Green Toad Bus Bolivia Bus

If you think you have seen everything on your travels around the world, then a visit to the Uyuni Salt flats will change your mind. This huge ocean of salt high in the Andes looks like something from a science fiction movie. They are the largest salt flats in the world and have many attractions to explore around them making a trip to the isolated area well worth it! Backpacking to Uyuni is a once in a life-time experience!

Located at over 3000 metres above sea level, the Uyuni Salt Flats lie close to the border between Bolivia and Chile. The Salt flats were formed after the disappearance of an ancient lake called Ballivian, about 40,000 years ago. Today you will still find some colorful lakes which are just outstanding to photograph. You can even watch the beautiful flamingos that come to Uyuni to nurture their little pigeons.

One of the marvels of Uyuni is a hotel completely made of salt! This building has walls and even its furniture constructed in salt. You can also visit Isla Pescado (Fish Island), a big island located in the middle of the salt flats which after climbing it you will have excellent views of whiteness almost as far as you can see which are contained by distant mountains and volcanoes. Also, you can visit the fabulous Green and Red Lakes, with beauty impossible to describe.

Don´t forget to charge your camera and clear your memory card before you come, because you´ll find unique shots everywhere! For instance, there are giant cacti and  salt piles in the middle of a white salt landscape, where also sometimes recent rains cause an incredible reflection effect which your camera will capture for you to make your freinds back home extremely jealous. The endless whiteness of the landscape also allows you to play with perspective in your photography and by bringing everyday objects (or kids toys) you can make them life-size, appearing eye to eye with them in photos! To see examples on our Facebook page click here: Uyuni Salt Flats Photos!

To get to the Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats) in Bolivia you must take a bus from La Paz to Uyuni, a small village that was founded in salt extraction and the railway. From there you can jump on a jeep tour to explore the salt flats and the magic of the area. You can also access the Salt Flats from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile via jeep tours which end in Uyuni. See our San Pedro de Atacama page and products which depart from there by click here: San Pedro de Atacama Bus Passes!

Your Bolivian backpacking experience is not complete if you miss Uyuni!