Salinas Lagoon – Salt Mirrors, Andean Flamingos and Southern Volcanoes – Full Day
Discover one of the most surprising landscapes of Arequipa: Salinas Lagoon, located within the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve. A natural setting where the sky reflects over white salt expanses, surrounded by imposing volcanoes and high Andean wildlife.
This tour combines nature, living culture and relaxation in hot springs, ideal for those seeking authentic experiences off the traditional routes.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location: Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve – Arequipa
Duration: Full Day (10 – 11 hours approx.)
Schedule: 06:10 a.m. – 05:00 p.m.
Maximum altitude: 4,200 m.a.s.l.
Service: Group
Departure from: Historic center of Arequipa
TECHNICAL SHEET
Altitude in Chiguata: 2,970 m.a.s.l.
Altitude in Alto Simbral: 4,200 m.a.s.l.
Altitude in Salinas Lagoon: 4,300 m.a.s.l. (approx.)
Route type: Unpaved road and dirt track
Weather: Cold and dry at high altitude / high solar radiation
DESTINATION EXPERIENCE
Salinas Lagoon is a landscape that changes according to the season. During the rainy season it becomes a huge natural mirror where the sky and mountains are reflected, creating perfect scenery for photography. In the dry season, crystallized salt covers the surface forming a white mantle that seems endless.
During the journey you can also observe Andean flamingos (parihuanas), vicuñas, llamas, alpacas and typical vegetation such as queñua, yareta and tola. In addition, contact with the traditional village of Chiguata allows you to appreciate rural colonial architecture and current Andean life.
Availability
Daily departures
Transport
Hotel pickup
Guide
It is included in the service
Available languages
English and Spanish
Type of service
Group Service
Cancellation policy
Non-refundable
Maximum altitude
4.200 m.a.s.l
Difficulty
Easy
Location
Arequipa, Perú
Itinerary
Pick up and departure: We begin with pick up from hotels located in the historic center of Arequipa between 6:10 a.m. and 6:45 a.m.
Official departure to Salinas Lagoon at 6:50 a.m.
Chiguata Viewpoint and Traditional Countryside: After approximately 45 minutes we leave the white city behind and arrive at the traditional district of Chiguata.
We visit the Volcanoes Viewpoint, from where you can appreciate the Arequipa countryside, pre-Inca terraces and the volcanoes surrounding the city.
Church of the Holy Spirit – Chiguata: Tour of the village to visit its historic colonial church. Afterwards we enjoy the included breakfast.
Alto Simbral (4,200 m.a.s.l.): We continue for one hour until reaching Alto Simbral, a high Andean area where we observe typical flora such as:
Queñua
Yareta
Tola
Here begins the most rugged and natural landscape of the tour.
Salinas Lagoon: Arrival at Salinas Lagoon, where we will remain between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes.
During the visit we make different stops for:
- Observation of flamingos (parihuanas)
- Water mirrors (depending on season)
- Sightings of vicuñas, llamas and alpacas
- Landscape photography
In the dry season we visit the salt extraction centers, where it is possible to take perspective photographs over the white mantle.
Hot Springs and Logen Mini Volcano: Leaving the lagoon behind, we head toward the hot springs and the Logen mini volcano, where those who wish may enjoy a relaxing bath surrounded by nature.
Lunch in Chiguata: We return to the village of Chiguata for lunch (not included).
Return to Arequipa: We begin the return to the city, arriving approximately at 5:00 p.m.
Drop-off is three blocks from the Plaza de Armas.
Important note: Schedules are for reference only. Our operations team will contact you the day before the tour to reconfirm the schedule.
Includes
What's included
- Tourist transportation
- Entrance to the National Reserve
- Lunch
- Professional guide
- Breakfast
What's not included
- Entrance to hot springs: S/ 10.00
- Tips
- Additional snacks or drinks
Recommendations
(CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT)
- Warm clothing (especially in the morning)
- Windbreaker jacket
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen (high radiation)
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap
- Swimsuit and towel (if entering hot springs)
WHAT TO BRING
- Identity document
- Cash (soles)
- Personal water
- Camera
WEATHER
- Cold and dry in high areas
- High solar radiation during the day
- Rainy season: December to March
- Dry season: April to November
ALTITUDE RECOMMENDATIONS
- Have a light breakfast
- Maintain constant hydration
- Avoid excessive effort
- If you experience altitude sickness, inform the guide
PHOTOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CARE
- Do not leave waste
- Do not enter restricted areas
- Respect wildlife
- Do not feed animals
Trade Policies
- Price expressed in Peruvian soles.
- Reservation confirmed with a 20% deposit.
- Remaining balance must be paid 2 days before the start of the service.
- Cancellations more than 72 hours in advance: partial refund according to operational policies.
- Cancellations less than 48 hours in advance: 100% penalty.
- No show: 100% penalty.
- Services subject to availability and weather conditions.
Price
Salinas Lagoon – Salt Mirrors, Andean Flamingos and Southern Volcanoes – Full Day
Full Day
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