A highlight of any trip to Bolivia, the Salar de Uyuni is one of the most magical places on earth. The world’s highest salt flat, it stands some 3,656m above sea-level, and spans almost 11,000km² from the Andean city of Uyuni heading southwards towards the border of Chile.

Salar de Uyuni was formed over 40,000 years ago when a prehistoric lake dried out leaving behind the moonscape like landscape that we know today. Clearly visible from space, this magnificent salt-lake is completely barren except for one rocky outcrop, the majestic cacti-studded island of Incahuasi.

When driving across the vast salt plains of Uyuni, Isla Incahuasi seems much like a mirage in the distance. It is only when one arrives, exits the vehicle, and begins to explore the island that it comes to life. Several species of cacti thrive here, and while it has, understandably, become a ‘touristy’ area, you still feel incredibly privileged to be able to stand atop this incredible island surrounded by a sea of salt.

Flying to Salar de Uyuni is relatively expensive, and the hotel accommodations here are not cheap, but it really is a once in a lifetime experience, and after watching the sun set or rise over Incahuasi Island, you will be so glad that you made the journey to one of Bolivia’s most magical destinations.

Here’s what our trip to Incahuasi Island looked like…