Educational Approximation
This 3D visualization is a schematic teaching tool. The salt flat is nearly level (elevation variation < 1 meter across the full 10,582 sq km); the hexagon tiles are exaggerated in size and definition for visibility. During the rainy season (December-February), standing water creates a 5-centimeter-deep mirror.
Explore the world's largest salt flat. Nestled at 3,655 meters in the Andes between Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, Salar de Uyuni spreads across 10,582 square kilometers - larger than the entire country of Cyprus. The salt layer reaches depths of 100 meters in places, sitting above layers of brine and a mineral-rich lake. The white salt tiles are formed by crystallization and thermal contraction, creating natural hexagonal polygons visible from the ground. During the rainy season (December to February), standing water up to 5 centimeters deep transforms the flat into the world's largest mirror, reflecting the sky so perfectly that photographers cannot distinguish ground from clouds.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-29
Author: Place Explorer Team
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Area | 10,582 sq km |
| Elevation | 3,655 m (12,000 ft) |
| Salt Depth | Up to 100 m |
| Salt Reserves | ~10 billion tons |
| Rainy Season Depth | ~5 cm mirror layer |
| Annual Rainfall | ~15 cm / year |
Related places: Atacama Desert (adjacent high-altitude arid zone) - Sahara Desert (other world-largest desert)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the white hexagon patterns on Salar de Uyuni?
The hexagonal salt polygons form naturally through crystallization and thermal contraction cycles. As the salt crust heats and cools, it shrinks and cracks along stress lines, creating a network of geometric patterns. The boundaries between tiles dip slightly deeper, creating visible shadow lines when viewed from above or at an angle. These patterns can be as large as 10-15 meters across.
When is Salar de Uyuni a mirror?
From December to February, during the rainy season, standing water up to 5 centimeters deep covers the salt flat. This creates a perfectly reflective surface, often called the world's largest mirror. The reflection is so accurate that the horizon between sky and ground becomes invisible, a phenomenon that photographer often leverage for creative images. By late March, the water evaporates and the flat returns to its white salt state.
Is Salar de Uyuni really the largest salt flat?
Yes, Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat at 10,582 square kilometers - larger than Cyprus or the state of Hawaii. It contains approximately 10 billion tons of salt, with an average depth of 100 meters. The brine layer beneath holds the world's largest known lithium reserves, though extraction remains limited due to the remote location and environmental concerns.
What countries border Salar de Uyuni?
Salar de Uyuni sits at the junction of Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina in the Andes Mountains. The majority of the salt flat lies within Bolivia's Potosí and Oruro departments. The border regions have been subject to territorial disputes, though most tourism and scientific research occurs within the Bolivian territory.
What lives in such an extreme environment?
The salt flat itself has minimal life due to its harshness, but the surrounding areas support unique species adapted to high altitude (over 3,600 m) and extreme aridity. Nearby lagoons host populations of three species of flamingos (Andean, James's, and Chilean). The Andes mountains around the flat support llamas, vicuñas, and other adapted species. Most of the microbiota concentrate in the brine and mineral-rich water bodies at the edges.