Step into an alien landscape where salt flats stretch for thousands of miles and rainfall turns the ground into a gigantic mirror.
Drive out onto the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flats in the world. Vast plains of ethereal beauty stretch out as far as the eye can see and surreal geological formations seem to grow out of the ground. Come here during the rainy season to see the entire landscape covered in a thin layer of water that becomes a reflective surface.
Step into a landscape that has evolved and changed over millions of years. Salar de Uyuni started out as a prehistoric salt lake, but the harsh conditions of the Andes meant that it dried up and turned into the plains they are today. One version of the region’s history states that the surrounding mountains used to be people. When Kusku betrayed Tunupa, she cried so much she formed the flats with her tears.
Join a tour to visit Salar de Uyuni. Ride in a four-wheel drive out across the flats, looking out for the flamingos and cacti that bravely live in this barren environment. Visit in the dry season to see the flats crack into honeycomb-like hexagons, when the bright white crystals shimmer under sunlight.
Come here in the wet season, November through April, for the best chance of seeing the flats at their most reflective. During rainy season, Salar de Uyuni turns into a vast salt lake, but remains shallow enough that you can walk and drive across it. Bring your camera for photos of the sky reflected in the water to create images that look like you are floating in the air.
Explore one of the salt hotels on the plains. You don’t have to stay in one of these unique buildings to look around one of them. Marvel at how everything is carved from salt that has been taken straight from the ground.
Organize a tour from the town of Uyuni to visit the salt flats. Take precautions when choosing a tour guide and ensure that your car is well equipped with safety measures such as a radio transmitter. Bring warm clothing, especially if you are staying overnight on the plains.
