Salar de Uyuni : Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni is considered one of the most extreme and remarkable vistas in all of South America, if not Earth

 

Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni is considered one of the most extreme and remarkable vistas in all of South America, if not Earth. Stretching more than 4,050 square miles of the Altiplano, it is the world's largest salt flat, left behind by prehistoric lakes that evaporated long ago. Here, a thick crust of salt extends to the horizon, covered by quilted, polygonal patterns of salt rising from the ground.

  

Nearby lakes overflow at certain times of the year, and a thin layer of water transforms the flats into a stunning sky reflection. This beautiful and otherworldly terrain serves as a lucrative extraction site for salt and lithium, the element responsible for powering laptops, smartphones, and electric cars. In addition to local workers who harvest these minerals, the landscape is home to the world's first salt hotel and is populated by road-tripping tourists. The harsh beauty and desolateness of Salar de Uyuni can make for an incredible experience or a logistical nightmare.

  

Salar de Uyuni has two distinct seasons. Visitors witness the Salar's breathtaking mirror effect during the rainy season (December to April). Be wary of excessive rain in December and January, as it can cause tour cancelations. During the dry season (May to November), temperatures are colder, the ground has hardened, and travelers can drive across the stark white landscape to places that aren't accessible in the rainy season. Tour operators consider June through August their high period, and rates may rise accordingly.

  

While the salt flats are one of Bolivia's most popular attractions, it's only a small part of the gorgeous Altiplano region. Many visitors indulge in a three-day tour (or longer) that includes the deserts, volcanos, geysers, hot springs, and high-altitude lakes to the south. Tours out of San Pedro de Atacama and Tupiza are already scheduled to drive through these sites.

  

Travelers can choose between a shared tour (cheaper and standardized) or a private tour (higher-priced and custom-tailored). Shared tours generally provide Spanish-speaking guides who double as the driver and chef. These follow a rigid itinerary that will not likely accommodate individual requests and can hinder certain times of day, like sunrise or sunset. Private tours, by contrast, can be customized to a client's liking, giving travelers more control over itineraries and the ability to go off the beaten path to volcanos or caves. Private tours also provide an English-speaking guide, chef, and a more comfortable vehicle.

  

Check online reviews and travel guides to choose a reputable guide carefully. Avoid companies that offer rock bottom prices; they may not provide an accredited guide or working car, which can endanger tourists. Also, ask your agency whether they carry an emergency radio and first-aid kit.    

Source: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destinations/south-america/bolivia/how-to-see-salar-de-uyuni-salt-flats-bolivia/