Surreal landscapes in Bolivia

A Vicuña crosses the Bolivian Uyuni salt flats. These graceful animals are well adapted to surviving in this inhospitable but exceptionally beautiful location. Photograph: Julián Istilart/Julián Istilart

Steam rises from the Sol de Mañana geysers in Uyuni, Bolivia. At 15,500ft (4,572m) above sea level breathing is difficult and feeling lightheaded only adds to the other-worldly atmosphere. Photograph: Julián Istilart/Julián Istilart

The Laguna Colorada owes its redness to the algae on its base. Photograph: Julián Istilart/Julián Istilart

No wonder they call this the Dali desert. The surreal Mars-like landscapes of the Salar lie on the Bolivian border with Chile. Photograph: Julián Istilart/Julián Istilart

Licancabur’s volcano lake, located on the volcano's crater, is the highest freshwater lake in the world (19,400 ft). On the other side of the mountains lies the Chilean Atacama desert. Photograph: Julián Istilart/Julián Istilart

Stand in the middle of the Uyuni salt flat at noon and the blue sky and white salt stretch out uninterrupted as far as the eye can see, like an abstract Rothko canvas. Photograph: Julián Istilart/Julián Istilart

The desert winds carve impressive rock sculptures that wouldn't look out of place in an art gallery. Photograph: Julián Istilart/Julián Istilart

Where water is scarce, brilliant green moss brings a vivid touch of colour to the barren Altiplano Andino, a plateau where the Andes are at their widest. Photograph: Julián Istilart/Julián Istilart

Rock sculptures characterise this part of the altiplano. Photograph: Julián Istilart/Julián Istilart