The Salar de Uyuni is one of Bolivia’s most popular attractions and rightfully so. The largest salt flat in the world, the Salar de Uyuni is breathtaking in it’s enormity and unusual geography. Though a stop here should be part of every South American itinerary, Bolivia is a country that rarely makes the travel bucket list. Take a look at the pictures below to see for yourself why Bolivia and the Salar de Uyuni are one of the world’s “must-go’s.”

what you can expect to see as you begin the drive into Salar de Uyuni

the cacti and llama covered Incahuasi Island- a hiking trail that goes around the island provides visitors a 360° view of the seemingly never ending salt flat

view of the Salar de Uyuni from Incahuasi

the vast Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world

providing the perfect landscape to take fun perspective photos like these

when you’re in the Salar de Uyuni taking perspective photos doesn’t get old, it’s one of the few places in the world where it’s possible to do so

the Salar de Uyuni’s famed colored lagoons are part of any multi day tour

the lagoons are also home to thousands of the pink Andean and rare James’s flamingos

just some of the unique and beautiful desert brush landscape in the Salar de Uyuni

does this rock look familiar? the Salar’s Dali Desert gets its name for inspiring the work of the famed artist of the same name

chilling out in the Salar and literally chilling- the altitude here promises this desert is one of the coldest you’ll ever visit

the geysers and hot springs sprinkled through the desert are a welcome and warming attraction

the Salar sits on the border with the Atacama desert- many visitors continue on to charming San Pedro de Atacama and the rest of Chile

for those who do decide to head back, views like this make the ride worth it

Though I highly recommend a trip to Bolivia and to the Salar de Uyuni, the journey is not meant for everybody. Bolivia is still developing much of its tourism industry and the infrastructure available is basic and minimal. It’s an adventurous trip and not one cut out for those who seek luxury. However, for travelers who want to explore a stunning and remote corner of one of South America’s least visited countries, the Salar de Uyuni is more than rewarding.

If you do think you’re ready to hit the desert road my advice would be to book your trip beforehand and when in La Paz. Though it’s easy to find space on a trip once in Uyuni, your choice of operator or day may be restrained. Red Planet seems to have the best offering, though best does not in this case mean great. If you know and are cool with what you’re getting into a trip to the Salar de Uyuni is the journey of a lifetime.

It’s time to add the Salar de Uyuni to your travel bucket list.