The Landscape of Bolivia in Ten Stunning Photos

The world's largest salt flat may be the most famous landscape of Bolivia, but the entire Bolivian Altiplano features breathtaking scenery.

The region between the city of Uyuni and the Chilean border near San Pedro de Atacama is dotted with mineral-rich lagoons, snow-capped volcanoes, and barren deserts.

The photos from my three-day trip to Salar de Uyuni are some of the best I've taken; they'd make a wonderful travel photobook album.

These are ten of my favorite Bolivian landscape photos. I hope they inspire you too.

A perfect reflection at the aptly-named Laguna Verde, one of the many beautiful landscapes of Bolivia. — A perfect reflection at the aptly-named Laguna Verde (“Green Lake” / 4,400m).

Laguna Blanca (4,350m) owes its white hue to the mineral Borax. — Laguna Blanca (“White Lake” / 4,350m) owes its white hue to Borax.

Sol de Mañana Geothermal Field (4,850m), a unique landscape in Bolivia. — This mud boiled at the Sol de Mañana Geothermal Field (“Morning Sun” / 4,850m).

The blood-red Laguna Cordoba (4,278m) in Bolivia. — Laguna Cordoba (“Red Lake” / 4,278m).

Desierto Siloli in Bolivia — Desierto Siloli

Laguna Cañapa, one of my favorite Bolivian landscapes. — Laguna Cañapa is a popular lunch spot for a good reason.

Steam rises from Volcán Ollagüe (5,868m).

Scenery like this is the norm when crossing the Bolivian Altiplano.

Giant cactus on Isla Incahuasi (“Home of the Incas”), a rocky island in an ocean of salt.

Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

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Rail Europe for train passes.

Mark

Thursday 7th of January 2016

Is an SUV necessary to get to these areas?

Dave

Yes, as far as I'm concerned. There were no paved roads where I was taking these photos. You're driving on dirt, sand, and once you hit the salt flats... salt (with mud underneath). The only vehicles doing tours are SUVs.

Rebecca

Thursday 10th of April 2014

stunning!

Corinne

Wednesday 2nd of April 2014

I have yet to make it here...it's definitely on my list. Did you go with a tour or by yourself?

I went on a 3-day tour from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile to Uyuni, Bolivia. The only way you can go yourself is if you have your own 4x4 transport, or you're bicycling it.

Jimmy Dau

Thursday 27th of March 2014

Great shots. Seems like you were blessed with no wind. It was blowing quite a bit when I went!

Friday 28th of March 2014

Ah, that sucks. I imagine the wind caused ripples in the lakes, which then affect the quality of reflections?

Or was it just a lot of sand and salt being blown into your face :)

Brigid

Truly stunning photos Dave! We just finished our Salt Flats tour a couple of days ago and literally have about 1000 and 1 photos to cull down to a respectable amount...going to a be a tough job. Unfortunately we only had an Iphone, really the only time on our trip we wished we had one of those fancy, pro cameras. Oh the memories, will never forget bathing in the hot springs at night with a cold beer watching the clearest night sky I've ever seen. Salar de Uyuni...a must do when in Bolivia :)

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