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An evocative and eerie sight, the world’s largest salt flat measures 4674 sq mi (12,106 sq km) and sits at 11,984ft (3653m). When the surface is dry, the salar is a pure white expanse of the greatest nothing imaginable – just blue sky, white ground and you. When there’s a little water, the surface perfectly reflects the clouds and the blue altiplano sky, and the horizon disappears. If you’re driving across the surface at such times, the effect is surreal; it’s hard to believe that you’re not flying through the clouds.
Salar de Uyuni is now a center of salt extraction and processing, particularly around the settlement of Colchani. The estimated annual output of the Colchani operation is nearly 20,000 tons, 90% of which is for human consumption while the rest is for livestock. And beneath the surface, massive lithium deposits should fuel Bolivia’s economy for the next 100 years.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Salar de Uyuni.
Island
One of the highlights of a Salar de Uyuni tour is a hike around the spectacular Isla Incahuasi, otherwise known as Inkawasi. It's located in the heart of the salar, 80km west of Colchani. This hilly outpost is covered in Trichocereus cactus and surrounded by a flat white sea of hexagonal salt tiles.
Village
Located right on the edge of Salar de Uyuni, Colchani is the easiest place to access the great salt flat and the place to go if you just want a glimpse of the salar. Most salt flat tours stop here to visit the souvenir stalls and small salt museum, which is built from salt and contains salt sculptures (admission is free). Colchani is 22km north of Uyuni; buses to Oruro pass the village (B$5, 40 minutes).
Notable Building
Although it is now closed to overnight visitors, you can still check out the salt sculptures inside and the Dakar Rally and Flag Monuments outside (add your flag if you've brought one). Find your own isolated piece of salt desert to enjoy and take out your props – it's here that plastic dinosaurs come out, as photographers play with the bizarre perspective caused by the bright blue skies and super-flat landscape. Many tour groups stop for lunch here.
Island
The small 'Eggshell Island' was named for the broken shells of birds’ eggs that litter it. It's located near the southern end of Salar de Uyuni and is visited mainly for the strange patterns of salt crystallization in the area, some of which resemble roses. However, due to nearby lithium mines and restricted access to the surrounding area, Cáscara de Huevo is no longer included on tour itineraries.
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