Bolivia Tour (iii)

We were on the home stretch now, not long before we got some warmth. And we had the jewel in the crown left. The salt flats (Salar).

It is quite amazing. Like snow, but flat and stretching as far as the eye can see. Pictures can't do it justice.

On the salt

In the middle of the flat is a set of islands. One of them (fish island - because it looks like a fish) has been set up as a place to harbour tourists. We had lunch and then climbed to to top. It was very hard work. On the way down, we passed a cactus.

1203 year old cactus

We then went to look at some mummies. It was quite weird really, dead bodies, over a thousand years old, naturally mummified - just sitting in a cave, halfway up a hill overlooking to salt flats. T thought it a bit morbid - so no pics I'm afraid.

We then went to see some salt mining in progress. These piles are left to dry in the sun, then taken by truck to the processing places in the nearby town.

Salt mining

From there we went to the Palace of Salt.

Inside the palace of salt

Since arriving at altitude (five days now) we haven't had any alcohol. T decided that tonight was Hot Rum Toddy night. Two large glasses; one enforced shower; several games of pool and some yummy food (llama) later - she was poured into bed.