The Salar de Uyuni salt flats, south of the town of Uyuni, are part of the Altiplano that reaches from Bolivia across into northern Chile, and are the largest in the world. At over 12,000 sq km, this breathtaking and unusual landscape high up in the Andes is truly spectacular. Sunglasses and sun cream are essential as you journey by four-wheel drive across a blinding white salt crust, bordered by azure blue skies and small islands dotted with giant cacti, to great expanses of red desert, where mineral rich and vividly coloured lakes support flocks of rare James’ flamingos.
Airstream campers offer a unique way to experience this remote, sparsely populated region, with a two-night tour including one night at the Luna Salada Hotel. These shiny new Airstream Campers cater for up to two guests, are fully equipped and include a personal chauffeur/guide. The best months to visit the Salare de Uyuni are from April to November, but be warned, temperatures at night on the high Altiplano can drop sharply in the winter months of June to August.
Getting to Salar de Uyuni
If you are travelling from La Paz to Uyuni, you can now fly to Uyuni instead of a three-hour drive followed by a five-hour train journey. From Potosi, you have the option to fly to Uyuni, or its about three hours by jeep. The Salar de Uyuni can also be reached overland from San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile (an incredible journey through a world of clear blue skies, smouldering volcanoes, snow-capped mountain peaks and multi-coloured rock formations) but this two day journey is not for the faint-hearted!
See photos of the Salar de Uyuni on the Rainbow Tours blog
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