AN ALIEN GEOGRAPHY

While a marvel, Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni requires wilderness preparation.

01 ALTITUDE SICKNESS

At 3,600m above sea level, Salar de Uyuni will typically bring on headaches, dizziness and shortness of breath. Before you travel, check with a doctor to see if altitude sickness medicine acetazolamide – commonly called Diamox – is suitable for you. The local remedy is coca leaf tea.

02 EXTREME TEMPERATURES

Bring layers of clothing to adjust to temperatures that swing from 18 deg C at mid-day to minus 20 deg C at night.

03 COLD SALT GROUND

Wear waterproof shoes to protect your feet from the cold and often corrosive salt water, especially if you intend to wade into shallow pools for “mirror effect” photos.

04 SALT BLINDNESS

Just like snow blindness on a ski trip, salt blindness is a risk here. Pack sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.