January 10th, 2008 by Farmer Dave
Located to the south of La Paz, in the Department of Potos, at a height of 3,660 meters, Salar de Uyuni is considered the biggest salt flat in the world. It covers an area of approximately 12,000 square kilometers and is composed of 11 layers of varying thicknesses, reaching a depth of 120 meters. Salar de Uyuni contains about 64 million tons of salt as well as chemical elements such as boron, chlorine, magnesium, sodium, potassium, strontium , etc.
The most important element is lithium, a key mineral used throughout the world.
Salar de Uyuni is a plain of singular beauty with its impressive mirror of salt. With rain from November to March, it is dry the rest of the year. Temperatures drop below 0 degrees Celsius at night, rising during the day to 14 degrees due to the solar radiation.
The circuit begins at Uyuni, stopping first at Colchani to see the salt making process. Then I visited the Salt Hotel, Island Inka Wasi "Fish Island", and lagoons such as Ca'apa, Hedionda, Chiarcota, Honda, and Ramaditas. From there I continued on to Sud Lipez, with fascinating volcanic landscapes.
It is blindingly white on the salt lake, which is a beautiful contrast to the bright blue sky. There is much fun to be had on the salt flat as it is possible to take great photos that create optical illusions.