Salar de Uyuni Bolivia Photography Trip 9 Day Landscape & Nightscape Photography Tour 9D/8N

Salar de Uyuni, amid the Andes in southwest Bolivia, is the world’s largest salt flat. It’s the legacy of a prehistoric lake that went dry, leaving behind a landscape of bright-white salt, rock formations, a myriad of deserts and cacti-studded islands.
We will visit the most wonderful places at in Bolivia la Paz,Tihuanaco or altiplano , Animas valley  Salar de Uyuni and the Altiplano Lakes.
We have organized a fascinating itinerary for the most suggestive locations of Salar and inside the “Eduardo Avaroa” National Park, colorful lakes, volcanoes, geysers, deserts, stones valleys and a lot of Andean wildlife for an unforgettable experience. We will visit the Salar de Uyuni in the season of reflections, where it becomes in the largest natural mirror in the world with 12 000 km2. We will have 2 nights at Salar de Uyuni or Salt Flat. We will take pictures at sunset, sunrise, and magic night tours over the Salar to capture the “birth” of the Milky Way on the horizon. Not only that, but we will arrive near to the Chilean border on our 4×4 off-road trucks with our staff who knows the most iconic and hidden places at perfect times to have the best light.
The idea behind this special tour is to have drivers aware of your needs, leaving early in the morning to catch the best light, and knowing that they will reach the accommodation for the overnight after the last sunrays left in the evening. The drivers will also be aware that during your tour they will be asked to stop wherever you want.
There is no doubt that you will take nice pictures while visiting the region, even if you share your vehicle with travelers which are not really interested in Photography. But depending on the importance you give to this activity, you might feel a little stressed when other passengers are already waiting in the vehicle, and you still want to try out some different angles or settings.
Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia is referred to as the ‘world’s largest mirror’ because the 130-kilometer area is so large and flat that, after a rain, it becomes highly reflective

Day by day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in La Paz – Free Day for Landscape Photography & Acclimatization

Altitude: 3,640 m / 11,942 ft
Photography Focus: Urban landscapes, high-altitude cityscapes, dramatic light, and unique textures
Welcome to La Paz, one of the highest cities in the world—where the streets feel like sky paths and the surrounding mountains wrap the city like a natural amphitheater. After arriving and checking in, today is yours to acclimatize and start exploring with your camera.
This free day is a golden opportunity to capture contrasting landscapes: sprawling urban life set against the rugged peaks of the Andes.
 Top spots for landscape shots:

• Mirador Killi Killi: A sweeping viewpoint perfect for wide-angle shots of the entire city nestled in its natural bowl.
  
• Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley): A surreal landscape of eroded rock spires and canyons—ideal during golden hour for textured, high-contrast compositions.
  
• Teleférico Rides (Cable Cars): Float above the city in a colorful gondola and frame dynamic aerial shots of La Paz, backlit by Illimani mountain.
  
• Mirador Laikakota: For sunset silhouettes and layered cityscape shots with warm light touching the rooftops.
  

 Golden Hour Tip: La Paz sits in a natural canyon, which creates dramatic shadows and highlights as the sun dips—perfect for moody, cinematic images.

Day 2: La Paz – Tiwanaku (Afternoon & Night Landscape Photography Tour)

Our Photo Focus: Golden hour light over ancient ruins, dramatic skies, and starry night over pre-Inca temples
Drive time: ~1.5 hours each way
We depart from La Paz in the early afternoon and journey across the windswept Altiplano toward Tiwanaku, one of South America's most mysterious and sacred archaeological sites. Along the way, capture wide-angle landscapes of high Andean plains, herds of llamas, and local life set against the backdrop of the Cordillera Real mountain range.
As we arrive at Tiwanaku, the afternoon light begins to shift—the ruins begin to glow under the warm tones of golden hour. This is the perfect time to photograph the Akapana Pyramid, Temple of Kalasasaya, and the famous Gateway of the Sun, with long shadows and rich textures enhancing every stone.
 Golden Hour Tips:

• Use side lighting to bring out the stone carvings’ depth and detail.
• Capture the wide, open skies and changing cloud formations for dynamic compositions.
• Frame the Gateway of the Sun with the setting sun behind it for a powerful silhouette shot.

 Night Photography at TiwanakuAs twilight fades, Tiwanaku takes on a mystical atmosphere. With minimal light pollution, this sacred site becomes a playground for night photography.
 Best Shots at Night:

• The Milky Way arching over the ancient temples
• Light painting the Gateway of the Sun
• Silhouetted monoliths under a star-streaked sky
• Atmospheric long exposures using foreground torchlight or lanterns

The combination of ancient history and cosmic beauty makes this a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience for landscape and nightscape photographers alike.

Day 3: Tiahuanaco Ruins – La Paz Nightscape Tour

Photo Focus: Ancient ruins, high-altitude altiplano landscapes, golden hour silhouettes, city lights of La Paz
The day begins with a visit to one of South America’s most mysterious and photogenic archaeological sites: Tiahuanaco (Tiwanaku). Framed by the vast, open skies of the Altiplano, these ancient stone structures offer powerful compositional opportunities—think minimalist wide shots, textured stone carvings, and stark contrast between the ruins and the endless Bolivian sky.
 Golden Hour at Tiahuanaco:

• Shoot the Gate of the Sun with low-angle light for dramatic shadows and stone detail.
  
• Use leading lines and symmetry in the temple walls to create depth and balance.
  
• Capture wide-angle shots of the ruins with the Andes mountains in the background for a majestic feel.
  

After sunset, we make our way back to La Paz, where the photographic magic continues—this time in the electric energy of the city at night.
 La Paz Night Photography TourPerched in a massive bowl surrounded by mountains, La Paz is a dream for cityscape photography. As night falls, the city lights twinkle across steep hillsides, cable cars drift above glowing neighborhoods, and traffic creates trails of light below.
 Top Night Photography Spots:

• Killi Killi Viewpoint: Capture a panoramic cityscape with Illimani Mountain in the distance.
  
• Teleférico (Cable Car): Long exposures from inside or below create surreal, floating urban shots.
  
• Downtown La Paz: Frame the contrast between colonial architecture and modern neon.
  

This is the perfect night to blend urban storytelling with high-altitude drama—from ancient stone to city light.

Day 4: La Paz – City Tour – Flight to Uyuni

Photography Focus: Urban landscapes, dramatic altitudes, cultural street scenes, aerial Andean views, surreal desert twilight
Start your day with a photographer’s tour of La Paz, one of the most visually striking cities in the world. Set in a dramatic canyon at over 3,600 meters (11,800 ft), La Paz delivers an urban landscape like no other--colorful houses cascading down steep cliffs, with towering peaks like Illimani watching over the city.
We’ll explore key vantage points like Killi Killi Viewpoint, offering sweeping panoramic shots of the entire city framed by mountains. Capture the vibrant markets, colonial architecture, and the buzzing streets alive with textures, faces, and color.
 Photo Tips:

• Shoot early for soft light and clearer views of Illimani
  
• Use the Mi Teleférico (cable cars) to photograph the city from above—perfect for aerial perspectives of this high-altitude metropolis
  

 Flight to Uyuni – Arrival at the Edge of the OtherworldIn the afternoon or evening, we take a short flight to Uyuni, the gateway to the surreal Salar. Even from the plane, you can get beautiful aerial views of the Altiplano, salt flats, and desert transitions—so grab a window seat and keep your camera handy.
Upon arrival in Uyuni, enjoy your first sunset in this otherworldly landscape. Whether it's a stretch of golden plains or the first glimpse of the salt flats under pastel skies, you'll know you're in one of Earth’s most iconic photography destinations.
 Golden Hour Tip:

• Capture wide, minimalist landscapes with endless skies
  
• Use leading lines like desert roads, train tracks, or silhouettes for storytelling compositions
  

Day 5: Uyuni – Villa Mar + Night Photography Tour

Landscape Photography Focus: surreal rock formations, desert textures, golden hour glow, and cosmic skies
We leave Uyuni behind and journey deep into the surreal high-desert landscapes of southern Bolivia, where otherworldly terrain and silence stretch for miles. The route to Villa Mar winds through wind-sculpted canyons, wide-open plains, and multicolored cliffs—a dream for lovers of wide-angle compositions and minimalism.
Expect dramatic textures, lone rock formations, and endless skies—perfect for storytelling shots that capture the raw emotion of the Altiplano.
 Golden Hour Tip: As we arrive in the Villa Mar area, the low light turns the desert into a canvas of soft pinks, oranges, and shadows. Use long lenses to isolate details or go wide to embrace the full scale of the scene.
 Night Photography in Villa MarAfter dinner, we set out on a night photography tour under one of the clearest skies on Earth. At this altitude and remoteness, the stars feel incredibly close--no light pollution, no distractions—just you and the cosmos.
Astro Highlights:

• The Milky Way arching over the desert
  
• Stark silhouettes of rock formations against a star-filled sky
  
• Time-lapse opportunities with glowing tent light or distant mountains
  

Whether you're shooting panoramas, stacking star trails, or just lying on your back in awe, this is a once-in-a-lifetime photographic night.

Day 6: Valle de las Rocas – Uyuni

Drive time: 4–5 hours (with photo stops)
Photography Focus: surreal rock formations, high desert textures, dramatic skies, and Uyuni's vastness
We start the day deep in the Bolivian highlands, surrounded by the surreal landscapes of the Valle de las Rocas (Valley of the Rocks). This alien-like terrain is a playground for photographers—massive volcanic boulders scattered across the desert, wind-carved into dreamlike shapes and arches.
The morning light brings out the deep textures, shadows, and warm tones of the rocks. Wide-angle lenses shine here, capturing scale and the raw power of nature.
 Don’t miss:

• Silhouettes of lone rocks against the rising sun
  
• Natural frames and arches
  
• Abstract close-ups of wind-eroded stone
  

As we continue our journey north, the landscapes flatten and open into the vast altiplano, where distant salt flats shimmer on the horizon. Dusty plains, scattered llama herds, and golden grasses give way to that sense of endless space that defines this region.
By late afternoon, we roll into Uyuni, the gateway to the world’s largest salt flat. Depending on timing and weather, we may scout early evening shots of train graveyards, wide desert skies, or get a sneak peek of Salar de Uyuni under soft twilight.
 Golden Hour Tip: Use the changing light to highlight layers of the landscape—shadows stretching across the flatlands, sunbursts over mountains, and dramatic clouds forming in the big Bolivian sky.

Day 7: Uyuni – Inca Huasi Island – Salt Hotel

Photography Focus: Otherworldly salt flats, cactus-studded islands, expansive panoramas, and salt hotel details
We begin our day with an early start to capture the vast expanse of Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, under the soft morning light. The white, crystalline desert stretches out endlessly, offering an almost surreal canvas for wide-angle landscape shots. The flat surface creates an incredible visual illusion, making distant objects appear to float above the horizon—a photographer’s dream!
Next, we head toward Inca Huasi Island, a rocky outcrop in the middle of the salt flats, covered with massive cacti that stand like sentinels in the otherwise flat landscape. The contrast of the island’s green vegetation against the white salt desert creates striking compositions. Capture sweeping shots of the island from various vantage points and explore the textures of the cacti as they reach for the sky, their silhouettes stark against the open landscape.
 Photo Tip for Inca Huasi:

• Get a bird’s eye view of the island’s cacti from higher ground for perspective shots.
  
• Use the salt flats as a mirror reflection in wide shots.
  
• Golden hour will offer soft, warm light on the island and the salt crusts, so plan to be there for sunset if you can.
  

In the afternoon, we continue our journey to the Salt Hotel, where you’ll find fascinating architectural details crafted entirely from salt blocks. This unique structure is an excellent opportunity for close-up shots of textures, from the salt walls to the furniture and sculptures, all created with materials sourced from the flats.
 Photography Focus for Salt Hotel:

• Capture the intricate salt textures in the walls, ceiling, and sculptures.
  
• Play with light and shadow inside the hotel to highlight the geometric patterns formed by the salt.
  
• The soft, diffused light of dusk adds a dreamy quality to the interior, making it a perfect time for detailed shots.
  

Golden Hour Tip:
As the sun sets over the salt flats, the vastness and the reflections become even more dramatic, especially if the flats have a thin layer of water. This is your opportunity for some high-contrast shots where the colors of the sky are reflected perfectly on the white salt surface.

Day 8: Salt Hotel – Tunupa Volcano – Uyuni (Night Tour)

Photography Focus: Unique salt desert landscapes, volcano views, sunset magic, and starlit skies
Morning – Salt Hotel & Tunupa VolcanoWe begin the day at the iconic Salt Hotel in Colchani, where you’ll have the opportunity to photograph the unique architecture made entirely of salt blocks. The surrounding Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, stretches endlessly into the horizon—creating surreal, otherworldly vistas perfect for wide-angle shots.
From here, we head to Tunupa Volcano. This towering peak offers one of the most panoramic views of the salt flats. As you ascend, the landscape transforms, with the stark white expanse of salt beneath you contrasting against the rich browns and greens of the volcanic terrain. Capture the dramatic light as it plays over the salt polygons and the expansive desert floor.
 Golden Hour Tip: As the sun climbs higher, the salt flats come alive with striking reflections, particularly if there’s a slight layer of water. The contrasting textures between the sharp salt formations and the sweeping, smooth plains offer fantastic composition opportunities. Tunupa Volcano creates a perfect backdrop for wide shots or even close-up details of the salty earth.
Afternoon – Sunset at the Salt FlatsLate afternoon brings the best conditions for capturing the desert’s magical glow as the sun dips low on the horizon. Salt polygons, vast, smooth plains, and the distant Tunupa Volcano glow in rich hues of gold, orange, and pink. As the sun sets, the landscape transforms, and the salt flats begin to shimmer with long shadows and fading light.
 Golden Hour Tip: The play of light and shadow across the salt textures gives depth and drama to your images, while the sun’s reflection on the wet salt creates an ethereal, mirror-like effect that stretches for miles.
Night Photography – Uyuni Salt Flats & StarsAs night falls, the Salar de Uyuni becomes one of the most awe-inspiring places to shoot the night sky. With no light pollution, you’ll have a clear, uninterrupted view of the Milky Way and the brilliant stars above. Set your tripod and long exposure to capture the star trails or the vivid stretch of the Milky Way, with the salt flats reflecting the night sky.
 Night Shot Tips:

• Silhouettes against the sky: Position your camera to include the shadowed landscape of the salt flats, with the Milky Way arching overhead.
  
• Reflective shots: If there's any moisture on the salt flats, you can capture the Milky Way or stars reflected in the wet salt, adding symmetry and depth to your composition.
  
• Use a wide-angle lens: To capture the vastness of the salt desert and the grandeur of the sky, a wide-angle lens will give you the best perspective.
  

Day 9: Uyuni – La Paz

Photography Focus: Vast salt plains, dramatic skies, high-altitude landscapes
On Day 9, we leave the surreal expanse of Uyuni behind, heading to La Paz, Bolivia’s vibrant high-altitude capital. As the journey unfolds, you'll have ample opportunities to capture two distinctly beautiful landscapes.
Morning in Uyuni – The Salt FlatsBefore we head to the airport, take one last chance to shoot the Uyuni Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni)—one of the most iconic landscapes in the world. The sheer vastness of the salt crust under the wide, endless sky creates an otherworldly scene. If you’re lucky enough to be here during the wet season, you’ll witness the stunning mirror effect—where the salt flats transform into a perfect reflection of the sky, mountains, and clouds.
 Photography Tips:

• Wide-angle shots to capture the infinite horizon
  
• Close-ups of the cracked salt patterns
  
• Stunning reflection shots if conditions permit
  
• Silhouettes of travelers or 4x4 vehicles against the backdrop of endless white
  

On the Road to La Paz – High-Altitude Deserts and ValleysAs you leave the salt flats behind, the landscape transitions to desert terrain with colorful hills and distant snow-capped mountains. The rich browns, reds, and purples of the high desert, dotted with small traditional villages, make for dramatic landscape photography.
As the road climbs into the altiplano, the vast high-altitude plateaus and striking desert landscapes are perfect for long-range shots. You'll have time to capture the changing light on these rugged, often sparse terrains.
 Photography Tips:

• Capture the texture and color of the desert sands with late morning or early afternoon light
  
• Play with shadow and light as the sun moves across the altiplano
  
• Wide shots of the valleys and mountains, emphasizing the scale and beauty of the highlands
  

Arrival in La Paz – City Views & Dramatic BackdropsArriving in La Paz, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views of the city nestled in a deep valley, surrounded by jagged mountains. As the sun begins to set, the city lights contrast beautifully with the mountainous backdrop, offering perfect opportunities for cityscape and landscape shots.
 Photography Tips:

• Golden hour shots of La Paz with the Illimani peak in the distance
  
• Wide shots of the city nestled in the valley, capturing the dramatic topography
  
• Night photography: La Paz at dusk, with city lights sparkling against the mountain backdrop
  

Information

Experience | Difficulty

• Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
• DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras
• Moderate schedule
• Travel by car or minibus
• Moderate elevation changes and lots of walking and hiking (none of our adventures have difficult hikes)
• (non-photographers also welcome)

Includes

• 9 Days
• Travel, landscape, nature, wildlife and people photography
• Professional photographer | guide
• Photo walks & discussions
• Small group size (1-8 guests)
• 3 or 4-star hotels
• Breakfasts
• All Meals
• National Park Permits
• Local transportation

Accommodations, Hotels- Lodges.

Price per person:2025

1 person:     US$6950.00 per person
2 people:     US$4750.00 per person
3 people:     US$4350.00 per person
4 people:     US$3950.00 per person
5 people:     US$3750.00 per person
6 people:     US$3550.00 per person
7 people:     US$3350.00 per person
8 people:     US$3250.00 per person
9 people:      US$2950.00 per person
10 people:   US$2750.00 per person  .