Journey to the Bolivian salt flats
“The journey is the reward. ”
The Uyuni Salt Flats of Bolivia are undoubtedly a natural highlight of South America. A seemingly endless salt flat, the largest in the world, that is so white you're blinded by its beauty.
Travelling overland from San Pedro Atacama in Chile to Uyuni, Bolivia, we opted for a 3 day 4WD adventure. A decision that left us in awe of Bolivia's south west and at times, completely breathless.
Reaching the Uyuni salt flats is the highlight for many, but for me, it was just one more incredible thing to add to the list of evocative landscapes we crossed in reaching our final destination.
Passing through some of the world's harshest and diverse landscapes we reached dizzying heights of over 5,000m, were treated to absolute remoteness, volcanos, wild flamingos, llamas and vicuñas, snow capped mountains and glistening desert lakes.
This was our journey....
Laguna Verde sitting pretty at 5,000m
Geysers Sol de Mañana
Desierto de Daly - Salvador Daly inspired landscape
Laguna Colorado
Llamas & vicuñas
With pom poms on their ears
No words for this guy xox - Laguna Colorado
Flamingos at Laguna Colorado
Waking up at Laguna Blanca
Arbol de Pierda - petrified lava in the desert
Desert for miles
Laguna Turquia, reflections
Volcan Ollague, the active volcano separating Chile and Bolivia
Photographing the railway lines at Salar de Chiguana, a mini salt flat
Then, the Grande Photoshoot at the Salt Flats
Sunrise at Uyuni Salt Flats - an inch of water over the flats created these beautiful reflections
The world on its head
The Sherpa
This is what happens when Sherpa's left on his own on Isla Incahuasi (Cactus Island)
Bolivia's hottest new bands to arrive on the salt scene
Of course there are flags on the flats
Naturally the 3 day tour ends at Cementerio de Trenes (cemetery of trains). Creepy.
Sherpa resting on the job
Anatomy of a Sherpa?
DO IT
Cordillera Traveller offered us a wonderful 3 day journey.
Tips for choosing a tour operator:
When it comes to picking a tour company for a 3 day Salt Flat tour, anxiety runs high. There are some horror stories out there. There are three factors that will have the biggest impact on your trip:
Your expectations - you're in the Bolivian outback, not a luxe a movie
Your driver - they're Bolivian, chilled and on a mission
Your group - pick wisely
Instagram: @thelisaphillips #somedaysherpa
