9 Most Magical Natural Phenomena at Salar de Uyuni

The largest salt flat in the world, the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia is a natural wonder that still enthrals tourists with its unearthly beauty and amazing events. Covering more than 10,000 square kilometres, this ancient lake-turned-desert produces some of the most amazing natural shows on Earth. From the ideal mirror effect during the rainy season to the hypnotic geometric patterns in the dry season, this amazing scene presents singular sensations that appear to challenge reality. One of the most photographed and researched sites in South America, the salt flat's severe conditions and unusual geological features mix to produce natural events that have both confused scientists and delighted visitors for decades.

1. The World's Largest Natural Mirror

Usually from December to April, the most well-known phenomena of Salar de Uyuni is a thin layer of water turning the huge salt flat into the biggest natural mirror. By means of this remarkable metamorphosis, the horizon line is virtually eliminated and a limitless expanse of light and colour is produced, so reflecting the heavens. Usually only a few centimetres deep, the shallow water layer stays exceptionally calm because of the perfectly level surface of the salt flat, which produces very clear reflections. Professional photographers and painters from all around come especially to capture this occurrence, especially between sunrise and sunset when the sky bursts in bright colours.

The high height of the salt flat—3,656 meters above sea level—where the thin air and clean atmosphere produce very brilliant reflections—helps to accentuate the mirror effect. With many visitors capturing bizarre photographs that play with perspective and scale against the unending reflecting surface, the phenomena also offers special chances for artistic photography.

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