The alarm went off at 4:30am, but we ignored it, resulting in a frantic pack and dash to make our 5am departure time. It had rained last night and 150mm of rainwater covered the Salar, so we edged our way out towards the centre at low speed.
The sunrise broke to the east just as we approached a small rise in the salt flat. This allowed us to stop for our first photos of the day.
Last night's rain provided spectacular reflections of the sunrise. I wish I'd had hours to set up the camera and work away at getting the perfect shot, instead we did a jump-pic!
We were in and out of the rainwater almost constantly providing some great wide angle views.
These Landcruisers have been awesome companions. Our vehicle lost a rear shock yesterday but has soldiered through to this point.
Onward progress was slow due to the water, but in my view this gave us more value for money in the form of more time on the salt flats!
We arrived at the Hotel de Sal in the centre of the Salar, the only hotel to be built on the flats themselves. After it was completed they quickly outlawed any new developments so as to avoid the flats becoming a resort complex complete with day spas and golf courses (cool as that might sound).
Obligatory 'fotos loco' take more preparation than you think, creating some revealing images.
But we got there in the end!
Torre Tours were the firm we went with, from Tupiza to Uyuni. They were faultless in their preparation and management of the trip. We were in safe hands from start to finish. I whole-heartedly recommend them to anyone ever visiting the area.
And thanks to Hector, Josh and Rachel for being such good company in 'Jeep de la Fiesta!'