Embark on an unforgettable day of exploration from Arequipa to the stunning Salinas Lagoon. This comprehensive tour promises breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a chance to take in the region’s natural wonders. From a convenient hotel pickup to guided adventures and relaxing hot springs, the day is designed to provide an immersive experience. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an extraordinary day, this excursion offers a chance to discover the captivating beauty that lies beyond Arequipa’s cityscape.
Key Points
- Excursion departs from Arequipa and lasts approximately 10 hours, with a pickup between 6:00 and 6:30 AM.
- Tour includes a continental breakfast stop in Chiguata, exploration of Salinas Lagoon, and visits to the Andean forest and hot springs.
- Wildlife highlights include vicuñas, guanacos, flamingos, and parihuanas, with the opportunity to see three types of flamingos at the lagoon.
- Walking tour duration is 2-3 hours, with additional free time for lunch and hot springs relaxation.
- Cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the tour is limited to a small group of 10 participants.
Tour Overview
The excursion to Salinas Lagoon departs from Arequipa and lasts approximately 10 hours.
The excursion to Salinas Lagoon departs from Arequipa and lasts approximately 10 hours.
Priced from $50.00 per person, the tour is limited to a small group of 10 participants.
Both English and Spanish are spoken by the guide.
Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off near Plaza de Armas are included, along with bus transportation.
Travel insurance and extraordinary expenses aren’t covered.
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Itinerary Details
Travelers are picked up from their hotels in Arequipa between 6:00 and 6:30 AM to begin the day’s excursion.
The first stop is in Chiguata for a continental breakfast, including juice, mate or coffee, cereals, and toast.
The tour then explores the flora and fauna around the Salinas Lagoon, offering scenic views of the Misti volcano, one of the 10 active volcanoes in the area.
The Andean forest of queñuales is also visited.
Upon arrival at the lagoon, travelers will see the snow-white landscape when dry, transforming into a salt accumulation when water is present.
Wildlife and Nature Highlights
The reserve features a variety of natural wonders, including lagoons, hot springs, and wetlands.
Visitors can spot an array of wildlife, such as vicuñas, guanacos, flamingos, and parihuanas.
Salinas Lagoon is the only lagoon in the area that’s home to three different types of flamingos.
During the excursion, guests will be accompanied by llamas and alpacas as they explore the natural landscapes.
The guided walking tour around the lagoon and nearby Lojén volcano offers ample opportunities to take in the region’s diverse flora and fauna.
Activities and Exploration
What activities and exploration await participants on this excursion? The day begins with a walking tour around the Salinas Lagoon and Lojén volcano. After the exploration, guests can take advantage of free time for lunch. An additional highlight is the opportunity to visit the nearby hot springs, providing a chance to relax and unwind.
| Activities | Duration | Highlights |
| — | — | — |
| Walking Tour | 2-3 hours | Salinas Lagoon, Lojén volcano |
| Free Time | 1 hour | Lunch |
| Hot Springs | 1-2 hours | Relaxation |
The excursion offers a well-rounded experience, allowing participants to enjoy the natural wonders of the Salinas Lagoon while also enjoying leisure time and the rejuvenating hot springs.
More Great Tours NearbyInclusions and Additional Information
This excursion includes the hotel pick-up service and bus transportation to and from the Salinas Lagoon.
You’ll be accompanied by an English and Spanish-speaking guide throughout the trip. After exploring the lagoon and nearby areas, you’ll be dropped off near the Plaza de Armas in Arequipa.
Travel insurance and any extraordinary expenses aren’t included in the price. Reserve now with the "pay later" option to book without an upfront payment.
With these inclusions, you’ll have a hassle-free experience exploring the stunning Salinas Lagoon.
Getting to Salinas Lagoon
To get to the Salinas Lagoon, the tour begins with hotel pick-up service in Arequipa between 6:00 and 6:30 AM.
The first stop is in Chiguata for a continental breakfast, which includes juice, mate or coffee, cereals, and toast.
After the breakfast, the journey continues towards the Salinas Lagoon, where travelers can expect:
-
Stunning views of the Misti volcano, one of the 10 active volcanoes in the region.
-
A walk through the Andean forest of queñuales.
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Arrival at the Salinas Lagoon, which appears snow-white when dry and features salt accumulation when water is present.
What to Expect on the Tour
Once at the Salinas Lagoon, travelers can explore the diverse flora and fauna of the reserve. They’ll spot vicuñas, guanacos, flamingos, and parihuanas, all while surrounded by the stunning views of the nearby Misti volcano. The lagoon itself is a sight to behold, transforming from a snow-white expanse to a vibrant saltwater ecosystem. During the walking tour, travelers will be accompanied by llamas and alpacas. After the exploration, they’ll have free time for lunch and a chance to visit the nearby hot springs.
| Activity | Highlights |
| — | — |
| Walking Tour | Salinas Lagoon, Lojén volcano |
| Wildlife Viewing | Vicuñas, guanacos, flamingos, parihuanas |
| Ecological Zones | Lagoons, hot springs, wetlands |
| Cultural Experience | Accompanied by llamas and alpacas |
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Travelers can reserve their spot on the Salinas Lagoon excursion without any upfront payment through the "Reserve now & pay later" option.
The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexible policy ensures travelers can confidently book their adventure without worrying about unexpected changes in plans.
The key booking and cancellation details include:
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Reserve now, pay later option available.
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
-
Full refund for cancellations within the 24-hour window.
Since You Asked
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Participants can bring their own food and drinks for the tour. However, a continental breakfast is provided at the stop in Chiguata, and there’ll be opportunities to purchase lunch near the Salinas Lagoon.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
There are no age restrictions for the tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. The tour is suitable for families, with limited group size to ensure a personalized experience.
What Type of Clothing Is Recommended for the Tour?
The tour operator recommends participants wear comfortable, lightweight clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, and layers to adapt to the changing weather conditions at the Salinas Lagoon. Bringing a water bottle is also advisable.
Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?
The tour has a small group size, with a maximum of 10 participants. There is no minimum number of participants required for the tour to operate, so you can book the excursion even if they are the only ones signed up.
Can I Extend My Stay at Salinas Lagoon?
The tour doesn’t offer the option to extend one’s stay at Salinas Lagoon. The itinerary provides a set duration of exploring the lagoon and surrounding areas before returning to Arequipa. Additional leisure time at the site is not included in the program.
The Sum Up
This Salinas Lagoon excursion from Arequipa offers a captivating full-day adventure. Travelers can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, spot diverse wildlife, and enjoy relaxing hot springs, all while accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable experience, this tour promises an unforgettable day in Peru’s stunning natural wonders.
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