The Salar de Uyuni--one of the most breathtaking sights in the world--consists of some 4,633 square miles of salt and a train graveyard.
The area, some 11,985 feet above sea level, is always a tourist playground, with salt hotels and hot springs serving as major attractions. This time of year, three species of South American flamingos start breeding in the area, the result of a winged migration that adds a beautiful flash of color to the landscape and sometimes brings in flocks of birdwatchers.
Getting to the area is relatively easy: Trains are available from nearby cities such as Oruro and Villazon and buses run from La Paz. There are numerous tour operators which can take visitors for day or multi-day trips.
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