Arequipa: Excursion to the Salinas Lagoon |Full Day|

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Arequipa with a full-day excursion to the stunning Salinas Lagoon. This affordable adventure promises an unforgettable glimpse of nature’s wonders, from diverse wildlife to the striking backdrop of Misti volcano. With convenient hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, and free cancellation, you’ll have the flexibility to make the most of your day in this remarkable region.

Key Points

• 10-hour full-day excursion to Salinas Lagoon near Arequipa, featuring diverse wildlife, scenic views, and a continental breakfast.
• Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior for a full refund and the option to modify plans.
• Includes hotel pickup, transportation by bus, and a bilingual guide (English and Spanish).
• Opportunity to observe native camelid species like vicuñas, guanacos, alpacas, and llamas, as well as various bird species.
• Tour concludes with drop-off near Plaza de Armas in Arequipa, providing a convenient way to experience the natural wonders of the region.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Excursion to the Salinas Lagoon offers a 10-hour tour, starting from $40.00 per person.

Explore the unique Salinas Lagoon, located at the border of Salinas National Reserve and Aguada Blanca.

Enjoy the option to reserve now and pay later. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility with travel plans.

The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation by bus, and an English and Spanish-speaking guide.

Enjoy convenient hotel pickup, comfortable bus transportation, and the guidance of bilingual English and Spanish-speaking experts on this excursion.

Drop-off is near the Plaza de Armas in Arequipa, with meals and travel insurance included in the price.

Cancellation Policy and Flexibility

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility with travel plans.

This tour offers the following benefits:

1. Hassle-free booking with the option to reserve now and pay later.

2. Seamless travel planning with the ability to modify or cancel plans up to 24 hours prior to the tour.

3. Peace of mind knowing you can receive a full refund if your plans change, allowing you to book with confidence.

This flexibility ensures your Salinas Lagoon excursion fits seamlessly into your Arequipa itinerary.

Itinerary and Schedule

Your Salinas Lagoon excursion begins with a pickup from your hotel in Arequipa between 6:00 and 6:30 am.

You’ll enjoy a continental breakfast in Chiguata village, sampling local juice, coffee, cereal, and toast.

Then, it’s off to explore the flora and fauna around the Salinas Lagoon, located at the border of Salinas National Reserve and Aguada Blanca.

Explore the diverse flora and fauna around the Salinas Lagoon, nestled at the border of Salinas National Reserve and Aguada Blanca.

Keep an eye out for vicuñas, guanacos, flamingos, parihuanas, alpacas, and llamas.

The tour wraps up around 4:30 pm, with drop-off near the Plaza de Armas in Arequipa.

Highlights and Wildlife

While the Salinas Lagoon is a shallow salt flat, it’s uniquely known for the observation of three types of flamingos.

The area is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including:

1. Vicuñas and guanacos, two camelid species native to the Andes.

2. Parihuanas, a type of Andean flamingo known for its striking red and white plumage.

3. Herds of alpacas and llamas, the iconic domesticated camelids of the region.

Plus, the Salinas Lagoon provides a stunning backdrop, with the majestic Misti volcano, one of the 10 active volcanoes in the area, towering in the distance.

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Inclusions and Transportation

The excursion to the Salinas Lagoon includes hotel pickup and transportation by bus, with an English and Spanish-speaking guide accompanying the tour.

After exploring the lagoon and observing the diverse wildlife, you’ll be dropped off near the Plaza de Armas in Arequipa.

Meals and travel insurance are included, though any additional expenses may apply.

The tour provides a convenient and informative way to experience the natural wonders of the Salinas Lagoon, ensuring a well-rounded exploration of this unique ecosystem.

Getting to the Salinas Lagoon

To get to the Salinas Lagoon, the tour begins with hotel pickup from your accommodation in Arequipa between 6:00 and 6:30 am.

Next, you’ll enjoy a continental breakfast in the charming village of Chiguata, fueling up with juice, coffee, cereal, and toast before the main event.

The scenic drive then takes you to the border of the Salinas National Reserve and Aguada Blanca, where you’ll explore the unique Salinas Lagoon and its diverse wildlife, including:

1. Three species of flamingos

2. Vicuñas, guanacos, and other camelids

3. The towering Misti volcano

Exploring the Salinas Lagoon

After leaving the charming village of Chiguata, visitors arrive at the border of the Salinas National Reserve and Aguada Blanca, where the iconic Salinas Lagoon awaits.

The shallow salt flat is home to three types of flamingos, creating a vibrant and colorful scene. Visitors can observe the stunning wildlife, including vicuñas, guanacos, parihuanas, alpacas, and llamas, against the backdrop of the majestic Misti volcano.

The lagoon’s unique ecosystem offers a remarkable opportunity to take in the region’s natural wonders. Explorers can wander the area, taking in the breathtaking views and the diverse array of flora and fauna.

Returning to Arequipa

As the excursion nears its end, the bus departs the Salinas Lagoon, transporting visitors back to Arequipa.

The return journey offers a final opportunity to:

The return journey offers a final opportunity to reflect, appreciate, and anticipate the conclusion of this remarkable Salinas Lagoon excursion.

1. Reflect on the day’s experiences and the unique ecosystem observed at the Salinas Lagoon.

2. Appreciate the scenic vistas of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes.

3. Anticipate the arrival in Arequipa, where the tour concludes with a drop-off near the Plaza de Armas, allowing guests to further explore the historic city at their leisure.

The excursion provides a well-rounded exploration of the Salinas Lagoon and its natural wonders, leaving visitors with lasting memories of their time in this remarkable region.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The package includes a continental breakfast, but you’re welcome to pack additional snacks or beverages to enjoy during the excursion.

Is There a Bathroom Available at the Lagoon?

Yes, there are bathroom facilities available at the Salinas Lagoon. The tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, and all the logistics to make the excursion comfortable and convenient for visitors.

Do I Need Special Equipment or Clothing?

You don’t need any special equipment, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and warm layers. The tour provides transportation and guides, so all you need is yourself.

Can I Take My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour operator’s policy is to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. Service animals may be permitted with prior notice and approval.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit?

The best time of year to visit the Salinas Lagoon is during the dry season, from May to October. During this period, the weather’s mild, and you’ll have the best chance of spotting the three types of flamingos that inhabit the area.

The Sum Up

This exhilarating excursion to the Salinas Lagoon offers a chance to witness Arequipa’s captivating natural beauty. With a hassle-free experience, including convenient transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this tour promises an unforgettable day of exploring diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, all at an affordable price. Don’t miss the opportunity to create lasting memories in this breathtaking corner of Peru.

You can check availability for your dates here: