La Paz to Uyuni Salt Flats 3 Day Tour: An Honest Review

Alright, the Salar de Uyuni is, like, probably on almost everyone’s travel bucket list, and for very good reason. This massive salt flat in Bolivia is, I mean, genuinely out of this world! Thinking of heading over from La Paz on a three-day tour, which includes bus transfers? Okay then, let’s take a good hard look at what you can, potentially, anticipate, some potential pros and cons, and some advice to help you get, sort of, the most out of, like, this once-in-a-lifetime outing. This isn’t, sort of, just some ordinary vacation; it’s, possibly, an immersive experience, full of mind blowing vistas and, occasionally, somewhat questionable bathroom breaks.

Booking Your Uyuni Adventure: Picking the Best Tour Company

Choosing a tour company is, arguably, the most critical part of this entire thing. So, there are tons of them operating out of La Paz (or Uyuni itself), and, truthfully, the experiences can, actually, vary dramatically. Some things you might want to consider include, what I mean, the size of the group – some folks really like having a smaller, you know, intimate group, while others don’t really care either way. Then, the type of vehicle, basically, nobody wants to be stuck in some cramped, old jeep for three days, right? And, ultimately, the reviews of the company. Look around on sites, actually like TripAdvisor or even some travel blogs, to, you know, get a vibe of what other travelers are, literally, saying. Cost actually isn’t, necessarily, the biggest indicator of quality. Seriously, read reviews!

A pretty important thing that I noticed, I mean, a lot of the, I guess you might say, ‘budget’ tours could, actually, try to cram you into a jeep with, possibly, seven or eight people, which sounds kind of terrible. Try to look for tours guaranteeing a maximum of, perhaps, six travelers. Another idea that sounds potentially important is to ask very directly about the driver. I’d say are they just that, or are they, kind of, a guide too? Some drivers are, basically, fantastic at pointing out, actually like, geological formations or local flora and fauna, while others are, alright, just that… drivers. You may well be able to arrange a driver that can tell you the history and the meaning behind all you encounter, which could definitely expand your experience a little!

What to Expect on the Bus Transfer

Alright so, let’s be real. The bus ride from La Paz to Uyuni is, in a way, what some people might consider “an experience” – but it isn’t all roses and sunshine. So, first off, expect it to be long. Seriously long! Very long! I mean, you’re looking at potentially somewhere between ten and twelve hours, so definitely prepare to be really patient. Most buses these days are, perhaps, overnight sleepers, so hopefully, you’ll actually, be able to, literally, catch some Z’s. Be warned: The roads could be extremely bumpy. Just take that how you like! Make sure to bring snacks. You will almost definitely be hungry at some point during the ride. Bring, basically, a neck pillow, an eye mask, and maybe some noise-canceling headphones, and possibly, also a good book. You might well be glad you did!

One of the fun quirks I encountered involves the… bathroom facilities. Sometimes they are, perhaps, nonexistent, occasionally, pretty basic, and, almost always, kind of, require a small fee to use. So, basically, bring some small change (Bolivianos!) and maybe some of your own toilet paper just in case, or else it could be an unhappy day for you. The seats tend to recline on many buses, however the person in front of you, probably, won’t hesitate to fully crush your knees while in their reclining state. Think very carefully before reclining! Try to make buddies, but maybe with a quick escape route if needed! That way you can maybe work something out to prevent too much discomfort. Keep yourself and your possessions aware, though. Theft isn’t something to spend a lot of time worrying about, yet definitely be mindful of your belongings and where they’re located. The tour will take you to unbelievable sites so your brain can have a positive time – help your physical experience along by making the most out of a long bus transfer.

Day 1: Train Cemetery, Colchani & the Salt Flats

Basically, on day one, that is when the good things really start! Following your arrival in Uyuni (most likely somewhat earlier than daylight) and, I’d say, perhaps, a quick stop to, you know, get a bite and freshen up, your jeep tour really takes off. The first stop is, apparently, typically the Train Cemetery. These old, basically, rusting locomotives offer some nice, yet, sort of, kind of melancholy photo opportunities and a peek into, seemingly, Uyuni’s history as, in some respects, a transport hub. Now it just serves, sort of, as some kind of interesting introduction of history with which to begin the main experience.

Later than that, you’re off to Colchani, I mean, that’s a very tiny village where salt processing takes place. You might even be able to witness the locals harvesting and processing the salt. Pick up some souvenirs crafted from salt itself – there’s no limit! Then, the highlight of the day. It is, obviously, the Salar de Uyuni itself! Driving onto those expansive white flats is something special that’s almost hard to explain with language! Bring all your own goofy props to capture the perfect perspective photo – the results should be hilarious. Towards the evening, many tours check out Inca Huasi (also known as Fish Island), and honestly that place is literally teeming with massive cacti and offers stunning views of the sun’s retreat from view. Most tours spend that first night in a pretty basic salt hotel. I’d bring a book to wind down, personally.

Choosing the right Camera

So, really, a major reason many people visit the flats is, of course, for taking unbelievable pictures! When picking the ideal camera, take these ideas to consideration. Your telephone can, apparently, work in quite a pinch, the higher the megapixel the more easily photos might be resized. However I’d, maybe, be looking at some good cameras you may already possess. Like a DSLR or mirrorless camera! This is just in consideration of things like better picture adjustability, and lens opportunities! But make certain you do not carry so much that you will be unable to have it to you every moment.

As far as lens ideas, so many travelers discover that anything wider than the standard field is, for most scenes, helpful! Think of stuff like wide-angle zoom lenses such as a 16-35mm lens, or something such as this which has close overall functionality. Additionally be certain your camera and lens may handle any degree of sunlight as they could! Try experimenting! Play and find the parameters which are best for a particular shoot, like a picture using family or perhaps even your surroundings. There are an limitless volume of sources both where you are going and on line for getting inspired and knowledge! These excursions and the pictures they inspire are something of great worth to those involved!

Day 2: Lagoons, Wildlife & Surreal Landscapes

Day two could be just as scenic as the first! It is, truly, just a whole slew of stunning landscapes and colorful lagoons. First up may be the surreal desert landscape and, arguably, the gemstone hued Laguna Colorada. Here, you can watch huge quantities of flamingos in the lake as they stand in the shallow waters. After that it’s just, often, on to see other destinations! Geysers, crazy rock formations in a desert – maybe called the “Salvador Dalí Desert” – warm springs, the list is long. Wildlife sightings will also likely occur throughout this! There are flamingo species along the lagoons as discussed, and animals like the Andean fox too!

It could be that second night is usually spent in a much more, say, basic lodging in the desert. Maybe, a simple guesthouse with communal bathrooms. Don’t expect too many luxurious comforts! At some level, many travelers have told stories of very cold times because of just what altitude is, it would certainly pay off to get a sleeping case, as frequently the lodgings you happen to be staying in is, arguably, pretty cold! Hot beverages are likely very encouraged.

Things to do Before Leaving For Uyuni

You’ll want to buy certain your physical condition is the better possible as altitudes throughout this journey could prove more complicated for some persons. To battle prospective troubles associated with levels you would want to avoid alcohol and eating big or heavy foods ahead of or perhaps whilst exploring this! Additionally keep hydrated! Taking pain medicines will likely help cope with these levels of pains!

This experience may, potentially, carry along issues associated with exposure to sunlight as it shines! Do all you’re able to avoid getting burnt! Bring sunglasses, or sunscreen, in addition to apparel that covers your skin at risk of receiving melted! Other considerations you might think about adding contain drugs to handle diarrhea, and then a headlamp!

Day 3: Sunrise, Hot Springs, and the Return

Okay, Day three might be an early wake up. What is the incentive for this? Well, arguably to check out some beautiful dawn more than those salt apartments of course! Following that amazing expertise that the excursion can subsequently be led to very hot springs like Termas de Polques! Take that opportunity to unwind from your heated bath as well! Later than that, the tour starts the go to Uyuni so that you can catch your respective bus back into La Paz. Or possibly another place you will be exploring!

Keep the souvenirs on hand from where you have observed your time in these destination! This sort of thing helps yourself and your friends and relations enjoy the escapade for quite some time following the facts! These excursions and any which have some likeness tend to offer their adventurers using the possible opportunity to develop on their own while linking themselves using a wonderful earth!

Choosing Whether to use Airplane or Bus for Transport

So really, I’m pretty confident in mentioning the greatest way of touring could rely primarily upon things like the financial limitations in your finances! The bus is normally less pricey that flying even if buses frequently involves about half of a day if you add transport from one end to the other! Furthermore the roads out that method often don’t make for probably the very comfortable rides often both but additionally by conditions they may influence what time everything gets on!

Traveling will most likely be an event more relaxing, or efficient as one might expect! You want to take time to reserve ahead if your traveling season ends to getting near maximums though since you could lose an attempt or just be forced to have one which’s cost prohibitive! Try to consider any conditions when choosing since your ultimate trip might become heavily accordinged by that single component! Weigh up the importance of expenses as contrary to traveling time before selecting your method. Keep in mind safety on any roads in South America! Road security differs from country to country, do your homework just before booking transportation.

Essential Tips for the Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

Okay, it might well be beneficial to, maybe, summarize some truly key recommendations to remember to have the, arguably, most from the tour. To tell the truth, acclimatize to those levels from Los Angeles Paz, as if potential, prior! That will probably provide yourself an important, basic head-start. Package hot apparel, irrespective from exactly what year it will likely be — actually it may well obtain pretty frigid specifically through the nighttime or within these colder weeks! Sunscreen is very encouraged because this may avoid receiving affected because of the altitude and sunlight around there also! Give one’s digital camera one very small defensive things it will keep dust away as the destination isn’t, particularly, renowned due to its sanitation so! Last, yet, perhaps, not slightest is give yourself time. A trip to Salar de Uyuni isn’t simply some typical getaway, it’s truly the most spectacular adventure. Allow time period to relax and allow things in, and get the the majority from almost any minute.

Keep this in mind that water can freeze! So maybe add an insulated flask to preserve drinking normal water for a lot lengthier! These locations in their remoteness don’t leave very much place for comforts frequently , try taking only exactly what might get regarded absolutely paramount instead!

• Acclimatize: Invest time in La Paz before, like, beginning the tour.
• Pack Warm Clothes: Seriously, it gets cold, that is just basically that.
• Sun Protection: That sun can really blast you out there on the flats!
• Camera Protection: Protect your camera from the dusty elements.
• Take it all In: Allow a time period just digest this particular spectacular panorama.

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