Arequipa | Salinas Lagoon and Lojen Thermal Baths

Arequipa’s Salinas Lagoon and Lojen Thermal Baths offer an unforgettable adventure. This all-inclusive tour, priced at $30 per person, promises a scenic 3-hour bus ride, a continental breakfast, and the chance to explore the lagoon’s unique wildlife and soak in the soothing thermal waters. With a bilingual guide, the experience promises to be both relaxing and enriching. What secrets might this tour uncover?

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Key Points

A full-day tour from Arequipa to Salinas Lagoon and Lojen Thermal Baths, priced at $30 per person and available in Spanish and English.
Includes hotel pickup, transportation, bilingual guide, entrance fees, breakfast, and lunch, with opportunities to spot wildlife like flamingos, alpacas, and llamas.
Offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a flexible reservation policy, but is not suitable for certain medical conditions.
Receives a 5/5 overall rating based on positive customer feedback, with the tour guide’s responsiveness and the all-inclusive package being highlighted.
Recommends bringing a change of clothes, towel, snacks, sunscreen, water, jacket, cash, and personal medication for the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour departs from Arequipa and takes visitors to Salinas Lagoon and Lojen Thermal Baths. Priced from $30 per person, the 1-day tour is available in Spanish and English.

It includes hotel pickup, transportation, an English and Spanish-speaking guide, entrance fees, breakfast, and lunch. The tour starts at 6:00 am and covers a 3-hour bus ride to the lagoon.

Along the way, there’s a stop for a continental breakfast. Visitors can explore the flora, fauna, and salt accumulation around the lagoon, as well as see flamingos, alpacas, and llamas.

The tour ends with a drop-off near Arequipa’s main square.

Looking for more options in Arequipa? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary and Highlights

As the tour departs Arequipa at 6:00 am, visitors embark on a 3-hour bus ride to Salinas Lagoon.

Along the way, they stop at Chiguata for a continental breakfast of juice, mate or coffee, cereal, and toast.

A continental breakfast of juice, mate or coffee, cereal, and toast awaits visitors during a stop at Chiguata along the way.

Upon arrival, the group explores the lagoon’s flora and fauna, including the striking white color when dry and salt accumulation when wet.

Opportunities abound to spot three types of flamingos, alpacas, and llamas.

After the guided tour, travelers enjoy free time for lunch before being dropped off near Arequipa’s main square.

Inclusions and Additional Info

This tour includes hotel pickup in Arequipa, transportation by bus, and the services of an English and Spanish speaking guide.

Entrance fees to the thermal baths are also covered. Breakfast and lunch are provided, so travelers don’t need to worry about additional meal costs.

The only extra expenses are for personal snacks and any purchases made during the trip.

Travelers should come prepared with a change of clothes, towel, snacks, sunscreen, water, jacket, cash, and personal medication.

The tour has a flexible reservation policy, allowing travelers to pay later, and a convenient 24-hour cancellation window for a full refund.

Important Information

Cancellation of this tour is free up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund.

Passengers have the flexibility to reserve now and pay later. However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with heart problems, or wheelchair users.

Tour-goers should bring a change of clothes, towel, snacks, sunscreen, water, jacket, cash, personal medication, and a pen. This ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Guests should arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled 6 am pickup time to ensure a timely departure from Arequipa to the Salinas Lagoon and Lojen Thermal Baths.

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Customer Feedback

Guests provide overwhelmingly positive feedback on this tour, with a 5/5 overall rating based on one review.

Based on one glowing 5/5 review, guests rave about the overwhelmingly positive experience on this tour.

The reviewer praised the tour guide, who provided excellent responses to inquiries. The small sample size reflects the tour’s popularity and high quality.

Visitors appreciate the opportunity to explore the unique Salinas Lagoon and enjoy the relaxing Lojen Thermal Baths.

The all-inclusive package, which covers transportation, guiding, meals, and activities, offers great value.

There's plenty more to explore in Arequipa

Exploring Salinas Lagoon

Though located several hours from Arequipa, Salinas Lagoon rewards visitors with its striking natural beauty. As the tour group explores the area, they’ll encounter three types of flamingos, alpacas, and llamas. The lagoon’s distinct white color emerges when dry, a result of salt accumulation.

| Lagoon Features | Description |

| — | — |

| Dry Condition | Stark white color |

| Wet Condition | Salt accumulation |

| Flora & Fauna | Flamingos, alpacas, llamas |

The queñuales, Andean forest trees, provide a scenic backdrop to this unique landscape. Visitors can stroll along the lagoon’s edge, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.

Discovering the Andean Forest

The tour also explores the Andean forest surrounding Salinas Lagoon, where visitors can marvel at the queñuales trees. These gnarled, wind-sculpted trees thrive in the harsh high-altitude environment.

Guides share insights about the unique flora and fauna of this fragile ecosystem. Guests spot vibrant wildflowers, native birds, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of curious alpacas and llamas grazing nearby.

The peaceful Andean forest offers a serene contrast to the stark white expanse of the salt flats. Wandering the trails, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience of life in this remote, otherworldly landscape.

Relaxing at Lojen Thermal Baths

After exploring the tranquil Andean forest, the tour heads to the Lojen Thermal Baths.

Nestled in the mountains, the baths offer a serene escape.

Visitors can:

Soak in the therapeutic mineral-rich waters, which are believed to have healing properties.
Relax in the natural setting, surrounded by stunning vistas of the Andes.
Indulge in a rejuvenating mud bath, said to nourish the skin.
Enjoy a picnic lunch, taking in the peaceful ambiance.

The warm, soothing waters and breathtaking scenery provide the perfect conclusion to a day of exploration in Arequipa’s natural wonders.

Things To Know

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, you’re welcome to take photos during the tour. The tour guide encourages participants to capture the stunning natural landscapes and wildlife they’ll encounter around Salinas Lagoon and the Andean forest.

Is There a Minimum Group Size for the Tour?

There’s no minimum group size for this tour. The tour operates with as few as one participant and up to the maximum capacity of the transportation provided. Guests can enjoy the experience regardless of group size.

Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour?

Yes, the tour allows you to store your luggage during the tour. The tour operator provides secure storage for your belongings while you explore the sites, so you don’t have to worry about carrying them around.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. It’s suitable for all ages, though the information notes it’s not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with heart problems, or wheelchair users due to the activity level.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Salinas Lagoon?

The best time to visit Salinas Lagoon is during the dry season, typically between May and October. This is when the lagoon’s distinctive white color and salt accumulation are most prominent, offering the optimal viewing experience for visitors.

Sum Up

Enjoy Arequipa’s natural wonders on this captivating tour. Witness the vibrant flamingos and llamas of Salinas Lagoon, then unwind in the soothing Lojen Thermal Baths. With an expert bilingual guide, you’ll embark on an unforgettable adventure amidst the stunning Andean landscape. This all-inclusive experience offers the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation, making it a must-do for travelers seeking to connect with Peru’s breathtaking beauty.