Luxury tour operator Scott Dunn is organising stays on Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni salt flats in super-cool Airstream trailers. Samia Qaiyum reports
For the uninitiated, Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni is the result of the drying up of a prehistoric lake more than 10,000 years ago, leaving behind a thick crust of salt in a striking hexagonal pattern.
At over 10,000 sq km, the salt flats are the largest in the world. They’re also reflective during the rainy season (November to April), making it especially popular amongst tourists and photographers in search of the perfect capture. This is because shallow pools of water accumulate on the surface, creating a vast “mirror” that makes for optical illusions aplenty.
It’s this otherworldly landscape that luxury tour operator Scott Dunn has managed to make even more appealing thanks to its new “Airstream Uyuni” glamping concept.
As for creature comforts? A hot shower, heater and air conditioning are complemented by a fully stocked minibar.
What guests are left with is a radio and satellite phone (in case of an emergency) and a bucket list-worthy sleeping arrangement.
But because seclusion ranks high in today’s socially distanced world, the flexibility of exploring the more remote (read: far from the crowds) parts of the salt pan on foot or by bike is an added bonus.
Meals served as part of the Aistream Uyuni package are simple and locally sourced, but certainly unforgettable. For starters, dinner might consist of a llama steak, washed down with red wine from the southern region of Tarija.
If you’re a photography enthusiast, the experts at Scott Dunn suggest bringing a tripod along – the possibilities with interval shooting alone are endless.