The Largest Salt Flats in the World – Salar de Uyuni

Firstly, the Salt Flats in Uyuni, Bolivia is something we have seen photos of, sporadically throughout our lives. Consequently, these photos have always caught our eye. Indeed, how could the image of a 4x4 seeming to drive along the sky not be eye-catching?

We had to pinch ourselves to believe that we were finally really doing it.  Also, to prove that it wasn’t just the high altitude getting to our heads!

However, what we didn’t realise when going to book our tour, was that visiting the Salt Flats could be done over a 3-day journey. Namely, whilst travelling from Chile to Bolivia (or vice versa).  Therefore, we were going to see so much more than we had anticipated.

The Booking Process

Briefly, before we get into what amazing things we did and saw over the next 3 days, we just want to speak about the booking process.

Now, if you’ve done a little research as we had, you might have seen a few stories about how a lot of the tour drivers seem to get drunk behind the wheel. Undoubtedly, this is scary, right?!

It some cases, this may be true.  On the other hand, we had a perfect 3 days with a perfectly sober driver. Unquestionably, you may be feeling a little worried and overwhelmed by the copious amounts of travel agencies. Therefore, we have a recommendation. Namely, we can confidently suggest that you go with Flamingo, who are highly professional.

Ok, so with the worries out of the way, let’s get to the exciting stuff!

The Salt Flats Tour

Day 1: Lakes, Crates and Geysers

On the first day of the tour, we arrived at the Chile/Bolivia border and got our passport stamped.  Following this, we were greeted with some breakfast and the 4x4’s that we were about to spend a lot of time with.

Without a doubt, we couldn’t have got to a greater start!  Due to the first stop probably being the most beautiful lake we have ever laid our eyes on; Laguna Blanca. The lake was completely reflective and with the backdrop of mountains, it definitely looked like a painting.

Subsequently, we continued through the most scenic road we’ve ever driven on, towards lunch. If you can call anything we drove along a road! Followed by casually walking through the crater of a volcano and geyser spotting. Yes, we are still only on day one!

Lastly, our next stop was another lake.  However, this time the lake was entirely pink!  Additionally, the lake was also filled with wild flamingo’s. What is this fantasy land?

A drive during sunset to our accommodation followed by dinner and it was time to get some rest for day 2.

Day 2: Old trains, Rocks and a Salt Hotel?!

Pancakes for breakfast, delish! Time to head back into the 4x4 and see what was in store for the second day.

Firstly, day two consisted of a lot of rocks and imagination. Each time we got in the car, we seemed to be heading to more rock formations.  For the most part, these rock formations bared a resemblance to something.  Namely, camels, faces and even the World Cup trophy.  Admittedly though, the rocks do get boring.

However, it's a good job a pack of alpacas appear to keep you on your toes!

The rocks do finally come to an end.  Don’t get us wrong though, the scenery is still amazing!  Moreover, we then proceeded onto somewhere else quite peculiar.

Subsequently, we seemed to be surrounded by derelict factories, trains and a train line.  Or so we thought, until an old rustic train came driving past!

However, all of this randomness was overshadowed by the excitement for the evening. Due to our staying in a hotel completely made out of salt!

Obviously, the first we did was plonk our belongings down and lick the walls. Nope, they weren’t lying. Definitely salt.

Tomorrow was the big day.  What we were all here for; the salt flats!

If you get a moment on this night, pop out after dinner and take a look at the sky. Not quite the Atacama experience, however, it’s a very pretty sky full of stars!

Day 3: The Big Day!

This was it. It was really going to happen and even a 4 am start wasn’t going to ruin our spirits. We drove along as the sun rose over the slightly flooded salt flats.  Thus creating the beautiful reflective effect we’d seen in all the Google photos. It was truly beautiful.

Following this, we stopped to watch the sunrise and as time went on, the white glare of the salt became more visible. Eventually, in every direction we looked in, there was just salt for miles. Admittedly, it was hard to believe what we were looking at was actually salt and not snow. So much salt!

We were then left to our own devices, literally. Hence out came all the phones, cameras and GoPros to capture this magical moment.  In spite of none of the many photos and videos doing justice to what we were witnessing.

We then drove to another spot, absolutely baffled as to how any of the drivers knew what direction to go in! Now it was time for all the fun perspective shots! These are not as easy as they look and luckily our drivers were pros at getting everyone at the right angles.

We took numerous shots of us with dinosaurs, looking like we’d been scooped up in a hat.  In addition to getting stomped on by a fellow traveller and videos of us running out of Pringle pots. Let your imagination run wild!  We’re giving you notice, so have some original ideas up your sleeve!

Our last stop amongst the salt was a random spot where lots of countries flags have been left.  Of course, a photo with your flag is obligatory! Additionally, there is also a really cool Bolivia sign here, made out of salt (shock!).

Not Just a Day At the Salt Flats...

Unfortunately, although we never wanted to leave, it had to happen at some point.  However, the experience wasn’t quite over yet. We then headed to a market selling a wide range of lovely patterned Bolivian goods. This is a stop on every tour company’s journey so, with that in mind, it is quite the touristy spot.

Last but not least, the final stop was something quite unique.  Just about unique enough to distract us from the jealousy we were feeling towards the people who were just starting their journey in the opposite direction!

We were located in a train cemetery. Due to a failed train system, a bunch of trains had just been left here and due to the salt winds, they have all now rusted. Consequently, everywhere you look, there is an old rusted part of a train. In spite of it being quite strange and random, it is a cool sight. Where else are you going to see this?

Where else are you going to get to climb on top of a train or pose sitting in the nose of one? Exactly, nowhere.

Therefore, take a few photos and wipe away the tears that are trying to form as you remember this is the last stop.

We can promise that a visit to the salt flats is something you will never forget.  It is a truly magical moment and one that can’t quite be put into words. The Salt Flats is something that in life, just quite simply, has to be done.

Have fun!

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