Bolivia's surreal cactus-studded salt lake
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Salar de Uyuni
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When:
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Daily
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Where:
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Salar de Uyuni
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In south-west Bolivia, at 3653 metres above sea level, lies the vast Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt desert in the world and the brightest spot on Earth visible from space.
Thousands of years ago the area was a huge prehistoric lake. When it dried it left behind two modern lakes and the startling salt flats - Salar de Uyuni. Covering more than 10,000 square kilometres, the ground is white as far as the eye can see, blurring seamlessly into the sky.
The area is surrounded by mountains, with natural wonders such as coloured lagoons, exotic rocky formations and volcanic craters making up a landscape of astonishing beauty. A cactus-covered island emerges from the whiteness and the area is the breeding ground for pink flamingos.
Tours can be booked in Uyuni - the train station bustles with tour guides. High season for tourists is from June to August.
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