Salar de Uyuni (Mirror of the Sky)

Salar de Uyuni

The world's largest salt flat. When a thin layer of water covers it in the rainy season, the sky is reflected across the endless ground, creating a 'mirror in the sky.' Sunrise, sunset and the reflected starry sky are especially breathtaking.

The Salar de Uyuni is a salt crust left behind by a prehistoric lake that dried up. Its thickness ranges from a few dozen centimeters to more than ten meters. The terrain is so flat that the elevation changes by less than 1 meter per 100 km. This means that when 2 to 5 centimeters of water collects during the rainy season and the air is still, a perfect mirror surface forms. How to visit: Travel agencies in Uyuni town offer day tours (usually departing around 10:30 and returning at 17:30, lunch included), sunset tours (usually departing around 15:30 to watch the sunset over the mirror and the blue hour), and stargazing or sunrise tours (departing at 3 to 4 a.m.). Shared tours cost roughly BOB 200 to 400 per person. A private vehicle for 2 to 3 people is more flexible. In the rainy season, the classic activities are reflection photography, creative photos with props, and time-lapses. In the dry season, you can photograph the hexagonal salt crust and perspective-play shots, and agencies usually bring props such as dinosaurs and wine bottles. Note: The exact location of the mirror surface changes daily with the water, so the driver decides where to stop. When there is too much water, vehicles can only park in the shallow areas. Salt water is highly corrosive to shoes and camera tripods. Wear the rubber boots provided by the agency, and rinse your equipment with fresh water afterward. The UV radiation at this altitude is extremely strong, so bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Night stargazing tours are very cold, so pack a down jacket and gloves.

Salar de Uyuni (Mirror of the Sky)

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