Salinas Lagoon Tour

Salinas Lagoon Tour Itinerary

We will start the day at 6:00 a.m. when our guide picks you up at your hotel to begin the journey in a private 4x4 vehicle.

After approximately 1 hour, we will arrive in Chiguata, where we will visit the main square and make a stop to enjoy a basic traditional breakfast. Due to the geography of the area, breakfast options are simpler compared to the city’s standard. If you wish to buy water or snacks, there are stores in Chiguata.

Next, we will head towards the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve. It is important to mention that a large part of the road to get there is unpaved (dirt road). We will observe animals in their natural habitat, such as vicuñas, alpacas, flamingos, birds, and vizcachas, among others. We will also stop at the Qaqahuasi viewpoint.

The vehicle will drop us off at the edge of the salt flat so that we can explore it on foot. We will have plenty of time to take photos, appreciate the beautiful landscapes, and explore the lagoon.

Afterward, we will travel to the thermal baths of La Mariposa. Those who wish can bathe in the pools.

Finally, from this point, we will begin our return to reach your hotel in the historic center of Arequipa by 1:00 p.m.

Note: It is important to remember that we will be ascending from the city of Arequipa (7,664 feet above sea level) to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve (12,467 - 13,780 feet above sea level). While the tour does not require significant physical exertion, we recommend being acclimatized beforehand to fully enjoy this experience.

The price of the Salinas Lagoon Tour includes:

• Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish, consult availability for Portuguese)

• Exclusive 4x4 transportation for you. For groups of 3 people or less, the guide will drive the vehicle.

• Basic traditional breakfast

The price of the Tour to Laguna de Salinas does not include:

• Lunch.

• Meals or drinks not mentioned in the itinerary.

• Tip for the guide

What to bring to the Salinas Lagoon Tour?

• It is recommended to bring: comfortable footwear, a sun hat, a wool hat, gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

• Warm clothing.

• Rain gear (especially from November to April).

• Insect repellent.

• Passport or ID.

• Travel insurance.

• Swimwear and towel (optional for the thermal baths).

• Cash (local currency).

What considerations you should have when taking Salinas Lagoon Tour:

• It is important to mention that a large part of the road to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve is unpaved (dirt road).

• Due to the geography of the area, breakfast options are simpler compared to the city’s standard.

• There will be an ascent by vehicle from the city of Arequipa (7,664 feet above sea level) to the Reserve (14,108 feet above sea level). It is important to be acclimatized beforehand to participate in this tour.

• As it is a mountainous area, the road may have curves, which could cause motion sickness in some passengers. We recommend consulting your doctor about the possibility of taking medication to prevent motion sickness

• You can include the tickets to the attractions – as an additional – in the process of contracting the Tour, or purchase it on your own directly at the place with payment in cash and in local currency (the prices of entrance tickets may vary without prior notice).

• Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

• Due to environmental, climatic or other factors, beyond our control, the itinerary of the trip may vary. If so, it will be notified promptly.

• Guru Explorers value your time and strive to respect the tour schedule; however, they could vary for reasons beyond our control (weather, natural disasters, field conditions, among other demonstrable reasons). We will do our best to provide efficient options and solutions for your enjoyment.

Not allowed:

• Pets.
• Smoke.
• Suitcases or large bags.

Not recommended for:

• People in wheelchairs.

Cancellation Policies:

• Within 3 days or less in advance, there will be no refund.
• Between 4 and 7 days of notification, 70% is refunded.
• More than 7 days, 90% is refunded.

Date changes:

• Rates applied for change of date in group tours: 
  • There will be no extra charge if you notify more than 5 days in advance.
  • If notified between 3 and 5 days in advance, an additional charge of 20% will apply.
  • If you notify within 2 days or less in advance, it will not be possible to make the change and it will not be subject to a refund.
• Subject to availability.
• There will be no refund in case of delayed flights, train delays, bad weather or other external factors.

If you are still wondering why choose us? We would like you to read 7 outstanding characteristics of our service:

QUALITY: 

When you go to a teacher, it is because you want to answer all the questions. In a matter of travel, money, time and enjoyment, you have to choose the best options available and that is what “Guru Explorers” is all about, giving you the perfect balance for the adventure you DESERVE.

EXPERIENCE: 

To become “Guru Explorers”, we are still world travelers, but experts in Cusco, Lima, and the most important destinations in Peru. We lived bad and good experiences, valuing that the main difference lies in the details, so we know what elements are essential for your trip. We are travelers and we strive to enhance your experience!

TRANSPARENCY: 

We are here to provide you with the best and most accurate information and description of our tours. We are not supporters of hidden costs, that is why we provide the necessary information so you can choose the inclusions or upgrades you are looking for.

SECURITY: 

You entrust us with your time, your money and your expectations and that is why we fine-tune every detail to guarantee the trip you dream of.

FLEXIBILITY: 

Although we have pre-established packages; they can be adapted to your needs and to make plans that are suited to you, so that you can visit any place in Peru, with the expertise of “Guru Explorers”. We adapt trips for special occasions such as your corporate trips, honeymoon, birthday, social, cultural or sports event during your visit to Peru, offering you complete advice to achieve and exceed your expectations.

PASSION: 

Before being tour guides, we are travelers, explorers, adventurers; That makes us passionate about creating the best experiences in the time you invest for yourself and those you love.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: 

We promote Responsible and Sustainable Tourism, not affecting the traveler, nor exploiting the communities that receive it or their environment. We create more human and respectful experiences of Heritage.

Do you want a different trip to Arequipa? We won’t keep you waiting!

What is the extension of the Salinas Lagoon?

The Salinas Lagoon has an extension of 354 hectares, being a true spectacle of nature. Thousands of visitors come to this site every year to enjoy it.

What is the importance of the Salinas y Aguada Blanca Natural Reserve?

The reserve seeks to protect the natural habitat of different species such as the vicuña, taruca, common parihuana, Andean parihuana and James parihuana. It also seeks to conserve the Queñual forests found in this region.

How many days are recommended to visit the Salinas Lagoon?

One day is enough to make the complete tour and enjoy all its natural landscapes.

What activities can be done in the Salinas y Aguada Blanca Natural Reserve?

Some adventure sports compatible with the conservation of the site are permitted within the reserve, such as trout fishing in authorized seasons, hiking, and biking.