When you think of South America, there are a number of iconic images that usually come to mind: beaches in Brazil, Argentine tango, Machu Picchu, the Galapagos, and for some, the open salt flats in southern Bolivia. The Uyuni Salt Flat is the largest salt flat in the world, spanning over 10,000 square kilometers. To see this amazing landscape, we booked a three day tour in a 4WD which would drive us through the salt flats and across the surrounding mountains, eventually dropping us off in Chile. We started the tour as soon as we arrived from our La Paz overnight bus. We were lucky enough to be paired with a fun group since the 4WD can only hold six passengers. The first stop was the old train cemetery where abandoned trains from Bolivia's slightly brighter past are left to spend the last of their days.
We headed off to the salt flats after taking a few pics at the cemetery. As the wheels of the 4WD touched the flats, we were in awe at how far the area spanned. It was nearly impossible to see the borders since there was absolutely nothing on the flats to give any perspective. We drove for close to an hour and stopped for a lunch and picture break. The crusty salt crunched beneath our feet as we dismissed any doubts of the world ever running out of its supply of salt.
We made our way through the flats to Isla Incahuasi. Located in the middle of the flats, this rocky island is the only mound that gives a complete view of the entire area. Its dotted with cacti and swept with strong winds all day long.
We made it to our second hostel which was nothing more than two massive rooms, one with beds and the other with tables and chairs. We had a great dinner with pasta and some wine. The night was freezing cold, and the morning was no different. We drove to the Geiser Sol de Mañana, an area known for its intense volcanic activity. The pressurized steam was a warm comfort in the freezing morning cold.
 |
| Top of the world |
 |
| In need of an experienced mechanic |
We headed off to the salt flats after taking a few pics at the cemetery. As the wheels of the 4WD touched the flats, we were in awe at how far the area spanned. It was nearly impossible to see the borders since there was absolutely nothing on the flats to give any perspective. We drove for close to an hour and stopped for a lunch and picture break. The crusty salt crunched beneath our feet as we dismissed any doubts of the world ever running out of its supply of salt.
 |
| Entrance to the flats |
 |
| She found half of her heritage |
 |
| The first group picture |
 |
| Saving Shanta from this immediate danger |
 |
| Lunch break in the middle of nowhere |
 |
| Balancing act |
 |
| Round 2 |
We made our way through the flats to Isla Incahuasi. Located in the middle of the flats, this rocky island is the only mound that gives a complete view of the entire area. Its dotted with cacti and swept with strong winds all day long.
 |
| Marking the path with a cactus sign |
 |
| View from the top |
 |
| The only thing without a sharp edge on the island |
We left the flats behind and travelled to the hostel, made up entirely of salt. The ground was a loose pile of salt and the walls had large chunks threatening to break off at any moment. The next morning, we set off early to make our way to Volcan Ollague. We stopped for some pictures as we made our way through miles of lakes, mountains, and rock formations.
 |
| Volcan Ollague |
 |
| Volcano in the distance |
 |
| Flamingos in Laguna Cañapa |
 |
| Lunch break |
 |
| Laguna Hedionda |
 |
| Desierto de Siloli |
 |
| Arbol de Piedra |
 |
| Laguna Colorada |
We made it to our second hostel which was nothing more than two massive rooms, one with beds and the other with tables and chairs. We had a great dinner with pasta and some wine. The night was freezing cold, and the morning was no different. We drove to the Geiser Sol de Mañana, an area known for its intense volcanic activity. The pressurized steam was a warm comfort in the freezing morning cold.
 |
| Our driver leading the group |
 |
| Boiling mud |
 |
| Braving the cold |
 |
| Accompanied by the smell of sulfur |
 |
| Hot springs |
 |
| The background inspiration for Salvador Dali's The Persistence of Memory |
 |
| Leaving Bolivia at the immigration 'office' |
 |
| Waiting for our bus with all our belongings |
 |
| Left or right? |
No comments:
Post a Comment