A salt road to Isla Incahuasi in the middle of Salar de Uyuni

Isla Incahuasi is an island in the middle of Salar de Uyuni, a sea of salt at an elevation of 3.656m (11,995ft) above sea level, in Bolivia.

Isla Incahuasi-Salar de Uyuni

Where is Salar de Uyuni?

Located in the Potosí Department, in southwest Bolivia, near the crest of the Andes, Salar de Uyuni (or Salar de Tunupa) is a 10,500 square kilometer-sized salt-lake, the world's largest of its kind and you can drive on it. The white ocean of salt is hemmed in by the Andes Mountains and looks like fresh snow that's not yet been disturbed by footsteps.

Is the road to Isla Incahuasi unpaved?

The path (road) to reach Isla Incahuasi, "house of the Inca" in the native language of Quechua, is made of salt. It’s also known as Inkawasi or Inka Wasi.

Can you drive to Isla Incahuasi all year?

The island is situated right in the midst of the world's largest salt flat. It’s an otherworldly experience that has to be seen to be believed. The terrain in this area and the desert areas beyond, is harsh and conditions are basic so you should not expect a lot of comfort but the rewards are well worth it. Accommodation is usually provided in basic refuges and the weather can be very cold, but the amazing scenery makes it worthwhile. The world's largest salt flat technically isn’t a road, but driving here is absolutely mind-blowing. Note that during the wet season, when the salar is flooded, the island is inaccessible.
Pic: Kento Miyamoto

 

 

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