In the South Eastern part of Bolivia
lies the greatest Salt Flat in the World, with an area of 10.582
Km2. Like a great sea caressed by the southern winds, the infinite
whiteness of the salt flat merges with the dark blue sky found
only in the high altitudes to produce wondrous mirages that may
elicit transcendental revelations for some, or merely joyous and
playful sensations for others.
Also, at night, amidst the wide horizon of the perfect flatness
of the Altiplano (High Plateau) where the flats are located, one
may observe the stars unlike any other place, and bask in the
glory of the Southern Cross. Uyuni is regarded as the best star
gazing destination in South- America.
While visiting the Salt Flats one will be amazed by the natural
wonders: landscapes, flora and fauna as well as the native villages
and what they have to offer visitors.
Colchani.- This village lies at
the shores of the Great Salt Flat, and is the basecamp for visiting
them. One may lodge at one of the Salt Hotels in the village,
made and furnished entirely of that material. One may also learn
about the rudimentary salt extraction process that most of the
population makes a living from.
Incahuasi Island.- Is an island
on the Salt Flats populated mainly by giant Cactus. It is made
of the remains of a volcano, from petrified lava. It is an extraordinary
lookout place to view the Salt Flats from, and excellent for photographers
because of the awesome views it offers.
National Reserve of Andean Fauna
“Eduardo Avaroa” (REA).- South of the Salt Flats is
this National Reserve which besides the local fauna, has an enormous
diversity of Andean Flora, some extraordinary lagoons with unusual
colors (green and red), geysers and geothermal pools with surprising
shapes.
Petrified Forest.- Is a group of rock formations whose shape and
form are due to aelic evolution creating surreal landscapes.
Red Lagoon.- Is a multicolor
lagoon where red predominates due to zooplancton sediments, which
makes for the red coloration that so greatly contrasts with the
surroundings, creating marvelous light effects. Here live more
than 30,000 flamingos of three different species. Also the lagoon
is home to the largest population of Small Parihuana (phoenicoparrus
andinus) in South America.
Sunrise Geysers and natural hot-springs.- In this place we find
geysers, intermittent fountains of water that sprout at a temperature
of 90° C, crevices where one may observe volcanic lava flowing,
and hot springs to relax in.
Green Lagoon.- Is found at the feet of the Licancabur volcano.
It´s extraordinary colour is due to the high magnesium content
that washes into the water from the surrounding rock formations.
