Are you a curious person who likes to visit unique and unusual places? the Uyuni salt flat is the perfect destination for you. In this article, we introduce you to one of the natural wonders of South America, the Salar de Uyuni (in Spanish) located in the Andes Mountains in Bolivia.
Many call it heaven on earth because its reflection has a magical visual effect. Walking on it is like stepping on the clouds, its peace will make you want to live the moment forever.
Who wouldn’t want to visit the sky? You have dreamt of it, haven’t you? Well, here are 5 things you should know before you set out to visit this alluring spot.
What is the Uyuni salt flat?
The Uyuni salt flat is the largest salt desert in the world and also the highest with an area of 10,582 km2 at 3,650 meters above sea level, about eleven thousand years ago it was a saltwater lake called El Tauca, over time it evaporated and became what is now known as the Uyuni salt flat, which is distributed by ten different layers ranging between 1 and 10 meters thick.
This is an immense amount of salt, taking into account that it can reach a depth of 120 meters!
The Uyuni salt flat is of great importance for Bolivia. Besides serving as a tourist attraction with about 60 thousand tourists a year, more than 25 thousand tons of salt are extracted from it every year. It is also the largest reserve of lithium in the world.
Where is the Uyuni?
The Uyuni salt flat is located southwest of Bolivia, right in the province of Daniel Campos. Specifically in the department of Potosi, in the Altiplanic region of the Andes Mountains.
To get there you can start your journey from the town of Uyuni in Bolivia or from San Pedro de Ataca in Chile. In both towns, you can find many tour operators with trips from 1 to 4 days long. The length of the journey will depend on the time you have available.
When to visit the Uyuni salt flat?
The Uyuni salt flat is worth a visit all year round, but it looks different according to the weather conditions. For instance, on normal days the desert looks white, dry, and smooth with geometric formations caused by the crystallization of salt. However, if you want to admire that endless white sheet we recommend you to go in the rainy season. The months of January and February are ideal since it is the rainwater that generates this mirage effect.
How to visit?
Visiting the Uyuni salt flat is free and you could do it on your own, but it is true that it is usually a little complicated because you must arrive by car and it is likely to get lost since it is a desert with no signs, so we recommend taking a guided tour, either from the town of Uyuni in Bolivia or San Pedro Ataca in Chile, there are different packages and offers, you can make the visit directly in one day or take a 3-4 day trip that crosses the Andes Mountains.
If you are going to take a trip of several days you can stay in a hotel made of salt as they are unique in the region. For instance, check the Palacio de Sal, what do you say, are you craving a night here?
Tips to visit the Uyuni salt flat
Lastly, here are some tips to enjoy your trip to the fullest. It is advisable to dress warmly as temperatures are usually low, between 0ÂșC, and a maximum of 20ÂșC, so a good jacket is not a bad idea. Remember that the sun’s glare is pretty strong, so use a good pair of sunglasses. Also, make sure to wear a hat so you do not suffer from the sun’s rays. In the desert, there are no shadows where you can take shelter, use sunscreen.
And last but not least, take it easy, the altitude of the Bolivian altiplano can cause dizziness and discomfort known as altitude sickness, do not push yourself and go at your own pace, for this discomfort, there are local remedies such as coca infusions that can help you a lot.
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