That isn't a lake, the sea, or a beach you can see, but an enormous salt flat in Bolivia, in the Andes at 3,656 meters (11,995 ft) above sea level. Even though there is a pool of brine underneath the salt, it is the main route across the Andes Altiplano. the brine contains high concentrations of minerals, including over half the world's supply of lithium.
The Salar de Uyumi means salt flat with enclosures, probably referring to the "islands" like the one seen here. The card shows Isla Inkawasi which has enormous cacti and a tourist centre. Tourism is one of Bolivia's main sources of income and this place is one of the main sights. Hotels are built from salt blocks which no doubt has novelty value but I can't imagine they are the height of luxury.
Very interesting but I don't think I would want to stay in a salt hotel.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first I have heard of this place. Fascinating and amazing. I can see why tourists come here. But no thanks on the salt hotel.
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty mind boggling. I wouldn't mind a salt hotel as I imagine they will be relatively cool inside. I'd just have to somehow restrain myself from licking the walls (/sarcasm)
ReplyDeleteI imagine one advantage of a salt block hotel might be to keep creepy crawlies at bay, unless the local one have become accustomed.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of these places I'd never heard of before but reading about it has made me fascinated.
Heh. I often find your blog has that effect on me. :)
ReplyDeleteI'd rather stay in a salt hotel than in one of those ice hotels!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see the salt flat but don't aspire to stay in a salt hotel. I wonder if most of the lithium used medicinally comes from this spot!
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