Between January and March, the largest salt flat in the world: “Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia” becomes an even more impressive place. Product of the rains, the sky is reflected on the salt desert and one feels like walking on the clouds.
The Uyuni salt flat occupies more than 10,500 square kilometers of white desert and is located at 3,660 meters above sea level.
Along with being the largest and highest in the world, it contains half of the world’s lithium reserves and, as if this were not enough, in the rainy season it looks like a monumental mirror, where the sky merges with the earth.
The famous mirror effect occurs when rainwater accumulates in the saline territory. Clouds, peaks, mountains of salt and travelers who come to see this natural spectacle are reflected on this waterproof layer.
Remember that, although rainfall occurs from December, the best time to observe this phenomenon is from January to March.
How to get to the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia?
First you need to get to the Bolivian city of La Paz. The airlines Latam, Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) and Avianca offer flights from Lima. Non-stop travel time is 2 hours.
Also, you can travel to Puno and cross the border through Desaguadero or Copacabana. Until La Paz it takes 5 hours for the first access and 7 hours for the second.
Traveling by land takes longer, but it is the cheapest option.
From La Paz you have to fly or take the bus to the city of Uyuni. BOA and Amaszonas cover this route in one-hour flights. The most recommended bus company in this section is Panasur.
The bus trip takes between 10 to 12 hours and there are night departures, which allow you to save a night’s lodging.
In the city of Uyuni you must hire an agency that will take you to visit the salt flat. There are plans for half a day, full day and circuits of up to 3 days.