Journey to Uyuni: Exploring the Salt Flats from Atacama and Calama

We’ll take you on a journey from Chile to Uyuni, exploring two different routes from San Pedro de Atacama and Calama to the Salt Flats. This adventure will take you through stunning landscapes, natural wonders, and unique cultural experiences. We’ll provide you with tips on how to plan your journey, what to expect, and how to make the most out of this unforgettable experience. So get ready for an exciting trip that will take you from the Atacama Desert to the largest salt flat in the world.

Uyuni Salt Flats – Photo by Leonardo Rossatti on Pexels.com

If you’re looking for an adventure in South America, then traveling from Chile to Bolivia is a must-do. One of the most popular routes is from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile to Uyuni in Bolivia, and there’s also the option of going from Calama to Uyuni. Both routes are unique and offer stunning landscapes that you won’t forget.

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San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni

Geysers on the road from Atacama

To start your journey from San Pedro de Atacama, you need to take a bus that will take you through the stunning scenery of the Atacama Desert. You’ll reach the border crossing at Ollague, where you’ll complete immigration procedures. It’s important to note that the immigration process can take some time, so be prepared to wait and have all your documents ready.

Once you’ve completed immigration, you’ll travel through the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, where you’ll see the stunning Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon), Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon), and the Sol de Mañana Geysers, among other natural wonders.

Finally, you’ll arrive at Uyuni, the gateway to the Uyuni Salt Flats, the largest salt flat in the world. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to take some incredible photos, and you may even spot some pink flamingos in the distance.

Here are the available options to reach Uyuni from San Pedro de Atacama by bus:

Bus CompanyDepartureArrivalType of busPrice
Trans Salvador04:00am (Tuesdays and Fridays)12:00pmSemi-cama51.39$us
Cruz del Norte03:00am (odd dates)16:30pmSemi-cama32.12$us

Calama to Uyuni

If you’re starting from Calama, you’ll need to take a bus or a private car to the border town of Ollague, which is about 220 km away. Once you arrive in Ollague, you’ll need to complete immigration procedures at the border crossing.

After completing immigration, you’ll travel through the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, where you’ll also see the stunning Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon), Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon), and the Sol de Mañana Geysers, among other natural wonders.

Finally, you’ll arrive at Uyuni. Here are the available options to reach Uyuni from Calama by bus:

Bus CompanyDepartureArrivalType of busPrice
Trans Salvador06:00am14:00pmSemi-cama40.15$us
Cruz del Norte05:30am (odd dates)16:30pmSemi-cama24.09$us

Tips for the Journey

Here are some tips to help you plan your journey from Chile to Bolivia:

  • Book your bus and tour in advance: There are many bus companies that offer a trip from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni, and it’s essential to book in advance to avoid disappointment. You can book your tickets via TicketsBolivia.
  • Bring warm clothes: Even though you’re traveling through the desert, temperatures can drop at night, so make sure you bring warm clothes.
  • Bring snacks: The journey from San Pedro de Atacama or Calama to Uyuni is long, so make sure you bring some snacks and water to keep you energized.
  • Bring cash: There are no ATMs, so make sure you bring enough cash to cover your expenses.
  • Be prepared for altitude sickness: The journey from San Pedro de Atacama or Calama to Uyuni takes you through high-altitude regions, so be prepared for altitude sickness. Make sure you drink plenty of water and rest when you need to.

In conclusion, traveling from Chile to Bolivia is an unforgettable experience. Whether you choose to start from San Pedro de Atacama or Calama, you’ll see some of the most beautiful landscapes in South America, and you’ll have memories that will last a lifetime. Just make sure you plan your trip in advance and come prepared for the journey. You can get your tickets on TicketsBolivia.