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Guitarist Jason Hook is storming out of the gates with his new band FLAT BLACK .

The former Five Finger Death Punch guitarist has recruited a trio of young and talented turks and the band has signed with Fearless Records for its debut album, the details of which are TBA. The album, produced by Hook, was recorded at the Hideout Studios as well as his home studio, both in Las Vegas.

Despite having reached a commercial summit with his prior band, thanks to multiple platinum certifications, sold-out arena shows, and a string of No. 1 singles, Hook remains as hungry for musical blood and thunder as the day he first picked up a guitar at the age of 6. He is eager to not only replicate but to surpass his past successes with his new band.

Having left his prior band in February 2020, which was right before COVID-19 put the entire world on pause, Hook wanted to assume creative control and let his musical free spirit soar in a project that was truly his . He opted to gamble on himself. With great risk comes great reward and the decision to form FLAT BLACK clearly worked out in his favor.

“As a musician, I crave freedom and I wasn’t ready to stop creating,” Hook shares.  “Life is short”, he continues, “we all want to feel satisfied and happy with what we are trying to accomplish in life.”

 The pandemic shutdown allowed him the opportunity to assemble the right musicians and carefully craft their debut album. FLAT BLACK are armed with an arsenal of riffs that’ll rattle your teeth loose from your gums, stadium-sized hooks, arena-ready anthems, and choruses that are guaranteed to touch a nerve.  All of those factors combined make FLAT BLACK poised for success.

The origin stories of the rest of the players are indicative of a lifelong love of music and plenty of road-worn experience. The desire to play courses through their veins and propels them forward, which is why they all meshed so well with Hook.

Singer Wes Horton was introduced to music at age 13, thanks to his sister and Guitar Hero . He honed his vocal chops by playing in local bands and making online videos.  Various music industry friends and acquaintances would become the connective tissue between himself and Hook. Horton knew he wanted to be a frontman, and FLAT BLACK afforded him that opportunity. Wes loves the fact that his bandmates prioritize songcraft — and that allows him to be the singer he has always wanted to be.

Bassist Nick Diltz, who was born and raised in Los Angeles, is the son of a legendary rock music photographer who brought him to concerts during his formative years. He recalls being inspired by watching a VHS video of U2 performing at legendary venue Red Rocks. Seeing fans clamoring for a piece of Bono in the footage is a vision that never left his head. This first exposure to the power of a true rock icon solidified Nick’s destiny as a live performer.

Drummer Rob Pierce hails from Nashville, aka Music City. His dad was a race car driver and his grandfather was a pastor. He grew up racing go karts and at first, wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps until he joined the fourth grade band and was bitten by the music bug. He chose the snare drum over the saxophone and from that moment on, music was the only thing that mattered. Rob got his first drum kit at age 11, which he set up in his dad’s car shop. He learned to play his instrument next to 1,000 horsepower engines, which influences his highly energetic style to this day.

The chemistry between the players in FLAT BLACK is palpable. And while FLAT BLACK’s songs are built to take up real estate in the brains of fans for weeks at a time, the true nature of the band’s material is meant to be experienced live. FLAT BLACK are now ready to hit the road and bring these brutal bangers to the masses live and in the flesh.

“IT’S YOUR LACK OF RESPECT” is one of the first songs that Hook penned and it has a raging, gnarly fire in its belly. With its percussive thrust and shreddy guitars, the song will ignite mosh pits from the first note. Hook states, “The track is blatantly defiant, and includes a live ending, that was recorded live off the floor’ in the studio. As a lead off track, it makes a statement. The song is defiant, which is what rock ‘n’ roll is supposed to be.”  Hook adds,”it’s a ‘fuck you’ track with a big chorus.”

The track “JUSTICE” is another metallic anthem, with fast and furious riffs. “The lyric is directed toward anyone that has screwed you over. It’s a ripper that will be a blast to play live,” Hook enthuses.

Elsewhere, “A BIT OF LIGHTNING” was penned right after he parted ways with his previous band. The state of the world at the time, combined with making a major professional shift, took its toll. But it also birthed what could be one of the band’s signature songs. Hook admits, “I was feeling pretty low, and the pandemic wasn’t helping. The lyric is basically me asking for something to turn around sooner than later.”

And with that, FLAT BLACK have arrived and are ready to turn heads.

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A tour through the Bolivian Salt Flats – One of the most beautiful places on this planet

The Bolivia Salt Flats or Salar de Uyuni is one of the most incredible places I have ever visited in my life. Spending three days in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by this world’s stunning nature, made my travel soul super full. Like most people, I started my Bolivian Salt Flats tour from Uyuni. Bolivia is known for being a little rougher to travel through compared to its neighbors like Peru or Argentina. The tourist industry is still developing there therefore knowing what to expect will make your travels a ton easier.

Although I read a ton of guides before my trip, there are a couple of things that I wish I took more seriously or have known before my journey into the Southern part of this incredible country.

Throughout my guide, I will share everything you need to know to plan your trip to the Bolivia salt flats. I will also share a general route that you are likely to take. If you don’t want spoilers for your trip stops, I suggest you only read the first part of the article. Note that if you take the 3-day tour (which I insist that you do), the name Salt Flats Tour is a huge understatement of what you will see. Yes, you will visit the salt flats but you will see SO MUCH MORE on days 2 and 3 that your brain won’t be able to comprehend the beauty that’s there.

This is your one-stop for everything you need to know about taking a Bolivia salt flat tour from Uyuni.

Let’s get to the logistics of the Bolivian Salt Flats tour

As stated above, there are a lot of logistics involved in taking this tour. For most long-term backpackers, a Salar de Uyuni tour is a must-do in South America, and trust me, although the nomad lifestyle tends to lean toward spontaneity, some of these people are more prepared than you think. If your Bolivia itinerary is only a couple of weeks, planning this part of the trip should be a priority for you. When I visited, my income wasn’t the greatest, so I focused on budget first. Overall I spent very little money and got a fantastic experience, but in hindsight, I would do a couple of things differently and splurge on certain things.

Uyuni was a part of my 2 week Bolivia itinerary and this is the route I took for your reference:

• Flew into La Paz to take a bus into  Copacabana  (base for Lake Titicaca) and stayed there a night to acclimate.
• Then took a boat to  Isla del Sol  on Lake Titicaca with an overnight stay.
• Returned to Copacabana to take a bus back to La Paz for 4 days.
• The next stop was this Salar de Uyuni tour.
• After the tour, I took an overnight bus to  Sucre  and stayed there for 4 days.
• My last stop was Santa Cruz to which I took a flight from Sucre. I stayed there for another 3 days.

Quick Salar de Uyuni facts

Salar de Uyuni is a huge salt flat that a really long time ago used to be a lake. After the water evaporated, it left behind this amazing formation that is 100 times bigger than the Bonneville Salt Flats in the US. It is certainly a highlight of a trip to Bolivia and should not be skipped.

Don’t let the flatness fool you. The Bolivia Salt flats are located in the altiplano at an altitude of 3,656 meters  ( 11,995 ft ) so unless you’re acclimated from La Paz or any other high city, I would not take this trip before spending a few days getting used to the air. A three-day tour can take you up even higher, all the way to 4,500 meters (15,000 ft) . Altitude sickness is a real and serious thing and if you’d like to know what the experience is like and how you can prevent it, I recommend reading my Cusco post . If you have no other choice, back some altitude sickness pills like acetazolamide.

There is a wet season lasting between-ish December and April and that’s the best time to see water on the flats known as the largest mirror in the world. During the rainy season, you will likely not be able to visit the cactus island. The dry season lasting from late April to November will likely guarantee better weather but limited water reflections. If you have a good driver, he will find you a good reflection even during a dry season. I visited in June and got to see some water but certainly not as vast as you seen in some photos.

Salar de Uyuni at night is an incredible place in this world to see stars due to the fact that there are no surrounding lights to block the view. Although on most tours you will be able to see the night sky, there are separate tours that do a night photography session too.

Best time to visit Bolivia Salt Flats

While you can certainly visit the Salt Flats multiple times per year, let me break down what each season will look like. If you visit during the wet season (December to February), you will be able to see the mirror effect of the place with the water. Visiting from March to May will give you the dry as well as the wet views along with fewer crowds. Remember that the seasons in Bolivia are opposite of the northern hemisphere so visiting between June to August, which is the winter months, will be the driest but also the coldest. You will see stars and endless white desert views. September to November will be similar to the previous season but you can expect more rain.

So, what is the best time to visit the Bolivia Salt Flats? Well, it depends on what perspective of the Salar you’re looking for. I personally visited in June and loved that time.

Why do I need a Bolivian Salt Flats tour?

How to get to the Bolivia Salt Flats? Well, you need a tour. If you really really wanted to, you technically can venture out into the Bolivia Salt Flats on your own, in a 4×4 jeep. However, with the logistical nightmares, no signal/wifi, remote hostels, no official roads or routes, and fairly affordable tour prices, I would not even want to attempt it. God forbid something happens to your car, you’re now in the middle of nowhere and no one to call. And cars in Bolivia are not as reliable as what you might be used to.

The arranged tours have 1 or 3-day day options. I strongly advise you against the 1-day tour because it won’t cover the second part of the trip which includes even more beautiful landscapes than the flats. From what I know, 2-day tours are not available due to the logistics of transport but correct me if I am wrong. Starting the tour from Uyuni, you’ll follow a general route with similar times and stops with other companies. Trust me when I tell you that majority of the tours are identical. On the first day, you’ll see the Salt Flats along with a couple of other stops and on days 2 and 3, you will see SO much more of the Bolivian landscape.

Don’t expect cell service or wi-fi, you MIGHT catch some at the overnight stay or one stop along the road. The night accommodations will not be the best and it will get cold at night. Oh, and a shower on the second day is not likely.

Where to start the Bolivian Salt Flats tour from?

Do not complicate your life and just start the tour from the spot you’re closest to. Again, Bolivia is not necessarily transport-friendly so take the path of least resistance 🙂 I initially planned to leave from Tupiza but when I was in La Paz and realized how long it would take to get me there, I followed the crowds through Uyuni. You have three options that the majority of the tour operators start from. I’ll start from the least popular:

San Pedro de Atacama

If you’re arriving from Chile, this is your way into Bolivia. Tour groups have this route figured out, you can start there, end there, or even take a round trip. Depends on your planned route and budget. You will see the places in reverse, starting at the southern end of Bolivia near Laguna Colorada, making your way up to Uyuni. Make sure to know your immigration requirements and obtain the correct entry/exit passport stamps to avoid any future hiccups.

This is a 4-day tour as you’re farther away from the actual “starting” point. These tours tend to be a little more pricey because of the extra day as well as fewer tour operator options in town. This is a popular option for Argentine travelers as Tupiza is closest to that border.

As this is the most popular option, the pros of this are that 1) you can arrange your tour in La Paz or even the day off in the town of Uyuni, 2) you can bargain as the tour operators are competing for customers, 3) the transfers after to Sucre or even Chile are common so they can be easily arranged. The cons however are that you will follow the most generic route with groups of people doing the same exact thing. Let me tell you this though, even with the most “touristy” option for this tour, you won’t be disappointed.

It will take about 9 hours on an overnight bus to get to the town of Uyuni from La Paz on a “lie-flat” bus for anywhere between $15-25 (which is actually expensive for Bolivia) . If 9 hours on the bus doesn’t sound like something you’d enjoy, there is a 1-hour flight between the two cities but prices can be as pricey as $100 which is almost as much as the whole 3-day tour. If you’d like even more options, here is a super informative post about the transport between the two cities. After the tour, you can return to La Paz or continue your journey to another Bolivian city like Sucre or even San Pedro de Atacama in Chile.

Packing List for the Bolivian Salt Flats tour

On the majority of the tours, your luggage will live on the roof. It will be unloaded for the overnight stops so you will be able to access your things at night. However, grab a smaller backpack with things you might want during the car ride. As far as clothes, you will need warm things. The days will be mild in temperature but the night will be cold.

Absolute must-pack items: comfy shoes, trekking clothes, warm socks, warms things to sleep in, light jacket, bathing suit, for the hot springs, flip flops, towel, water, snacks, sunscreen, wet wipes, toilet paper, a camera, extra batteries in case you don’t have electricity, and most importantly sunglasses. You can hurt your eyes if you don’t wear them as the reflection is absolutely brutal. Food will be provided by your tour. Since the nights will get super cold, you should ask whether there is an option for renting a sleeping bag.

How do I find a good Uyuni tour provider?

Repeat after me : all tours take (almost) the same route. If anyone tells you otherwise, they’re lying. For an average base price is $120 (+/- $20) you’ll get the following: a Spanish speaking driver that will be your tour guide/cook, a car up to 6 people, basic accommodations in a private room on day 1 and a shared shitty and cold hostel in the middle of nowhere on day 2. What will drive the price higher (near the $200 range) is an English-speaking driver, fewer people on your tour, better accommodations, and further transfers after the trip.

There are many known tours in town like Red Planet, Quecha, Andes or luxury tours like Ruta Verde but I can’t speak for them since I didn’t take them. You can prebook a tour online but it will cost you a little more than in person. Instead, if you have some extra time in La Paz, go to different offices and negotiate on the price. If you want, you can even book a tour the morning off when you arrive in Uyuni.

My personal experience

I arranged my tour pretty last minute in La Paz based on a hostel recommendation. My tour ended up putting me with a 1-day group for the first part of the day and then transferring to a 3-day group that was coming from Tupiza at the end of the first day. My second driver spoke no English and with my basic Spanish I ended up as the group translator for the entire trip. You don’t really need the guide to speak English as the majority of the trip is looking at landscapes. My first driver didn’t care too much but the second one was phenomenal. Even though we were on the same route as everyone, he made sure to take us to places either before or after the crowds so we always had the spots to ourselves.

Don’t forget: Always tip your drivers (assuming the correct service was provided). Whatever you negotiate with the company has nothing to do with the person who will drive you around and your tip goes directly to his pocket. If you had an amazing experience, at the end of the day an extra couple of dollars that you’ll spend on beers anyway will be more useful for the driver and their family.

How to continue your travels after the tour?

If your start your tour in Uyuni, you’ll also end your tour there too, unless you request a transfer to Chile. From there, you can return to La Paz or continue your journey to Potosi or Sucre. All those transfers can be arranged through your tour company or you can just buy a bus ticket at the bus stations. My personal journey continued to Sucre on an overnight bus. Buses leaving from Uyuni “station” are a bit of a hectic mess. The buses leave between 9-10 pm and arrive in Sucre around 5-6 am. They go through Potosi, cost you around $10, and are not very comfy. Often though, this will be the option that makes the most sense after the tour.

I traveled with Trans 6 de Octubre , and I’d be lying if I said the journey was easy. The driver locked the bathroom door and the “lie-flat” seats slightly reclined back. I’ve never been happier than the moment we stopped in the dark, in the middle of nowhere for a pee break. Yes, I peed on a side of a dirt road with 10 other Bolivian ladies within 10 feet of me. Let me just tell you, now I know why their skirts are so wide 🙂

The second annoying thing is that if that’s your only option, you’ll be arriving in Sucre at 5 am. It is not ideal either unless you pay for an extra night at your accommodation and have a bed waiting for you. I wanted to save money and not pay for the extra night and let me tell you what a mistake that was. I tried to take a nap on the hostel couch and since my bed wasn’t ready until 2 pm, I struggled really hard to do anything. If I just booked it, I would’ve slept till 2 and still had the day to myself.

Miscellaneous things worth knowing before embarking on a Bolivia Salt Flats tour

• Extra fees to expect: The entrance fee to the National Park is not included in your tour is roughly $22 USD. There is also another smaller fee (~$4 USD) for the fish island and this is something you’ll definitely want to do. Don’t forget your tip money for your driver as well.
• Make sure to have some sort of camera with extra juice available. You may or may not get a chance to change things. My driver let us use his car outlet but don’t expect that from everyone.
• The food will be cooked by your driver or provided at the overnight stays. It is delicious and you will love it. However, there will be no snacks or anything to munch on in between.
• You will be spending a ton of time in the car with your tour group. Even if you have a pain-in-the-ass tourist in yours (like my group did), just accept it because it’s not worth ruining your experience. Establish a rotating system for the front seat and be respectful. People in these groups tend to be from different countries and have different customs. Understand that.
• Unless you’re paying $700 for a personal provider and staying in upscale accommodations, this will be a rough and tiring experience. That should not stop you from taking a tour. Simply knowing that at the end of the day this is a driving tour through one of the poorest countries in South America should give you some perspective.

Ok, that was all the logistics that you need to know about taking the Bolivian salt flats tour. The next part of my guide will focus on the stops you’ll make along the route. If you’re undecided about taking the tour, I hope the next part convinces you that this is simply a must-do in your life. However, if you’ve already decided and don’t want that part spoiled for you, don’t scroll down. You’ve been warned.

Bolivian Salt Flats Tour

The itinerary below follows the route that most tour guides in Uyuni follow. There might be minor variations in the order of the stops as the route depends on the driver’s preferences. You might make a couple of bonus stops depending on the driver but don’t expect it. If you start in Chile, you’ll do this backward, if you start in Tupiza, your first day will include stops between Tupiza and Uyuni and then you will follow the route below.

Tours leaving from Uyuni start around 10 am allowing people to arrive in town. Buses start arriving around 6 or 7 am and flights from La Paz land around 8 am. Those who want to negotiate on the spot can spend an extra day in town but honestly, there is nothing to do there aside from touristy restaurants. It is totally possible to arrive in Uyuni at 7 am, find a tour, and leave at 10 am.

Train Cemetery

Your first stop is the train cemetery or Cemeterio de Trenes, a creepy and random place. The old rusty European trains located in the middle of a Bolivian dessert with backdrops of mountains make this a rather apocalyptic site. Here is a quick backstory on them if you’re interested. When on tour, you’ll notice that all the jeeps will stop here and let you explore the grounds for about 30 or so minutes. It’s a cool place to take pictures and climb the old train. Since this is one of the first stops, be careful to not fall off or twist your ankle or your entire Salar trip will end before it even starts 🙂 I was lucky because my driver took us there twice, at the end of the last day he wanted us to experience this place without any crowds.

A small little salt processing village, Colchani is your entrance point to the Salar. Most companies make their stop here before taking you into the Bolivia Salt Flats. It’s basically a local bazaar where you’re encouraged to either buy things you forgot to pack or silly souvenirs from your trip. People who take a one-day tour like this place because they can do their shopping. For someone going on a 3-day trip, this might not be the perfect time to buy useless things.

As I previously mentioned, I had two drivers and the first one wasn’t the greatest. He ended up leaving us there for an extended period of time to the point where my group had to call the Uyuni office to get him back. With that experience, always remember to note the phone number to the office and always take a picture of the car and license plate before you start the tour.

This is your resting place and lunch spot. Again, most tours stop here collectively and everyone eats together in a salt dome. Food is pretty good and you get some bonding times with the other travelers too. Afterward, you can check out the hotel too if that’s something that interests you. I don’t think you can stay there anymore but there are a couple of salt hotels in the area.

The coolest part about this stop is the flags outside. It’s nice for people from all over the world to walk around and look for their country flags in the middle of the Bolivian desert. Something as small as that brings a sense of unity and is just simply cute.

Uyuni Salt Flats

It’s no surprise that this stop is the centerpiece of this entire tour. There is nothing more breathtaking on this trip than seeing the Bolivia Salt Flats for the first time. The endless salt tiles take a second to process. The contrast between the baby blue sky and bright white salt is honestly mindblowing. I took a minute to just silently walk around to absorb it all.

A good tour driver will find a remote spot where you will be able to take photos without any people in the background. Most do but don’t be afraid to speak out if you have 5 jeeps surrounding you. This is the part where everyone takes silly pictures and just runs around the salt flats. It’s fun and if you have a good group, you’ll also coordinate some cool shots.

Isla del Pescado or Isla Incahuasi

This place is just trippy. Imagine an empty land of salt. You’re driving and see something in the distance that looks like a fish from far away. Then you pull up to discover a small hill filled with cacti. How random! That’s Isla del Pescado and you will be amazed at the views you can catch from there. Entry is not included in your tour but for around $5 you should certainly not skip this stop. I don’t remember exactly but the amount of time you get there is sufficient to comfortably explore it. There are snacks and water on this stop too.

Salar sunset and drive to accommodation

If you took a one-day tour, this is where it would end. But trust me this is the last thing you want to do as days 2 and 3 offer a ton more attractions. After Isla del Pescado, our driver took us to a place to see some water on the salt flats since we were traveling during the dry season. We then drove to the first accommodation which was quite pleasant. We had dinner and drinks with our fellow travelers, bonded, and went outside to watch the stars.

After breakfast, you will start your drive into the southern part of the country with the Chilean border right on your side. Some notable stops here will include Gruta de las Galaxias and the sister salt flat called Salar de Chiguana . The next chunk is a lot of driving but you enjoy the distant Volcan Ollague and many other natural spots along the way.

Then you will stop at the salt lakes which honestly is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. They include Cañapa Lake , Laguna Hedionda , Laguna Hond and Laguna Ramaditas . Lunch will be outside, cooked by your driver with the lake and mountains in the background. This is honestly one of the best lunch spots I have ever eaten in. On this part of the journey, you’ll see those pink flamingos everyone also talks about too.

The night will be spent in one of the most remote places on this trip. It will be in the middle of nowhere, there will be no shower, it will be freezing inside the room and you will also share it with 6 other people. Did I sell you on this yet? Well, it’s like a fraternity initiation part of the trip. Everyone experiences the same thing, you get to talk about this part for the rest of your life, and don’t worry, your driver will wake you before sunrise to continue the journey 🙂

Our amazing driver really wanted us to see the Sol de Manana geyser at sunrise which meant waking up super early. I don’t think that’s the traditional route as not a single soul was in sight for this. It was incredible and I am forever grateful that he made our experience a little different than the planned path. The next stop included the Dali Desert, which I was super excited to see since Dali is one of my favorite artists. We then proceeded to explore Laguna Colorada , Laguna Verde & Laguna Blanca . Our last stop of the morning, again, against the current of tourists was the Termas de Polques or the hot springs. We had the whole place to ourselves which was amazing!!

As our trip was coming to an end, we ate lunch in a little village. All I remember is there is a ton of alpacas/llamas in the most beautiful valley ever. Walking around was just amazing. At this point, I was so blown away by all the landscapes seen during the trip that seeing a colorful field with cute alpacas seem normal. Continuing the journey or driver made one last stop at a canyon along the route home.

For the last part of the trip, we just drove back to Uyuni. I was exhausted at this point but still tried to take in the last glimpses of the Bolivian landscapes. After returning to Uyuni, we all parted with warm hugs and happy memories of this journey. We returned around 5 or 6 pm, headed to the bus station to get bus tickets to Sucre, and had some standard gringo meal in town. What I didn’t know is how awful and exhausting the bus ride would be ahead. This is something I talk about at the beginning of the post and I hope when you travel you know what to expect.

Final Thoughts

Our amazing driver Johnny made us feel like family for 3 days and went above and beyond to give us a little extra outside the typical itinerary. I was extremely lucky because my vetting of these tour companies was not the greatest. When he dropped us off in Uyuni, I was sad to have ended the journey but I knew that one more day on the road would have made this experience less magical. The trip is certainly not for the picky traveler. The combination of high altitudes, lack of basics, dust, extreme sun, and little sleep make this a pretty rough experience. However, I wouldn’t trade it for anything and do it again in a heartbeat. The Bolivian Salt Flats tour is truly one of the most perfect things you can do on this planet.

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Kasia is a travel blogger that loves to share her detailed itineraries and travel tips with her community. She's traveled to numerous countries and makes it a priority to explore her home state of New Jersey while still being passionate about her 9-5 career.

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Bolivian Salt Flats 2024

The most complete guide ever written with tips and advice to ensure you have the best possible experience at the bolivian salt flats..

Our guide to Bolivian Salt Flats in 2024 is extensive and based on almost 10 years of experience as well as hundreds of surveys from ex-travelers. Click any section below to read more information or scroll down to read the full complete guide of the Bolivian Salt Flats.

Bolivian Salt Flats of Uyuni – Quick Facts

Uyuni is around 8 hours South of La Paz

Access via overnight bus or small plane – options below

Salt Flat tours – 1 day and 3 day options – tips below

Known as the “world’s largest mirror”

Complete Guide to Uyuni Salt Flats Bolivia

(click any link to go direct to that section or scroll down to read the whole guide)

How To Get To Uyuni Salt Flats

Salt Flats Tour and Tips

The Perfect Salt Flats Plan – Itinerary Information

How To Take Amazing Photos At The Salt Flats Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni - FAQs - Your Questions Answered!

Bolivia Salt Flats Guide - Summary

Salar de Uyuni is accessible from Bolivia (for those going south) from La Paz, and from Chile (for those going north) via San Pedro de Atacama Desert.

From La Paz, it is usually 8 hours on a bed (cama) bus overnight, allowing you to arrive early morning, which is the best time to arrive to Uyuni.

From San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, buses take around 11 hours, factoring in the border crossing from Chile to Bolivia and involve a combination of buses. Tours are usually more recommended for when going from San Pedro to Uyuni or vice/versa.

Buses from La Paz to Uyuni

Bolivia Hop has been officially voted Bolivia’s best bus company in from 2016 to 2020 but as of December 2023, they still do not operate from La Paz to Uyuni. Bolivia Hop is the best way to get to and from La Paz, and then Todo Turismo is probably the best way to get from La Paz to Uyuni or from Uyuni back to La Paz. When booking with Todo Turismo, always try to get the Cama (bed) option. Do NOT go with other companies such as Transporte Omar or anybody else…safety records are suspect so we strongly recommend to travel with Todo Turismo to/from Uyuni, and Bolivia Hop to/from La Paz. Once in Uyuni, you can start your Salt Flats tour (1 day or a 3 day tour that ends in San Pedro de Atacama in Chile).

Quick Tip: The best way to book your Bolivian Salt Flats tour is by visiting Find Local Trips , a tour comparison website that allows you to choose tours from the top-rated operators throughout South America..

Buses from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni

There are NO direct buses from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni and it is strongly recommended to take a 3 day tour from San Pedro to Uyuni (or from Uyuni to San Pedro if you are traveling South) instead of trying to do this route via bus. This is because you will need to change buses, cross borders, and quite often this is a logistical nightmare.

If you insist on trying to travel from San Pedro to Uyuni by bus, or from Uyuni to San Pedro by bus. Cruz del Norte are usually the best bus company to go with.

The Bolivian Salt Flats in Uyuni are a MUST see for any trip to South America. It is STRONGLY recommended to book your tour in advance where possible and to NOT book your tour in Uyuni (book in La Paz or online) as many companies scam tourists, so be very careful with your choice of tour operator.

There are 2 types of tours of Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats:

Full Day Tour of the Salt Flats, start and finish in Uyuni on same day

A one-day tour of Salar de Uyuni in 4×4 jeeps are common and the shortest tours possible. The one day tour is also the cheapest way to visit the Salt Flats. Tours start in Uyuni around 10am (allowing you to have breakfast after your overnight bus from La Paz to Uyuni) and finish around 5pm (allowing you to take an overnight bus back to La Paz on the SAME day or to another destination.

A visit to the train cemetery is followed by a stop in Colchani before arriving to the Salt Flats and getting the first glimpse of this vast environment. Salt hotels, salt mounds, isolated ‘islands’ covered in cacti, lunch, and plenty of time for taking photos before returning to Uyuni at 5 pm. This is approximately how most of these tours run but for a more detailed itinerary check FindLocalTrips here .

Prices are from $70 USD to $90 USD

Start and finish in Uyuni, or finish in San Pedro de Atacama. If coming from San Pedro de Atacama, this 3 day tour will finish in Uyuni

3 Day Tours of Salar de Uyuni in 4×4 jeeps are the most popular tour type. The first day is the same as the one day tour – usually spending the first night in one of the basic Salt Hotels on the Salar itself. These hotels are almost completely constructed out of bricks made from dried salt!

The second and third days are spent seeing the colored lakes, hot springs, flamingo flocks, hot geysers, crazy rock formations – such as Arbol de Piedra (Rock Tree) , and painted volcanoes. You will be sleeping in tents and truly immersing yourself in this rugged part of the world. The stars alone in this unpolluted place can take your breath away.

3 day tours ending in San Pedro de Atacama – It’s also possible to hop over the border at the end of the tour, connecting to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.

No attractions are missed by leaving the tour at the Chilean border before it heads back to Uyuni.

3 days tours STARTING From San Pedro de Atacama – There is also the opportunity to do this Salt Flat tour starting in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile and ending in Uyuni on the last day or returning to San Pedro the following day. Tours from San Pedro can be somewhat more expensive than those from Uyuni. This is the best way to get to Bolivia from Chile and the itineraries are the same as above just in reverse order with the final day being the Salt Flats themselves.

The best and most popular way to visit the Salar de Uyuni is by taking a 4×4 tour across the salt flats.

Most Salt Flats tours are safe and reliable; however, the conditions are basic in this area and you should be aware of this. The Salar de Uyuni is one of the harshest environments for vehicles on the planet and occasional vehicle issues can happen, this to a certain extent is unavoidable. The drivers are used to breakdowns and are pretty adept at fixing their vehicles. They are always willing to help each other out and you are usually not stuck for long – so a bit of patience is often all you need. Food will be basic.

As with all tours, pick your tour operator carefully. There have been occasional issues with tour drivers drinking alcohol while driving 4×4 jeeps laden with travelers and causing some nasty crashes. It is why we strongly recommend to go with one of the best tour operators available. FindLocalTrips is probably the best place to compare operators and from our experience, they only work with the safest and most reliable operators. More information can be found here

Some basic information:

• If you are traveling South, you will usually take the La Paz to Uyuni trip
• If traveling North, you will either come from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile or from Salta in Argentina
• 3 day tours of the Salt Flats are the most popular and most complete options. 1 day tours are ideal for those short on time
• On 3 day tours, you do NOT have to return to Uyuni if you do not wish…you can finish the 3day your in San Pedro (if going to Chile after Bolivia)
• It IS possible to do the following if short on time:
• Night bus from La Paz to Uyuni (9hrs)
• Arrive Uyuni AM and take full day (1day) tour
• On same day, take a night bus back to La Paz (9hrs)
• For buses to/from La Paz, we strongly recommend using the Bolivia Hop bus
• For buses to/from Uyuni, we strongly recommend using Todo Turismo

If you want detailed information on a full day (1 day) tour or the 3day tour, click on any of the tabs below to get a full and detailed itinerary and tips on what to bring etc.

The unique setting of endless salt flat at Salar de Uyuni make all kinds of crazy perspective photography possible. Here we have our top tips for great Salt Flats photos to add to your collection.

• Bring as much small and interesting items as possible: toy animals and action figures, toy vehicles and regular props such as sunglasses, hiking boots, and water bottles can all be turned into something funny and useful
• To set up for the shot the photographer needs to lie on their stomach and rest the camera on the ground to make positioning much easier; holding the camera in your hand makes it next to impossible
• Advice from an old photographer: “Shoot, shoot, shoot!!” Take lots and lots of shots since it’s not so easy to see your camera screen in the glare and you might never be back here again
• Making everyone jump in the air is a last resort shot that can always come out well!!!

Will I get problems with altitude sickness at the Salar de Uyuni?

IMPORTANT: IF TRAVELING FROM LA PAZ (also at high altitude) you should be fine in Uyuni, once you have spent 1 or 2 days in La Paz, or even Cusco (Machu Picchu) in Peru.

Altitude sickness can catch many travellers a little bit off guard. Not everyone gets sick at high altitudes and it is difficult to predict who is likely to be badly affected by it. For most people it is nothing more than a headache and some dizzy sensations that diminish over a short period of time, 1 to 2 days for most people.

If you want to limit your chances of getting sick though, there are a few things you can do.

Drink lots of water and slow down!! This sounds simple but both of these things are very important. Your body is struggling because you don’t have enough oxygen so avoiding any extraneous activity is a good idea. Chew Some Coca Leaves. The native people of South America have been chewing coca for centuries thanks to its ability to alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms. Coca leaves can be bought in any supermarket and even souvenir shops or street stalls.

Take (Soroche) Altitude Sickness pills, these are sold over the counter all over Peru and Bolivia and are just a few dollars. If you are flying straight into altitude over 2500meter, without spending any time at a intermediate elevation and you’re worried about getting sick, you can ask your doctor for more specific and stronger altitude sickness medication in advance.

From where do the tours of the Salt Flats start? Can I start from La Paz?

All of the tours of Salar de Uyuni start in Uyuni. The tours will not include your transfer from La Paz, you will need to organise and pay for this separately. The buses to Uyuni are overnight and depart La Paz every night and arrive into Uyuni the next day at approx. 7am. All the tours start at 10am-11am. It is strongly recommended to book your Uyuni tour online or in La Paz, NOT in Uyuni itself.

Do I need to stay one night in Uyuni before and after my tour?

You will arrive into Uyuni early in the morning and it is possible to start a tour the day you arrive. Most of the tours will start 10am-11am in the morning. You will return to Uyuni by 5:30 – 6:00 pm and will have time to eat and head back on the overnight bus to La Paz or take a bus onto Potosi / Sucre. It is advised that you book these buses in advance of taking your trip of the Salt Flats so no it is not necessary to stay in Uyuni.

Are there ATMs?

Bring money with you. Sometimes the ATMs do not work in Uyuni so it is best to take out any money you need in advance.

Will I have internet connection on a tour?

No, there is no internet connection on the tours. It is a very remote location.

We all agree that the Salt Flats in Uyuni, Bolivia are a MUST for any trip to South America. Uyuni is accessible mainly via La Paz, although other entrances are via San Pedro de Atacama and Patosi or Salta in Argentina. It is strongly recommend to book Salt Flat Tours in advance and only book with reputable companies (those with good reviews online or who allow you to book and pay online). Use Bolivia Hop to get to/from La Paz, use Todo Turismo to get to/from Uyuni, and use Find Local Trips to compare tour operators and book directly with them.

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Off Road Adventure Tours and Training for 4x4 /ATV

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OFF ROAD TOURS AND TRAINING IRELAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND

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Get ready to unleash your inner giant spirit on an unforgettable journey with "My Giant Adventure," a Flat Cap Adventurers tour through the captivating landscapes of Northern Ireland. Buckle up for an adrenaline-fueled experience as we traverse the legendary Causeway Coastal Route, conquer the majestic Sperrin Mountains, explore iconic Donegal locations along the Wild Atlantic Way, and conquer the awe-inspiring Mourne Mountains.

Feel the pulse of adventure as you navigate the untamed beauty of the Sperrin Mountains, embracing their towering grandeur and challenging terrains. The thrill of off-road exploration amplifies the sense of conquest, allowing you to connect deeply with these storied landscapes.

Prepare to be mesmerized by the breathtaking vistas along the Causeway Coastal Route. From the enigmatic Giant's Causeway to the dramatic cliffs that hug the coastline, every stop is a testament to the harmonious interplay between nature and human exploration.

But the adventure doesn't stop there. Our journey leads us to the stunning landscapes of Donegal, a gem along the Wild Atlantic Way. Traverse rugged paths, witness jaw-dropping views, and immerse yourself in the untamed heart of this remarkable region.

And let's not forget the legendary Mourne Mountains. With each twist and turn, you'll find yourself in a world of awe-inspiring beauty, challenging trails, and the satisfaction of conquering landscapes that have stood the test of time.

Yet, amidst the thrill, our commitment to sustainable travel remains unwavering. As we journey through these remarkable locations, we're reminded of our responsibility to leave no trace behind, ensuring that the natural beauty of Northern Ireland remains intact for generations to come.

The iconic flat cap takes on a new identity—it's not just an accessory, but a symbol of the brave spirit that propels this adventure forward. "My Giant Adventure" becomes a declaration, a reminder that we are the architects of our own stories, leaving nothing but footprints and memories along the Wild Atlantic Way and in the heart of Donegal.

So, gear up and join us for "My Giant Adventure," a Flat Cap Adventurers tour that explores the Sperrin Mountains, the Causeway Coastal Route, the breathtaking landscapes of Donegal along the Wild Atlantic Way, and the awe-inspiring Mourne Mountains. With each rev of the engine, with every step forward, you're living a chapter of a story that celebrates the power of exploration, camaraderie, and the natural world.

Our Background

Flat Cap Adventurers is a family run business owned and operated by Adam Stewart. Growing up in Northern Ireland during the 1990's, Adam had an enthusiasm for classic cars and adventure from a young age. His father always drove Land Rovers and used them for overland trips when he was a child. Adam now wants to share his enthusiasm and sense of adventure to captivate visitors' imaginations and provide them with an off-roading and touring experience they will never forget. 

Our Services

Flat Cap Adventurers provide 4x4 experiences for anyone to enjoy. If you have never been off-roading and want to access some of the fantastic places we visit, you can come along as a passenger. Our fleet of Land Rover Discovery vehicles can take you off the beaten track in relative comfort. They are 7 seaters, therefore a family of 6 can easily come in one vehicle. 

If you have your own vehicle and wish to visit Ireland on an overland holiday, we can assist you as tour guides or alternatively arrange everything for you including hotels and catering that will make your off-roading trip the best yet!  

Don't forget to check out our gallery for the latest trips and tours!

Sustainability and Community

Flat Cap Adventurers take pride in being a sustainable tourism business. We understand that our business must enhance the local economy and help communities  thrive. By working alongside local land owners, community associations and councils we provide an experience that is valued by local people as well as visitors to the area. 

If you have any queries on our activities or would like to work alongside us please get in touch via email or telephone. Our details are available at the bottom of this page. 

Satisfaction Guaranteed

While working with us, we want you to be completely happy with the experience. If you have questions for us about our services, get in touch! 

We hope you continue to book with us for many more unique adventures. 

Meet the Team

Adam is the leader of the team and the original Flat Cap Adventurer! 

Adam is fantastic at navigating but loves deep mud far too much! 

Rachel is Adams Wife, she is less prone to mud plugging but can keep a calm and level head behind the steering wheel! 

Peter is the Granda of the group and is the man with a lifetime of experience. Round here we call them an auld hand! 

associations and qualifications

Greenlane association, irelands association for adventure tourism.

The Green Lane Association is a national not-for-profit organisation founded in 1995. They are dedicated to protecting our heritage of vehicular rights of way and promote sustainable driving in the countryside. 

Flat Cap Adventures are proud members of the Greenlane Association and take pride in being a sustainable tourism business.  

The IAAT is an independent representative association for the adventure tourism sector on the island of Ireland. This sector is one of the fastest growing and most exciting within Irish tourism and the IAAT aims to work with adventure tourism operators to develop the sector in a sustainable and responsible manner. 

Lantra Approved

All of Flat Cap Adventurers guides are trained to a high standard in 4x4 driving and recovery. This ensures that our company is working with highly trained individuals that can tackle the harshest terrain and understand how to deal with adverse off road driving conditions. 

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Jelly roll struggling to book international tour over felon past, jelly roll struggling to book international tour ... over his felon past.

Jelly Roll 's felon past is coming back to haunt him -- at least according to him ... 'cause he says it can be hard getting around sometimes as a result of it.

The country singer spoke with Jon Bon Jovi for a new piece for Interview Magazine , where he admitted he's had trouble of late booking his international tour ... but not because of a lack of interest from fans overseas -- it all has to do with his rap sheet.

He explained ... "It’s funny, America has finally agreed to let me leave and give me a passport, but some countries won’t let me come because of my felonies. We're working on that."

Despite the hurdle, JR makes it clear he's optimistic the situation will work out. It also sounds like he's not losing sleep over not being able to leave the States right now ... revealing his own father didn't explore outside the southeastern region of the U.S. until he was in his 50s.

Jelly has been incredibly open about his past run-ins with the law. He's been to jail around 40 times for drug-related charges -- and was even arrested at age 16 for aggravated robbery. He was tried as an adult, ultimately serving over a year behind bars.

Jelly's since turned his life around ... even prioritizing his physical health in recent months.

He dropped 70 pounds in preparation for a 5K run last month ... where he told us his health journey has only just started . On the travel front though .. he's a little grounded, it seems.

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A hint of home helps Robert MacIntyre secure first PGA TOUR title at RBC Canadian Open

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ANCASTER, Ontario – It wasn’t quite a last resort, but the call had a tone of desperation.

After parting ways with a former caddie at the Charles Schwab Challenge, Robert MacIntyre needed a fill-in for the RBC Canadian Open. A handful of queries went unfulfilled, so MacIntyre dialed up his emergency option – his dad Dougie.

The Scotsman didn’t want to inconvenience his father, who still resides in MacIntyre’s hometown of Oban, Scotland, and works full-time as head greenkeeper at Glencruitten Golf Club – but Dougie MacIntyre knows his son’s game inside and out. He coached him until he was 14 or 15 years old and was an accomplished shinty player, only without the funds to pursue his full potential at the sport’s highest level (MacIntyre describes shinty as “a cross between field hockey and organized violence”).

Dougie MacIntyre hadn’t caddied since DP World Tour Q-School in fall 2017, but this week marked a critical juncture in his son’s first season as a PGA TOUR member – the highly touted MacIntyre, 27, arrived in Canada at No. 75 on the FedExCup standings, right on the bubble to qualify for the FedExCup Playoffs (top 70 after the Wyndham Championship in August). The call was made, and the answer was a quick yes – after confirming he could take the week off from work.

Robert MacIntyre’s emotional interview after winning the RBC Canadian

That call led to more than they could have imagined. MacIntyre earned his first PGA TOUR title at the RBC Canadian Open, carding a final-round 68 at Hamilton Golf & Country Club for a 16-under 264 total, one stroke clear of Ben Griffin. Not only does he get the proverbial monkey off his back, after a gripping one-stroke defeat to Rory McIlroy at last summer’s Genesis Scottish Open, but MacIntyre cements exempt PGA TOUR status through 2026 and qualifies for this season’s remaining Signature Events. (He’s also safely inside the top 60 in the Official World Golf Ranking, meaning he can cancel his Monday tee time at 36-hole U.S. Open Final Qualifying, in which his dad was also planning to carry the bag.)

Dougie MacIntyre is the first father to caddie his son to a PGA TOUR title since Jack Slocum (for son Heath) at the 2005 Southern Farm Bureau Classic. This isn’t a permanent arrangement by any means; MacIntyre said he has a full-time caddie scheduled to start at next week’s Memorial Tournament presented by Workday – which is a new addition to his schedule after his victory in Canada. (He might have liked to return home to Oban for some celebrations, he quipped afterward, but he figures a trip to Muirfield Village isn’t a bad idea.)

Robert MacIntyre pars the last to secure first win at RBC Canadian

MacIntyre is a chip off the old block, known on TOUR for his kindness and humility – which he certainly inherited from his father. MacIntyre’s parents (Dougie and mom Carol) are longtime foster parents; MacIntyre grew up with several foster brothers and sisters. The family wasn’t particularly well off; MacIntyre didn’t have the pick of the litter when it came to junior golf tournaments, but he was always loved, supported and encouraged. He grew to understand the rough upbringings of his foster brothers and sisters – some had been abused or neglected – and he learned not to take anything for granted. After his son’s victory Sunday in southern Ontario, Dougie MacIntyre gave away golf balls and towels to young fans, conversing and sharing in their revelry. He was in full dad effect.

“I think it makes you realize that hitting a white ball around a golf course isn't the most important thing,” MacIntyre described the impact of his parents’ fostering. “I mean, I've been in tears over it, kids going away from you. They become family. They have been in a tough spot. I wasn't given everything as a kid. I was given a great opportunity. My dad was obviously a really good sportsman, football, golf, shinty, didn't have the finances to really chase it, and I think it was something that my mom and dad always wanted to do. I've got two older sisters who are right into their horses, horse riding and stuff, but they even sacrificed quite a lot of that just to give me a chance.

“I couldn't play in golf tournaments as a junior because we couldn't afford it. I think that made me, that makes me fight and never give up, I think not being given anything. I mean, they gave me quite a bit. They gave me the opportunity, but never – never was I spoon-fed. I was always fighting for every bit of it.”

Dougie MacIntyre’s soft side complements a competitive edge that was also on display at Hamilton Golf & Country Club, coming to the forefront at critical moments on the weekend. The younger MacIntyre was on the verge of falling into a mental rut as he strode down the 10th fairway Saturday, having turned in 1-over 36 and sensing his grip on the tournament slipping away (he entered the third round in a share of the lead; he was four back at the turn Saturday). His dad sensed the spiral and wanted to nip it in the bud – MacIntyre has emphasized an improved mental game in recent weeks, taking negative thoughts and flipping them into a positive tone.

“He was having a wee go at me when I was walking from the 10th tee down to the fairway,” MacIntyre said. “Look, he was a sporting guy, he knows how to win, knows how to lose, he's been through it all. He could see my head going a little bit and he's like, ‘What have you been working on for the last eight weeks, 10 weeks?’ … I kind of flipped into that mode and tried to find the positive in everything.”

Robert MacIntyre's news conference after winning RBC Canadian

MacIntyre listened on the very next hole. After his tee shot caught a divot in the 11th fairway, he could have been “mumping and moaning about it,” but he told himself the lie lent itself to a cutty 6-iron. He played a 183-yard approach to the center of the green and two-putted from 20 feet. Then he played his next seven holes in 4-under, signing for a 4-under 66 and suddenly assuming a four-stroke lead into Sunday, where he withstood Griffin’s late charge (birdies on Nos. 15, 16 and 17) for a one-stroke win that he and his dad will remember forever.

The energy of their shared hug on the 18th green Sunday, amidst the cacophony of adoring Canadian fans, was surely felt back home in Oban. It’s where MacIntyre learned the game and what it meant to be a man. Both things coalesced this weekend, under the watchful eye of the man who has been there all the way.

“Unbelievable,” said Dougie MacIntyre on the 18th green in the aftermath, basking in the moment with tears in his eyes. He could barely speak, but the emotion said it all.

“Unbelievable.”

Kevin Prise is an associate editor for the PGA TOUR. He is on a lifelong quest to break 80 on a course that exceeds 6,000 yards and to see the Buffalo Bills win a Super Bowl. Follow Kevin Prise on Twitter .