Uyuni Salt Flats & Red Lagoon Tour: Honest 3-Day Review

The Uyuni Salt Flats and Red Lagoon tour in Bolivia is like, almost a rite of passage for backpackers and adventure lovers making their way through South America. It’s incredibly famous, it’s pretty spectacular, yet it’s also got a rep for being a little, uh, rustic. Very basic, even. I just did the three-day excursion, and so I wanted to give you, you know, an honest review to help you figure out if this otherworldly excursion is the right choice for you, too!

What to anticipate From the Uyuni Salt Flats Excursion

Okay, so first things first, the Uyuni Salt Flats tour is typically a three-day, two-night adventure that kicks off in the town of Uyuni, Bolivia. The landscape is just incredibly different. I mean, it begins with the Salar de Uyuni itself, a gigantic, seemingly endless expanse of blinding white salt that looks, well, space-like. It’s very surreal! Next, is a tour past volcanic landscapes, colorful lagoons brimming with flamingos, and geysers that belch steam into the freezing air.

That is that the visuals are top-notch, I will say, like the lodging and the food aren’t exactly luxurious. Assume basic accommodations in little hostels, often with shared rooms and very few showering chances, and like, really simple meals cooked by your guide. Most tours stick to the basics with local fare and basic fare, maybe it will fill you up, but it’s really not about fine eating.

Photograph Possibilities Galore

I mean, one of the primary reasons people flock to Uyuni is that those perspective shots, you know? With a big, white canvas stretching as far as you could see, that is that you can have a lot of fun creating humorous images that mess with perspective. Picture you, so it’s like posing with toy dinosaurs, leaping out of big bottles, or holding your buddies in your hand like very small miniatures. If you get a creative group and are lucky, your photos can be truly hilarious.

Very cool, and don’t forget your props! Some visitors bring toy dinosaurs, Pringles cans, and other objects to make it much easier and funny. Remember that what you do need, too, is a fantastic tour guide who knows the sweetest places and can enable you to set up the perfect images.

Just so you know, these photos aren’t always straightforward, that you really need some creativity. First, find a simple, clear day, if it gets cloudy, then there is no good reflection and things tend to become somewhat gloomy! Second, try to find a good, experienced driver who has a bit of artistic talent to align the props and other people. You’ll be spending a good 3 days in their presence, therefore being paired with a great driver may improve the journey!

Fauna Experiences: Flamingos, Oh My!

The Red Lagoon, or Laguna Colorada, that is a highlight for many, is a shallow salt lake teeming with, yep, you guessed it, flamingos! Hundreds of them. The crimson color of the water against the clear sky is gorgeous, particularly at daybreak. Like seriously, that it’s an incredibly pretty, unmissable scene for all bird and animal lovers. Take a fantastic pair of binoculars to view the vibrant birds carefully.

That being said, don’t forget to carry additional camera lenses for your photographs. If you simply depended on your smartphone, then you might not obtain excellent close-ups of them and the gorgeous vistas.

Anyway, it is important to be mindful when watching any kind of wildlife that one maintains a very good distance. Like be considerate and keep a respectful and secure distance from the animals. Stay calm and be conscious of how near or loud you are as you stroll, thus the creatures are not troubled!

Handling the Altitude

I’m serious. The altitude is no joke. Uyuni itself is already very high, but on the tour, you go even higher, to heights over 16,000 feet (around 5,000 meters). I tell you, you will almost feel that. I really felt it. You might have lightheadedness, headaches, shortness of breath, and exhaustion. I did a little prep.

Acclimatizing is very important, attempt to arrive in Uyuni a few days early so you, too, can give your body time to adjust to that thinner air. I basically drank heaps of water. The guide gave us coca tea, which I hear assists minimize symptoms. Furthermore, avoid intense activity and heavy foods. And consider, too, discussing altitude illness meds with your physician beforehand. You might think I sound like your mom right now but, very seriously, that altitude illness can really spoil what’s potentially a trip of a lifetime. Also, if symptoms worsen, you should listen to your guide.

Selecting the Correct Tour Operator

Okay, that all tour operators are made equivalent isn’t so, and the caliber may greatly impact your expertise. Study a few unique operators! Check evaluations. Discuss questions concerning the automobile safety, the food, the guide’s English knowledge, and the conditions of the lodging they intend on using. Look into businesses who keep a stock of oxygen. If you can spend a bit more, it might result in a tour which is much safer and more fun. A somewhat pricier tour could get you more experienced motorists, better-kept vehicles, better meals, and oxygen tanks to counteract altitude issues.

One tip to bear in mind! If it’s extremely cheap, like unusually so, that might be a red flag for security or great concerns, I mean, perhaps substandard automobiles, badly compensated motorists, or just crowded vehicles, could happen. Before choosing, you have to balance your finances with the expectations that you are having. It’s generally far better to pay a little more to possess an adventure without event, I think.

Just as important, ensure that the operator and driver are extremely educated on basic maintenance. Request the business, too, regarding what emergency protocols they will have. That flat tires and automotive issues do come up on excursions through the Salt Flats is quite normal, if your guide can not handle it well it could cause an exceedingly prolonged delay in a far-flung place!

Must-Pack Things to Consider

I am serious. This trip does necessitate some smart packaging.

• Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Like I stated, that the reflection off of the salt is really intense. Shield your skin and eyes, that’s the most important thing to protect, or perhaps you may get a very bad burn.
• Warm Clothing: That it gets FREEZING, particularly at night. Pack layers to be able to correct them according to conditions, hats, gloves, and thermal underwear.
• Comfortable Shoes: That you’ll be doing a reasonable quantity of strolling, so it’s very important that you have hardy shoes.
• Snacks and Water: It’s pretty important. That you will love bringing snacks particularly. The foods on the tour are good, however often they are small, bring lots of them to tide you over between dishes. Always be hydrated.
• Portable Charger: Power outlets are rare. A decent strength charger helps ensure your gadgets keep powered up!
• Camera and Extra Batteries: So important, for obvious reasons. Remember the batteries too. Keep them hot, though. The cool temps could wear batteries fast.
• Toiletries: As simple as you are able to travel. However, some basic items such as paper and moist wipes will prove helpful.
• Cash: Like there are several entry fees or for souvenirs you must acquire that could require cash, primarily in small denomination Bolivianos, because change is seldom handy.

On a somewhat separate but comparable matter, think about bringing simple over-the-counter medications, so if you require assistance for any issue or altitude related discomforts you can quickly administer relief yourself! Keep simple products like anti-inflammatories and pain killers readily accessible.

Is the Uyuni Salt Flats Tour Worth It?

With just a few cons accounted for? Completely. If you prepare yourself properly, understand that creature comforts are few, so it’s okay, and take the perfect tour, then you’ll have one of the most gorgeous and very extraordinary trips you’ve ever skilled. It really is very breathtaking and I strongly suggest it for adventurous people willing to just slightly rough it!

I will say. It would be fantastic! Experiencing one of those locations seems to bring us close to environment wonders, to know more regarding landscapes and cultures. The majority will show on social media, post that selfie on instagram to gloat about how amazing Bolivia and that Salt Flat looks, which is okay if you are an influencer and need to keep the lights on, anyway just disconnect every now and then to absorb such great adventure. Like maybe have a mental snapshot, the real reward. Very nice memories.