On a mega trip to South America make sure you don't miss the Salar de Uyuni, this is an amazing tour. You get in a jeep and do the entire sight seeing round salt flats, deserts, mountains, valleys. It's a feast for the eye of a traveller, here are my tips on preparing for it.
First tip is don't be booking anything in advance - there is no need to do that - head to Uyuni and book it there. Or simply book it in Potosi or La Paz. Certainly don't be booking anything online or before your arrival into Bolivia.
The Salar de Uyuni tour can be booked in Chile as well as in Bolivia but I booked mine from the Bolivian side so this report tells you how to book it and do it from Bolivia.
How to book the Salar de Uyuni Tour:
- In your hostel check with reception if they can organise it for you - a 3 day tour is the most recommended unless your time is short
- Once they give you a price, head out and ask around to get the cheapest price - dont pay more than 100 dollars - you can easily get a decent tour for 3 days for $80.
- Allow for flexibility with dates you go - don't be strict with it - sometimes you can ask at 9am that morning and end up on the tour that same day.
- Double check the price includes a hostel pick up and your 3 days of food.
- Find out exactly when and where the start and finish point of the actual tour will be so that you can book a hostel or bus for the next part of your journey.
- Ask what extra costs there will be (for example the cost of our tour included the guided tour of the Salt Refinery, but didn't include the entrance fee to Laguna Colorada National Park).
- Ask them for a receipt for the tour - you normally pay at the start.
Preparing for the salt plains tour:
- Check the passport situation as if you head for Chile you will probably have to get your Bolivian exit stamp before the tour starts in Uyuni.
- Bring a load of water - it's a desert and it gets hot. Other drinks are provided but water is not. 4 litres should be plenty for you.
- Bring some beer or wine with you - a great way to interact with your travel mates at night and no alcohol is provided on the tour.
- Take plenty of sun cream and insect repellent.
- There is no e-mail or phone during the tour which is fantastic, but with this in mind you should email or contact friends and family before starting the tour to tell them this.
- Try and leave your bags at a hostel before starting the tour (as long as you're heading back to Uyuni)
- Bring your passport just in case you decide to spontaneously head across the border to Chile.
- Make sure all of your batteries on cameras, iPods etc. are all charged beforehand - not all the accomodation will have sockets.
Well that sums it up for you - the salar de Uyuni is quite simply a brilliant tour and one that will linger with you forever in the memory. You will love it. Get out there and see it - the incredible salt plains of south western Bolivia.
First tip is don't be booking anything in advance - there is no need to do that - head to Uyuni and book it there. Or simply book it in Potosi or La Paz. Certainly don't be booking anything online or before your arrival into Bolivia.
The Salar de Uyuni tour can be booked in Chile as well as in Bolivia but I booked mine from the Bolivian side so this report tells you how to book it and do it from Bolivia.
How to book the Salar de Uyuni Tour:
- In your hostel check with reception if they can organise it for you - a 3 day tour is the most recommended unless your time is short
- Once they give you a price, head out and ask around to get the cheapest price - dont pay more than 100 dollars - you can easily get a decent tour for 3 days for $80.
- Allow for flexibility with dates you go - don't be strict with it - sometimes you can ask at 9am that morning and end up on the tour that same day.
- Double check the price includes a hostel pick up and your 3 days of food.
- Find out exactly when and where the start and finish point of the actual tour will be so that you can book a hostel or bus for the next part of your journey.
- Ask what extra costs there will be (for example the cost of our tour included the guided tour of the Salt Refinery, but didn't include the entrance fee to Laguna Colorada National Park).
- Ask them for a receipt for the tour - you normally pay at the start.
Preparing for the salt plains tour:
- Check the passport situation as if you head for Chile you will probably have to get your Bolivian exit stamp before the tour starts in Uyuni.
- Bring a load of water - it's a desert and it gets hot. Other drinks are provided but water is not. 4 litres should be plenty for you.
- Bring some beer or wine with you - a great way to interact with your travel mates at night and no alcohol is provided on the tour.
- Take plenty of sun cream and insect repellent.
- There is no e-mail or phone during the tour which is fantastic, but with this in mind you should email or contact friends and family before starting the tour to tell them this.
- Try and leave your bags at a hostel before starting the tour (as long as you're heading back to Uyuni)
- Bring your passport just in case you decide to spontaneously head across the border to Chile.
- Make sure all of your batteries on cameras, iPods etc. are all charged beforehand - not all the accomodation will have sockets.
Well that sums it up for you - the salar de Uyuni is quite simply a brilliant tour and one that will linger with you forever in the memory. You will love it. Get out there and see it - the incredible salt plains of south western Bolivia.
About the Author:
For more articles like How to book Salar de Uyuni head to Jonny Blair's excellent travel lifestyle website for more tales and tips.
No comments:
Post a Comment