"The world's largest salt flat provided an otherworldly backdrop for the visit: after a transfer by plane and a caravan of SUVs the group crossed the flats to arrive at Portal, a monumental sculpture built from 5,000 salt bricks. The ephemeral work is the brainchild of the late Bolivian artist Gastón Ugalde and was re-created for the visit under the auspices of the Gastón Ugalde Foundation, with the artist’s adult children, Mariano and Canela Ugalde joining the party. “Sharing Bolivia with travelers from around the world is deeply personal,” Mariano told me later. “It’s a chance to showcase the country’s incredible diversity, from its landscapes to its culture and art — and with TCS, we’re able to craft moments that leave lasting impressions.”" - Chris Dong Chris Dong Chris Dong is a travel reporter, editor, and strategist. He covers everything from the latest luxury hotels to the nuances of credit card rewards programs. Previously, Chris was a reporter and newsletter editor at The Points Guy. His work also appears in Lonely Planet, AFAR, The Washington Post, and Business Insider, among others. Chris lives in Los Angeles after spending nearly a decade in New York City. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines