Salinas Grandes – Argentina’s Salt Flats

Earlier this year I visited Argentina for the first time. Visiting the northern areas of the country, I found myself taking selfie after selfie as I drove through the mountains, deserts and—eventually—the Argentina salt flats, the Salinas Grandes. The Salinas Grandes are leftover from a dried out lake high up in the mountains of north-central Argentina. I visited on a bright blue day with few clouds in the sky. Even though it was wintertime (Southern Hemisphere, hey), it was surprisingly warm—probably because of the sun reflecting off the white salt.

The area is still mined for salt and there were small ponds for collection. But the primary purpose of the area seemed like it was for tourism: with small roadside vendors selling salt-figurines…and of course, empanadas. And you can bet I showed up to the site prepared for a selfie…!

Take a look…