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.
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.
