The Most Amazing Salt Flats in South America: Salar de Uyuni and Salinas Grandes (Salt Flats)

South America is home to some of the most impressive and surreal salt flats in the world. Among them, the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia and the Salinas Grandes in Argentina stand out as popular destinations for travelers seeking unique landscapes and unforgettable photographic opportunities. If you’re wondering which of these destinations to visit on your next trip, this article will help you decide.



The Salar de Uyuni, in southwestern Bolivia, is the largest salt flat in the world / Photo: Kamchatka, Canva Pro.

 

Salar de Uyuni: The White Sea of Bolivia

Located in the southwest of Bolivia, the Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world and one of the most iconic places in South America. This vast white salt sea stretches over 10,000 km² and provides the perfect setting for forced perspective photos, a phenomenon that attracts tourists and photographers from around the globe.



Why visit the Salar de Uyuni?



  • Unique photos: During the rainy season, the salt flat becomes a natural mirror that reflects the sky, creating a surreal illusion of infinity. It’s an ideal setting for capturing the famous forced perspective photos.

  • Unique landscapes: In the center of the salt flat, Incahuasi Island is a surreal paradise filled with giant cacti and rock formations. From here, you can watch the sunrise over the white horizon, a unique experience worldwide.



Tips for your visit to the Salar de Uyuni:



  1. Best time to visit: December to March is the rainy season, ideal for seeing the mirror effect. However, the dry months (April to October) allow for broader and safer access to the salt flat.
  2. Recommended tours: There are one- to three-day tour options that include visits to the colorful lagoons, the Siloli Desert, and the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve.
  3. Health tips: The Salar de Uyuni is located at a high altitude (3,656 meters above sea level), so it’s essential to stay hydrated and take time to acclimate.


Itinerary considerations:



If your trip focuses on Bolivia, the Salar de Uyuni is a must-see. However, if your main route is through Argentina, consider the additional travel time, as reaching Uyuni requires prior planning and readiness for a high-altitude environment.



The bright blue natural pools are a major attraction in Salinas Grandes / Photo: Canva Pro.

Salinas Grandes (Salt Flats): The White Jewel of Argentina

Located in the northwest of Argentina, the Salinas Grandes cover 525 km² and offer an impressive and accessible setting for travelers. Unlike the Salar de Uyuni, its location allows for a day trip from the cities of Salta or Jujuy.



Why visit the Salinas Grandes (Salt Flats)?



  • Accessibility: This salt flat is easy to include in an itinerary in Argentina, especially for those traveling through the region of Salta or en route to San Pedro de Atacama in Chile.
  • Unique driving experience: If you decide to rent a car, you can drive directly to the salt flats and enjoy a memorable experience driving across the vast white expanse.


Tips for your visit to the Salinas Grandes:



  1. Best time to visit: The site is accessible year-round, though it’s less likely to find the mirror effect characteristic of Uyuni.
  2. Tours and transportation: If you prefer not to drive, there are tour options that include visits to the Salinas and other notable sites in the area, such as Purmamarca and the Quebrada de Humahuaca.
  3. Additional attractions: During your visit, you’ll see unique blue salt pools created by salt extraction, a striking visual element in the landscape.


Itinerary considerations:



For those focusing on Argentina, the Salinas Grandes are a practical and accessible option for enjoying a spectacular salt flat. Its proximity to other tourist destinations makes it ideal for a day trip, without the need for long detours or significant itinerary changes.



The salt flats are unmissable if you’re travelling in northern Argentina / Photo: Daytours4u

 

Salar de Uyuni or Salinas Grandes? The Perfect Choice for Your Trip

If time and resources allow, visiting both salt flats would be ideal, as each offers a unique and different experience. If you have to choose, consider the following:

  • For travelers in Bolivia: The Salar de Uyuni is one of the country’s most iconic natural wonders and a complete experience on its own.
  • For those focusing on Argentina: The Salinas Grandes are more accessible and can easily be combined with other attractions in northern Argentina, such as the Calchaquí Valleys and the Quebrada de Humahuaca.


Andean Adventure in the Salt Flats of South America

Both destinations, the Salar de Uyuni and the Salinas Grandes, showcase the impressive landscapes that only South America can offer. No matter which one you choose, the experience will be unforgettable, and the photos will speak for themselves. Check out Daytours4u to book tours to the Salar de Uyuni and explore our options for the Salinas Grandes. Get ready for a unique adventure in the most beautiful salt flats of the Andes!





By: Nicole Eberhard, travel writer and avid explorer, with a Masters in English Literature / Updated by Dt4u 2024.