The Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca in Arequipa, Peru offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the region’s stunning natural landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage. Nestled within this protected area lies the captivating Lojen Volcano, which serves as the backdrop for a diverse array of wildlife, including the iconic flamingos and vicuñas that thrive in the mesmerizing Laguna de Salinas. Visitors can embark on a captivating journey, beginning with a traditional breakfast in Chiguata, and exploring the intricacies of salt extraction methods before delving into the captivating stories that shape the local culture. This destination promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
Key Points
- Explore the natural wonders of Salinas National Reserve, including flamingos, vicuñas, and diverse flora, on a day tour from Arequipa.
- Marvel at the volcanic landscapes of Lojen Volcano and enjoy rejuvenating hot springs as part of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca tour.
- Experience local culture in Chiguata, with a traditional Peruvian breakfast and insights into the region’s botanical diversity.
- Witness the traditional salt extraction process during the dry season at Laguna de Salinas, a highlight of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca tour.
- The tour includes transport, a bilingual guide, meals, and entrance fees, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience in the Salinas and Aguada Blanca region.
Overview and Pricing
This one-day tour, priced from $142.00 per person, offers visitors the chance to explore the Salinas National Reserve and the Lojen Volcano near Arequipa.
With a duration of 1 day, the tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Travelers can reserve their spot and pay later, allowing them to secure their place without an upfront payment.
The tour includes tourist transport, a bilingual guide, meals, and entrance fees, making it a convenient and inclusive experience for visitors to discover the stunning natural landscapes and diverse wildlife of the region.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Arequipa.
Experience and Highlights
The tour’s highlights include the opportunity to marvel at the incredible vistas within the Salinas National Reserve.
Travelers will explore a natural landscape, observing diverse wildlife like flamingos, parhuanas, vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas. At an altitude of 4,200 m.a.s.l., visitors can admire the flora, including quenua, yareta, and tola.
The tour also takes guests to Mirador de Los Volcanes, where they can observe the surrounding volcanoes. Participants will experience local culture in Chiguata, visiting the main square and enjoying a traditional breakfast.
During the dry season, the itinerary includes stops at salt extraction centers. The day concludes with a relaxing visit to the Lojen hot springs.
Itinerary
The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Arequipa around 6:00-6:40 AM. After a 45-minute drive, the group will visit Mirador de Los Volcanes and the town of Chiguata, where they’ll enjoy a traditional breakfast. Then, they’ll journey to Laguna de Salinas, spending 1-1.5 hours observing the diverse wildlife, including flamingos, parhuanas, vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas. The tour continues to the mini volcano Lojen and its hot springs, where visitors can relax. Finally, the group will return to Chiguata for lunch before arriving back in Arequipa near the Plaza de Armas around 5:00 PM.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 06:00 – 06:40 AM | Hotel pickup in Arequipa |
| 45-minute drive | Mirador de Los Volcanes and Chiguata town |
| Breakfast in Chiguata | Journey to Laguna de Salinas |
| 1-1.5 hours at Laguna de Salinas | Visit Lojen volcano and hot springs |
Inclusions and Exclusions
As part of the tour, the package includes tourist transport, a bilingual tour guide fluent in both Spanish and English, a traditional breakfast and lunch, as well as all necessary tourist entrance fees.
However, any extra expenses beyond the included items aren’t covered.
Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with vertigo, those who’ve had recent surgeries, or individuals over 70 years of age.
Participants are advised to bring their passport or ID card, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
The use of alcohol and drugs is strictly prohibited during the tour.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Information
Passport or ID card, sunglasses, and a sun hat are essential items participants should bring on the tour. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with vertigo, those who have recently undergone surgery, or individuals over 70 years old. Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited.
| What to Bring | Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| Passport or ID card | Alcohol |
| Sunglasses | Drugs |
| Sun hat |
Participants should check availability for the desired date and number of people in the group. This will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at the Salinas National Reserve and Lojen Volcano.
Wildlife and Nature
Diverse wildlife and captivating natural landscapes await visitors to the Salinas National Reserve and the surrounding area.
The reserve is home to a variety of species, including:
- Flamingos and parhuanas, the vibrant pink birds that inhabit the salt lakes.
- Vicuñas, the graceful wild camelids that roam the high-altitude grasslands.
- Llamas and alpacas, the domesticated cousins of the vicuña, often seen with local herders.
- A diverse array of plant life, such as the towering Queñua trees, the cushion-like yareta, and the hardy tola shrubs, all thriving at over 4,200 meters above sea level.
Visitors can expect to be immersed in the natural wonders of this remarkable region.
Cultural Experiences
The tour also provides opportunities to experience the local culture in Chiguata, a town nestled within the Salinas National Reserve.
Visitors can stroll through the main square, observing the traditional architecture and interacting with the friendly locals.
The tour includes a traditional Peruvian breakfast, allowing participants to savor the flavors and aromas of the region’s cuisine.
Plus, the tour explores the local flora, such as the Queñua, yareta, and tola plants, providing insights into the region’s botanical diversity and the traditional uses of these species by the local population.
Salt Extraction and Hot Springs
During the dry season from May to December, the tour grants visitors the opportunity to witness the salt extraction process at the Laguna de Salinas.
The saline lake’s shallow waters evaporate, leaving behind salt deposits that locals have harvested for centuries. Visitors can observe the traditional methods used to extract and collect the precious mineral.
After exploring the salt flats, the tour continues to the Lojen hot springs, where travelers can relax and unwind. The thermal waters, heated by volcanic activity, offer a rejuvenating experience amidst the stunning natural surroundings.
Key highlights:
- Observe the traditional salt extraction process.
- Explore the vast Laguna de Salinas and its salt deposits.
- Relax in the soothing Lojen hot springs.
- Immerse in the natural wonders of the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?
No, the tour may not be suitable for people with mobility issues. The itinerary includes walking at high altitudes and visiting natural areas that could be challenging for those with limited mobility.
How Can I Communicate With the Tour Guide if I Don’t Speak Spanish?
The tour includes a bilingual tour guide who speaks both Spanish and English, so you can easily communicate with them even if you don’t speak Spanish. They’ll be able to provide all the necessary information and assistance throughout the tour.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
The tour does not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. All meals, including breakfast and lunch, are provided as part of the tour package. Bringing outside food or beverages is not permitted.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?
Participants are generally allowed to take photos throughout the tour, although some restrictions may apply in certain areas. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific photography guidelines during the excursion.
What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Change My Booking?
The tour has a free cancellation policy – you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also an option to reserve your spot and pay later.
Recap
The Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca in Arequipa, Peru, offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and culture. Visitors can marvel at the stunning Lojen Volcano, witness the vibrant Laguna de Salinas, and gain insights into salt extraction methods. This destination promises a truly memorable experience for nature enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
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