Bolivia is the third-largest producer of the coca leaf from which cocaine is made, but it also has a plethora of scenic natural wonders that will take your breath away.
Bolivia is famous for several quirky things including llamas, incredible mountains, socialism, the third-largest crop of coca leaf (from which cocaine is made) and the largest and highest salt flats in the world, which act and look like a mirror.
One of South America’s most underrated and underexplored countries, Bolivia is home to the world’s largest natural mirror, Salar de Uyuni which is the world’s largest salt flat at 10,582 km squared – or 13 times the size of Canberra.
Off the beaten track and far from everywhere, Salar de Uyuni is perfect for the intrepid traveler – looking for that once-in-a-lifetime moment and the ultimate Instagram snap to go with it.
When lockdown ends for Australia, this location will be a target for many in the know.
When to Go
The wet season, from December to April is astonishing as this is when the Salar’s breathtaking mirror effect occurs. The rain causes nearby lakes to overflow covering the salt flat with a thin layer of water.
The time to visit is late April when you can see both the dry salt desert and the giant mirror effect due to the climate.
During the dry season from May to January temperatures drop and the ground is dry and hard. Tour operators consider June to August to be their busiest periods as the entire salt flat is accessible to drive on by car.
Visas
Australians should apply for a Chilean visa via the Chilean Ministry of External Affairs’ website before departing.
Australians do not need a visa to enter Bolivia and can stay in the country for 30 days before needing to apply for another 30. Bolivia also requires proof of yellow fever vaccination.
How to Get there
This is a South American side trip that can be organised through a travel agent, ideally in advance.
Located in Bolivia but a drive away from nearby the borders of Chile and Argentina, travelers can tour the salt flats from three main destinations: Uyuni or Tupiza in Bolivia, or San Pedro de Atacama in Chile.
A direct flight from Sydney to Santiago, the capital of Chile, is 13 hours. Qantas was flying daily from Sydney before the lockdown. From Santiago Airport, there is a 2-hour flight to Calama Airport and a shuttle bus to San Pedro de Atacama.
San Pedro de Atacama is a small-town set on an arid high plateau in the Andes mountains of north-eastern Chile.
It is important to note that travelers flying into San Pedro de Atacama which sits at 2,408 meters above sea level may experience altitude sickness. It is recommended to spend at least 1 day acclimatizing here before launching into a tour of the salt flat which reaches up to 3,700 meters at times.
Where to Finish
Add an extra day to your tour if you want to finish where you started. Tours starting in San Pedro de Atacama will typically end in Uyuni. From Uyuni opt to loop back around to San Pedro de Atacama to see more of Chile, such as the spectacular glaciers of Patagonia in the south, or continue into Bolivia visiting La Paz, the highest administrative capital in the world.
Choosing a Tour
San Pedro de Atacama is full of tour agencies all competing against each other for the lowest price.
Don’t skimp on the details and opt for a higher-end, private tour which will take your personal needs and preferences into account or you might end up having a South American nightmare.
Compare itineraries, read reviews and speak to tour agencies about which sites the tour will be visiting. Most tours will include the deserts, volcanos, geysers, hot springs, and high-altitude lakes which are scattered across the region before exploring the famed Salar de Uyuni.
Tours should include all meals and transport and the price depends on the agency and the season.
Many lakes harbor flocks of pink flamingos which are recognisable for their long legs and hooked beaks and iconic colour. Other lakes are bright pink or red in colour.
Consider bespoke luxury travel agencies with years of experience such as Aracari Travel or Kuoda Personalised Travel.
Accommodation
With tours organising all meals and accommodation, mention Kachi Lodge and Luna Salada, Hotel de Sal and Spa to your tour agency.
At $1500 per night the luxurious Kachi Lodge doubles as a five-star observatory at night. The dome tents built atop the salt flat offer fine dining by Bolivian head chef Juan Pablo Gumiel who owns acclaimed restaurants in La Paz and Sucre.
The Luna Salada, Hotel de Sal and Spa is another popular accommodation option on the salt flats. This elegant hotel and spa boasts rooms built entirely of salt.
Experience authentic Andean flavours at their onsite restaurant and take in the panoramic views of the salt flat from the hot tub with accommodation from a very reasonable $200 per night.
Allow at least 5 days for travel if flying into Santiago, Chile from Australia to experience the magic of Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni, and don’t forget you may experience jet lag.
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