Arequipa’s Salinas Lake offers an unparalleled day-long adventure amidst Peru’s stunning natural landscapes. Travelers can expect a guided tour that showcases the area’s unique salt production, diverse avian life, and awe-inspiring volcanoes. With convenient transportation and flexible booking options, this excursion provides an opportunity to take in the region’s remarkable geology and ecology. As the day unfolds, visitors will be captivated by the lake’s serene beauty and the chance to witness the delicate balance of this protected natural reserve.

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Key Points

A full-day excursion from Arequipa to the Salinas Lake, including a visit to the expansive salt flats and Salinas National Reserve.
The tour is priced at $39.00 per person and is available in English and Spanish, with a flexible cancellation policy.
Highlights include close views of the Misti and Chachani volcanoes, opportunities to spot flamingos and parihuanas, and a 30-minute visit to the Salinas Lagoon.
The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, a professional bilingual guide, and breakfast, with an optional entrance fee for the hot springs.
The itinerary covers a 2-hour scenic car tour throughout the National Reserve, with a total driving time of approximately 4 hours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The full-day excursion to Arequipa’s Salinas Lake offers visitors an opportunity to explore the extensive salt flat behind Pichu Pichu, the lagoon of the Salinas National Reserve, and the unique natural salt production areas.

Priced from $39.00 per person, the tour lasts one day and is available in English and Spanish. Travelers can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

The excursion includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional bilingual guide, and breakfast, with optional entrance to hot springs at an additional cost.

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Highlights

Extensive salt flat behind Pichu Pichu provides a unique backdrop for visitors, while the expansive lagoon of the Salinas National Reserve offers a chance to spot camelids and high Andean birds, including flamingos and parihuanas. The close views of Misti and Chachani volcanoes add to the scenic splendor. Visitors can also explore the unique natural salt production areas, learning about this age-old process.

| Unique Highlights | | |

|——————-|——–|——–|

| Salt Flat | Lagoon | Volcanoes |

| Salt Production | Camelids | Andean Birds |

Itinerary Details

What does the Itinerary Details entail?

The tour begins with a free 1-hour entrance to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, home to vicuñas, guanacos, and Andean birds.

Next, it’s a 30-minute visit to the Salinas Lagoon, where mirrored lagoons form post-rain, perfect for photography.

An optional 30-minute entrance to hot springs costs an additional 5 soles per person.

The highlight is a 2-hour scenic car tour throughout the National Reserve, stopping at various points of interest.

In total, the driving time is approximately 4 hours, 2 hours each way.

Inclusions

This tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle and a professional bilingual guide.

Breakfast is also provided.

Visitors must pay a community tax of $3 or 10 soles to enter the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve.

There’s an optional entrance fee of 5 soles per person to access the hot springs.

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Booking Information

To book this excursion, travelers can check availability for their preferred starting times.

Once they’ve selected the participants and date, they’ll find the meeting point available on Google Maps.

This full-day trip in the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve costs from $39 per person.

The experience includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional bilingual guide, and breakfast.

Visitors can also pay an optional 5 soles to enter the hot springs.

Travelers have the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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Exploring the Salinas National Reserve

As visitors embark on this excursion, they’ll be immersed in the vast and captivating landscapes of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve.

Visitors will be immersed in the vast and captivating landscapes of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve.

They’ll have the opportunity to explore the extensive salt flat behind Pichu Pichu and witness the stunning lagoons of the Salinas National Reserve.

Along the way, they’ll encounter a diverse array of camelids and high Andean birds, including the mesmerizing flamingos and parihuanas.

The scenic car tour will provide breathtaking views of the Misti and Chachani volcanoes, complementing the unique experience of observing the natural salt production areas.

Visiting the Salinas Lagoon

Visitors will be captivated by the Salinas Lagoon, where mirrored lagoons form after rainfall, creating a picturesque scene ideal for photography.

The lagoon is part of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, and a 30-minute stop is included in the tour. Though entrance fees aren’t covered, guests have the option to explore the lagoon and capture its stunning reflections.

With a bit of luck, they may even spot some of the high Andean birds that inhabit the area, such as the famous Andean flamingos. This serene natural wonder is a highlight of the day’s excursion.

Experiencing the Hot Springs

Though the hot springs are an optional activity, guests who choose to indulge will be rewarded with a relaxing soak in natural mineral-rich waters. The springs average a comfortable temperature, providing a soothing respite from the day’s exploration. A separate entrance fee of 5 soles per person applies, but the opportunity to unwind in the serene setting is well worth it.

| Entrance Fee | Average Water Temperature |

| — | — |

| 5 soles per person | Comfortable |

| Optional Activity | Natural Mineral-Rich Waters |

| Separate from Tour | Serene Setting |

| Relaxing Soak | Respite from Exploration |

Since You Asked

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Change My Booking?

Travelers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a "reserve now & pay later" option available, providing flexibility to change plans if needed.

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

Yes, travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes breakfast, but participants are welcome to pack additional snacks and beverages if desired.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Tour Package?

Yes, there’s an option to upgrade the tour package. Customers can choose to add the entrance fee to the Salinas Lagoon or the hot springs for an additional cost per person.

Can I Book This Tour in Other Languages Besides English and Spanish?

According to the tour overview, the Salinas Lake excursion is offered in English and Spanish only. There’s no mention of additional language options being available for booking this tour.

Is There Any Wheelchair Accessibility on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention wheelchair accessibility. However, visitors with mobility needs should contact the tour operator to inquire about accommodations, as the itinerary includes walking on uneven terrain and natural areas.

The Sum Up

This full-day excursion to Arequipa’s stunning Salinas Lake offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore one of Peru’s remarkable natural reserves. Visitors can expect breathtaking views, close encounters with flamingos, and insights into the region’s unique salt production. With flexible booking and cancellation options, as well as professional bilingual guides, this adventure is a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy Arequipa’s natural beauty.