Aymara of Salar de Uyuni
Aymara communities around Salar de Uyuni (10,000+ km² salt flat at 3,656m altitude) endure extreme UV radiation, blinding white landscape, temperature extremes (-25°C to +21°C), high altitude, and harsh desert conditions. They harvest salt and serve as guides across the world's largest salt flat—a surreal white expanse that becomes Earth's largest mirror during rainy season. Lithium extraction threatens traditional livelihoods. Adaptation to blindingly bright, high-altitude salt desert defines their unique niche.