A few hours from the city, inside the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, there is a landscape many travellers do not expect to find in Arequipa: a salt lagoon at 4,300 m (14,100 ft) that turns into a white plain in the dry season. That is why locals call it "Arequipa's Uyuni".
It is a relaxed, easy full-day trip that combines altitude, Andean wildlife and hot springs. Here is what you will see and how to plan it.
What you will see, stop by stop
- Alto Simbral viewpoint. First stop, for breakfast and a view of the volcanoes around Arequipa.
- Vicuñas in the reserve. Herds of wild vicuñas are a common sight along the road.
- Salinas Lagoon. A walk along the shore and flamingo watching.
- Moche village and the salt flat. The point where the white landscape opens up completely, with llamas and alpacas around.
- Lojen mini volcano. A small active volcanic formation, one of the curiosities of the route.
- Lojen hot springs. An optional soak before heading back.
Practical details
- Altitude: from 2,335 m in Arequipa up to 4,300 m at the lagoon.
- Schedule: pick-up between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m., back in the historic centre around 5:00 p.m.
- Difficulty: easy. Little walking, on flat ground.
- Departures: daily, Monday to Sunday.
What it costs
- Tour: from S/ 65 per person, with tourist transport, a professional guide in Spanish and English, and the visits.
- Salinas entrance: S/ 10 per person.
- Lojen hot springs: S/ 10 per person, only if you decide to go in.
- Breakfast: not included; have it at your accommodation or buy something on the way from S/ 10.
- Lunch: between S/ 30 and S/ 50, or bring your own packed lunch.
Lagoon or salt flat? It depends on the season
The landscape changes with the rain. In the dry months the water retreats and leaves the salt crust the place is famous for. In the rainy season the plain is covered with water and looks more like a lagoon, with more birds. Both versions are worth the trip; it just helps to know which one you will find. Write to us before booking and we will tell you how it looks that week.
Altitude: the one thing to take seriously
The tour is physically easy, but it climbs almost 2,000 m in a single morning. If you have just arrived in Arequipa, spend a day in the city first: our 3-day Arequipa itinerary helps you order your visits. Eat light, drink water and walk without hurrying.
What to pack
- Warm layers: it is cold and windy up there.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. The glare off the salt is intense.
- Swimwear and a towel if you want to use the hot springs.
- Valid ID (passport, or DNI / foreign resident card).
- Cash for the entrance fees and food.
Who is this tour for?
For anyone after high-altitude scenery without demanding hikes: families, travellers interested in nature photography, and those who have already done Colca Canyon and want something different. It pairs well with the Sillar Route, which takes half a day.
See the full itinerary and check availability on the Salinas Lagoon tour page.
