To have
lived without seeing the beauty of the world that engulfs is a cardinal sin. On
that note, we begin our journey to some of the most exotic, remote and unique
places on this planet we call home. Keep your bags packed as one of these
places might just call out to you. Our first stop will be in the Latin American
country of Bolivia. Every country boasts of a tourist attraction, whether
conventional or unconventional. Bolivia is not known for its tourism but is
home to one of the most beautiful places in the world, Salar De Uyuni.
Lago
Minchin, a prehistoric salt lake which covered most parts of the modern day
Bolivia dried up to leave behind seasonal puddles and salt pans. Salar De Uyuni
is one such inheritance. At an impressive 3653m above sea level, it is the
largest salt flat on Earth. The vastness of this salt desert will make for one
of the most unforgettably spectacular sights you will ever see. The salt is
between 2 to 7 meters in thickness and hence can become a roadway for vehicles
in places where is there is not too much water.
The drive
through the Salar is not too much of an ask for any 4x4 vehicle. The peninsula
of the Salar also plays host to the dominating presence of the Volcano Tunupa.
It rises 1500 meters above Salar De Uyuni and provides a mesmerizing view of
the entire place. Climbing the 5000m volcanic mountain may not be everybody’s
cup of tea but one needn’t aim for the summit to get an amazing view. The drive
from the mainland peninsula to the Volcano Tunupa passes the Isla Del Pescado.
This tiny island is also called “The Island of the Fish” because it takes the
form of a fish when viewed from afar. It is born out of volcanic rock
formations and can be seen infested with tall cacti offering a great view of
the Salar De Uyuni.
While the
Salar De Uyuni may be synonymous with the largest salt flat in the world with
Tunupa rising above it in the bacjground. There are other locations in this
tiny unexplored location in the world. One of them being the ‘Cementerio de
trenes’, the antique train cemetery. These trains were a part of the rich
history of Bolivia carrying for decades, minerals from the Andes to the Pacific
ocean ports.
Travellers
to South America conventionally look to the behemoths of Brazil and Argentina
to suffice their thirst for new experiences but Bolivia sits quite in plain
sight waiting to be explored. The Salar De Uyuni is a perfect example of
ignorance of beauty within access. It is paradise for geography geeks,
photographers and globe trotters alike. Life is too short to not see the beauty
around you.
