Stunning sunrise, surreal landscapes, and photo fun—Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia made for one of the best travel days of my life.
By Karen Pearson | December 9, 2019
An Unforgettable Sunrise, Salt Flats, and Pure Joy
Sunrise Over a Sea of Salt
My partner Chris had been telling me about Salar de Uyuni for years, and I finally had the chance to experience it myself. We woke around 4:00 a.m. and drove an hour in the dark to Incahuasi Island. Even under the stars, the vast salt flats looked like snow or gravel, stretching endlessly in every direction.
As the sun rose, I stood there feeling like I was on another planet — it was unreal. I could see for miles, the ground white and flat like a frozen lakebed. But it wasn’t snow — the bubbling pockets beneath the surface proved it was salt, not ice.
We climbed the rocky paths of Incahuasi just in time to catch sunrise over the cacti. The moment the sun rose, the light exploded across the flats. My fingers were frozen, but I kept snapping pictures anyway — it was just too beautiful to miss.
Cactus Trails and a Homemade Bolivian Breakfast
After sunrise, we made our way down from the island. Our driver and cook had prepared a breakfast spread that included hot tea, fresh bread, and even a colourful woven tablecloth. Curious birds joined us, pecking at the crumbs and adding to the fun of the moment.
It was one of those experiences where you realize how lucky you are just to be there, present and breathing it all in.
Fun With Perspective Photos
After breakfast, we headed deeper into the flats for a bit of photography fun. Our driver-turned-photographer had us posing in all kinds of creative ways:
- Pretending to run from toy dinosaurs
- Jumping in mid-air like a Matrix scene
- Shrinking ourselves in perspective shots
Each photo had us laughing harder than the last. It was silly, joyful, and completely unforgettable.
A Place Like No Other
I’d seen photos of Salar de Uyuni, but nothing prepared me for the scale, silence, and surreal beauty. It’s truly one of the most unique places on Earth — equal parts peaceful and playful.
The combination of scenery, wildlife, and sheer fun made this one of the best travel days of my life. I’ll never forget it — and I hope one day you get to experience it too.