The Salar de Uyuni, the famous Salt Flats of Bolivia, is a totally surreal place. The landscape is nothing like anything I have ever seen before, or anywhere I have ever visited – and as a travel writer that is something that rarely happens.
Travelling across the Salt Flats in a shiny airstream camper van is a fantastic way to explore, with much more flexibility than being based in a hotel. Inside, the van is pared down and simple, but comfortable and perfect for two. There is plenty of space inside, with great electric blankets and a really cosy atmosphere, although the bathroom isn’t exactly huge. When you pull back the shades in the morning at first it is a bit discombobulating to see the bright blue sky and dazzling white that are so reminiscent of an Alpine palette, but then you remember you are on a giant lake of dried salt.
Because of the altitude, it is much colder, particularly at night, than people might expect, so a top tip would be to take plenty of warm clothes – it’s a good idea to stock up on locally-made woollies such as alpaca socks before leaving Uyuni. I was very glad I had remembered to pack a pair!
Lydia Bell is a travel writer who visited Bolivia as a guest of Rainbow Tours.
