Surreal landscapes in Bolivia

Only 7% of Bolivia’s road network is paved and landscapes like the Salar de Uyuni in the south west are largely untamed by human hand. Julián Istilart explores the so-called Dali desert.
  
  


Bolivia: Vicuña
A Vicuña crosses the Bolivian Uyuni salt flats. These graceful animals are well adapted to surviving in this inhospitable but exceptionally beautiful location. Photograph: Julián Istilart
Bolivia: hot springs
Steam rises from the Sol de Mañana geysers in Uyuni, Bolivia. At 15,500ft (4,572m) above sea level breathing is difficult and feeling lightheaded only adds to the other-worldly atmosphere. Photograph: Julián Istilart
Bolivia: Laguna Colorada
The Laguna Colorada owes its redness to the algae on its base. Photograph: Julián Istilart
Bolivia: Dali desert
No wonder they call this the Dali desert. The surreal Mars-like landscapes of the Salar lie on the Bolivian border with Chile. Photograph: Julián Istilart
Bolivia: Licancabur’s volcano lake
Licancabur’s volcano lake, located on the volcano's crater, is the highest freshwater lake in the world (19,400 ft). On the other side of the mountains lies the Chilean Atacama desert. Photograph: Julián Istilart
Bolivia: Uyuni salt flat
Stand in the middle of the Uyuni salt flat at noon and the blue sky and white salt stretch out uninterrupted as far as the eye can see, like an abstract Rothko canvas. Photograph: Julián Istilart
Bolivia
The desert winds carve impressive rock sculptures that wouldn't look out of place in an art gallery. Photograph: Julián Istilart
Bolivia
Where water is scarce, brilliant green moss brings a vivid touch of colour to the barren Altiplano Andino, a plateau where the Andes are at their widest. Photograph: Julián Istilart
Bolivia
Rock sculptures characterise this part of the altiplano. Photograph: Julián Istilart
 

Leave a Comment

Required fields are marked *

*

CAPTCHA

*