The Facts

A Breathtaking Natural Phenomenon in Bolivia, In the heart of Bolivia lies the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, which transforms into the world’s largest mirror during the rainy season and a chance to see the reflective surface during the rainy season, attracting over 300,000 tourists annually.

Where is it located

Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, is located in southwest Bolivia, near the Chilean border, offering a surreal landscape and unique attractions like the train cemetery and reflective surfaces during the rainy season.

Formation of Salar de Uyuni and Features

The  Salar de Uyuni is a vast expanse of salt crust, covering over 10,000 square  kilometers, formed by the evaporation of prehistoric lakes. The flat surface is remarkably even, with an average elevation variation of less than one meter over the entire area. This unique feature makes it an ideal Salar de Uyuni location for calibrating the altimeters of Earth observation satellites.

Mirror Effect

A thin layer of water covers the salt crust during the wet season, perfecting the reflection of the sky. This phenomenon is known as the ” mirror effect” and is a sight to behold. The vast expanse of salt and water stretches as far as the eye can see, creating the illusion of an endless mirror. The reflection is so clear that it is often difficult to distinguish the horizon.

Bolivia Salar de Uyuni tour

Visitors can reach the  Salar de Uyuni by travelling from Peru, Chile, or Argentina to  Yuri. The nearest towns are La Paz,  Tupi, and  Yuri. It is recommended to travel with a tour operator who knows the best routes and can provide guidance on the best times to visit for the mirror effect.

Accommodations and Activities

For a unique experience, visitors can stay in a salt hotel, such as the  Palacios de Sal, which is constructed entirely from large salt blocks. Other activities include exploring the train cemetery, a railway route that once linked  Salar de Uyuni Bolivia with Chile, and visiting the dormant volcano,  Tuna, at  Each Lodge.

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