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Published: November 28th 2011
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Salar de Uyuni
Proudly flying our flag Our last few days in Bolivia were spent in the largest salt flats in the world. We arrived in Uyuni, a tiny tourist town in the middle of nowhere. We spent a good few hours comparing tour agencies (there are probably over a hundred) for 3 day trips into the Salt Flats. In hindsight, we realised that it is simply potluck - all the agencies are kind of the same and even lump customers together for a trip. We had heard lots of horror stores - drunk drivers, no food, running out of fuel in the desert and breaking down. While on our trip, another tour group was left in the desert after confronting their driver about being drunk, while another group (the company we were going to go with originally) had a drunk driver on the 2nd day. The group had to wake him up in the morning and they did not get any breakfast! So, although our driver/guide was a bit grumpy and not that talkative, we can´t complain.
Our trip involved only dirt road and large, endless plains of nothingness, with volcanoes in the distance. Our first stop was the railway cemetery. Here, steam trains
that transported minerals from the mines in the ealry 1900s had been left to rust (once the boom collapsed). We then headed into the Salar de Uyuni - large expanses of salt flats, remains of what was once a huge salt lake that has now dried up. The brightness was intense and the views were out of this world. We stopped for lunch in the middle of the Salt Flats at Fish Island, where we saw bizarre ginormous cacti on a rock island covered in coral. We took advantage of the large expanses to take some funky photos.
We spent the night in a salt hostel. From the tables to the floor to the walls and beds, all were made of salt! We enjoyed some fun times with our group playing cards and chatting. The following day, we jumped in the Land Cruiser for another day of sights. We saw 5 lakes, all named after the colours they are, and most with bright pink flamingoes. The scenery was spectacular! The final lake was Laguna Colorado, a multicoloured lagoon. The night was spent in a very basic hostel, with no showers, but at least we had running water
Salar de Uyuni
Fish Island - check out the size of these cacti! (unlike the other hostel close by)
Day three was an early rise and a drive to geysers where we saw the sunrise. The geysers were incredible, huge jets of sulphur and steam streaming out of the ground, as well as bubbling mud pools which sounded like a collection of witches cauldrons. We headed to hot springs for a dip and a yummy breakfast, before heading off to our final stop - the green lagoon. All these lagoons have different minerals, giving them different colours. Shortly after this, we were dropped off at the Chilean border, where the group split up. We caught a bus into Chile, and are now in San Pedro de Atacama.
We enjoyed Bolivia, and the time flew past. We are, however, looking forward to improved hygienic conditions and food as well as friendlier service. Chile is quite expensive (especially after Bolivia), but the people have been very friendly and helpful. Phillipa is also quite excited to be seeing her birth country after being away for 26 years!
The next few days will involve stargazing, cycling and swimming in salty water in the Atacama Desert. We will then
Salar de Uyuni
The curry muncher! (this one is for Jay ; ) ) be crossing into Argentina and head south.
Oh, and great news. We have extended our flights so that we can se the Carnival in Brazil (and at no cost thanks to the lovely lady at Qatar Airways!), so will be seing you all end of Feb.
Highlight:
Marco - geysers and being in Chile
Phil - Salt Flats
Lowlight:
None!
What we miss most:
Phil - not having to carry a HEAVY backpack around all the time
Marco - not having to continually pack and repack
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Magda
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WOw
HI guys Sounds like lots of fun! It is one of those trips that you won't every regret!! Enjoy it all! Miss you! Love Magda Ps, did you get my facebook message-thanks for the post card!!!