Exploring Bolivia's Uyuni Salt Flat

BY KRISTEN GARRIDO

Welcome to the Uyuni Salt Flat. Covering over 10,000 square kilometers, it's the world's largest salt flat, found in southwest Bolivia.

It's 1/3 of the countries that form the Lithium Triangle. This is where most foreign companies come to extract Lithium, used to power phones, computers and batteries.

LITHIUM TRIANGLE

Though it may seem surprising as they're often correlated with much greener environments, this salt flat is also home to flamingos and other wildlife.

FLAMINGOS

Beyond its salt crust, the Uyuni Salt Flat boasts remarkable geological formations, including the Incahuasi Island, an oasis-like outcrop adorned with towering cacti.

CACTI OASIS

The flat is estimated to contain about 10 billion tons of salt, making it one of the world's largest salt reserves and a crucial economic resource for Bolivia. 

RICH SALT DEPOSITS

During the rainy season (November to March), a thin layer of water transforms the salt flat into a stunning natural mirror.

MIRROR EFFECT

A vast collection of 20th-century rusting, abandoned trains were left to decay in the harsh desert environment. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction. 

TRAIN GRAVEYARD

The Salt Hotel in Bolivia lets guests sleep in a hotel constructed entirely of salt blocks. From the walls to the floors and even the furniture, everything is made of salt. 

SALT HOTEL

Lake Colorada is known for its striking red coloring. The lake gets its vibrant hue from algae and sediments, contrasting with the surrounding white islands and snowy peaks.

RED LAKE

GPS is calibrated using reflection by bouncing signals off reflective surfaces, like the Uyuni Salt Flat, for accuracy and precision.

GPS CALIBRATION

The Uyuni Salt Flats captivate with their surreal beauty and serve as the perfect destination for any traveler. 

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