Salinas & Aguada Blanca
Colonial Arequipa
4,800 m.s.n.m
Landscapes, history, and culture.
Easy
Group tour
English & Spanish
15 hrs
Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve & Moche Salt Flat.














Explore the impressive Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, home to unique biodiversity and spectacular landscapes featuring mountains, lagoons, and volcanoes. It's a perfect getaway from the city to surround yourself with beautiful mountain scenery and blue skies. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to spot various camelid species and, with some luck, enjoy the presence of migratory birds in the reserve's stunning lagoons.We'll start our journey with breakfast in the picturesque village of Chiguata, passing by the Espíritu Santo church. Along the way, you'll have the chance to admire a rare forest of queñuales, where we'll observe llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas, typical animals of the Andean region known for their beauty and cultural significance.
Next, we'll arrive at Salinas Lake, an oasis of salt water surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. Depending on the time of year, we'll have the opportunity to take impressive photos and enjoy the famous water mirrors or salt desert. Finally, we'll conclude our day with a delicious lunch before returning to our hotels in Arequipa.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
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Why to book this tour with What a Trip?
- We’ll pick you up from your hotel in the center of Arequipa.
- We will take you in clean transportation equipped with an oxygen tank.
- A bilingual professional guide will accompany you during the tour.
- You will visit the incredible Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve.
- Enjoy mountain landscapes off the beaten path of traditional tourism circuits.
- You will learn about the geology of the area.
- Pick-up from hotel in the center of Arequipa.
- You will meet the professional guide who will accompany you on this adventure.
- Start of the journey to Chiguata (1hr).
- Enjoy breakfast in Chiguata.
- We will pass by the Espíritu Santo church, renowned for its detailed religious ornamentation and sillar architecture.
- Beginning of the journey of 2h to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve (120 km).
- Arrival at the Salinas National Reserve, where we can observe different birds and wildlife such as llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas.
- Enjoy a short walk.
- Birdwatching at the Salinas lagoon, where you will be amazed by its incredible biodiversity.
- Appreciate the impressive water mirrors created by the lagoons during the rainy seasons (January to March) or the salt desert.
- We will continue to the Moche Salt Flat, with the perfect opportunity to capture unique perspective photos.
- Observation of the Logén volcano.
- We will pass by small hot water pools.
- Lunch on return in Chiguata.
- On some occasions and depending on the season, we visit the Uzuña dam where we have the option of a boat ride, and lunch will be provided in another location (Characato).
- Return to Arequipa, arriving to our hotels at sunset.
- Professional bilingual guide during the tour.
- Clean and comfortable transport throughout the day.
- Entrance fee to Salinas Reserve USD3 approx.
- Breakfast in Chiguata USD4 approx.
- Lunch in Chiguata USD7 approx.
- Altitude sickness pill.
- Beverages.
- Sunscreen.
- Cash.
- Camera.
- Hat or Cap.
- Warm clothing
- Backpack or small bag.
- Water bottle and snack.
- Dual footwear (for hiking and lagoons)
- Take into account that the experience of this tour is subject to seasonal modifications, if conditions allow it, upon returning from our tour in Salinas we will visit Uzuña and lunch will be provided in another location. Therefore, it is important to maintain an open and flexible attitude. Also, it's important to follow the guide's instructions and being respectful to the environment at all times.
Is there any recommended attire or special equipment for the Lagoon?
- The weather is cold and mountainous, so you should have a good coat. Don't forget to bring hiking shoes, ideally waterproof.
What is the best way to protect myself from the sun and altitude during my visit?
- To protect yourself from the sun, it's important to constantly reapply sunscreen throughout the day, wear a hat, and lightweight long-sleeved shirts. Additionally, don't forget to stay hydrated to counteract the effects of altitude, as it can increase dehydration, and take regular breaks to prevent exhaustion.
¿En qué temporada puedo encontrar la laguna como un «espejo de agua?
- The 'water mirrors' can be observed during the rainy season, which occurs between the months of January and March. During the dry season, which occurs between the months of September to November when there are no rains to form them, you can observe an incredible salt desert.
- Salinas Lagoon covers 17,657 hectares where a great diversity of wildlife can be found. A total of 37 species of mammals, 158 of birds, 5 of reptiles, 4 of amphibians, and 3 of fish have been recorded. Among the most notable mammals are South American camelids such as llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos, along with other species such as tarucas, vizcachas, andean cats, pumas, and andean foxes. Regarding birds, highlights include the Andean goose, the mountain duck, and flamingos. The flora is also varied, with a total of 358 plant species, including grasslands, shrubs, wetlands, and queñuales, being some of the main vegetal groups present in the reserve.
- Super flexible: Cancel this tour with more than 48 hours' notice from the tour start date, and receive a 70% refund of the paid amount. If canceled within 48 hours, 100% of the amount is charged.
- Review our terms and conditions here: here
*The information and itinerary detailed in this guide may change without prior notice with the intention of providing a better service or regulatory changes in each destination.
Map of the Tour
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