The Laguna de Salinas and Salar full day tour itinerary
Early morning (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
- Hotel pickup (6:00 AM – 6:15 AM): Your day begins early with a pickup from your hotel in a shared van with a group of up to 12 passengers.
- Breakfast in Chiguata (7:20 AM): Enjoy a basic continental breakfast with a local family in the village of Chiguata, offering a glimpse into local life.
- Visit Queñoales and Yaretas: Travel through the forests of queñoales and yaretas near the Pichu Pichu volcano, exploring these unique ecosystems.
Midday to afternoon (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM):
- Laguna de Salinas visit: Arrive at Laguna de Salinas, a shallow saltwater lagoon. Depending on the season, you might see flamingos and water mirrors during the rainy season (January to March) or llamas and vicuñas year-round.
- Salt extraction centers: During the dry season (April to December), visit local salt extraction centers to learn about the salt harvesting process.
- Mini Volcano Lojen and Thermal Waters: Explore the mini volcano Lojen and relax in the nearby thermal waters, a perfect spot to unwind (entry fee not included).
- Lunch in Chiguata: Return to Chiguata for a lunch break (lunch costs extra).
- Return to Arequipa (Approx. 4:00 PM): Conclude your adventure with a return trip to Arequipa, arriving around 4:00 PM.
Description of Laguna de Salinas and Salar full day tour
Join this amazing full-day tour to Laguna de Salinas and Salar (salt flats) nearby salt flats. Located at a high altitude of 4,300 meters (14,108 feet) above sea level, this tour is perfect for nature lovers who want to see wild animals, stunning landscapes, and local culture without traveling too far from Arequipa.
What to expect on our Laguna de Salinas and Salar (salt flats) tour
This tour offers a mix of natural beauty, wildlife spotting, and cultural experiences. You will see flamingos, llamas, and vicuñas, visit local villages, witness volcanic activity, and even relax in natural thermal waters. The high Andean landscapes create a breathtaking backdrop for an unforgettable day.
Laguna de Salinas – A high-altitude salt lake
Laguna de Salinas is a large salt lake located in the Arequipa region, sitting at 4,300 meters (14,108 feet). It changes with the seasons:
- Rainy season (January – March): The lake fills with water, creating a stunning mirror effect. This attracts flamingos, which make the lagoon even more beautiful.
- Dry season (April – December): The water evaporates, leaving behind white salt flats that create a surreal landscape.
You will also see llamas and vicuñas roaming freely. The area is an important habitat for wildlife, making it a great spot for great photos and nature lovers.
Salar de Aguas Calientes – A unique salt flat
Near the lake, you will visit the Salar de Aguas Calientes, a salt flat where the ground is covered in white salt crusts. This area is still used by local people for salt harvesting, following traditional methods passed down for generations. Here, you can learn about sustainable salt extraction while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Volcán Lojen – A natural hot spring, not a true volcano
One of the highlights of this tour is Visiting Lojen, often called “Mini Volcano Lojen”, though it is not a true volcano. Instead, it is a geothermal area with fumaroles (steam vents) and bubbling mineral-rich waters, similar to a geyser. The hot steam and warm pools in this area are created by underground volcanic activity.
Swim in the natural hot springs
Near Lojen, you will find natural hot springs where you can go for a swim and enjoy the warm, mineral-rich waters. These thermal baths are believed to have healing properties, helping to relax muscles and improve circulation. Imagine soaking in warm water while surrounded by majestic Andean landscapes—a truly unique and relaxing experience at high altitude.
Local culture and Andean traditions
A special part of this tour is visiting Chiguata, a small Andean village. Here, you will have breakfast with a local family and learn about traditional Andean life. This is a great chance to see how people in the highlands live, including their agriculture, handicrafts, and customs.
Why join our Laguna de Salinas and Salar tour?
- See amazing landscapes at over 4,300 meters (14,108 feet) above sea level.
- Watch flamingos and Andean wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Visit local communities and learn about traditional salt harvesting.
- Experience the unique “Mini Volcano Lojen”, a natural geothermal site.
- Swim in warm natural hot springs and enjoy the healing benefits of volcanic minerals.
- Enjoy breakfast with a local family and experience Andean culture.
This Laguna de Salinas and Salt Flats tour is a perfect day trip from Arequipa, offering a mix of nature, culture, and adventure at high altitude. If you love stunning views, wildlife, and relaxing in natural hot springs, this tour is a must-do!
