The salt flats of Bolivia

Uyuni really does not seem to have much going for it, apart from the fact it is a handy stop of point before heading into the Bolivian salt flats and desert.

Having dropped off our bags, we head to what is the only ´reputable restaurant in the whole town´ according to our guide.

Problem is, half way there, the whole town plunges into darkness thanks to a power-cut. We are far more fazed by this than the locals, who seem to carry on their usual business in the street and market.

We continue in single file, arriving at our destination that is lit by candles.

There is a large buzz coming from the tables, Minuteman Pizza is rammed. Bang on cue, the electricity returns and we have light.

Normal service is resumed and we are treated to some tasty dinner.

Next morning, a 4x4 picks us up from the hotel. Nursing a slight hang over (thanks to a conversation with a bar owner about mescal that turned into a reality) we head off on a three day adventure.

Our first stop is just outside the town. It is known as the train cemetery. Here, there are dozens of once proud trains carcasses from the 19th century. It is much more interesting than it sounds and makes from some pretty amusing picture opportunities.

Back in the 4x4 we head toward the slat flats. There is an air of expectancy following a couple of short visits to a couple of villages. The salt flats do not disappoint.

Our vehicle races onto the flats and before long we can see nothing but the white of salt on every horizon.

The economic importance of the area is evident as large quantities of slat is produced here for consumption.

Towards the Uyuni side of the flats, there are multiple neat lines of piles of salt that are ready to be moved on. Every year, 25.000 tonnes of salt is extracted.

From these salt farms we head to Incahuasi Island. A former volcano, the island is located in pretty much the centre of the flats.

We take a walk to the peak for some even more spectacular panoramic views amongst huge, ancient cacti.

After a lunch of llama and vegetables we spend some time making optical illusions in the flats.

There is no sense of perspective so our photos look like we are dancing next to six foot tall ipods and we take a video of us running out of a Pringles can. Much fun can be had here.

We continue and arrive at The Salt Hotel late in the afternoon. Yes, at the salt hotel everything is made from salt.

The beds, tables, walls, roof and floor has been made from the produce of the flats - with the exception of a mattress here or a wooden door there.

After a surprisingly decent nights sleep, we wake early to continue in our 4x4 into the desert.

The Bolivian desert consists of many lagoons of all different colours.

The effect is created thanks to the sulphur in the water and I am told that the colours can change in front of your eyes.

No joy for us though - there is little wind and no rain so the likes of the red lagoon and the green lagoon all seem pretty normal to me.

However we do spot lots of flamingos, some geysers, take a look at a semi active volcano and bask in hot springs at sunrise of our final day.

After arriving back in Uyuni two nights after leaving, we prepare for a night bus to La Paz.

In true South American style, our hotel is locked up and our guide has to break in to retrieve our bags.

A tight schedule leaves us with little time to eat and prepare for the bumpy ride to Bolivia´s capital city.