Atacama or Uyuni: How to Choose the Best Trip Through the Altiplano

Atacama and Uyuni are destinations that seem like they’re from another planet, not only because of their landscapes, but also because of where they’re located. 

On one hand, the Atacama Desert is the driest region in Chile and on the planet, featuring volcanoes, high-altitude lagoons, and clear skies. On the other hand, the Salar de Uyuni impresses with its vast white expanse and landscapes that defy perception.

If you’re planning your next vacation in Latin America, this guide will help you decide whether to visit Atacama or Uyuni, learn how to get there, discover what to do, and find the best tour to fit your itinerary. With this information, you’ll be able to have an unforgettable experience.

Why are Atacama and Uyuni such important destinations in South America?

Both the Atacama Desert in Chile and the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia are considered must-see destinations for those seeking a unique journey focused on nature and landscape photography.

The Atacama Desert stands out as one of the driest places on the planet. Its geographical conditions have created unique landscapes where volcanoes, salt flats, geysers, and lagoons coexist, surrounded by the Andes Mountains.

For its part, the Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world. During the rainy season, a thin layer of water transforms its surface into a gigantic natural mirror that reflects the sky and creates one of the most famous images in South America.

In addition to their natural beauty, both regions boast a rich cultural heritage. Indigenous communities have inhabited these lands for centuries, leaving behind a valuable historical legacy and traditions that remain an integral part of local life.

How to get to San Pedro de Atacama and the Salar de Uyuni

The main gateway to the Atacama Desert is the city of Calama. There are daily flights from Santiago to El Loa Airport.

From Calama, a roughly one-and-a-half-hour drive connects to San Pedro de Atacama, the area’s main tourist hub.

There are several ways to reach the Salar de Uyuni . Many travelers fly directly to the Bolivian city of Uyuni from La Paz (the administrative capital). However, one of the most popular routes involves crossing the border from Chile. This option allows you to take a comprehensive trip to San Pedro de Atacama and Uyuni, combining two of the continent’s most spectacular destinations into a single adventure.

What to do in Atacama over several days

One of the great benefits of choosing Atacama is the diversity of activities available. Each day offers completely different landscapes.

The Valley of the Moon is one of the most visited sites. Its rock formations and dunes create scenes reminiscent of the lunar surface. At sunset, the colors of the landscape become especially intense.

The Tatio Geysers offer another natural spectacle. In the early morning hours, columns of steam rise from the ground amid the low Altiplano temperatures.

The Altiplano Lagoons, located at an altitude of over 4,000 meters, stand out for their crystal-clear waters and the presence of various species of flamingos. Other recommended activities include: 

1. Cejar Lagoon

2. Death Valley

3. Piedras Rojas

4. Los Flamencos National Reserve

5. Puritama Hot Springs

6. Astronomy Tours

Stargazing is one of the experiences most highly valued by visitors and the reason thousands of photographers visit the area. Thanks to minimal light pollution, Atacama offers some of the best skies in the world for astronomy. 

What to Do in Uyuni for Several Days

If you decide to visit Bolivia, you’ll discover that the salt flat is just one part of the experience. The vast white expanse of the Salar de Uyuni allows you to capture unique photographs by playing with the perspectives of the horizon. During the rainy season, the reflection of the sky creates a visual sensation hard to find anywhere else.

In the middle of the salt flat lies Incahuasi Island, also known as “Fish Island,” a rock formation covered in giant cacti that offers breathtaking panoramic views.

Beyond the salt flats, the landscapes continue to amaze. Among the most visited sites are:

1. Laguna Colorada

2. Laguna Verde

3. Siloli Desert

4. Stone Tree

5. Sol de Mañana Geysers

6. Polques Hot Springs

7. Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve

The presence of flamingos, vicuñas, and other high-Andean species makes every tour an experience of direct contact with nature. It is essential to bring binoculars to be able to see into the distance. 

Comparison between Atacama and Uyuni

Differences between Atacama and Uyuni

When deciding whether to visit Atacama or Uyuni, it’s helpful to understand the characteristics of each destination.

Atacama: The experience in Atacama is typically more diverse. In just a few days, you can explore salt flats, lagoons, volcanoes, valleys, geysers, and astronomical observatories. The tourism infrastructure is also more extensive, making it easier to find lodging, restaurants, and tours year-round.

Uyuni: offers an experience more focused on the Altiplano landscapes and the majesty of the salt flat. Its scenery is more extreme and creates a sense of isolation that many travelers find fascinating.

While Atacama stands out for the variety of activities, Uyuni excels for the spectacular nature of its landscapes and the feeling of exploring a completely different territory.

Tours to the Salar de Uyuni from San Pedro de Atacama

For those who want to enjoy the best of both destinations, the most recommended option is to take a tour to the Salar de Uyuni from San Pedro de Atacama. Why? This tour allows you to cross the border between Chile and Bolivia while visiting Altiplano lagoons, deserts, geysers, and the impressive salt flat.

Many travelers opt for tour packages that combine Atacama and Uyuni, as this allows them to coordinate accommodation, transportation, and excursions into a single itinerary. This approach simplifies travel logistics and maximizes the time available to explore the main attractions of the Altiplano.

Check out our Tour from Atacama to the Salar de Uyuni here.

This program combines some of the most iconic landscapes of Chile and Bolivia in an experience designed to discover the essence of the Andean Altiplano.

For those looking to explore exclusively San Pedro de Atacama and the Altiplano, there is also the option to tour this area. Check out our Tour to San Pedro de Atacama here.

Other activities to complement your trip

In addition to traditional tours, there are experiences that can further enrich your adventure.

In Atacama, you can go on bike tours, take guided hikes through local communities, and enjoy stargazing experiences with professional telescopes.

You can also enjoy hot springs and photography tours through some of northern Chile’s most iconic landscapes.

In Uyuni, many tours include accommodations built from salt blocks, a unique experience that is part of the region’s appeal.

Photography enthusiasts will find unique opportunities to capture sunrises, sunsets, and star-filled night skies.

Atacama or Uyuni? The best choice is to visit both

The answer will depend on your interests and the time you have available for travel. If you’re looking for a wide variety of activities, tourist infrastructure, and some of the best skies on the planet, Atacama is an excellent choice.

If you prefer extreme landscapes, unique photo opportunities, and the experience of exploring the world’s largest salt flat, Uyuni will surprise you.

However, many travelers agree that the best option is to combine both destinations. A trip to San Pedro de Atacama and Uyuni allows you to discover two of South America’s most extraordinary landscapes in a single adventure.