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Key Information

Salar de Uyuni

Type Salt Flat
Area 4,085 square miles
Elevation 12,018 ft

Learning Point

  • The Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat, located in Bolivia. It was formed a very long time ago from a huge lake that dried up, leaving behind a thick layer of salt. The most amazing thing about this place is that during the rainy season, a thin layer of water covers the salt, turning the entire area into the world’s biggest natural mirror. Because it is so flat and reflective, scientists even use it to help check the tools on satellites in space! Underneath all the salt is a huge supply of lithium, a special mineral used to make batteries for our phones and electric cars.

Project

  • Draw you and your family and some activity on the Salar de Uyuni.
  • Overview
  • Surface
Salar de Uyuni
By Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Surface of Salar de Uyuni
By Anouchka Unel – Own work, FAL, Link

Location

Location Bolivia

Fun Facts

  • It’s the world’s biggest salt flat.
  • The Salar was formed thousands of years ago when a giant, prehistoric lake dried up, leaving behind all its salt.
  • Every year, thousands of flamingos visit the Salar to find food and raise their families.
  • During the rainy season, a thin layer of water covers the salt, turning the entire area into a giant mirror that reflects the sky perfectly.

Past Lessons

167 September 8, 2025 (North America)
No Past Lessons

Upcoming Lessons

No Upcoming Lessons