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| 17 | ==Neighbourhoods== | 17 | ==Neighbourhoods== |
| 18 | | 18 | |
| 19 | | 19 | |
| | 20 | Uyuni is the main starting point for tours to the
Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the
world. Formed from the remnants of a prehistoric
lake, the salt crust stretches over 10,000 square
kilometres and creates a surreal, white expanse
that appears endless under the bright Andean sun.
During the rainy season (typically January to
March), a thin layer of water turns the salt into
a vast mirror, reflecting the sky and creating
striking photo opportunities. |
| | 21 | |
| | 22 | Due to the flatness of the terrain, the salt flats
are also used as a transport route across the
Bolivian Altiplano. Many travellers explore the
area on a multi-day jeep tour, which often
includes overnight stays in remote desert villages
and visits to other dramatic natural landscapes. |
| | 23 | |
| | 24 | Popular stops along these tours include: |
| | 25 | |
| | 26 | Isla Incahuasi (also known as Isla del Pescado), a
rocky island in the middle of the flats, covered
with towering cacti. The views from the top are
especially impressive at sunrise. |
| | 27 | |
| | 28 | Laguna Colorada, a red-coloured shallow lake with
mineral-rich waters and large colonies of
flamingos. |
| | 29 | |
| | 30 | Laguna Verde, a striking green lake at the foot of
the Licancabur Volcano. The colour varies with
sunlight and wind. |
| | 31 | |
| | 32 | Sol de Mañana, a high-altitude geothermal area
with bubbling mud pools and active steam vents. |
| | 33 | |
| | 34 | Desierto de Dalí, a barren desert with surreal
rock formations resembling a Salvador Dalí
painting. |
| | 35 | |
| | 36 | In Uyuni itself (or just outside the town) is the
Cementerio de Trenes, or train cemetery. This
open-air site features dozens of abandoned steam
locomotives, once used for transporting minerals.
Today, it serves as a popular photo stop for
travellers before beginning their salt flat
adventure. |
| 20 | ==Sights and Activities== | | |
| 21 | Uyuni is the starting point for tours towards the
[b]Uyuni Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni)[/b]. The
Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt desert in the
world and the result of a prehistoric lake that
dried out around 40,000 years ago. It represents
one of the most superb sites to visit in the
world. It is located at approximately 3,650 metres
above sea level in the State of Potosí, in the
Bolivian Altiplano (highlands). As the salt land
is so flat, it is used as a transport route
through the Bolivian Altiplano. | | |
| 22 | [photo|25800] | | |
| 23 | Another attraction in Salar de Uyuni is the
[b]Isla del Pescadao[/b] (Fish Island), where
giant cacti of approximately 10 metres high are
found. Also, in this region are the [b]Laguna
Colorada[/b] (Red Lagoon, more of a small lake)
and the [b]Laguna Verde[/b] (Green Lagoon). They
both are located at the south of the Salar de
Uyuni. | | |
| 24 | The different tones that characterize each of the
lagoons is due to the presence of algae, the
chemical composition of the water, the movement of
the wind and even to the specific time of the day.
These lagoons are a breeding place for some
species of South American flamingos, such as the
James and Andean flamingos. | | |
| 25 | | 37 | |
| 26 | In Uyuni itself (or just outside as a matter of
fact) is the [b]train cemetery[/b]. | 38 | Tours can be booked online in advance or directly
in Uyuni upon arrival. Most include meals, basic
accommodation, and a guide. Prices and quality can
vary, so it's worth comparing a few agencies in
person when possible. |
| 27 | | 39 | |
| 28 | | 40 | |
| 29 | ==Events and Festivals== | 41 | ==Events and Festivals== |