BOLIVIA-SALAR de UYUNI (world’s largest salt flat)
Our city guide in La Paz, Bolivia has already told us that the Salar de Uyuni is Bolivia’s greatest natural wonder. At over 10,000 square kilometers, the Salar is the largest salt lake in the world.
The lake is normally easy to drive around and there are so many tourist jeeps that one has to look for a parking space at the various destinations.
However, we were there during the rainy season. Naturally, the lake was covered in water and the horizon and sky merged into one another. It was almost a surreal atmosphere.
We stood at the edge and debated whether we should actually go on the lake. Admittedly, with some fear. We watched the tourist jeeps driving towards the salt hotel. At some point, we took our hearts in our hands and set off. Slowly, carefully and still with a little fear. But the further we drove, the more we were able to enjoy the journey. The soft lapping of the water on the tires, the lanes we followed and the sight of the islands and other cars somewhere on the lake emboldened us to continue.
It all looked as if floating. Everything was reflected in the water. Nothing worked without sunglasses. We were on the largest mirror one can imagine.
Then we arrived at the salt hotel. The picture that we really wanted to take, the one with the Dakar Monument, was now possible. The flags were photographed and we stuck our sticker in the salt hotel.
What a day! We lucked out with great weather and actually travelled through the Salar de Uyuni during the rainy season. Amazing. Something to remember and a great accomplishment.
Now we just had to remove the layer of salt from the car and then we could set off on the lagoon route, the highlight of the Altiplano.
FRANK KLAUS
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Germany