How to get from Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama
Adventure & Exploration · Bolivia · Chile · Scenic Journeys (Road & Rail) · San Pedro de Atacama · Uyuni
The classic way from Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama is a 3-day 4×4 tour across the salt flats and high-altitude lagoons that finishes at the Chile border (Hito Cajón) with a shuttle into San Pedro. If you’re in a hurry, you can take a same-day shared transfer via Hito Cajón, or go by overnight buses via Calama. Self-drive is possible for experienced off-roaders, and there’s also a flight-plus-bus combo via Calama. Pick your style below and use the step-by-steps to connect smoothly.
At A Glance (Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚙 3-Day 4×4 Tour (Uyuni → Hito Cajón → San Pedro) | ~3 days total | Iconic scenery + easy logistics |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$140–280 pp (group) incl. basic lodging/most meals » compare 3-day tours | more options | ||
| 🚐 Same-Day Shared/Private Transfer via Hito Cajón | ~8–10h door-to-door | Fastest overland, minimal stops |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$60–180 pp shared / ~US$250–450 vehicle » transfers | ||
| 🚌 Overnight Bus (Uyuni → Calama) + 2h Coach to San Pedro | ~12–16h total (connections) | Budget travelers who prefer highways |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$35–70 total (classes vary) » sample bus listings | ||
| 🚘 Self-Drive 4×4 (Experienced only) | ~8–12h (via Hito Cajón) or ~13–16h (via Ollagüe/Calama) | Adventurous, fully equipped drivers |
| 🏷️ Cost: 4×4 ~US$60–120/day + fuel/fees » compare rentals | ||
| ✈️ Flight to Calama (via La Paz/Santa Cruz) + 2h Bus | ~5.5–10h total (connection-dependent) | Avoiding long drives, tight timelines |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$120–260 flight + ~US$10–15 bus » search flights | alt. fares | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Most iconic & stress-free: 3-day 4×4 tour ending in San Pedro—scenery + lodging handled.
- Fastest door-to-door overland: Shared/private same-day transfer via Hito Cajón.
- Cheapest highway route: Overnight bus via Calama + short coach into San Pedro.
- Max freedom (experienced only): Self-drive 4×4 with proper gear and altitude prep.
- Keep it short in the desert: Flight to Calama then 2h bus/taxi to San Pedro.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Altitude & weather: Much of the route is 4,000–5,000 m—pack warm layers, sun protection, and water. Nights are cold year-round.
- Border: Cross at Hito Cajón (Bolivia→Chile) or Ollagüe (bus/highway). Carry passport, entry requirements, and small cash for fees when applicable. Official info: Bolivia migration migracion.gob.bo, Chile PDI pdichile.cl.
- Cash & connectivity: ATMs are limited on the altiplano. Download offline maps; signal is spotty.
- Storage & transfers: If staging in La Paz/Calama, consider luggage storage (Radical Storage) and prebook airport or long-haul transfers on GetTransfer.
- Stay the night: Before or after the crossing, browse Uyuni or San Pedro stays on Booking.com Uyuni and Booking.com San Pedro.
🚙 Option #1 — 3-Day 4×4 Tour (Most Popular & Scenic)
All-in logistics Photogenic Basic lodging
- Overview: Classic 3-day circuit: Salar de Uyuni → Incahuasi/Isla Pescado → high-Andean lagoons (Colorada, Verde) → geysers → overnight refugios → exit Bolivia at Hito Cajón → shuttle down to San Pedro.
- How to book (with price): ~US$140–280 pp group tour; private jeeps higher. Compare inclusions (meals, park fees, English-speaking guide) on GetYourGuide, Klook, or Trip.com experiences.
- Pros: Seamless border handoff; iconic sights; driver handles rough tracks. Cons: Simple rooms, shared baths; fixed schedule.
- Official: Park/entry info often shared on tour pages; border requirements on Bolivia Migration and Chile PDI.
Step-by-step: 3-Day 4×4 Tour
- Arrive in Uyuni the day before; overnight near the plaza or train station (compare on Booking.com).
- Book your tour and confirm endpoint as San Pedro de Atacama; check what’s included (sleeping bag, park fees, hot springs entry).
- Meet at the operator’s office in Uyuni morning of Day 1; stash any extra luggage with the operator or use storage services if needed (Radical Storage locations vary).
- Day 3: After sunrise at Laguna Verde or similar, drive to Hito Cajón, complete exit/entry formalities (passports/visas), and board the Chile shuttle to San Pedro (1–1.5h downhill).
Getting to the main embarking points (Uyuni centre & Hito Cajón)
- Uyuni meeting points: Tour offices around Avenida Ferroviaria/Plaza Arce; easy to reach on foot or short taxi from Uyuni bus/train stations.
- Border exit: Hito Cajón is a high-altitude pass; keep warm layers handy for the border wait.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #2 — Same-Day Shared/Private Transfer via Hito Cajón (Fastest Overland)
Quickest overland Simplified border Few scenic stops
- Overview: Point-to-point jeep/minibus from your Uyuni hotel to San Pedro with a direct crossing at Hito Cajón. Minimal sightseeing; designed to get you there same day.
- How to book (with price): Shared ~US$60–180 pp; private ~US$250–450 per vehicle. Compare options on GetYourGuide or check day-charters on GetTransfer.
- Pros: No overnights, border drop-off/meet arranged. Cons: You’ll miss the classic lagoon circuit.
- Official: Carry printed/phone copies of entry docs; check Chile PDI for current entry guidance.
Step-by-step: Same-Day Transfer
- Reserve your seat/time; confirm pickup at your Uyuni lodging (or central meeting point) and that drop is San Pedro de Atacama town.
- Be ready early with passport and small cash for any park/border fees; pack snacks and water.
- Drive to Hito Cajón, complete exit/entry procedures, then descend to San Pedro (approx. 1–1.5h).
- Arrive at your hotel or central drop; many services include town-center drop-off.
Getting to the main embarking points (Uyuni lodging & border)
- Pickup: Most operators collect from central Uyuni hotels/hostels; confirm WhatsApp contact for coordination.
- Border: High altitude and wind—keep layers handy and stay hydrated.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #3 — Overnight Bus via Calama (Cheapest Highway Route)
Budget Highway comfort Longer duration
- Overview: Long-distance buses run Uyuni → Calama (often via the Ollagüe crossing). From Calama, frequent 2h coaches go to San Pedro.
- How to book (with price): ~US$25–55 Uyuni→Calama + ~US$10–15 Calama→San Pedro. Browse sample listings on Trip.com, or buy locally at Uyuni agencies a day in advance.
- Pros: Paved route, recliner seats, luggage hold. Cons: Border queues; nighttime arrivals; two tickets.
- Official: Chile entry checks by PDI/Customs; see PDI for requirements.
Step-by-step: Bus via Calama
- Buy an overnight ticket Uyuni→Calama at a bus office/agency (bring passport). Ask if the route uses the Ollagüe crossing.
- Arrive 30–45 minutes before departure at the Uyuni bus terminal/agency bay; keep warm clothes for A/C.
- After border formalities, arrive at Calama terminal; purchase/board the next 2h coach to San Pedro de Atacama.
- Walk/taxi to your San Pedro lodging (book ahead—compare on Booking.com).
Getting to the main embarking points (Uyuni Bus Terminal & Calama)
- Uyuni Terminal: A few blocks from Plaza Arce; short taxi from most guesthouses.
- Calama: Buses to San Pedro run many times daily; keep small CLP cash or pay by card where available.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚘 Option #4 — Self-Drive 4×4 (Experienced Drivers Only)
Total freedom Remote terrain Altitude risks
- Overview: Two main routes: rough-track highlands via Hito Cajón (shorter, scenic, 4×4 essential) or paved-dominant via Ollagüe → Calama (longer but simpler). Carry recovery gear, extra water, and offline GPS.
- How to book (with price): 4×4 from ~US$60–120/day. Compare pickup/insurance/one-way policies on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire (Calama).
- Pros: Stop where you want; sunrise/sunset flexibility. Cons: Navigation, fuel planning, and border paperwork are on you.
- Official: Confirm international car insurance/permission with the rental company; check entry rules on PDI and Migración Bolivia.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- Pick up a high-clearance 4×4 in Uyuni; verify spare, jack, recovery strap, and that cross-border use is authorized.
- Top up fuel in Uyuni; carry cash for remote stations. Download offline maps.
- Choose route: Hito Cajón (short, rough) or Ollagüe → Calama (longer, more paved). Check weather and road status locally.
- Cross into Chile, complete formalities, then continue to San Pedro de Atacama; return the vehicle per agreement.
Getting to the main embarking points (Uyuni rentals & borders)
- Rentals: Central Uyuni agencies around Avenida Ferroviaria; confirm hours and deposit/insurance requirements.
- Borders: Hito Cajón (high-altitude pass) or Ollagüe (railroad town crossing) depending on route.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
✈️ Option #5 — Flight to Calama + 2h Bus (Least Overland Hassle)
Time-efficient Avoids rough tracks Connection-dependent
- Overview: Fly Uyuni (or La Paz/Santa Cruz) → Calama (CJC), then take a 2h coach/taxi to San Pedro.
- How to book (with price): Flights ~US$120–260 depending on route/date. Compare on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com. For CJC→San Pedro, search shuttles on GetYourGuide or request a fixed car via GetTransfer.
- Pros: Avoid bumpy tracks and high-altitude overnights. Cons: Potentially long layovers; luggage rules.
- Official: Standard Chile entry checks on arrival by road to San Pedro after the bus transfer.
Step-by-step: Flight + 2h Bus
- Search/choose flights into Calama (CJC) that match your dates on Booking.com or Trip.com.
- Land in Calama; pick up your bag and head to the airport bus/taxi rank or a prebooked shuttle (GYG transfers).
- Ride ~2h to San Pedro de Atacama; walk/taxi to your lodging (book ahead on Booking.com).
Getting to the main embarking points (Uyuni/La Paz airports & Calama)
- Airports: Uyuni (UYU) has limited schedules; many travelers route via La Paz/Santa Cruz. Verify baggage/connection times.
- Calama: Buses and shared shuttles run frequently to San Pedro; private cars can be arranged for late arrivals.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama)
Do I need a 4×4 to cross?
If you’re on a tour or transfer, vehicles are provided. Self-drive via Hito Cajón requires a high-clearance 4×4 and desert experience; via Ollagüe/Calama is more paved but longer.
Can I end my Uyuni tour in San Pedro?
Yes—many 3-day tours end at Hito Cajón with a shuttle to San Pedro. Confirm this at booking.
What about altitude sickness?
Ascend slowly if possible, hydrate, avoid alcohol, and carry basic meds (consult a doctor). Nights on the Bolivian side are very cold—pack proper layers.
Are borders open every day?
Hours and procedures can change—check with your tour/operator the day before and review Migración Bolivia and Chile PDI for the latest.
Where should I stay in San Pedro?
Book early in high season. Compare central adobe guesthouses and boutique lodges on Booking.com.
What currency should I carry?
Carry some BOB for park/roadside stops and CLP for Chile. ATMs exist in San Pedro and Calama; bring cash for the highlands.