A few words about Southern Bolivia
There are major contrasts in southern Bolivia, partly because it is very big. Potosi, steeped in
history, Tarija is warm, friendly, and easy-going. Sucre is somewhere in the middle, an earnest
university town and the capital of Bolivia. The Salar de Uyuni is, quite simply, out of this planet!
In Southern Bolivia
SUCRE
The capital, to be more precise, the constitutional capital of Bolivia, which means, the legislative and judicial branches of government. On the other hand, La Paz, is actually the administrative capital of Bolivia. Known as White City, for its white buildings (the vast majority
the them).
Not to be missed, is the Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe, which takes place in December
featuring colourful parades, live music and traditional dances, a city very well-known for its vibrant cultural scene.
Walking around, you will get to appreciate beautiful colonial-era architecture as Sucre is home to many convents and churches. The Convento de Santa Teresa and the Convento de San Felipe Neri are a worth a visit.
POTOSI
With its rich history, unique mining culture and colonial architecture, offers a variety of things to do if you are looking to explore its past and present. Some of the top activities and attractions are:
Cerro Rico (Rich Hill), a walking tour of the Historic Center, la cueva de las Tarantulas, Iglesia de San Lorenzo, the National Mint of Bolivia Museum, Torre de la Compañia de Jesús, stroll around plaza 10 de Noviembre, try local cuisine, experience local festivals.
TARIJA
Tarija has pleasantly mild climate and easily walkable colonial centre full of cute little shops, cafes, and restaurants. Tarija is also Bolivia´s 2018 premier grape growing region, this wine is produced mostly for local consumption, making it one of the cheapest in the world without taking a toll on its quality. You can visit vineyards and wineries, explore Valle de la Concepción, relax in the Parque Nacional Totoro, try the local cuisine, discover the city of Tarija, take a trip to the Valle de Los Cóndores, hike to the Mirador de los sueños, visit the Mirador de la Loma de San Juan, take a River Cruise on the Río Guadalquivir.
Tarija offers a wonderful combination of culture, history, nature, and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for travelers who want to experience a more laid-back and scenic side of Bolivia. Whether you’re exploring the region’s wines, hiking through picturesque valleys, or soaking in the local culture, there’s plenty to keep you entertained in this charming city.
THE UYUNI SALT FLAT
Visiting Salar de Uyuni will satisfy your expectations and beyond. It is simply incredible. Its 10.500 square kilometres of white surface are synonymous of immensity. But you may be surprised to learn that it has not always been so. The area where the well-known Salar de Uyuni lies today was covered by Lake Ballivian, Lake Minchin and Lake Tauca. It was the last one mentioned from whose evaporation the famous Salar de Uyuni was formed. Lake Ballivian was the predecessor of Lake Titicaca and the Minchin left in its wake the lakes Poopo, Uru uru and Salar de Coipasa.
These lakes reached an elevation of about 100 meters above the current level of the salt flat and covered the current salars of Uyuni and Coipasa, and the lakes Poopo and Uru Uru. This situation was due to a wet phase with more rainfall than today. When this period turned onto a dry and warm one, the salt layers under the lakes solidified. The result was the flat extension known today as Salar de Uyuni. Amazing!
Be amazed by the Mirror Effect of Salar de Uyuni, basically where the sky and the earth become one! The sky is reflected on the desert, leaving an image in the landscape that seems to be edited with photoshop!
Walking on the Uyuni Salt Flat, is an experience on its own. You will also get to take the most amazing pictures with incredible effects! It could be your perfect amusement park, as a photographer! Let your imagination fly!
Watching the sunrise at the Uyuni Salt Flat, is priceless. A precious moment to enjoy the intense mauve tones and the best way to start the day.
THE SALT HOTEL UYUNI
Amazing 100% made of salt, this hotel, the so called Palacio de Sal, is made out of salt: the walls, the ceilings, the furniture, the best, the concierge desk. Located just outside Colchani, a whopping one million blocks of compressed salt grains. It offers a truly surreal experience, with the hotel itself sitting amidst the vast, white expanse of salt that stretches to the horizon. The hotel is also very close to the salt production area, where locals harvest salt from the flats. This adds an extra layer of authenticity to the experience, as the hotel’s design integrates the local culture and environment.
Interesting fact: Salt hotels have a lifespan of only 10-15 years, as rain causes them to disintegrate and they must be entirely rebuilt. The salt hotels in Bolivia near Salar de Uyuni are some the most unique places in the world and one of South America’s must-see attractions. A trip in Bolivia must be completed with a stop off in one of these incredible wonders hotels.
The Salt Hotel is an example of sustainable architecture that takes advantage of the abundant salt in the region without damaging the environment. While the hotel uses salt extensively in its construction, it does so in a way that ensures it does not deplete the salt flats, and the building’s use of local materials reflects a commitment to integrating with the natural surroundings.
The local community also benefits from the salt production and tourism, which provides income and helps to maintain local traditions.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE SALT HOTEL
The Dry Season (from May to October) is the best time to visit the Salt Hotel and Uyuni’s salt flats, as the weather is clear and the salt is solid, allowing for easier travel and stunning panoramic views.
The Wet Season (from November to April) is also a magical time to visit, as the salt flats become covered in a thin layer of water, creating a mirror effect that reflects the sky. However, during this time, the weather can be unpredictable, and roads may be muddy or closed due to rain.
AMENITIES
While the Salt Hotel is not a luxury resort, it provides basic amenities like hot water, heating, Wi-Fi in the lobby, and a restaurant where guests can enjoy traditional Bolivian meals.
ATMOSPHERE
Staying at the Salt Hotel is not just about the unusual building materials; it’s an opportunity to experience the surreal environment of the Salar de Uyuni up close. The salt flats, especially at sunrise or sunset, create a completely unique and otherworldly atmosphere, which you can enjoy from the comfort of the hotel.
While the Salt Hotel near Uyuni is the most famous, there are other salt-based accommodations around the Salar de Uyuni. Some of these are smaller, family-run hotels or hostels that offer a similar experience of staying in a building constructed out of salt.
