Travel Tips in Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
The region is located at 3,650 meters of altitude, in the middle of a desert of salt with aggressive conditions in the high of the Andes. You will have to be prepared, physically and mentally. Also, since it is a very different culture, it is important that you have a lot of patience and respect for the local culture. Try to get better information before join on this true adventure.
When this salt is covered with a thin layer of water throughout the month of December, it makes the floor look like a giant mirror that reflects everything around it. Indeed, it becomes the largest natural mirror in the world.
There is not much wildlife in these regions, but in November three species of flamingos descend on the Salar de Uyuni, which feeds on microbes. It is not known exactly how much salt is found within this natural wonder, but at least 25,000 tons are mined each year, but despite that, that amount is still only a drop of the immense salt.
For all these reasons, Salar de Uyuni is one of the main attractions to see during a visit to Bolivia and is often included in various South America holiday packages. However, it is very normal for you and your group to feel the only ones in this vast region, as visitors often feel they are the first to discover this incredible show. But what to see in the Salar de Uyuni?
See sunset and sunrise.
For travelers looking for the most beautiful places in nature, there is no better place than the Salar de Uyuni. Sunrise and sunset are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, as colors not only dominate the sky but also merge into the salt plains, bright as the most vibrant watercolor painting in the world.
Adventure tours
A ride with a 4×4 car through the salar is a fascinating sight and an unforgettable experience. You will feel like driving into the infinite something you will not see anywhere else. It’s a trip to connect with nature and enjoy some stunning corners that look like something out of any science fiction movie.
Take photos and relax
This is a fantastic place for photography and to sit and reflect, away from the hustle and bustle of society. The colors are different from everything you’ve seen on Earth. You feel so quietly secluded with nature that you do not need many adventures to make you feel at home.
Dakar Salt Sculpture
The first stop will be the salt sculpture of the Dakar, one of the key points of your visit. For some years, the Dakar Rally crosses Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, crossing part of the salt desert. This sculpture pays tribute to the event that at the beginning of each year momentarily places the focus on Bolivia.
Green Lagoon
In this red lagoon you will see many flamingos.Do not be alarmed by the smell – it is very strong, as a result of the organic matter decomposition of the region.
Volcanoes, Geysers and Hot springs
On that day, go well dressed for low temperatures, because you will need it! Wake up at 4 in the morning and climb with the guides in a snowy volcano, at 4,000 meters of altitude. At the end of the breakfast, you can enjoy the hot springs – fall in the water without fear of being happy! Also, make the most of the moment with the friendly llamas, but approach them with care.
The most intriguing of the Salar de Uyuni is succession of different landscapes that you find throughout the days: you wake up with snow, you cross sand deserts, you travel volcanoes and lagoons.
Security Tips
To visit the Salar de Uyuni it is imperative that you bring a sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
The sun is surprisingly strong and warm, especially with the intense salt reflection. In turn, you should be looking for good travel deals for the Salar de Uyuni, but be careful to hire an accredited agency, serious, so always ask for references. Because there are known cases of accidents of some negligent groups with poorly equipped and unprepared organizers.
What to take for this tour?
Due to the total inaccessibility of the place, you will have to bring everything you need from the city of Uyuni. Because in the middle of the desert you will not be able to buy sunscreen, not even water bottles.
Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses
Sun cream
Thermal shirts / good coat
Sleeping bag (if you travel from May to November)
Towel and swimsuit (for hot springs)
Water for 3 days
Sunscreen
Your usual medications
Snacks (chocolates, bananas, etc …)
As you can see, there are great experiences waiting for you, in all seasons!
The Hurb values what is most important: you.
Semíramis F. Alencar Moreira – Redação Hurb – semiramis.moreira@hurb.com
