Going to the Bolivian desert town of Uyuni and wondering how you can get there and how long the journey will last? This article will answer every question in your mind concerning moving to Uyuni from San Pedro de Atacama.
Uyuni is about 325 miles (520 km) north of San Pedro de Atacama. The only means to travel between the two destinations is by road. The region is remote, so traveling by road is the only way you can make it happen. If you will be traveling by private transfer – which is the most popular and most recommended, the journey will take about seven hours.
But if you decide to go by bus, you may be spending additional four hours on the road due to the couple of stops and breaks you will experience along the way. If you have been wondering how to get to Uyuni from San Pedro de Atacama, here are the two major ways to go.
Getting to Uyuni by Private Transfer
As earlier said, traveling to Uyuni from San Pedro de Atacama by private transfer is the best and fastest option. It will only take you about 7 hours. However, if you will be going with this option, it is important you talk with a local specialist forehand. Securing a spot with private transfer is not always easy, so you may need to have it booked well in advance.
It is going to be a long trip, so you might need to make a couple of stops on the way to stretch your legs and also get some food. That is normal and the driver will understand that. But if you are going to be making more stops along the route, make sure you mention this when booking your private transfer.
Going through Chile, you will take Route 21, and once you get into Bolivia, you will follow Route 701 to where you are going. Some recommended stops along this route are the Tatio Geysers and Laguna Verde which are both about one and a half hours into your drive. Another stop along the route is the Alto Loa National Reserve which is about three hours into your drive.
Getting to Uyuni by Bus
This is also a good option to consider when trying to get from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni. Compared to the private transfer option, traveling by bus will cost you more hours on the road. You will be spending about eleven hours to get to Uyuni, plus more waiting time at the border. Each passenger will have to pass through security, which will put a strain on the number of hours you spend altogether on the trip.
Cruz del Norte is the most popular bus company plying this route and will make just one stop in Calama, about an hour into your drive. However, you might need to speak with a local specialist to help you with your booking so that you get a seat on a vehicle with entertainment and air conditioning. Most buses on this route are somehow old and may not be as comfortable as you might expect.
It’s going to be a long trip, so consider bringing your own refreshments.
Answers to Some Frequently Asked Questions about the Trip
Is it cheaper to take a private transfer or bus to Uyuni from San Pedro de Atacama?
Well, traveling by bus remains the cheapest option to get to Uyuni from San Pedro de Atacama. It will likely cost you around $32 and about 11h 30m.
Can I get a direct bus between San Pedro de Atacama and Uyuni
Yes, you will always find a direct bus departing from San Pedro de Atacama and arriving at Uyuni. The buses operate every day and depart three times a day. The journey will take about 11h 30m.
Can I drive to Uyuni from San Pedro de Atacama?
Yes, you can drive your own car if you understand the rough terrain and know just where you are going. The distance between the two destinations is about 520 km and takes approximately 9h 30m to drive to Uyuni from San Pedro de Atacama.
Is it advisable to rent a car for the trip?
It may not be the best decision to rent a car for this trip. Apart from the fact that it can be pretty difficult to find a car to rent for the trip, the desert roads can also be very difficult to navigate. This is especially true once you get to Uyuni. Therefore, it is not recommended you rent a car for the trip.
