The stunning Salinas Lagoon, nestled in the Andean landscape, beckons adventurous travelers from Arequipa. This full-day excursion immerses visitors in the region’s unique flora and fauna, including three species of flamingos, alpacas, and llamas. With a continental breakfast in Chiguata and knowledgeable guides in English and Spanish, the tour offers a scenic escape against the backdrop of the majestic Misti volcano. At $40 per person, this flexible booking promises a truly memorable experience.

Contents show

Key Points

Enjoy a full-day excursion from Arequipa to the scenic Salinas Lagoon, featuring diverse flora and fauna, including three species of flamingos.
Explore the lagoon’s surroundings, with the option to visit nearby thermal baths, during this 10-hour tour with a maximum of 10 participants.
Benefit from the flexibility of booking, with a full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Embark on the tour with the convenience of hotel pickup between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. and return to Arequipa around 4:30 p.m.
Consider potential red flags based on a single unsatisfactory review, and explore alternative options if the experience does not align with your expectations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Excursion Overview

A full-day excursion from Arequipa to the Salinas Lagoon is offered, with prices starting from $40.00 per person.

The tour lasts 10 hours and is limited to 10 participants. Both English and Spanish live tour guides are available.

The tour is a 10-hour excursion limited to 10 participants, with both English and Spanish live tour guides available.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Booking is flexible, allowing travelers to reserve now and pay later.

The excursion includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation by bus, meals, and travel insurance.

Itinerary and Highlights

After hotel pickup between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m., the excursion begins with a stop in Chiguata for a continental breakfast.

Next, the tour explores the flora and fauna around the Salinas Lagoon, set against the backdrop of the Misti volcano. Visitors discover the Andean forest with its unique queñuales trees and bushes.

The lagoon features a shallow, salt-encrusted flat that can appear snow-white when dry or accumulate salt when wet. Diverse wildlife, including three types of flamingos, alpacas, and llamas, can be spotted.

After exploring the lagoon, the tour visits nearby thermal baths before returning to Arequipa around 4:30 p.m.

Flora and Fauna

As the excursion moves from the breakfast stop in Chiguata, participants enjoy the rich flora and fauna surrounding the Salinas Lagoon.

The area is home to:

Queñuales, small trees and bushes that thrive in the Andean forest
Three species of flamingos, adding vibrant colors to the landscape
Alpacas and llamas, grazing peacefully along the salt flats
A diverse array of bird species, including migratory waterfowl
Unique plant life adapted to the harsh, high-altitude environment

Exploring this natural wonder, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of the Salinas Lagoon’s ecosystem.

Salinas Lagoon Features

The Salinas Lagoon features a shallow water salt flat that can appear snow-white when dry or accumulate salt when wet.

Situated near the Misti volcano, one of ten active volcanoes in the area, the lagoon offers a unique landscape.

Visitors can explore the Andean forest with its queñuales, small trees and bushes.

The lagoon is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including three types of flamingos, alpacas, and llamas.

Guests can walk around the lagoon and visit nearby thermal baths, providing a well-rounded experience in this natural wonder.

More Great Tours Nearby

Unique Wildlife

One of the key highlights of the Salinas Lagoon excursion is the opportunity to observe its unique wildlife.

Visitors can expect to see:

Three types of flamingos gracefully wading in the shallow, salt-saturated waters
Alpacas and llamas roaming the surrounding Andean forests and grasslands
Vibrant Andean birds, like the colorful Andean Goose, soaring overhead
Herds of vicuñas, the wild relative of the domesticated alpaca, darting across the landscape
Curious viscachas, a chinchilla-like rodent, perched on the rocky outcrops overlooking the lagoon.

This rich diversity of flora and fauna makes the Salinas Lagoon a true natural wonder.

Exploration Activities

Visitors to the Salinas Lagoon can look forward to a range of exploration activities during the excursion. Guests can walk around the lagoon, enjoying the unique scenery and observing the local wildlife.

They’ll also have the opportunity to visit nearby thermal baths, providing a chance to relax and unwind.

After the exploration, travelers will have free time for lunch, allowing them to sample local cuisine and further enjoy the region’s culture.

The excursion provides a well-rounded experience, blending natural wonders, cultural discovery, and leisure activities for a memorable day.

Inclusions

As part of the excursion, the package includes hotel pick-up and drop-off near the Plaza de Armas in Arequipa.

Transportation is provided by bus, accompanied by an English and Spanish-speaking guide. Meals are included, with a continental breakfast stop in Chiguata.

Plus, travelers are provided with travel insurance coverage.

The excursion offers a well-rounded experience, ensuring a hassle-free adventure:

Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Transportation by bus
English and Spanish-speaking guide
Meals, including continental breakfast
Travel insurance coverage

Customer Feedback

The customer feedback for this excursion to the Salinas Lagoon paints a concerning picture.

The customer feedback for this excursion to the Salinas Lagoon paints a concerning picture.

Based on a single review from a traveler in the United Kingdom, the overall rating is a dismal 1 out of 5.

While details are limited, this strongly suggests a disappointing experience that failed to meet expectations.

Without more feedback, it’s unclear what specifically went wrong.

However, this single negative review raises red flags and warrants further investigation before booking this tour.

Prospective travelers should exercise caution and consider alternative options that boast stronger customer satisfaction.

Since You Asked

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Excursion?

The excursion doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement. However, it’s recommended that participants be physically able to walk around the lagoon and explore the area. Children under 12 may require additional supervision.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Options Available?

The excursion accommodates dietary restrictions and offers vegetarian and gluten-free options for meals. Travelers should notify the tour operator of any dietary needs when booking to ensure their preferences are catered for during the day.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Food and Drinks?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks for the excursion. The tour includes a continental breakfast, but there’s free time for lunch, so bringing personal snacks and beverages is allowed and encouraged.

Is There Any Difficulty Level for the Walking/Hiking Portion?

The walking/hiking portion of the excursion is described as moderate, with visitors exploring the lagoon and surrounding Andean forest. No specialized equipment is required, but a reasonable level of fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if the Weather Is Bad?

The excursion offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so customers can get a full refund if the weather is bad. The company will also contact them to reschedule the tour if necessary.

The Sum Up

This full-day excursion from Arequipa to the Salinas Lagoon offers a captivating adventure amidst the Andean landscape. Priced at $40 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, breakfast, and the chance to take in the diverse flora and fauna, including three species of flamingos, alpacas, and llamas. With knowledgeable guides and flexible booking, it’s a scenic experience not to be missed against the backdrop of the majestic Misti volcano.

You can check availability for your dates here: