Salar de Uyuni and Andean Lagoons
Bolivia ·
Description
The Salar de Uyuni is where reality loses its edges. 10,000 square kilometers of crystalline salt create a perfect mirror when a thin layer of water covers the surface, fusing sky and earth in an impossible horizon. Nearby lagoons, populated by pink flamingos, display colors ranging from blood red to emerald green. It's the planet's most surreal landscape, where forced perspective photography becomes art.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
The Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat and a landscape of exceptional beauty. Although not officially World Heritage (it's on Bolivia's tentative list), it represents one of the planet's most extraordinary natural destinations and a unique ecosystem of the Andean highlands.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
February-April during the rainy season. The thin layer of water creates the perfect sky reflection.
Minimum 3 days for the classic circuit including salt flat, colored lagoons, and Sol de Mañana geysers. There are 1-day tours just to the salar.
The salar is at 3,650m and lagoons up to 4,800m. Acclimatize in La Paz or Uyuni first, drink lots of water, avoid alcohol.
Laguna Colorada (red from algae), Laguna Verde (copper), Laguna Blanca (borax). All with Andean flamingos.
Organized tour is recommended. Orientation on the salar is difficult and conditions can be extreme.