The largest salt flat on earth becomes the largest mirror on earth for a few weeks a year. Add flamingo lagoons and 4,000m desert crossings — Bolivia's Altiplano is pure surrealism.
I crossed the Salar and the southern lagoons by jeep — here's what I'd tell any photographer planning the trip.
Salar de Uyuni is one of the most incredible places, stunning with its endless whites and reflections. It’s one of the nicest places to explore with a group of friends or your girlfriend, enjoy the sunsets, the endless landscapes and see some beautiful flamingos.
I can really recommend spending a few days there and doing a tour. As an addition to the Salar de Uyuni trip, spend some time in La Paz, Bolivia, and do the Death Road mountain biking experience. It’s a super beautiful addition to the trip.
When to go
Mirror season is December to March after rain; dry hexagon season is May to November. You can sometimes catch both edges in April.
What to do
- Mirror sunrise — the reason you came — plan two mornings.
- Perspective photos — bring toys/props, embrace the cliché.
- Laguna Colorada — flamingos in red water at 4,300m.
- Star night on the flats — zero light pollution, Milky Way reflections.
- Train cemetery — rusting locomotives at golden hour.
Photography tips
On the mirror, everything is symmetry: put your subject dead-center and shoot low. Bring rubber boots and a towel for your gear — salt water eats tripods.
Altitude kills batteries and drone performance — expect shorter flights and keep everything warm overnight.
