Isla del Pescado facts for kids
Isla del Pescado, also known as Isla de los Pescadores or Cujiri, is a special island-like place in the middle of the huge Salar de Uyuni. This amazing salt flat is located in the Daniel Campos Province of Bolivia.
Local guides say the name Isla del Pescado means "Island of the Fish." They call it this because from far away, the island looks like a fish swimming in the vast white salt flat. You can see this in the picture to the left.
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What is Isla del Pescado?
Isla del Pescado is not a typical island surrounded by water. Instead, it's a rocky hill that rises out of the Salar de Uyuni. The Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat, covering a massive area in Bolivia. Imagine a giant, flat desert made entirely of salt!
This island is made of ancient coral and rock. It's a leftover from a time long ago when this whole area was a giant prehistoric lake. Over thousands of years, the water evaporated, leaving behind the thick layers of salt we see today.
Unique Plants and Animals
Even though Isla del Pescado is in a very dry, salty place, it's home to some unique life. The most famous plants here are giant cacti. These cacti can grow many meters tall and are hundreds of years old! They are specially adapted to survive in the harsh, dry conditions.
You won't find many animals living directly on the island. However, the surrounding Salar de Uyuni is home to flamingos, especially during certain times of the year when there's some water. These birds come to feed on the tiny organisms that live in the salty water.
Visiting Isla del Pescado
Isla del Pescado is a popular stop for tourists exploring the Salar de Uyuni. Visitors often come to see the incredible views, the giant cacti, and to learn about the geology of the salt flat. It's a great place to take amazing photos and experience a truly unique landscape.
When you visit, you'll notice the ground is rocky, unlike the flat salt surrounding it. This makes it a perfect spot to get a different perspective of the vastness of the Salar.
Other Islands in the Salar
Isla del Pescado is one of several "islands" in the Salar de Uyuni. Another well-known one is Incahuasi Island. Both are similar in that they are rocky outcrops covered in cacti, rising from the salt. They offer similar experiences for visitors, providing a break from the endless white landscape.
