Tour overview
Salinas Lake is one of the most striking and least visited landscapes near Arequipa. It's a large salt lake on the high plateau, ringed by the Misti, Pichu Pichu and Ubinas volcanoes, inside the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve. In the rainy season it fills with water and attracts hundreds of Andean, Chilean and James's flamingos. In the dry season it turns into a white salt flat that mirrors the sky. Along the way you'll spot vicuñas, alpacas and llamas, and on the way back you'll relax in the Lojen hot springs. Magone Viajes takes care of your transport, guide and entrance fees.
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Best time to travel December to April, when the lake has water and the most flamingos. From May to November it turns into a white salt flat, perfect for photos
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Maximum altitude About 4,300 m / 14,110 ft (Salinas Lake)
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Physical difficulty Easy (short walking stops; the challenge is the altitude)
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Minimum number of passengers 2 adults
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Maximum number of passengers 15 adults in shared service
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Booking lead time 2 to 3 days in advance
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Permits Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve entrance, price on request, and Lojen hot springs entrance, price on request
Highlights
- Salinas Lake in one day from Arequipa.
- Route: Chiguata, the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, Salinas Lake and the Lojen hot springs.
- Andean flamingos, depending on the season, vicuñas and alpacas.
- Views of the Misti, Pichu Pichu and Ubinas volcanoes.
- A soak in the Lojen hot springs.
- Price on request per person.
Itinerary
Pickup in Arequipa
We pick you up from your hotel at around 7:00 a.m. and head up through Chiguata toward the high plateau.
Lookouts along the way
We stop for photos with views of El Misti and Pichu Pichu, and once inside the reserve, to see vicuñas, alpacas and llamas.
Salinas Lake
After 2 to 3 hours on the road we reach the lake, at about 4,300 m (14,110 ft). With your Magone Viajes guide, you walk along the shore to see the flamingos, the salt crusts and the surrounding volcanoes.
Lunch
Lunch is a box lunch or a meal at a local restaurant, included or on your own depending on the program.
Lojen hot springs
On the way back we stop at the Lojen hot springs to relax in their open-air pools.
Return to Arequipa
We drop you back at your hotel at around 5:00 p.m.
Tips
- Spend one or two days acclimatizing in Arequipa first, since you'll climb above 4,300 m (14,110 ft).
- Dress in warm layers and bring a hat and gloves, because the high plateau is very cold and windy.
- Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, since the sun and the glare off the salt are very strong.
- If you plan to use the hot springs, pack a swimsuit and towel.
- Bring water, snacks and cash in soles for entrance fees, if not included in the program.
- Don't get too close to the flamingos, so you don't scare them off.
What's included
Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Arequipa.
- Tourist transport by 4x4 or minivan, depending on the program.
- Magone Viajes guide.
- Lunch or box lunch, if included in the program.
- Reserve entrance and Lojen hot springs entrance, if included in the program.
- Oxygen and first-aid kit, if included in the program.
Not included
- Entrance fees, if not included.
- Breakfast and dinner.
- Tips.
- Travel insurance.
- Any services not listed in this program.
Frequently asked questions
When are there the most flamingos?
From December to April, when the lake has water. There are usually fewer in the dry season, but the white salt flat is just as impressive.
Will the altitude affect me?
The lake sits at about 4,300 m (14,110 ft), so acclimatize in Arequipa first. The vehicle carries oxygen, depending on the program, just in case.
Is the road in good condition?
Part of it is a dirt track, which is why the tour runs in a 4x4 or minivan, depending on the program, with an experienced driver.
Can I combine it with Colca Canyon?
They're different routes, but doing this tour the day before Colca is a great way to acclimatize.
Is it suitable for kids and older travelers?
Yes, it isn't demanding, but take care with the altitude and the cold.
How is this different from the reserve you see on the Colca tour?
The Colca tour only crosses the reserve along the main highway. This tour goes all the way to Salinas Lake, which is off that route.
