21 de April de 2025

Salar de Uyuni: A white, surreal, and mirrored desert

In some high corner of the Andean Altiplano , where reality flirts with dreams and the sky seems to melt onto the earth, there is a destination that defies logic and stimulates the senses: the Salar de Uyuni .

This vast white desert is not only the largest in the world, covering 10,582 square kilometers , but also one of the most surreal places on the planet. A landscape that, they say, seems to have come from another world… even though it lies firmly rooted between Bolivia , Chile, and Argentina .

Formed by the evaporation of prehistoric lakes , the salt flat stretches out like an endless carpet of salt , patterned with hexagonal shapes that rise slightly from the ground. During the rainy season , this white expanse transforms: a thin layer of water turns it into a gigantic natural mirror , capable of reflecting the clouds, the sun, and everything that touches it.

The salt flat plays a leading role in the region's economy . It is a rich source of salt and lithium , the so-called " white gold " of modern batteries . Among the local workers who collect minerals and the tourists who explore the landscape in 4×4 vehicles , stands the world's first salt hotel , an architectural curiosity that delights those who decide to spend a night there.

How to get to the Salar de Uyuni

Tours to the salt flats depart from three key points:

Uyuni, Bolivia : The closest city to the salt flats. Its main square , Plaza Arce , is surrounded by tourist agencies . You can get there from La Paz by plane (one hour) or by bus (10 to 12 hours).
Tupiza, Bolivia : If you're coming from Argentina , this is the best option. From here, tours usually last four days and include a visit to the salt flats on the last day.
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile : Although the distance is greater (6 hours and 30 minutes by land), the experience makes up for it , especially if you are traveling from Chile.

While there are several routes to explore the Salar de Uyuni , one of the most spectacular starts from San Pedro de Atacama . This charming tourist town , located in the desert, serves as the starting point for organized tours that combine unique landscapes into a single trip. Furthermore, combining San Pedro with a visit to the salt flats makes this experience even more complete .

When to go: Choose your travel date wisely

The Salar de Uyuni offers two distinct faces depending on the time of year . The rainy season , from December to April , creates the famous mirror effect that makes it seem as if you are walking on air. However, the heavy rains of December and January can disrupt tours and even force cancellations .

In contrast, the dry season ( May to November ) is perfect for exploring the salt flats in depth. The terrain is firm and passable even in 4×4 vehicles , allowing access to places inaccessible during the rainy season. However, temperatures drop considerably. And, furthermore, the peak season runs from June to August .

Recommendations for visiting the Salar de Uyuni

Since the salt flats are an unmarked expanse with a homogeneous landscape and few visual landmarks , venturing out without a guide can be dangerous. Tours employ experienced drivers and well-equipped vehicles to handle any unforeseen circumstances. Furthermore, the guides enrich the tour with stories , interesting facts , and recommendations to help you make the most of your experience .

The Salar de Uyuni is located at 3,650 meters above sea level , an altitude that should not be underestimated. Altitude sickness can manifest as nausea , headaches , or insomnia . To prevent it, it is advisable to acclimatize for a few days in a mid-sized city like San Pedro de Atacama , stay hydrated , avoid heavy meals , and consider consuming coca leaves or local herbal teas .

Consulting a doctor before your trip is also a good idea, especially if you've never been to high altitudes . With proper preparation , your body will adapt better and you'll be able to enjoy this natural spectacle without any problems.

The weather in Uyuni can change drastically between day and night . During the day, the sun is intense and UV radiation is high . At night, it can get very cold . It's vital to dress in layers , including thermal jackets , gloves , a hat , and sturdy footwear , ideally hiking boots . Sunscreen , UV-protective sunglasses , and plenty of water are also essential.

Tips for taking memorable photos

One of the great attractions of the Salar de Uyuni is the visual interplay created by its vastness. More creative travelers take advantage of the perspective to capture photos as surreal as the landscape itself.

To achieve trendy compositions , such as making a traveler look like a giant next to their companions, it is recommended to place the camera at ground level , focusing closely on one of them while the others are several meters away.