Head to the Uyuni Salt Flats, one of the most spectacular sights in South America.
The Uyuni Salt Flats are located in the central-western part of Bolivia, at an altitude of about 3,700m. Covered as far as the eye can see by salt crystals, this place is known as a place where you can encounter some of the most spectacular views in the world. During the rainy season from late December to around March, rainwater accumulates all over the pure white salt flats, creating a landscape that reflects the sky like a mirror. On the other hand, if you visit during the dry season from April to early November, you will be greeted by a pure white earth with exposed salt crystals. Also, if you visit on the border between the rainy and dry seasons, there is a chance that you can see both the "mirror lake surface" and the "pure white lake surface."
The most common way to access the Uyuni Salt Flats is from Bolivia's capital, La Paz. It takes about an hour by air from La Paz to Uyuni, the base town for salt flat tourism. If you travel by land by bus, it takes about 10 to 12 hours. The flight from Japan to La Paz alone often takes more than 24 hours, and you'll want to take time to acclimatize to the high altitude, so if you want to enjoy the spectacular views of the Uyuni Salt Flats, you'll want to set aside a week to 10 days for the trip. It's also recommended to take advantage of a package tour that includes all transportation, accommodation, and sightseeing activities from Japan to the Uyuni Salt Flats.
A variety of spectacular views await at the sunny "Uyuni Salt Flats"
The Uyuni Salt Flats are a salt plain that stretches for about 100km from north to south and 250km from east to west. The sense of scale of the pure white land stretching as far as the eye can see can only be experienced by those who have actually visited the Uyuni Salt Flats. If you take a 4WD vehicle to travel around the salt flats, you will be overwhelmed by the vastness of the salt flats that stretches into the distance. The author visited right at the border between the rainy and dry seasons, and in some places the rainwater reflected the sky like a mirror, while in other places the exposed salt crystals drew geometric patterns. One after another, we saw landscapes that made us want to say, "That's just what you'd expect from the Uyuni Salt Flats!" We also recommend staying in a "salt hotel" where the buildings and furniture are made of salt, and taking your time to experience the beauty and size of the Uyuni Salt Flats.
The Uyuni Salt Flats is famous for its spectacular views of the salty land, but that's not all there is to see. Depending on the activities you do at the Uyuni Salt Flats, you may have the chance to encounter amazing scenery that is just as amazing as the salt flats themselves.
For example, "Incahuasi Island" is a rocky island located in the "Uyuni Salt Flats." If you walk around the island, you can enjoy the mysterious sight of giant cacti over 5 meters tall, so be sure to visit.
Be amazed by the ever-changing scenery! The Uyuni Salt Flats on the Moon
Under the shining sun, the Uyuni Salt Flats offers a number of spectacular views. However, the fantastic scenery you can see as the sun sets and the moon rises is just as beautiful as it is during the day.
For example, sunset at the Uyuni Salt Flats. In this place with no obstructions around, your shadows illuminated by the sun stretch out into the distance. This time of day, with a pale gradation of colors spreading across your field of vision, is the most romantic moment during your stay at the Uyuni Salt Flats. The ever-changing colors of the earth are sure to become a memory that will last a lifetime.
It is also impressive to see the sun set and the moon rise from beyond the horizon. When the stars begin to twinkle in the sky following the moon, the Uyuni Salt Flats transform into a natural planetarium. Earth, sky, moon and stars. The beauty of the landscape changes from moment to moment, and that is the best part of spending a night at the Uyuni Salt Flats.
The Uyuni Salt Flats, well known for its breathtaking views, has a deeper charm that cannot be conveyed through photos alone. Why not travel to the far reaches of South America in search of the excitement that can only be experienced there?
Comment
If you plan to visit the Uyuni Salt Flats, which are located at an altitude of about 3,700m, the same altitude as the summit of Mt. Fuji, you will need to take measures against altitude sickness. Please allow yourself as much time as possible and take your time to acclimatize to the high altitude. We also recommend an itinerary that includes Machu Picchu, a World Heritage Site located at an altitude of about 2,430m in Peru, Bolivia's neighboring country.
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
