Stone tree
A slender trunk.
El Guanche — CC BY 2.0 · Dimitry B. from London — CC BY 2.0 · Diego Delso — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Diego Delso — CC BY-SA 4.0
A strangely shaped volcanic rock in the sandy Siloli desert, about seven metres tall, carved by sand-laden winds over thousands of years into a slender trunk carrying a broad mass on top, like a tree turned to stone in the middle of the desert. Other oddly carved rocks lie scattered across the brown sand around it, with mountains in browns, reds and purples behind, under a deep blue sky at over 4,000 metres. Uyuni tours usually stop here on the second day on the way to Laguna Colorada, and visitors wander among the rocks for photos. Climbing the stone tree is not allowed, to protect it from breaking. The wind here is very strong and sand flies, so protect your eyes and camera. It is seen on 4x4 tours from Uyuni, most often the three-day tour, so choose a company with careful drivers and sound vehicles. The altitude is over 4,000 metres and nights are bitterly cold, often below minus ten, so bring winter clothes and a warm sleeping bag.
A slender trunk.
Odd shapes.
As a backdrop.
Siloli desert, north of Laguna Colorada
Sand-laden winds carved it over thousands of years, wearing away the bottom of the rock faster than the top.