TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN SALAR DE UYUNI

At first look, it may be quite difficult to spot the top tourist attractions in Salar de Uyuni knowing that it is virtually as flat and void as the Arctic or Sahara Desert. This part of the Bolivian countryside remains as any conventional persons top five weirdest places, if not the weirdest in the short list. Salar de Uyuni is 10,000 square kilometer area of dried salt lake. According to the geological theory, this vast area was once a vast salt lake that dried up 40,000 years ago. There are only two waterholes left in the entire extensive weathering transition – the lakes Poopo and Uri Uri. Although this ever-stunning landscape is known for its majestic blankness reflecting the azalea of midday skies, there are specific landmarks that truly stand out in this odd land.

Sunset at Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

1. Isla de los Pescadores

One of the most famous of the top tourist attractions in Salar de Uyuni is the Isla de los Pescadores. In rough translation, its namesake means “the island of fishes”. However, a suggestion of abundant aquatic wildlife has no correlation whatsoever with the features of the island. Instead of fishes, the most famous features of the island are giant cacti towering as much as 150 meters above the surface of the lake. This place is also home to the ruins of ancient Inca and Tiwuanaku civilizations.

2. Hotel de Sal

Another of the top tourist attractions in Salar de Uyuni which really gave a lasting appeal to its visitors is the Hotel de Sal – or Salt Hotel in Spanish. When people in this place describe the establishment for what it is, they were seriously literal with their meaning. The foundations of the hotel are made from salt blocks. Even the small interior details such as furniture are also made of salt, courtesy of its creative patrons.

3. Salar de Uyuni’s hot springs and geysers

The hot springs and geysers in Salar de Uyuni have also gained popularity among visitors. There are always a large group of people who enjoy pampering themselves. To some, baths are just utilitarian measures to maintain proper hygiene. To others, baths can be enjoyed as a luxury in the same manner as food for studious cuisine explorers.

4. Tunupa Volcano and Jiriri Village

Along the peripheries of the main flat salt lake of Salar de Uyuni, once can visit the Tunupa Volcano and the village of Jiriri. These locations may provide an excellent leisurely workout that is not necessarily very cumbersome. However, getting to Jiriri Village may require pushing physical performance up a little notch. This settlement is located on the desert regions of Salar de Uyuni and desert terrains have a curious way of bringing out extreme climates depending on the time of the day. At night, it could be freezing cold while daylight is a little scorching.