Is it risky to do an excursion from San Pedro de Atacama to the Salar de Uyuni? (Altitude Sickness)

Hello, We’re planning a trip to Chile for next December (2025) as a family with our two kids (6 and 8 years old). We’ve scheduled a week in San Pedro to take our time exploring the area, and we’re wondering whether to extend into Bolivia to see the Salar de Uyuni, the Laguna Verde and Laguna Colorada, the Desert of Dalí, etc.—basically the short loop that a lot of tour operators offer. What’s making me hesitate is the altitude—there are stretches at 5,000 meters, and I’m wondering if that’s too risky for the kids, since the risk of AMS (acute mountain sickness) is high at that elevation. Has anyone here done this loop with their kids? If so, could you share your experience? Thanks so much!

Hello,

Excerpt from Vidal:

"For these reasons, doctors advise against stays above 1,200 meters for children under six months, above 2,000 meters for children under one year, above 2,500 meters for those under two years, and above 3,000 meters for children under ten. From age ten, a child is physically able to handle altitude. Of course, these recommendations only apply to children who aren’t used to it."

It’s already tough for adults to handle high altitudes. Some have to descend *illico presto*.

My partner struggled with the very long days above 4,500 meters when we left San Pedro, even though we slept in the village and not up there.