View from Around the World: Walking on Water, Stepping into the Sky at Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia

Have you ever walked on the clouds? Neither had I—until I found myself standing in the middle of Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, feeling like I had been dropped into an alternate universe where the ground mirrors the heavens. Welcome to one of Bolivia’s most mind-bending, Instagram-breaking, soul-shaking wonders.

Salar de Uyuni isn’t just a bucket list item—it’s the bucket list. Located at over 3,600 meters (12,000 feet) above sea level in southwest Bolivia, this vast white expanse is what remains of a prehistoric lake that evaporated eons ago, leaving behind a crusty white canvas of geometric salt patterns.

But wait—visit during the rainy season (December to April) and BOOM! That crust becomes a slick mirror, reflecting the sky so perfectly that it feels like you’re floating in the clouds. Think: the world’s largest natural infinity pool, minus the chlorine.

The Journey Begins: Uyuni Town

Our adventure kicked off in the dusty little town of Uyuni, which honestly feels like the Wild West meets backpacker haven. There are plenty of tour operators offering 1-day, 3-day, or even 4-day excursions across the salt flats and surrounding surreal landscapes.

I opted for the classic 3-day jeep tour, and let me just say: it was worth every bump, every dusty backpack, every overly squished jeep seat.

Day One: Salt, Salt, and More Salt

As we drove into the blindingly white flats, it was hard to grasp the scale. Over 10,000 square kilometers of salt, stretching endlessly like a frozen ocean.

First stop: the Train Graveyard, a post-apocalyptic playground of rusty, abandoned locomotives left behind by Bolivia’s mining boom. Climb them, pose like you’re starring in a rock band’s album cover, or just soak up the eerie, steampunk vibes.

Next: the salt eyes (natural holes where underground water bubbles up), and then the iconic salt mounds, harvested by local workers.

The Sunset Mirror Show

As the sun began to set, we arrived at the mirror zone. Just an inch of rainwater coated the salt crust, creating a flawless reflection of the sky. We kicked off our boots, rolled up our pants, and danced barefoot in the twilight.

The sky went from blue to pink to flaming orange, and the flats turned into a portal—up became down, and I couldn’t tell where the earth ended and heaven began. It was like floating through a dream.

Day Two & Three: Deserts, Lagoons, and Flamingos?

Beyond the salt flats lies a landscape so bizarre it could be Mars or another planet entirely. We saw:

Laguna Colorada, a blood-red lake dotted with hundreds of flamingos (yes, flamingos in the Andes!)

Dali Desert, a windswept expanse of surreal rock formations

Geysers at Sol de Mañana, where steam and boiling mud pots bubble like a witch’s cauldron at dawn

And finally, a sunrise dip in hot springs surrounded by volcanoes. Pure bliss.

Nights were spent in cosy salt hotels (yep, the walls, beds, and even some furniture were made of salt bricks) under skies so full of stars, I swear I saw the entire Milky Way wrap around me like a blanket.

Tips From the Road

Altitude is real. Pack coca leaves or altitude sickness meds. Drink water like it’s your job.

Layers are key. It’s freezing at night, scorching by noon, and always windy.

Sunglasses and sunscreen are a MUST. Salt reflects sunlight like nobody’s business.

Bring fun props for photos—dinosaurs, toy cars, umbrellas—get creative!

Be present. Snap photos, yes, but don’t forget to just stand there in awe.

Salar de Uyuni isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. It’s disorientation and wonder, silence and stardust. It reminded me of how small I am, and how magical the world can be when we dare to chase the strange and beautiful.

So if you're dreaming of a trip that’s completely out of the ordinary, where the sky touches the earth and your imagination gets a serious workout, put Bolivia’s salt flats at the very top of your list.

Because trust me—somewhere between the salt and the sky, you’ll find a version of yourself that still believes in magic.

Have you ever been to Salar de Uyuni or is it on your travel wish list? Let me know in the comments!