From Arequipa: Excursion to Salinas Lagoon

Nestled in the Andes mountains, the Salinas Lagoon offers a captivating escape from Arequipa. This day-long excursion whisks visitors through breathtaking landscapes to witness the lagoon’s striking white expanse and diverse wildlife. With a continental breakfast, bilingual guide, and free time for lunch, the tour provides a well-rounded experience. But what truly makes this journey special are the sights that await – a glimpse into the natural wonders that make this region so alluring.

Key Points

• Explore the Salinas Lagoon, located near Arequipa, on a 10-hour excursion that includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, continental breakfast, and a bilingual guide.
• Observe the diverse flora and fauna around the lagoon, including three types of flamingos, alpacas, and llamas, against the backdrop of the Misti Volcano.
• Enjoy free time for lunch after visiting the lagoon, with the return journey to Arequipa commencing around 4:30 p.m.
• The tour is priced at $42 per person and allows for a full refund up to 24 hours before the departure.
• Dress in layers, bring sun protection, and follow the guide’s instructions to minimize disturbance to the delicate ecosystem during the excursion.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Excursion Overview

The excursion departs from Arequipa and takes visitors to the Salinas Lagoon. Priced from $42 per person, the 10-hour tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, continental breakfast, and a bilingual guide.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reservations allow for paying later.

The itinerary involves stops in Chiguata for breakfast and exploring the lagoon’s flora, fauna, and the nearby Misti Volcano.

Salinas Lagoon is known for its snow-white appearance when dry and as a habitat for flamingos, alpacas, and llamas.

Itinerary and Activities

The excursion begins with pick-up from hotels in Arequipa’s historic center between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m.

After a continental breakfast stop in Chiguata, the group explores the flora and fauna around Salinas Lagoon, located on the border of Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve.

Travelers can view the majestic Misti Volcano and discover the Andean forest with queñuales.

Following the lagoon exploration, there’s free time for lunch before the return to Arequipa around 4:30 p.m.

Throughout the day, a bilingual guide provides commentary in English and Spanish.

Salinas Lagoon Highlights

Salinas Lagoon appears snow-white when dry, as it accumulates large amounts of salt when water is present.

It’s home to three types of flamingos, along with alpacas and llamas.

The lagoon’s vicinity offers opportunities to explore Lojen Volcano and thermal baths.

Visitors can witness the diverse flora and fauna of the area, including the Andean forest with queñuales.

The lagoon’s unique landscape and wildlife make it a highlight of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve excursion from Arequipa.

Lunch and Return

After exploring the Salinas Lagoon, visitors have free time for lunch. They can enjoy a meal at their own expense in the vicinity.

The excursion then returns to Arequipa, dropping off participants at their hotels around 4:30 p.m. The return journey provides one last chance to admire the stunning Andean scenery.

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Inclusions

The excursion to Salinas Lagoon includes pick-up and drop-off at the hotel in Arequipa.

Comfortable bus transportation is provided throughout the day. A bilingual guide, fluent in both English and Spanish, accompanies the group.

A continental breakfast in Chiguata is included, consisting of juice, mate or coffee, cereals, and toast.

Lunch isn’t provided, but there’s free time after exploring the lagoon to purchase your own meal.

All entrance fees and activities during the 10-hour excursion are covered in the price, which starts from $42.00 per person.

Getting to Salinas Lagoon

How does the excursion to Salinas Lagoon begin?

The day starts with hotel pickup between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. in Arequipa’s historic center.

The first stop is in Chiguata, where travelers enjoy a continental breakfast of juice, mate or coffee, cereals, and toast.

From there, the journey continues to the border of Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve to explore the flora and fauna around Salinas Lagoon.

Along the way, travelers will have the opportunity to:

1. View the majestic Misti Volcano, one of the 10 active volcanoes in the region.

2. Discover the Andean forest with its unique queñuales.

3. Observe the three types of flamingos that call the lagoon home.

4. Explore the vicinity of Lojen Volcano and nearby thermal baths.

What to Expect at Salinas Lagoon

Salinas Lagoon is a unique and captivating natural wonder. Visitors can expect to see the lagoon’s stunning white salt-covered surface, a result of its high salinity levels.

Three types of flamingos call the lagoon home, along with alpacas and llamas that roam the surrounding Andean forest. Nearby, the Lojen Volcano and thermal baths offer additional exploration opportunities.

The lagoon sits on the border of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, providing a glimpse into the region’s diverse flora and fauna. With the snow-capped Misti Volcano as a backdrop, the Salinas Lagoon offers a truly breathtaking experience.

Tips for Your Salinas Lagoon Excursion

Although the Salinas Lagoon excursion offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the region’s natural beauty, travelers can enhance their experience by keeping a few tips in mind.

The Salinas Lagoon excursion offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the region’s natural beauty, with a few tips to enhance the experience.

First, dress in layers and bring sun protection, as the high-altitude environment can be chilly and sunny.

Second, bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Third, pack a light snack to enjoy during the free time at the lagoon.

Finally, be mindful of the delicate ecosystem and follow any instructions from the guide to minimize disturbance.

With these considerations, visitors can make the most of their Salinas Lagoon adventure.

Since You Asked

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Excursion?

The itinerary involves moderate walking around the Salinas Lagoon and its surrounding area. Participants can expect to spend time exploring the lagoon, Andean forest, and the vicinity of Lojen Volcano, which requires a moderate level of physical activity.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. It’s suitable for all ages, from children to seniors. Participants should be able to walk moderate distances to explore the lagoon and surrounding areas.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks for the excursion. The itinerary doesn’t mention any restrictions on outside food and beverages, so guests are free to pack their own lunch and snacks if they prefer.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. Travelers can add extra time to explore the area further or partake in additional activities like visiting the thermal baths near the Lojen Volcano.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Excursion?

No, pets are not allowed on the excursion. The tour operator’s policy does not permit bringing pets due to safety and logistical considerations for the tour group. Only service animals are permitted.

The Sum Up

The Salinas Lagoon excursion from Arequipa offers a unique opportunity to witness the stunning snow-white appearance of the lagoon and observe its diverse wildlife, including flamingos, alpacas, and llamas. With a comfortable 10-hour tour, including hotel pick-up, breakfast, and a bilingual guide, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking Andean scenery and enjoy free time for lunch before returning to Arequipa.

You can check availability for your dates here: