Escape the bustle of the city and discover one of southern Peru’s most striking natural settings on this full-day adventure to Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve. Surrounded by towering volcanoes, salt lagoons, and wide-open Andean plains, this is one of the most photogenic day trips from Arequipa — a perfect combination of wildlife, landscapes, and local culture. Journey through high-altitude plateaus inhabited by vicuñas and alpacas, stop at scenic viewpoints for unforgettable photos, and explore the surreal Salinas Lagoon, which changes color with the season. Depending on the time of year, you may even walk across the dried salt flats or witness flocks of flamingos feeding in the shallows.
Important Info
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Arequipa
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Private
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English, Spanish
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4,300 m / 14,100 ft — acclimatization recommended.
Why You Should Book This Tour
This Salinas y Aguada Blanca Reserve day trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience the best of Arequipa’s surrounding landscapes in a single day. See vicuñas, flamingos, and volcanoes up close while exploring a peaceful natural reserve away from the crowds. Guided by local experts, it’s one of the most rewarding and scenic day trips from Arequipa for nature and photography lovers alike.
Tour Highlights
- Scenic drive across the Andean highlands with stunning volcano views.
- Wildlife spotting: vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, and Andean birds.
- Visit the mirror-like Salinas Lagoon inside the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve.
- Enjoy panoramic viewpoints such as Chiguata and Patapampa.
- Learn about local communities and their traditional way of life.
We had a spare day in Arequipa and were looking for something to do. While not cheap, a day trip into this reserve is like a trip into Mars because of the colored mountains, arid deserts and the salt flats we didn’t image existed here (we had already been to the ones in Bolivia). While not as impressive as their counterparts in Uyuni, the salt flats here are mesmerizing. Plenty of hiking and wildlife during the day. The team at Inca made it more than worth it with great lunch and our driver Ben. Would do again if I had a free day here.