Salar de Uyuni
The Salar de Uyuni is an eerie expanse of over 12,000 sq km (4633 sq mi) of white salty desert set at a lofty altitude of 3653m (11,985ft) in the south-western tip of Bolivia. It is the largest natural salt lake in the world, twice the size of the Great Salt Lake in the United States, and to experience these desolate salt-encrusted plains is nothing short of mesmerizing.
Travel by 4WD vehicle through this crystallised landscape and admire the red algae-rich waters of Laguna Colarada which provides vital nourishment to scores of vibrant James flamingos. Head south of the ‘coloured lake’ to cautiously observe pressurised steam spouting majestically from the Sol de Mañana geyser, then continue through the barren wilderness to admire the shimmering reflection of Vulcán Lincacabur in the calm emerald waters of Laguna Verde. A visit to Salar de Uyuni would not be complete without climbing Isla Incawasi. Emerging like an oasis from the horizon this rocky island of fossilised coral studded by gigantic cacti, is arguably the most impressive of Salar de Uyuni’s innumerable islands. Moreover, Uyuni marks the end of the road for steam train enthusiasts. The Cementerio de Trenes (train cemetery) hosts a collection of once glorified locomotives and carriages rusting in the relentless sunshine.