Salinas Grandes

The Salinas Grandes salt flat, one of Argentina's 7 Natural Wonders, extends over an area of 212 square km and is ranked as one of the largest salt flats in the world.

The Salinas Grandes is 67 km from Purmamarca which, according to Google maps takes 65 minutes to drive, but the journey is not for the faint of heart. To reach the salt flat means navigating endless switchbacks, ascending to 4170 meters above sea level to go over the sub-Andean mountains before descending to 3450 meters, the altitude at which the salt flat lies.

We were under the impression that we could walk the salt flat independently but that was not the case. There was a modest $3.70 pp entrance fee that included a guide. Apparently, during the rainy season, which we're in, there are thin, dangerous spots which people can fall through. Hence, the guide.

The Salinas Grandes was created by volcanic action five to ten million years ago, and it was captivating to walk on the honeycomb patterns that feels other worldly. Due to recent rains, much of the salt flat was covered in a damp sheen. Apparently, the best time to go is at the end of March when the the flats are dry and snowy white.

The salt flat in Bolivia is known as a "salar" (Salar de Uyuni ) which means a closed basin or lake that collects all types of salts. In this sense, the Salinas Grandes is also a "salar", but it is called a "salina" because a salina describes a salt flat where the salt is extracted by dissecation for human consumption.

Our visit to this monochromatic wonder of nature was in stark contrast to the kaleidoscope of colours that the Quebrada de Humahuaca mountain valley in this region has offered us, but we're both grateful to have been able to experience it all. After all, variety is the spice of life, n'est ce pas?Read more