La Paz, Sajama National Park and the amazing Uyuni salt flats
(Nature / culture )

The Sajama National Park includes geological natural wonders like volcanoes, diverse organisms, and thermal springs, and also cultural wonders such as ancient burial buildings, cave paintings, and colonial architecture and art. There are numerous geysers and hot springs which are about an hour walk from the village of Sajama.
Plants and animals must be able to handle high altitudes with less available oxygen, cold nightly temperatures and frosts well into the spring, little shade or protection from the elements, and arid, dry conditions.

Uyuni salt flat, at nearly 12,000 feet above sea level, the Salar dazzles the eye and plays optical tricks on you with what look like white hexagonal tiles of salt that seem to go on forever. In winter (our summer), you can drive across it. In summer (our winter), the Salar becomes a giant puddle, and the reflection of sky and clouds seems to reflect the entire world.