Uyuni Travel Forum

Hi, everybody!

I want to go to the salt deserts of Chile and/or Bolivia in December - and this is already my question:

Should I visit both San Pedro de Atacamar AND Salar the Uyuni or do you think that they are pretty similiar and I can reduce to just one of them? Any advice would be helpful for me to decide if I go from Salta straight to Bolivia / Uyuni or if I take the bus from Salta to San Pedro de Atacamar instead - which should be a rather uncomfortable ride, I heard.

Thank you in advance,

Alajuela

Even if it was (and I think it's not) twice the same views, it's worth going to both places, as they are both unbelievable !!
San Pedro is a nice small village, from which you can visit some great spots (Salar de Atacama, that is not as flat as the Salar de Uyuni, Vallee de la Luna, Vallee de la Muerte).Either you choose to visit these spots by a tour or you prefer renting a bike and go wherever you want on your own : that's the main attraction of San Pedro : freedom !, You may also watch the stars (they say that San Pedro is one of the best spots to watch the night sky) : there is a french guy proposing a night "course" with a telescope, for 8 USD (hot soup included !!).

From San Pedro, you can take the 3 days tour to Uyuni : you will see geysers, splendid stones eroded by the wind in the desert, unbelievable red and green lakes, flamengos, coulourful mountains, and the Salar de Uyuni. Ask for sleeping in the Salt Hostal of Atulchi. The trip is different, as you will mainly stay in the jeep and stop from time to time. No freedom there, but unique views and wonderful relief.

Enjoy your trip !

Thank you for the quick and very helpful answer.
I am very curious about the lagunas you told me about.

Another question (I have to use the chance to ask a Bolivia-specialist):
Do you think I can go from Salta to San Pedro easily (by bus?)
I read that its a very uncomfortable, long ride - but the landscape should be very beautiful, though.

I've not made the ride, but I know that it exists...
I'm not such a specialist, you see !!!!
Cheers