Sci-Fi On Location: Real-World Settings from Your Favorite Films

3. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia – Infinite Planet in Star Wars: The Last Jedi

The world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, was transformed into the stark, otherworldly mineral planet Crait in The Last Jedi. Spanning over 4,000 square miles, this dazzling white landscape stretches endlessly, creating optical illusions of a sky reflected on ground. After a rain, it becomes the world’s largest mirror—an ethereal scene that feels more cosmic than terrestrial. In the film, the salt crust is broken by red dust beneath, heightening the dramatic visuals. In reality, it’s just as mesmerizing. Visitors can explore the flats by jeep, walk across the alien terrain, and visit salt hotels that seem like sci-fi outposts. The sheer emptiness of Salar de Uyuni evokes the isolation of deep space travel, while its beauty captures the wonder of discovery. If you’ve ever fantasized about setting foot on a distant planet, this surreal Bolivian marvel is your chance to do so—no spaceship required.