From Arequipa: Excursion to the Salinas Lagoon || Full Day |

Nestled in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, the Salinas Lagoon beckons adventurers seeking to enjoy the breathtaking natural wonders of the region. This full-day excursion from Arequipa promises a captivating journey, where visitors will have the opportunity to witness the lagoon’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. From the iconic Misti volcano to the vibrant flora and fauna of the National Reserve, this adventure offers a chance to explore a truly unique ecosystem. With an itinerary that includes a delightful breakfast, free time for lunch, and the return to Arequipa by late afternoon, this excursion promises to leave a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to embark on it.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Arequipa.

Key Points

• A 10-hour excursion from Arequipa to the Salinas Lagoon, priced at $40 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, breakfast in Chiguata, and exploration of the lagoon’s diverse flora and fauna, including flamingos, vicuñas, and guanacos.
• Visitors can enjoy views of the Misti volcano, one of 10 active volcanoes in the region, and have free time for lunch before returning to Arequipa.
• The Salinas Lagoon is located within the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca, offering opportunities to explore the area’s geological wonders and unique ecosystem.
• The tour includes a bilingual guide, travel insurance, and drop-off near the Plaza de Armas in Arequipa, with an overall rating of 4.4/5 based on 31 customer reviews.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The excursion from Arequipa to Salinas Lagoon offers a comprehensive 10-hour experience that’s priced at $40.00 per person.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also provides a "reserve now & pay later" option, making it convenient for travelers.

With an early morning pickup from the hotel, the tour includes a breakfast stop in Chiguata before exploring the natural wonders of the Salinas Lagoon area.

Visitors can expect to return to Arequipa around 4:30 p.m., with the tour guide dropping them off near the Plaza de Armas.

Itinerary and Highlights

Pickup from hotel between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. kicks off this comprehensive 10-hour excursion, with a breakfast stop in Chiguata providing a chance to enjoy juice, mate or coffee, cereal, and toast.

The primary highlight is exploring the flora and fauna around Salinas Lagoon, located on the border of the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca.

Visitors will marvel at the stunning Misti volcano, one of the 10 active volcanoes in the area, and discover the Andean forest with its unique queñuale trees.

The lagoon itself is renowned for its three types of flamingos, accompanied by llamas and alpacas.

After the lagoon visit, guests enjoy free time for lunch before returning to Arequipa around 4:30 p.m.

Wildlife and Natural Features

Located at the border of the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca, Salinas Lagoon is a shallow water salt flat that’s home to an array of captivating natural features.

The lagoon is part of a larger landscape that includes lagoons, hot springs, and wetlands, offering visitors the chance to spot a variety of wildlife like vicuñas, guanacos, flamingos, and parihuanas.

The surrounding area also features the Lojen volcano and thermal baths, providing an opportunity to further explore the region’s remarkable geological wonders.

With its diverse ecosystem and stunning scenery, Salinas Lagoon is a true natural gem that promises an unforgettable experience for adventurous travelers.

Inclusions and Important Information

This excursion includes hotel pickup, transportation by bus, and an English and Spanish guide to accompany travelers throughout the tour.

Travel insurance is also provided, ensuring peace of mind during the adventure. After the tour, you will be dropped off near the Plaza de Armas in Arequipa.

Travelers should remember to bring their passport or ID, as well as biodegradable sunscreen and any necessary personal medication. Proper preparation is key, as the tour involves exploring high-altitude areas.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have shared a wealth of feedback on their experiences with this excursion to Salinas Lagoon. The tour earns a solid 4.4/5 rating from 31 reviews.

While the transportation receives a respectable 3.9/5, the value for money is rated even higher at 4/5. Visitors praise the beautiful landscapes and good food but note the need for altitude acclimatization.

Feedback on the driver’s friendliness and vehicle comfort is mixed. The opportunity to see the unique wildlife and natural features of the Salinas Lagoon, including flamingos, llamas, and alpacas, makes this a worthwhile excursion for those prepared for the high-altitude environment.

Exploring Salinas Lagoon

The Salinas Lagoon is a stunning natural wonder, offering visitors the chance to enjoy its unique and captivating landscape. This shallow, salt-water flat is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including three species of flamingos, llamas, and alpacas. Visitors can explore the surrounding Andean forest, with its distinctive queñuales trees, and marvel at the towering Misti volcano. The lagoon’s diverse habitats, from wetlands to hot springs, provide ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor exploration.

Feature	Description
Lagoon Type	Shallow, salt-water flat
Wildlife	Three species of flamingos, llamas, alpacas
Vegetation	Andean forest with queñuales trees
Volcanic Scenery	Misti volcano, one of 10 active volcanoes in the area

Misti Volcano and Andean Forest

Towering majestically over the Salinas Lagoon, the Misti volcano commands the attention of visitors. One of the 10 active volcanoes in the area, Misti offers a stunning backdrop to the tour.

Along the way, the excursion also explores the nearby Andean forest, home to the iconic queñuales trees. These gnarled and twisted trees, adapted to the high-altitude environment, add to the captivating natural scenery.

Guests have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views of the volcano and the surrounding landscape, providing a memorable addition to the Salinas Lagoon experience.

Lunch and Return to Arequipa

After exploring the captivating sights around Salinas Lagoon, guests enjoy a break for lunch. The tour allows ample free time to refuel at a local restaurant, providing an opportunity to savor regional dishes and experience Arequipa’s vibrant culinary scene.

Lunch Options	Description
Rocoto Relleno	Stuffed spicy red pepper dish
Cuy Chactado	Deep-fried guinea pig
Ocopa	Boiled potato in a creamy peanut sauce

Following the lunch break, the group departs the lagoon and begins the journey back to Arequipa, arriving at the city center by approximately 4:30 p.m. This well-paced tour ensures guests can fully enjoy the diverse natural wonders while also allowing time to rest and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Group of 4 or More?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a group of 4 or more people. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now & pay later option, making it easy to plan for a group.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour provider offers a 10% discount for seniors and students. Guests must provide valid identification at the time of booking or check-in to receive the discounted rate. Group rates are also available for parties of 4 or more.

How Long Does the Bus Ride From Arequipa to the Salinas Lagoon Take?

The bus ride from Arequipa to the Salinas Lagoon takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours each way, for a total transit time of 3-4 hours. The tour departs Arequipa between 6:00-6:30 AM and returns around 4:30 PM.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour for Additional Sightseeing?

Unfortunately, the tour overview doesn’t mention an option to extend the excursion for additional sightseeing. The itinerary seems fixed at 10 hours, with free time for lunch after the Salinas Lagoon visit before returning to Arequipa.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks for the Tour?

Guests can bring their own food and drinks for the tour, but it’s worth noting that a breakfast stop is already included. This allows travelers to save money and have more flexibility during the day.

Recap

This full-day excursion from Arequipa to the Salinas Lagoon offers a chance to take in the region’s stunning natural beauty. Visitors can expect to marvel at the majestic Misti Volcano, explore the diverse wildlife and flora of the National Reserve, and enjoy free time for lunch after the lagoon visit. The tour promises an unforgettable experience in this unique Andean ecosystem.

You can check if your dates are available here: