- English-speaking driver service, available on request for an additional group fee
FAQ
Can I rent a sleeping bag?
Yes. Sleeping bag rental is subject to availability and can be arranged directly at the San Pedro de Atacama office the day before the tour for CLP 5,000. It must be returned to the office after the tour.
When can I experience the mirror effect in the Salar de Uyuni?
The mirror effect happens when there is water on the salt flat, normally during the rainy season in January and February, and sometimes in March after rainfall.
Can I take the tour with a driver who speaks another language?
Yes, English-speaking driver service can be requested for an additional group fee. This must be confirmed before departure.
Can I take this route as a private service?
Yes. The 4-day route is also available as a private tour with hostel or hotel accommodation options.
What type of vehicle is used for this activity?
The tour uses a minibus in Chile and a Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 in Bolivia, normally with up to 6 travelers per vehicle.
Can I stay in hotels instead of hostels during the tour?
Yes. Travelers who prefer superior accommodation should review the private or VIP versions of this route.
