it’s all about Time!
During the rainy season (usually December–March), a thin layer of water spreads over the salt surface—sometimes just a few millimeters, sometimes a bit more. As you may have deduced by the name, the salt flats are near Uyuni in Bolivia, the starting point of most tours. The plateau includes fresh and saltwater lakes as well as salt flats and is endorheic. It leaves a permanent imprint on any traveler whether it is the glittering salt plains in the dry months or the fantastical reflections in the rainy seasons, this is a natural wonder which is unforgettable. Your trip starts with the small town of Uyuni that is the central point of the salt flat tours. Catch a local bus to Colchani (this is a stop on tours to visit a salt museum).
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- Sunblock, lip balm with SPF, and sunglasses – the sun is very harsh at high altitudes.
- In reality, its deep red color comes from red sediments and the pigments of algae and microorganisms living in the lake.
- On our first tour in 2017, although it wasn’t windy at all, the lake had a greenish tint.
- However, except for January, even in the rainy season the number of rainy days is fewer than 5 per month.
- This is when photographers go a-swarming to get the surreal effect of the infinity horizon, one of the most recognisable photographs of travelling the world.
- The majority of travellers begin their Salar de Uyuni tour from Uyuni itself.
- Plenty of travellers opt for the most basic Salar de Uyuni tour and have a fantastic time.
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These islands are the tops of ancient volcanic domes that remained above water even when the whole area was a lake.As the lakes dried and the salt crust formed, the domes stayed as isolated high points. Since the salt flat is already extremely smooth, this water film becomes a near-perfect reflective layer. When water levels dropped, evaporation increased.And every time the water pulled back, it left behind thick salt deposits, clays, silts, and evaporite minerals. This is produced by a water layer that sits on top of the salt in the wet season (December to April). It’s also possible to take private tours for the ultimate customised experience.Top Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss on a Switzerland Trip
Salar de Uyuni spreads over 10,582 km2, which is roughly 100 times the size of the Bonneville Salt Flats in the United States. The youngest prehistoric lake was Coipasa, which was radiocarbon dated to 11,500 to 13,400 years ago. Some 30,000 to 42,000 years ago, the area was part of a giant prehistoric lake, Lake Minchin.- The island is full of giant cacti, it’s awesome seeing them up close.
- January is the hottest month in Uyuni, with an average temperature of 15 °C (59 °F), while July is the coldest, averaging 12 °C (54 °F).
- It’s also possible to take private tours for the ultimate customised experience.
- At this time of year you will enjoy the quintessential views of the salt flats, with vast expanses of white landscape extending to the horizon.
- (Note that Incahausi can become inaccessible in the wet season due to flooding.)
- The deserted plain is the perfect canvas for taking perspective photographs and when covered in a layer of water it becomes the world’s largest mirror, which makes for stunning reflective images.
