EXPERIENCE THE SALT FLATS OF BOLIVIA
The Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia is regarded as one of the most extraordinary and extreme landscapes on Earth. The largest salt flat in the world, covering more than 4,050 square miles of the Altiplano, is what remains of ancient lakes that evaporated long ago.
Photo by Matan Levanon
In this location, a thick layer of salt covers the horizon and rises from the ground in quilted, polygonal patterns. When adjacent lakes overflow during specific times of the year, a thin coating of water turns the flats into a magnificent reflection of the sky. This stunning and surreal landscape is a valuable location for the extraction of salt and lithium, the element used to power laptops, smart phones, and electric vehicles. The region is inhabited by road trippers and the world's first salt hotel in addition to local labourers who mine these minerals. Salar de Uyuni's arid beauty and isolation can either be an unforgettable experience or a logistical nightmare.
Photo by Jeison Higuita
GETTING THERE
The logistics and duration of your travel to Salar de Uyuni, which is situated at the intersection of Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, depends depend on where you're coming from. Tours start in three primary locations:
Bolivia's Uyuni is the most well-known starting place for tours of the salt flats. It is a small, dusty town with a crowded Plaza Arce filled with travel agencies. Travelers can reserve trips online, through tour agencies in La Paz, or they can just show up in Uyuni and look at the options there. Tourists can easily arrange day tours from Uyuni to the salt flats because of their proximity.
Travelers are driven to the border in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, by agencies, which then turn the tour over to a Bolivian tour guide. This excursion lasts three days because of the distance.
The ideal starting point for travellers from Argentina is Tupiza, Bolivia. Four-day excursions starting in Tupiza are advised, with the final day spent at Salar de Uyuni.
Photo by Sifan Liu
WHEN TO TRAVEL
There are two distinct seasons in Salar de Uyuni. Visitors flock to the Salar during the rainy season (December to April) to see the stunning mirror effect. A lot of rain in December and January can lead to trip cancellations, so take precautions. Travellers can drive over the stark white landscape to locations that are inaccessible during the wet season during the dry season (May to November) when temperatures are lower, the ground has hardened, and there are fewer insects. Because tour companies view June through August as their peak season, prices may increase proportionately.
SELECTING the right TOUR
Even though the salt flats are one of Bolivia's most well-known sights, they make up only a small portion of the breathtaking Altiplano region. Many tourists take a three-day (or longer) excursion that takes in the southern deserts, volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and high-altitude lakes. There are already scheduled tours leaving from San Pedro de Atacama and Tupiza that will pass by these locations.
One option for tourists is a joint trip, which is less expensive and more uniform, or a personalised tour (higher-priced and custom-tailored). Spanish-speaking tour leaders who also serve as the driver and cook are typically offered on shared excursions. These adhere to a strict schedule that is unlikely to accommodate specific requests and can interfere with particular periods of the day, such as sunrise or sunset. Contrarily, private excursions can be tailored to a client's preferences, providing visitors more control over the schedule and the opportunity to venture off the beaten route to volcanoes or caverns. Additionally, English-speaking guides, a chef, and a more luxurious vehicle are offered as part of private tours.
To carefully select a trustworthy guide, look through online reviews and travel guides. Avoid organisations that advertise extremely low pricing because they might not have a qualified guide or a functioning vehicle, endangering tourists. Additionally, find out if your organisation has a first aid kit and emergency radio on hand.