Tour to the Salinas Lagoon and National Reserve in Arequipa

Exploring the natural wonders of Peru’s Salinas Lagoon and National Reserve promises an unforgettable adventure. This 8-hour tour showcases the region’s stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. With an expert guide leading the way, visitors can expect breathtaking vistas, up-close encounters with Andean camelids, and the chance to discover the secrets of this remarkable protected area. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking to learn about Peru’s captivating beauty, this tour offers an experience you won’t soon forget.

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Key Points

The tour to Salinas Lagoon and National Reserve in Arequipa includes a visit to the scenic Mirador de los Volcanes, the expansive Salinas Reserve, and the High Andean Camelid and Bird Reserve.
The 8-hour tour is priced at £22.42 per person and includes an English and Spanish-speaking guide, transportation, and hotel pickup.
The itinerary features stops for breakfast, photography opportunities at Salinas Lagoon, and wildlife observation in the High Andean Camelid and Bird Reserve.
The tour is rated at 4.4 out of 5 stars and is suitable for moderately active travelers, with acclimatization and coca leaves recommended.
The tour provides comprehensive support, including tourist transport, permanent assistance, and the option to purchase a tourist ticket separately.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

The tour to Salinas Lagoon and National Reserve in Arequipa offers visitors an opportunity to explore the region’s stunning natural landscapes.

Priced at £22.42 per person, the 8-hour tour includes an English and Spanish-speaking guide, transportation, and hotel pickup.

The itinerary highlights include visits to the Mirador de los Volcanes, the extensive salt flat of the Salinas Reserve, and the High Andean Camelid and Bird Reserve.

Travelers should be prepared for the moderate difficulty level due to the high altitude, with recommendations to acclimatize and bring coca leaves.

Looking for more options in Arequipa? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

After departing Arequipa at 6:00 am, the tour first stops in Chiguata for breakfast at 7:30 am. Next, visitors explore the Mirador de los Volcanes viewpoint at 9:00 am. The highlight of the day is the extensive salt flat of the Salinas Reserve at 10:00 am, followed by photo opportunities at the Salinas Lagoon at 10:30 am. The tour then visits the High Andean Camelid and Bird Reserve at 11:00 am before returning to Arequipa, arriving at 1:30 pm.

| Time | Activity |

| — | — |

| 9:00 am | Mirador de los Volcanes |

| 10:00 am | Salinas Reserve |

| 10:30 am | Salinas Lagoon |

Salinas Lagoon and National Reserve

Salinas Lagoon and National Reserve are the centerpieces of this engaging tour.

Visitors can explore the extensive salt flat of the Salinas Reserve, a magnificent natural wonder. They’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Salinas Lagoon, where they can capture stunning photographic moments.

Explore the vast salt flat of the Salinas Reserve, a natural marvel, and capture stunning photographs at the Salinas Lagoon.

The tour includes a stop at the High Andean Camelid and Bird Reserve, allowing guests to observe:

Majestic Andean camelids, such as llamas and alpacas.
A diverse array of high-altitude bird species.
The breathtaking landscapes of the Andes.

This immersive experience offers a unique window into the natural wonders of the Salinas region.

Mirador De Los Volcanes

Mirador de los Volcanes, or the "Viewpoint of the Volcanoes," offers visitors a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Andean peaks that surround the Salinas region.

Standing at an elevation of 4,200 meters, the viewpoint provides unobstructed vistas of the towering snow-capped volcanoes, including the iconic El Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu.

Travelers can gaze in awe at the dramatic landscape, snapping photos to capture the stunning scenery.

The viewpoint serves as a natural gateway to the Salinas Reserve, allowing visitors to enjoy the region’s rugged beauty before exploring the expansive salt flats and wildlife.

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High Andean Camelid and Bird Reserve

The tour next takes visitors to the High Andean Camelid and Bird Reserve, allowing them to observe the diverse wildlife of the region up close.

The High Andean Camelid and Bird Reserve offers visitors a chance to observe the region’s diverse wildlife up close.

Here, they can spot Andean camelids like alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas grazing peacefully.

The reserve is also home to a variety of bird species, including:

Andean condors, the largest flying birds in the Western Hemisphere.
Flamingos, whose vibrant pink plumage adds a striking contrast to the reserve’s scenic landscape.
High Andean ducks, adapted to thrive in the challenging high-altitude environment.

Travelers can enjoy the natural wonder of this protected habitat.

There's plenty more to explore in Arequipa

Inclusion and Exclusions

While the tour package includes a Spanish/English guide, tourist transport, and pickup from central hotels, it does not cover the cost of the tourist ticket, which is 10 soles per person. Plus, breakfast is not included and can be purchased separately. The tour provides permanent assistance, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

| Inclusions | Exclusions |

| — | — |

| Spanish/English guide | Tourist ticket (10 soles) |

| Tourist transport | Food (breakfast extra fee) |

| Pickup from central hotels | |

| Permanent assistance | |

Safety and Preparation

The tour to Salinas Lagoon and National Reserve has a moderate difficulty level, with the highest elevation reaching 4800 meters.

Acclimatization is advised, especially after long bus rides, to alleviate altitude sickness symptoms. Travelers are recommended to bring coca leaves, which can help mitigate effects of the high altitude.

The tour involves moderate physical activity, so participants should be prepared for hiking and navigating uneven terrain.

Traveler Reviews

Travelers have overwhelmingly rated this tour a solid 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 168 reviews.

The knowledgeable and caring guides, like Fernando and Mario, receive high praise at 4.6/5. Tourists highlight the scenic views and ample photo opportunities.

However, some note challenges with the mountainous roads and adjusting to the high altitude.

The tour provides excellent value for money at 4.4/5.

While the moderate difficulty level due to the 4800m altitude requires preparation, the Salinas Lagoon and National Reserve tour offers an immersive and rewarding experience in Arequipa’s striking natural landscape.

Things To Know

What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?

The tour does not specify a minimum group size. It’s likely the tour runs regardless of the number of participants, as long as the tour operator can provide the services described in the tour overview.

Can I Purchase the Tourist Ticket on the Day of the Tour?

Travelers can purchase the 10-soles tourist ticket on the day of the tour. The tour operator does not include this ticket in the tour price, so it must be obtained separately prior to the visit.

Is It Possible to Request a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Meal?

Unfortunately, the tour does not include meals. However, you can request a vegetarian or gluten-free meal when booking the tour. The tour provider may be able to accommodate special dietary needs, but it’s best to inquire in advance.

How Far in Advance Should I Book the Tour to Guarantee Availability?

To guarantee tour availability, it’s best to book at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Many popular tours fill up quickly, so early booking is recommended to secure your spot.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator doesn’t offer any student or senior discounts. However, they do provide a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility for travelers.

Sum Up

The tour to the Salinas Lagoon and National Reserve in Arequipa offers a captivating 8-hour experience for nature enthusiasts. With stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and knowledgeable guides, this adventure promises breathtaking views, memorable photo opportunities, and an unparalleled exploration of the region’s natural wonders. At £22.42 per person, it’s an affordable way to take in the beauty of the Peruvian highlands.