The Uyuni Salt Flat, Discover The Largest Mirror On The Planet

The Uyuni salt flat is one of the most impressive destinations in all of South America. And it is that it becomes, in the rainy season, the largest mirror in the world. Read on to discover more about this place of true fantasy.

The largest salt desert in the world

The Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt desert on Earth and also the highest. It is located in the southwest of Bolivia and its average height is more than 3600 meters above sea level.

In addition, it is the largest lithium reserve globally. In it is between 50-70% of the world’s lithium. Similarly, it has significant amounts of potassium, boron and magnesium.

But, of course, what is most exported is salt. From the Uyuni salt flat, more than 25,000 tons of salt are obtained each year. This, together with tourism, constitutes a great source of wealth in the area.

When to visit the Uyuni salt flat?

When deciding when to visit the salt flat, you have to bear in mind that there are two distinct seasons. On the one hand, there is the dry season and, on the other, the rainy season.

The dry season, a desert of salt hexagons

The dry season runs from May to November. During this time, the salar is a salt desert in which hexagons are formed. In June, July and August the days are cold, dry and there is plenty of sun, making it the best time to take impressive pictures.

The rainy season, the biggest mirror in the world

On the other hand, the rainy season runs from December to March, more or less. Usually it rains and the weather is bad. This phenomenon is known as Altiplanic Winter, since in the southern hemisphere it is summer in these months. Therefore, entry to the salt flat is not guaranteed in the rainy season, as it is often inaccessible.

However, it is in the rainy season when the salt flat seems a perfect mirror. The view is undoubtedly much more impressive. But it is not certain that you can enter. It is up to you to decide whether it is worth the risk or not.

The best route to discover spectacular places

From the city of Uyuni, the salt flat can be seen in one day. However, we recommend hiring the tour known as the tour of the Salar de Uyuni. It is a circular route that lasts between two and four days.

It not only passes through the salt flat, but also includes unique destinations, such as lagoons of different colors, rock formations and a unique desert environment full of native fauna.

This tour  can be hired in different places in South America. Depending on where you are, it will be better for you to leave one of these places:

• From the city of Uyuni itself. In Uyuni, you will find tours that last from 1 to 4 days. There are them of all prices and the quality varies a lot, so we recommend you to be guided by the recommendations of the locals.
• From San Pedro de Atacama (Chile). In this city, 4-day and 3-day tours are offered. It depends on whether you want to stay in Bolivian lands or prefer to return to Chile.

It should be added that tours also depart from La Paz, the capital of Bolivia.

What to visit during the Uyuni salt flats tour

green lagoon

It is located in the heart of the Eduardo Avaroa Natural Reserve, which is a stop along the way. The emerald waters of this lagoon are incredibly beautiful. But, they are loaded with lead and arsenic, highly toxic heavy metals.

Salvador Dalí Desert

The variety of red, ocher and orange tones of its sand stands out, as well as the curious rock formations. They named him Dalí because of his surreal appearance.

Laguna Colorada

This is the most spectacular stop of the entire tour. The Laguna Colorada, one of the rarest on the planet, was a candidate for the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. And is not for less.

Stone Tree

This natural monument is located in the Silolí desert of the Eduardo Avaroa Nature Reserve. The volcanic stone formation reaches 5 meters in height. Impressive!

As you may have appreciated, the Salar de Uyuni and the environment that surrounds it constitute a perfect destination to admire the power and beauty of nature. If you are lucky enough to travel to South America, do not miss one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world and visit the Salar de Uyuni.