Salar de Uyuni
Potosí
Salar de Uyuni, located in the Potosí Department of Bolivia, is the largest salt flat on Earth, spanning over 10,582 square kilometers. Formed from the desiccation of prehistoric lakes during the Late Pleistocene, it features an exceptionally flat, 8-meter-thick salt crust covering a brine pool rich in lithium. Its surface varies in elevation by less than one meter, making it ideal for calibrating satellite altimeters. During the rainy season, a thin layer of water creates a stunning natural mirror stretching up to 129 kilometers. The Salar serves as a key transport route across the Altiplano and is a vital habitat for several flamingo species. Surrounded by ancient volcanoes that form islands in its center, the salt flat is a unique geological and ecological landmark. Its dramatic landscape has attracted filmmakers worldwide, featuring in notable films such as "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" and "The Fall." The local Aymara people regard the nearby Tunupa mountain as a sacred deity linked to the Salar's creation, adding cultural significance to this natural wonder.
Plan your trip to Bolivia with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The best time to visit Salar de Uyuni is during the rainy season (December to April) when the salt flat transforms into a giant mirror, offering unparalleled photo opportunities. Visitors should consider booking tours and accommodations in advance due to high demand. While exploring the Salar, bring sun protection and warm clothing for cold nights. Entry fees may apply, and discounts are often available for students and groups. Guided tours provide safety and enriched experiences, especially when visiting remote islands and salt extraction sites.
Interesting facts
- •Salar de Uyuni is roughly 100 times larger than the Bonneville Salt Flats in the USA.
- •The salt flat is covered by an 8-meter-thick layer of salt crust.
- •Its surface elevation varies by less than one meter across the entire area, making it exceptionally flat.
- •After rains, it becomes the world's largest natural mirror, spanning up to 129 kilometers.
- •The Salar is a major breeding ground for several flamingo species.
- •It is used to calibrate altimeters of Earth observation satellites due to its flatness and clear skies.
- •Several famous films, including 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' and 'The Fall,' have been shot here.
History
Salar de Uyuni formed from the drying of a series of prehistoric lakes, including Lake Minchin around 30,000 to 42,000 years ago, followed by Paleo Lake Tauca and Lake Coipasa.
These lakes gradually evaporated, leaving behind vast salt deposits that created the current salt flat.
Over millennia, the region evolved into an endorheic basin with unique geological features such as coral-like structures on island remnants of ancient volcanoes.
The area has long been inhabited by the Aymara people, who have cultural legends tied to the Salar.
Its lithium-rich brine has become economically significant in recent decades, influencing Bolivia's mineral extraction efforts.
Place Guide
Isla Incahuasi
An island in the center of the salt flat formed from an ancient volcano, famous for its giant cacti and panoramic views of the Salar.
Tunupa Volcano
A prominent volcano bordering the Salar, central to local mythology and offering hiking opportunities with views over the salt flat.
