Salar de Coipasa Tour | 3-Day Bolivian Salt Flat Adventure

Discover Bolivia’s second-largest salt flat, immerse yourself in ancient Chipaya culture, and journey across the wild altiplano.

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Flexible Booking With Free 48-Hour Cancellation*

“A hidden gem of Bolivia. Coipasa felt like stepping back in time, with landscapes as breathtaking as Uyuni but without the crowds.”

Explore the Untouched Salar de Coipasa

A 3-day journey across Bolivia’s hidden salt flat, ancient cultures, and the dramatic landscapes of the altiplano.

The Salar de Coipasa is Bolivia’s second-largest salt flat, yet remains one of its least-visited wonders. Surrounded by volcanoes, dotted with flamingo-filled lagoons, and bordered by the traditional village of Coipasa, this destination offers the same surreal beauty as Uyuni with a fraction of the visitors.

On this three-day overland expedition, you’ll experience more than dazzling salt flats. Travel deep into the altiplano, visit the unique Chipaya people, one of the oldest indigenous cultures of the Andes, explore ancient chullpa tombs, and finish your journey with natural hot springs and geysers in Sajama National Park.

Join us for an unforgettable Salar de Coipasa tour and uncover Bolivia’s hidden salt flat before the world discovers it.

  • Remote Adventure: Experience Bolivia’s untouched altiplano landscapes far from the tourist crowds.
  • Cultural Immersion: Meet the Chipaya community and explore ancient pre-Incan chullpa ruins.
  • Natural Wonders: Explore expansive salt flats, soak in hot springs, and cross overland in the vast plains of the Altiplano.
salar de coipasa

Salar de Coipasa Tour Highlights

This Salar de Coipasa tour takes you far beyond the usual tourist routes into one of Bolivia’s least-visited salt flats. More than just dazzling landscapes, it’s a journey deep into the cultural heart of the altiplano. Along the way, you’ll meet the ancient Chipaya people, explore remote villages, and visit archaeological sites rarely seen by outsiders. From flamingo-dotted lakes and endless salt horizons to hot springs and geysers at the foot of Bolivia’s highest mountain, this expedition delivers the ultimate altiplano experience.

Salar de Coipasa

Walk across Bolivia’s second-largest salt flat, a shimmering expanse framed by volcanic peaks and mirror-like reflections in the rainy season.

Lake Coipasa

Spot flamingos and other highland birdlife at this shallow lake, a sanctuary for wildlife in the middle of the altiplano.

Chipaya Culture

Visit the Chipaya community, one of the oldest Andean groups, and see their traditional homes, clothing, and way of life.

Chullpares de Macaya

Explore ancient pre-Incan funerary towers, a mysterious archaeological site set in the stark beauty of the high plains.

Sajama National Park

Relax in hot springs, hike among geysers, and admire Bolivia’s highest peak, Nevado Sajama, rising 6,542 meters above sea level.

Curahuara de Carangas

Step inside the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes,” a colonial church filled with centuries-old murals that blend Catholic and indigenous traditions.

Lake Coipasa

Salar de Coipasa Tour
Itinerary & Program Overview

This 3-day Salar de Coipasa tour is designed as a true overland expedition across Bolivia’s remote altiplano. Beginning in Oruro, the journey takes you west toward the vast white expanse of Coipasa, which is a rarely visited salt flat surrounded by volcanoes and lagoons where flamingos gather. Unlike Uyuni, Coipasa remains quiet and untouched, offering a chance to experience the salt desert in solitude.

The adventure continues with a cultural encounter in Chipaya, one of the oldest indigenous communities of the Andes, where adobe cone-shaped houses and unique traditions provide a window into the past. From there, the route traverses high-altitude plains dotted with ancient chullpa tombs, before reaching Sajama National Park, Bolivia’s first and most iconic protected area. The tour concludes with natural hot springs, geysers, and a visit to the painted church of Curahuara de Carangas. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history across the altiplano to truly understand life in the Andean plateau.

Day 1:
Salar de Coipasa & Chipaya

  • 8 AM Pick-Up: Depart Oruro and head towards Salar de Coipasa
  • Visit Coipasa village and ascend the mirador for salt flat views
  • Lunch: Traditional meal at the edge of the salt flats of Coipasa
  • Explore the Salar de Coipasa and Lake Coipasa
  • Arrive to Chipaya: Continue to Chipaya for cultural immersion and Dinner with local community.
  • Overnight stay in local Chipaya accommodations

Day 2:
Overland from Chipaya

  • Breakfast in Chipaya village
  • 9 AM Departure: Head out in 4x4 Transportation for overland journey
  • Visit the pre-Incan funerary towers of Macaya
  • Lunch: Stop in a small altiplano village for a traditional lunch
  • Overland journey to Sajama National Park
  • Arrive to Sajama National Park: Relax in natural hot springs
  • Dinner and overnight in Sajama village lodge

Day 3:
Explore Sajama National Park

  • Hotel breakfast
  • 9 AM Departure: Head out for light trekking in Sajama National Park
  • Visit to the Geyser fields in Sajama National Park
  • Lunch: Packed lunch with views in the park.
  • Overland journey to Sajama National Park
  • Sistine Chapel of the Andes: Visit the colonial Church of Curahuara de Carangas
  • 6 PM Drop-Off: Return to Oruro by early evening
Poblacion Chipaya

What You'll See On This Tour

This Salar de Coipasa tour offers much more than a visit to a salt flat. Over three days, you’ll explore remote landscapes, discover cultural traditions that date back thousands of years, and experience the natural beauty of Bolivia’s oldest national park. Each stop adds another layer to your understanding of the altiplano and the culture that has survived there for thousands of years. From vast salt horizons and flamingo-filled lakes to ancient chullpa towers and volcanic hot springs, you will discover a deeper understanding of the Andean culture and the life among the mountains.

Salar de Coipasa

The second-largest salt flat in Bolivia, Coipasa stretches across the high plains like an endless sheet of white. In the rainy season, it becomes a mirror reflecting the sky, while in the dry season its cracked salt crust glitters under the sun.

salar de coipasa

This shallow lake is an important wildlife habitat and seasonal home to three species of flamingos. Its mix of saltwater and mudflats attracts birdlife and creates surreal photo opportunities.

Lago Uru Uru Chipaya 3

Step into one of the oldest Andean cultures still alive today. The Chipaya people have preserved unique traditions, architecture, and clothing that make their community one of the most fascinating cultural visits in Bolivia.

Poblacion Chipaya

Pre-Incan funerary towers built of stone, these chullpas are scattered across the highlands and offer insight into the burial traditions of ancient altiplano civilizations.

chullpas de macaya

Home to Bolivia’s highest peak, Nevado Sajama (6,542 m), the park combines dramatic volcanoes with thermal springs, wide open plains, and wildlife such as vicuñas, alpacas, and Andean foxes.

Sajama National Park Tour at Sunset

Natural thermal pools nestled in the shadow of towering volcanoes. A perfect place to relax after a long day of travel, with warm mineral waters and panoramic mountain views.

sajama hot springs bolivia

A geothermal field where steam vents and bubbling pools create a surreal landscape. Surrounded by snowcapped mountains, it’s a rare natural wonder of the Bolivian altiplano.

Sajama Tour Geysers

Nicknamed the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes,” this 17th-century church is decorated with vivid murals that blend Catholic and indigenous iconography, telling the story of faith in the highlands.

Curahuara de Carangas Church

Customize Your Salar de Coipasa Tour!

This itinerary is just one way to experience the altiplano. We can adjust it for more culture, trekking, or even combine Coipasa with Uyuni for an extended salt flat experience.

Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll create a personalized Salar de Coipasa tour just for you.

Customize My Tour!

What's Included?

  • Local Guide
  • All Entrance Fees
  • Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off
  • Private 4x4 Transportation
  • Guided Tours at Key Sites
  • 2 x Nights in Local Lodges
  • 2 x Breakfast
  • 3 x Lunch
  • 2 x Dinner
  • Snacks & Refreshments
  • Customizable Options

Not Included

  • Personal expenses or souvenirs
  • Travel insurance
  • Extra stops not pre-arranged
  • Alcoholic Beverages

Testimonials

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Before You Go to Salar de Coipasa

Traveling to Salar de Coipasa is a true off-the-beaten-path adventure. The region is remote, the infrastructure is basic, and distances across the altiplano are long, but that’s exactly what makes this journey so rewarding. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Altitude: The route ranges from 3,600 to over 4,200 meters above sea level. Travelers should be prepared for high-altitude conditions and allow time to acclimatize in Bolivia before starting the tour.

  • Roads & Travel Times: Expect rough altiplano tracks and long stretches of driving by 4×4. The scenery is spectacular, but comfort is secondary to the adventure.

  • Accommodation: Nights are spent in community-run lodges or small guesthouses in Chipaya and Sajama. Facilities are simple but welcoming, with hot meals and local hospitality.

  • Weather: Conditions can change quickly. Days are often sunny but windy, while nights drop below freezing, especially in the dry season.

What to Bring?

The altiplano is a land of extremes. With blazing sun by day, freezing nights, and strong winds across the salt flats, packing the right gear will make your Salar de Coipasa adventure more comfortable:

Clothing & Gear:

  • Warm layers (fleece, windproof, etc)
  • Sturdy walking shoes with good grip
  • Gloves, hat, and sunglasses
  • Daypack to carry essentials
  • Swimsuit for Hot Springs

Other Essentials:

  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • Small Bills & Cash
  • Personal snacks for energy
  • Camera or phone for photos
  • Personal medications (if needed)
  • Passport or ID

FAQs About
Salar de Coipasa Tours

Where is Salar de Coipasa located?

Salar de Coipasa is in western Oruro Department, near the border with Chile. It’s about a four to five-hour drive from the city of Oruro.

Coipasa is smaller but more remote and far less visited. It offers the same surreal salt landscapes without the crowds, making it ideal for travelers seeking a more authentic experience.

The Chipaya are considered one of the oldest Andean indigenous groups. Their traditional housing, clothing, and customs have been preserved for centuries, offering a unique opportunity to learn about Andean heritage.

They are pre-Incan funerary towers built of stone. These archaeological sites give insight into ancient burial traditions and the cultural importance of the altiplano’s early civilizations.

Sajama is home to Bolivia’s highest peak, natural hot springs, bubbling geysers, and vast highland plains where llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas roam. You’ll also visit remote colonial churches and enjoy light trekking.

We use community lodges or guesthouses in Chipaya and small hotels or eco-lodges in Sajama. They are simple but comfortable, with meals and local hospitality provided. We partner with community lodges to support sustainable tourism in the Altiplano region.

The dry season (May–October) offers clearer skies and easier access. The wet season (December–March) brings stunning mirror-like reflections on the salt flats, though some routes may be muddy.

The tour involves long drives, high-altitude conditions, and some light walking or trekking. It’s accessible to most travelers in good health, but acclimatization to altitude is important.

Yes. Many travellers choose to extend their itinerary by adding a day or two in Uyuni, making for a comprehensive salt flat and altiplano adventure.

Salar de Coipasa Tour
3-Days:

  • Departure: Oruro, Bolivia
  • Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
  • Group Size: 2+ People
  • Languages: English, Spanish, Dutch, French
  • Activity Level: Easy-Moderate
  • Availability: Daily Departures
  • Price: Varies Based on Group Size
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  • Free Cancellation
  • Certified Local Guide
  • No Deposit Required
  • Free Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off
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Salar de uyuni mirror effect photo

Plan Your Salar de Coipasa Adventure

Ready to explore Bolivia’s hidden salt flat and experience the culture of the altiplano? Our Salar de Coipasa tour takes you off the beaten path for three unforgettable days of landscapes, history, and tradition.

Contact us today to start planning your Salar de Coipasa tour.

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  • Free Cancellation
  • 5-Star Rated Local Guide
  • No Deposit Required
  • Free Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off