First off today is a visit to the salt processing plant at Colchani, and the by now requisite market. At least this market sells trinkets made out of salt. Then off to Isla Incahuasi, which is a lava rock ‘island’ in the salt flats about 45 minutes outside Uyuni. Covered in ancient cactus (the oldest is approximately 900 years old), it is reminiscent of Los Cardones National Park in Argentina, and I am sure the species of cactus is the same. We circumnavigate the island on foot (it is roughly 1km) and then climb up to the top for the view across the salt lakes.
By late afternoon it is clear that it is going to rain. Tonight’s accommodation is at the Hotel Luna Salada, which is made of salt and perched on a rocky outcrop. There is no TV here – the entertainment is the thunderstorm rolling across the salt lakes, literally restoring them to water filled lakes, accompanied by rolling thunder and forked lightening. This is the low season in Uyuni because it is the rainy season, but who cares. I can stand outside watching the storm until it hits the hotel, then watch the salt pans fill with water as the sun goes down. Hopefully tonight’s sunset is as spectacular as the one seen from the train.
