Uyuni otherworldly! Bolivia Salar de Uyuni largest salt flat world 10582 sq km 3656m altitude Altiplano surreal white expanse hexagonal patterns endless horizon sky blends disorienting beautiful rainy season December-March shallow water mirror reflection perfect photography Instagram famous forced perspective tricks creative photos jumping optical illusions fun memorable. Prehistoric lake Minchin dried 40000 years ago salt crust 10m thick lithium reserves underneath 50-70% world largest deposit future electric vehicle battery industry economic potential significant Bolivia development extraction environmental concerns water usage fragile ecosystem impact debated controversial. Train cemetery Uyuni rusting locomotives British 19th century mining industry abandoned atmospheric photography graveyard metal desert preserved dry climate. Incahuasi Fish Island cacti 10m tall 1000 years ancient viewpoint panoramic climb 360 views stunning. Eduardo Avaroa Reserve southwest multiday tours Laguna Colorada red lake algae flamingos three species Chilean Andean James Laguna Verde green emerald base Licancabur volcano 5960m border Chile stunning geysers Sol Manana sulphur bubbling morning steam sunrise cold -20░C night freeze accommodation refugios basic rustic community-run simple shared facilities altitude 4000m+ challenging adaptation essential coca tea oxygen available severe symptoms descent required. Desierto Siloli rock formations Stone Tree mushroom-shaped erosion wind sand Dali Desert surreal landscapes Salvador Dali paintings resemblance named appropriately artistic nature beauty bizarre wonderful unique. High altitude 3656m-4500m acclimatization essential Cusco Puno La Paz days beforehand prevent sickness coca tea hydrate Diamox medication recommended medical consultation prior essential insurance altitude coverage verified emergency evacuation expensive + helicopter remote
Day 1:
Arrive Uyuni 3656m rest acclimatize hotel basic town small frontier dusty train cemetery walk afternoon old locomotives British rust photogenic sunset golden|
Day 2:
Salt flats full day tour 4x4 jeep shared -80 Colchani salt processing village, drive endless white Dakar monument, Incahuasi Island cacti lunch picnic salt flats tables chairs middle nowhere surreal forced perspective photos creative jumping fun memorable sunset return|
Day 3:
Multiday tour start 3-4 days southwest Eduardo Avaroa Reserve scenic drive Salar sunrise mirror effect if rainy, Laguna Canapa flamingos, Laguna Hedionda stinky sulfur smell, afternoon Desierto Siloli rock formations Stone Tree mushroom wind erosion Dali Desert surreal named appropriately, refugio basic accommodation 4200m cold -10░C night sleeping bags provided dinner communal shared travelers bonding|
Day 4:
Laguna Colorada red lake algae flamingos three species pink beautiful scenic national park flamingos nesting altitude 4300m cold windy, geysers Sol Manana morning early 5am sunrise -15░C freezing cold bubbling sulfur steam impressive thermal active volcanic, hot springs natural bath optional warm 30░C water freezing air surreal experience 4400m altitude, Dali Desert rocks bizarre formations Laguna Verde green emerald turquoise base Licancabur volcano 5960m Bolivia-Chile border stunning photo viewpoint, border crossing Chile San Pedro Atacama optional continue or return Bolivia|
Day 5:
Return Uyuni via Salar different route villages Alota San Cristobal colonial church relocated flooded mining reservoir controversial moved stone-by-stone rebuilt preservation architecture historical destruction progress modernity conflict resolved compromise imperfect solution|
Day 6:
Uyuni departure optional additional day if short 2-day tour alternative Salar only without lagunas cheaper faster less comprehensive experience Salar highlight sufficient time limited budget conscious trade-offs acceptable