SHARED
SERVICE
Duration:
Full day
Distance:
0
Difficulty:
Moderate
Ideal:
young people
Salinas National Reserve Tour
Discover the natural beauty of southern Peru with our tour to the Salinas and Aguada Salinas National Reserve tour, a high-Andean paradise where the imposing volcanoes Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu are reflected in the saline waters. This tour from Arequipa will allow you to observe vicuñas, llamas, and flamingos in their natural habitat while enjoying unique landscapes at over 4,000 meters above sea level. Experience life among mountains, lagoons, and salt flats that showcase the pure essence of the Arequipan highlands. Perfect for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and adventurers.
Book your spot and let yourself be amazed by the magic of the Arequipan highlands!
Salinas National Reserve Tour from Arequipa
Salinas National Reserve Tour Itinerary:
Your adventure begins early with hotel pickup from downtown Arequipa between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM. Punctuality is important. Once the group is complete, the tourist transport will depart towards the southeast of the city.
There will be a brief stop in the picturesque town of Chiguata. Here you can stretch your legs, visit its colonial church (Iglesia del Espíritu Santo), and, on some tours, enjoy a local breakfast (sometimes included; other times you can purchase it). It's a good moment to buy additional water or snacks.
The journey continues to ascend, offering spectacular views of the Andean landscape. You'll pass near the imposing Misti volcano and, depending on the specific route, through the Qeñuales Forest, which adds a magical touch to the panorama. Your guide will provide information about the geology, flora, and fauna of the area. Keep an eye out for local wildlife; it's common to observe llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas in their natural environment, roaming freely. You may also spot various Andean birds.
You'll head to the heart of the Reserve: Laguna de Salinas. This majestic salt lake, located between the Misti, Ubinas, and snow-capped Pichu Pichu volcanoes, is the main highlight of the tour.
Some tours offer the possibility (usually at an extra cost) of visiting the Lojen Mini Volcano and its rustic thermal waters. If you choose this option, you'll enjoy a pleasant bath in these natural pools, which is highly recommended to alleviate the cold and relax your muscles. If this option is chosen, the tour duration will be extended.
After exploring, you'll stop for lunch in Chiguata town or at a local bakery (lunch is not included). After enjoying the reserve, you'll begin the return journey to Arequipa, descending from the puna towards the city. If you only visit the lagoon, the return will be at approximately 1:30 PM. If you include the thermal baths and/or lunch, the return will be between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM, dropping you off near the Plaza de Armas or at your hotel in the historic center.
Important: Please note that on this tour, we will ascend from the city of Arequipa (at 7,661 feet / 2,335 meters above sea level) to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, located between 12,467 and 14,108 feet (3,800 and 4,300 meters) of altitude. Although the tour does not require great physical effort, it is advisable to have at least one day of acclimatization in Arequipa prior to the tour for better adaptation to the altitude.
Included / Not Included
Salinas National Reserve tour includes:
- Hotel pickup (Historic Center)
- Tourist Transportation
- Tour Guide (Spanish / English)
- Breakfast
Salinas National Reserve tour does not include:
- Salinas Reserve Entrance Fee: S/6.00
- Lojen Hot Springs and Mini Volcano Entrance Fee: S/10.00
- Lunch
What to bring
Salinas National Reserve Tour
Identification Document / Passport: Always keep it with you.
Base Layer: Thermal or quick-drying clothing that helps regulate body temperature and reduces skin moisture.
Insulation Layer: A fleece jacket or a wool sweater. This layer provides warmth and traps air.
Windproof and Waterproof Jacket (Windbreaker): This is vital to protect you from the cold wind that often blows in the puna, as well as from possible rain or hail, even if infrequent.
Pants: Comfortable and warm pants. Hiking pants or those with an internal lining are more beneficial.
Hat or Chullo (Andean knit hat): Essential for protecting your head from the cold and the sun.
Gloves: Lightweight or wool gloves to protect your hands from the cold.
Scarf or Neck Gaiter (Buff): To protect your face and throat from the cold wind.
Trekking Shoes or Comfortable Boots: They should be durable, preferably waterproof, and have good grip for moving on uneven or wet ground (wetlands). Make sure they are comfortable and that you've worn them before to prevent blisters.
Wool or Thermal Socks: Help keep your feet warm and dry.
High SPF Sunscreen: At high altitudes, UV radiation is extremely high. Generously apply sunscreen and reapply every few hours.
Sunglasses: Essential for protecting your eyes from strong sun glare and reflections, especially in snowy conditions.
Lip Balm with SPF: To prevent chapped lips due to cold and sun exposure.
Personal Medications: If you take any specific medication, bring it with you.
Altitude Sickness Medication: If you are prone to "soroche" (altitude sickness), consider bringing medications like Sorojchi Pills or consulting your doctor about other alternatives. Coca candies or coca tea can also help.
Water: Carry a large amount of water to stay hydrated, which is essential to counteract the effects of altitude.
Snacks: Energy bars, dried fruits, chocolate, or any snack that provides energy and is easy to carry.
Small Daypack: To comfortably carry your water, snacks, extra layers of clothing, camera, and other items.
Camera: You'll have impressive views of volcanoes, vicuñas, flamingos, and Andean landscapes. Make sure it has a full battery and enough storage space.
Portable Power Bank: Cold weather can quickly drain device batteries.
Cash (Peruvian Soles): For any local souvenir purchases, snacks at stops, or tips.
Travel Information
Location.
The Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve is located in the Arequipa and Moquegua regions, in southern Peru. The city of Arequipa is typically the starting point for exploring the reserve. From there, you can follow the Yura-Juliaca route or the Arequipa-Chiguata-Puno route, both of which lead to the town of Chiguata, the gateway to the reserve.
The reserve spans an average altitude of 14,108 feet (4,300 meters) above sea level and covers an area of 366,936 hectares (about 906,700 acres). Its primary goal is to preserve the region's natural and scenic resources, including safeguarding vicuñas and other plant and animal species.
Climate.
In the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, Arequipa, the climatic conditions are cold and dry, with temperatures that can fluctuate significantly between day and night, as well as between sunny and shaded areas. During the day, temperatures can reach 59°F (15°C), while at night they can drop to -10°C (14°F). Rainfall is limited, with most of it concentrated between January and March.
The Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve.
The Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve is situated on the high Andean plateau, specifically in the Arequipa region of southern Peru. It's an extensive and captivating puna ecosystem that will charm you with its majestic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the grandeur of its volcanoes.
The reserve covers approximately 366,936 hectares and sits at an average altitude of 14,108 feet (4,300 meters) above sea level, with peaks reaching close to 16,404 feet (5,000 meters). Its scenery is dominated by emblematic volcanoes like Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu, which rise silently on the horizon.
Within its borders lies the vast Laguna de Salinas, a majestic brackish lake that, along with its surrounding salt flat, creates a stunning visual contrast. The reserve also harbors essential bofedales (high Andean wetlands), crucial for water regulation in the region.
Regarding wildlife, it's a sanctuary for South American camelids: you'll observe elegant vicuñas grazing freely in the extensive plains, alongside alpacas and llamas. The lagoons attract a wide diversity of aquatic birds, including flamingos (also known as parihuanas) that color the environment pink.
Tour Price
Shared Tour Service
This group service means you'll do the tour with other people. This standard service operates with a group of 12 to 16 persons. We have confirmed departures every day, so if you're traveling alone or with just one other person, don't worry; you can join one of our existing groups.
Starting from: $35 USD.
Private Tour Service
This service offers an exclusive way to experience the trip, where the service is much more personalized. Prices vary based on the number of people in your group. Please inquire at info@ausangateadventure.com or WhatsApp +51 914201334.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve located?
It's located in the Arequipa region, in the mountainous southern part of Peru, about 2 hours by car from Arequipa city. It includes high-altitude areas, brackish lagoons, and wetlands (bofedales).
What can you see during the tour?
The tour offers impressive views such as Laguna de Salinas (which looks like a salt flat), volcanoes like Misti and Pichu Pichu, and sightings of vicuñas, alpacas, high Andean birds, and, during the rainy seasons, flamingos. Additionally, you can observe wild animals, unique rock formations, and singular volcanic landscapes.
What's the best time to visit the reserve?
The most favorable period is from April to November (dry season), when access is easier and the skies are clear. During the rainy season (December to March), some routes might become inaccessible.
How high is the area? Does altitude affect visitors?
The elevation fluctuates between 11,483 and 14,764 feet (3,500 and 4,500 meters) above sea level. It's common to experience soroche (altitude sickness), so it's advisable to acclimatize in Arequipa for a day beforehand, drink coca tea, and avoid heavy meals before the trip.
How long does the tour last?
The usual tour is a full day, departing from Arequipa in the morning and returning in the afternoon.
What clothing should I wear?
It's advisable to wear warm clothing (jacket, hat, gloves), hiking shoes or boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, snacks, and a camera. The climate is cold, dry, and very sunny during daylight hours.
Can the lagoon be visited all year?
Yes, but its appearance varies depending on the season: during the dry season (June to November) it resembles a white salt desert, while during the rainy season (January to March), there might be water and flamingos. Accessibility is subject to weather conditions.
Prices
SHARED SERVICE
$$35USD USD per person
- Daily departures subject to availability.
- Reference price for this service.
- Final availability is confirmed by our travel team.
Private Service
On request
- Flexible schedule.
- Recommended for families or private groups.
- Custom pace and private logistics.
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