Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Salar De Uyuni is located in southwest Bolivia. It is the biggest salt flat in the world, which stretches for 4,086 sq mi (10,582 sq km).

The salt desert used to be covered with water. Several prehistoric lakes were lying here. After a long time however, the lakes have disappeared, uncovering this amazing spot. 

Containing an estimated 10 billion tonnes of salt, the question often arises as to how Salar de Uyuni was formed.

The landscape is entirely flat, bar a few small ‘islands’ such as Isla Incahuasi, which only accentuates its surreal beauty. Underneath the cemented salt are large reservoirs of lithium-rich brine. In fact, approximately 70% of the world’s lithium reserves are found in Salar de Uyuni and thus it’s not surprising that there’s an entire industry devoted to its extraction.

Unlike any other place on earth, the Salar de Uyuni is breathtakingly beautiful and provides an extraordinary experience that will not be quickly forgotten. The area which is covered with a few meters salt crust is extraordinarily flat. Due to this and clear air, as well as low humidity, Salar De Uyuni is perfect for satellite calibration.

The unusual spot attracts tourists from all around the world. Some hotels are built entirely with salt blocks.