The Uyuni Salt Flats are among the most iconic sites in South America,
and if you catch one of the calm days after rainfall then the
reflection of the sky on the salt flats can appear to go on forever.
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However,
there are a large number of different companies that arrange tours from
the nearby town across the flats, and not all of these companies offer
the same standard of service. Here are a few questions that you should
be asking your tour operator before you part with your hard earned cash
to purchase your tour across the flats.
Ask About the Driver Selection Policy
Some
companies will have experienced drivers from the area driving their
vehicles who have an experience of taking English language tours, while
other companies bring in drivers from across Bolivia to carry out the work.
The
company you are looking for should be providing drivers with clean
driving records and a good knowledge of the area, and while they will
promise a lot, try to speak with the driver beforehand if possible,
although this may mean visiting really early or late in the evening.
Check the Route That the Tour Will Take
The
itinerary of the day is another important part of the tour, so make sure
that you check the schedule to ensure you have plenty of time at the
key sites, and aren't being hustled off to the next part of the tour too
quickly.
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Most people will only ever carry out this trip once, so
it is vital that you do it right, and take a company that will give you
time to savor the amazing sights of the area.
Is the Vehicle a 4x4?
This
question is not a big one during the dry season when the flats are
smooth and dry, but during the rainy season, when some of the best and
most spectacular sights on the salt flats can be seen, having a 4x4 can make a big difference.
Having
to take long detours because of thick mud or even breaking down and
struggling with some of the terrain can be an issue for vehicles without
4x4, or those that haven't been kept in good repair.
Are there Extra Fees for Food and Water?
The
prices of the different tour operators can vary quite significantly
when you are among the hawkers in Uyuni or Tupiza, but some of the ways
that the tour operators can cut costs is to add hidden fees that you
only find out about once you are on the road.
Extra fees for meals
and drinks, particularly water which is so important at high altitude,
can make the cost of the trip look much less attractive.
How Regularly are the Vehicles Maintained?
Most
companies will swear that their vehicles are the best maintained and
most regularly serviced in the area, but taking a good look at the
Landcruiser in which you will be traveling will often reveal some of the
problems you might encounter.
Loose or damaged bodywork and tires that do not look too healthy should be a good sign that you might want to look elsewhere.
Is Your Trip Taking You in the Right Direction?
Many
people will naturally make their way towards Uyuni which is the most
common starting point for these tours, but if you are traveling from the
south of the country and heading north, it will make more sense to
start your tour in Tupiza and finish in Uyuni.
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The other tours
will simply travel in the opposite direction, so you aren't losing out
on any of the great sights by traveling in this way, plus it saves a lot
of extra mileage.
Remember to Read Online Reviews of your Tour Operator Before Booking
While
you can ask every question under the sun of the tour operators, some of
the answers you will receive from the more unscrupulous operators can
range from slight deceptions to pure lies.
Make sure that you ask
the internet and check out the reviews of different companies online
before you book. While a few negative reviews are usually found for
every company, there are some that have a much dirtier reputation than
others.
