Hello, I’m part of the Top Inka Travel team, and if there’s one thing that excites me about my job, it’s taking travelers like you to discover the natural treasures of Arequipa. Today, I want to tell you about the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve Full Day Tour, an adventure that immerses you in otherworldly landscapes, with vicuñas running free, salt lagoons shining under the sun, and volcanoes that seem to touch the sky. This tour is perfect if you love nature, photography, or simply want to disconnect in a magical place. I’ll tell you about the itinerary, what makes this reserve special, and everything you need to know to enjoy it to the fullest.
A Journey to the Heart of the Andean Nature
The Salinas and Aguada Blanca Tour starts early, at 6 in the morning, when we pick you up from your hotel in downtown Arequipa or at the Plaza de Armas. We board a comfortable Tourist transport and in about two hours, we arrive at the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a protected area between 4,000 and 5,000 meters (13,123 – 16,404 feet) above sea level. The altitude might make you feel a bit of soroche (altitude sickness), but with some coca tea and good hydration, you’ll be ready to enjoy.
The first thing that strikes you is the immensity of the landscape. Imagine an open altiplano, with the Misti, Chachani, Pichu Pichu volcanoes, and the active Ubinas watching from afar. On the way, we pass through the town of Chiguata, a quiet place with pre-Inca terraces that are still used to grow quinoa, corn, and potatoes. The view from here is so beautiful that we always stop for photos. Then, we enter the queñua forest, a rare native forest of small trees that survive at these heights. It’s like an oasis in the middle of the Andean desert.
The Salt Lagoon and Its Inhabitants
The highlight of the tour is the salt lagoon, a white mirror surrounded by volcanoes where Andean, James’s, and Chilean flamingos live. Seeing these pink birds walking gracefully in the water is a spectacle, especially if you bring a camera. You also come across vicuñas, those elegant creatures with fine wool that are the pride of the Andes, along with llamas and alpacas grazing nearby. Here, we take a short walk to see up close how the local people extract salt by hand, a tradition that has lasted for centuries. It’s fascinating to learn how they collect salt and borate, a typical mineral of the area, using methods that haven’t changed for generations.
Relax in the Lojen Hot Springs
After exploring the lagoon, we arrive at the Lojen Mini-Volcano, where the Lojen hot springs await you for a moment of pure calm. These natural pools of hot water, heated by the volcano, are perfect for relaxing your muscles after the walk. I recommend bringing a swimsuit, towel, and sandals to enjoy it fully. As you soak, the landscape of volcanic rocks and the open sky envelops you, making you feel as if time has stopped.
A Cultural Touch in Chiguata
Before heading back, we make another stop in Chiguata, where the pre-Inca terraces are not only beautiful but also tell the story of how communities have cultivated these lands for centuries. Here we also enjoy a typical Andean lunch, with dishes like quinoa, fresh trout, and native potatoes, which give you energy for the return trip. We arrive back in Arequipa around 5 in the afternoon, dropping you off at a point near the Plaza de Armas.
Why This Tour Is for You
This Salinas National Reserve Full Day Tour from Arequipa lasts about 11 hours, from 6 am to 5 pm, and is ideal for all ages, from children aged 6 and up to seniors. It’s an experience that mixes nature, culture, and adventure, with short walks that don’t require great physical effort, so the difficulty is low. The best time to go is from April to October, when the weather is dry, with temperatures from 0 to 15°C (32 to 59°F), although you should always wear layers because the altiplano can be cold in the morning and warm at midday. During the rainy season (December to March), a light raincoat is sufficient.
The altitude of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, between 4,000 and 5,000 meters (13,123 – 16,404 ft), makes it important to acclimatize for a day in Arequipa (2,340 meters / 7,677 ft) before the tour. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and water to stay hydrated. If you like photography, this place is a paradise: the midday light highlights the volcanoes and the lagoon, and a wide-angle lens captures the grandeur of the landscape.
What’s Included and Practical Tips
With Top Inka Travel, the tour includes transportation, a bilingual guide , Andean breakfast and lunch. You only pay separately for the reserve entrance fee (5 soles) and the hot springs entrance (8 soles). Bring your passport or ID for entry, comfortable clothes, a small first-aid kit, and snacks if you want to munch on the way. Our groups are small, with a maximum of 8 people, so the experience is personalized and tranquil, far from the crowds.
Why Choose the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve
This tour is special because it connects you with the pure nature of Arequipa: vicuñas running free, flamingos in the lagoon, imposing volcanoes, and traditions that are still alive. It’s an experience that makes you feel small before the grandeur of the Andes, but also part of something eternal. At Top Inka Travel, we ensure that every stop, from Chiguata to the Lojen hot springs, is a moment to enjoy, learn, and take away unforgettable memories.
Book Your Adventure with Top Inka Travel
Ready to explore the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve? Our tours depart every day from Arequipa, with everything included: transportation, guide, meals, and an experience designed for you to live the magic of the altiplano. Visit us at Calle. Nueva Alta 495, Cusco, or write to us on our website to book. I promise you a day full of landscapes, culture, and calm that you won’t forget
