This journey through South America was a true adventure, with plans evolving as we moved forward. Initially, the idea was to travel by bus from Lima, the bustling capital of Peru, all the way south across the border to La Paz, the vibrant heart of Bolivia, and then take another 10-hour bus ride to Uyuni. However, unexpected domestic movements in Peru led to the closure of the borders, forcing our bus to turn back to Lima.
By a stroke of luck, I discovered that there are tours from Calama, a charming town in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, that go directly to Uyuni, Bolivia. This not only provided a direct route but also the opportunity to explore the “driest place on Earth,” making it a win-win situation that I couldn’t resist. It turned out to be an excellent decision:
✅ Chile is the home base of LATAM, the largest airline in Latin America, which means both domestic and international flights are relatively affordable, keeping transportation costs low.
✅ The Atacama Desert in Chile, known as the “driest place on Earth,” offers a wealth of breathtaking landscapes and a variety of tour options. If you’re not keen on traveling all the way to South America just for the Salar de Uyuni, combining it with a 10-day trip to the Atacama Desert is the perfect solution.
✅ The journey from Calama to Uyuni, Bolivia, is an unforgettable experience: soaking in natural hot springs with a view of snow-capped mountains, watching flocks of flamingos by the pink-hued lake, and playfully interacting with llamas in canyons and wetlands. Each part of the trip is as enchanting as the Salar de Uyuni itself!
✅ The two-day, one-night tour is conducted in 4×4 off-road vehicles, providing a comfortable and thrilling experience. With a maximum of five people per vehicle, and meals and accommodation included, it saves time and money while still offering a good degree of freedom.
⚠️ Important Notes:
❗ If you have a US visa, you don’t need a visa for Chile, but you must obtain a visa for Bolivia in advance.
❗ It’s highly recommended to spend three days exploring Calama before heading to Bolivia.
❗ The Bolivian part of the trip is at high altitude, so be cautious of altitude sickness.
❤️ There are always many paths to reach your heart’s desire. The moment I laid eyes on the mesmerizing photos of the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, I knew that my South American itinerary would definitely include this magical place. Because it’s where my heart longs to be, I must reach it.
