Uyuni
Travel Guide > South America > Bolivia > Uyuni
In this Article
- Introduction
- Neighbourhoods
- Sights and Activities
- Events and Festivals
- Weather
- Getting There
- Getting Around
- Eat
- Drink
- Sleep
- Work
- Learn
- Keep Connected
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Introduction
Uyuni is a town on the Bolivian Altiplano at roughly 3,600 metres above sea level. The town itself doesn't have much to offer, but the surrouding landscapes are one of the most beautiful in the world.
Neighbourhoods
Sights and Activities
Uyuni is the starting point for tours towards the Uyuni Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni). The Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt desert in the world and the result of a prehistoric lake that dried out around 40,000 years ago. It represents one of the most superb sites to visit in the world. It is located at approximately 3,650 metres above sea level in the State of Potosí, in the Bolivian Altiplano (highlands). As the salt land is so flat, it is used as a transport route through the Bolivian Altiplano.
Another attraction in Salar de Uyuni is the Isla del Pescadao (Fish Island), where giant cacti of approximately 10 metres high are found. Also, in this region are the Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon, more of a small lake) and the Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon). They both are located at the south of the Salar de Uyuni.
The different tones that characterize each of the lagoons is due to the presence of algae, the chemical composition of the water, the movement of the wind and even to the specific time of the day. These lagoons are a breeding place for some species of South American flamingos, such as the James and Andean flamingos.
In Uyuni itself (or just outside as a matter of fact) is the train cemetery.
Events and Festivals
Weather
Eat
Drink
Sleep
The touristic infrastructure is solid with hotels for all travellers. For example, people may stay in one of the marvelous hotels built entirely of salt located in or near the salt flat, or in other picturesque 3 or 4 star hotels in Uyuni, with all facilities, including private toilets with hot water, heating and laundry. Hostels are also available for budget travellers.
Budget
| Property | Address | Type | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hostelling International Salar de Uyuni | Calle Potosí esq. Sucre | Hostel | 48 |
Mid-Range
Upscale
Work
Learn
This is version 3. Last edited at 8:30 on Sep 14, 09 by Utrecht (+1007). 5 articles link to this page.
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