We started our Bolivian Salt Flats tour exactly one month ago. While I’m not ecstatic to be so far behind in blogging my travels, having that break in between taking and uploading these photos has given me a new appreciation for the incredible landscapes we saw.
We’ve been travelling non-stop for almost 7 months now and unfortunately it’s kind of easy to become complacent and not fully appreciate what you’re seeing at the time. So I constantly remind myself to look around (not just through my camera lens), breathe deeply, take mental photographs and take in the sounds and smells as well. Moving on.
The Bolivian Salt Flats was up there with Macchu Pichu for me. I’d seen a million photos and couldn’t wait to get there and experience the place. I wasn’t disappointed.
Andrew, myself and our friends from England Ollie and Anna (whom we met on our Amazon tour) booked a four day tour around the Salt Flats and neighbouring areas with La Torre Tours. I’d been recommended La Torre and had seen positive reviews on other blogs but I wouldn’t recommend them. The food was awful and our driver tried to convince us to forgo our final night because “it will be cold”, allowing him to finish a day earlier. Never mind the fact that we’d be missing out on a night of accommodation and two meals we’d already paid for!
We still managed to have an amazing time. Without further ado, here are a million photos:
Flags near the entrance
Of course we took the classic perspective photos that everyone takes on the Salt Flats. We found ideas online and came up with some ourselves. We actually had to convince our driver to pull over so we could take the photos as we could tell we would lose light pretty soon. It was awkward.
Me, kissing tiny Andrew
Classic giant toy dinosaur shot
Balancing act
Not a perspective photo, I just liked the look of our discarded beer bottles
Jumping out of Anna’s hat
Leaning on our guide book/ad for Lonely Planet
Giant wine bottle
When we were done we continued on to the aptly named Cactus Island, in the middle of the flats.
It’s really strange seeing nothing but white and then suddenly coming across a big hill covered in giant cactuses.
It was very windy
After the Cactus Island we pulled up to catch the sunset.
Andrew and I with the jeep.
We took the opportunity to take a few more perspective photos:
And finished the day with the old jumping photo:
That evening we stayed in a salt hotel where the walls, tables, chairs and bed bases are all made from salt. We also waited a very long time for a pretty average meal while all the tables around us tucked into hearty spaghetti bolognese. You win some, you lose some!
More from the Salt Flats (including flamingos!) to come.
My Bloggable Day 
Absolutely amazing photos!
Thank you so much.
These photos are incredible, you got some really amazing photos!
I’m sorry to hear the tour was shitty I have heard so many crappy stories of tours of the Salt Flats, but hay you made it there safe and sound and you got some great photos!
Exactly! It wasn’t a five star tour but we didn’t pay five star prices either. I loved Bolivia but I definitely lowered my expectations! Everything was kind of delightfully average there.
This looks like it must have been the most fun day!!! The shots all turned out perfectly, and how cool that you had a few friends along for it!! I’m still loving following you guys around the world 🙂
Thanks Jess! 🙂 I’m loving your new tattoo.
Thank you!
OMG Bec I love these pictures. Especially the Dinosaur one ha-ha.
Looks like so much fun.
Thank you! It was so much fun. We still have that dinosaur, it’s been to 3 countries and squeaks annoyingly when you try to pack it or when you lean on your packed bag.
I am sat in a hostel, grinning uncontrollably in a public place as I scroll through your photos, they’re both hilarious and artistic. And since I don’t have time to peruse the rest of what looks like a really great blog right now, I think that deserves a *FOLLOW*
Happy travelling!
Haha thanks! I’m loving your hostel commentary, where are you at the moment?
I’m in Auckland now, just arrived in New Zealand 2 weeks ago, right about when I ran out of money, so a long stay here to re-group! It’ll be good to have somebody’s travels to follow while I’m sat still
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