The Salar de Coipasa is located in Bolivia, in plateau and it also provides the travelers with an exciting experience if they are not willing to head to the more famous Salar de Uyuni.
It is one of the largest salt flats in the world, covering an area of more than 2 500 sq km and is not very much known by most tourists.
In reality the region surrounding the Salar de Coipasa may seem barren of any signs of human presence but it is nevertheless filled with cultural and natural history. The flat is situated within easy reach of the Coipasa Volcano and the dwarf town of Coipasa which hosts the native Indian Aymaras.
The town is accessible where tourists can experience and familiarize themselves with the ways of the locals especially the native Aymara people in terms of farming, artwork as well as cultural beliefs and mythology. The people of Coipasa have a great affiliation with land and their livelihood has been determined by the unforgiving conditions of Altiplano.
Here are the various activities that the Salar de Coipasa offers to the adventure enthusiasts. The flat of the cell itself can be accessed by four wheeled vehicles, bicycles and by foot. Walking on the salt flats makes the perspective dizzy and the view is amazing – as far as the eye can see it is white salt, and only the looming shapes of the volcanoes in the distance are discernible. For the lovers of geology it would be interesting to know that the sights of Salar de Coipasa preserve rich layers of the millions of years history of the region’s formation.
Bird lovers will be interested to know that the salt flat is home to flamingos especially during the wet season. Said water birds are elegant birds that wade in the waters for food, thereby standing out blantly against the white salt, let alone the blue, blue sky above. Other wildlife that can be viewed include vicuñas and Andean foxes with other wildlife found in the surrounding areas so as to add beauty to the place.
And finally, I can commend Salar de Coipasa to those people who are eager to visit an extraordinary and very isolated place on the Earth. Whether one is fascinated by the beauty of the salt desert, in the prospect of travelling and having an isolated vacation experience in Bolivia, or in the experience of the indigenous people of Aymara, this gems gives an incredible adventure.
More specifically, it is freedom and beauty, where the spirit and natural environment harmoniously melds, and is as if you’re in another world.
Mark