A Once in a Lifetime Adventure on the World’s Largest Salt Flat
2021 Update: Unfortunately, the Kachi Lodge closed during the pandemic. However, there are still some unique ways to experience the Salar de Uyuni, including a stay at a nearby salt hotel! For a similar glamping experience, also check out Pristine Salinas Grandes in Argentina.
When planning my first trip to South America (mainly Peru), a few destinations immediately came to mind: Machu Picchu, the Amazon, and any place where I could shamelessly hug an alpaca. However, the thought of visiting nearby Bolivia didn’t cross my mind until my cousin suggested the Salar de Uyuni – the world’s largest salt flat. After a quick Instagram search, I was immediately mesmerized by this vast and unworldly white terrain.
I couldn’t wait to research where my husband and I could stay during our visit. My cousin forewarned me that luxury accommodations would not be an option. For context, some places don’t provide basic amenities such as toilet paper! That said, he recommended staying at one of the “Salt Hotels” situated at the edge of the salt flat. Although the idea of staying at a hotel made almost entirely of salt sounded very bucket-list worthy, I wasn’t entirely sold.
As I continued my research, I stumbled upon a luxury lodging concept by Amazing Escapes that was right up my alley and scheduled to open months before our visit! Here’s what made our stay at the Kachi Lodge so unique:
1. Location
Designed with sustainability in mind, the Kachi Lodge is the only accommodation in Uyuni that allows its visitors to stay directly on the salt flat. While the previously mentioned salt hotels are located close to Salar de Uyuni’s entrance, nothing beats the opportunity to camp on the beautiful crystalline salt formations.
Further, the lodge’s location at the base of the Tunupa Volcano, about an hour drive from the entrance of the salt flat, makes it a perfect opportunity to escape tourists and explore the seemingly untouched landscape. The location also makes for a perfect day trip to the village of Coquesa. One of my personal highlights was being greeted by several dozen curious llama friends along the way.
2. Five Star Service
At the Uyuni airport we were greeted by private tour guides who prepared our custom itinerary. They surprised us with a sunset picnic in a secluded area overlooking the mirrored surface of the Salar de Uyuni. This spectacular effect is not as common to witness during the dry season, making our experience even more special. Our guides were also super flexible. When our luggage was lost in route to La Paz, they didn’t hesitate to take us into town so we could buy clothes to hold us over until our luggage arrived in Uyuni.
3. Personal Photographer
Our private tour guide also happened to have a knack for photography. The vastness of the Salar de Uyuni’s flat terrain provided a unique opportunity for us to play with perspective. Since my husband and I share a love for wine, these bottles of Malbec (supplied by the lodge) became our favorite prop.
4. Locally Sourced Meals
Kachi Lodge provides beautiful, organic meals leveraging locally sourced ingredients– all prepared onsite by resident chefs from an acclaimed restaurant in La Paz (Proyecto Nativa). Dietary restrictions are not an issue. As a vegetarian, the chefs provided delicious alternatives to some of the traditional dishes, including incorporation of local corn and quinoa – my personal favorite – for which there are over 140 varieties!
You can also enjoy the beautiful scenery with a glass of wine (or several!) which is included with every meal.
5. Stargazing
With practically no light pollution we had unbeatable access to stargazing right outside of our lodge – no need to book a separate tour! The photo I captured on my iPhone doesn’t even begin to do it justice. Furthermore, during the wet season you have the opportunity to witness the sky’s reflection via the giant mirror-effect of the Salar de Uyuni. This spectacle alone gives me a reason to come back and visit.
If you are seeking a once in a lifetime adventure that combines luxurious accommodation with unique landscape look no further than the Kachi Lodge. I promise it’s worth it!
Note: The Beyond Borders Collective is not paid to endorse this property; commentary is based solely off of our own personal travel research and experiences.