Most important tour information
- Pickup time
- 6:00 AM – 6:30 AM Pickup window from your accommodation
- Arrival in the ending city
- 5:00 PM Approximate arrival time in the city where the tour ends
What is included
Included
- Hotel pick up in the historic center of Arequipa or meeting point at Plaza de Armas
- Tourist transportation for the full day in a group service
- Bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
- Basic continental breakfast in Chiguata
- Visit to Salinas Lagoon Arequipa and Salinas National Reserve
- Visit to Lojen hot springs
- Visit to the mini volcano of Lojen
- Basic first aid kit on board
- Drop off near Plaza de Armas in Arequipa at the end of the tour
Not included
- Entrance fee to Salinas Lagoon and the Salinas National Reserve: 10 soles per person
- Entrance fee to the Lojen volcano and thermal waters: 10 soles per person
- Lunch (available at a local restaurant for an additional cost)
- Optional ATV activity at Lojen (available for an additional cost)
- Tips for the guide and driver
Itinerary
Morning: 06:00 AM | Pick up
Pick up from your hotel in the historic center of Arequipa or meeting point at Plaza de Armas.
Drive approximately 40 minutes to the village of Chiguata (3,100 m).
Breakfast in Chiguata
Enjoy breakfast in a local restaurant.
Salinas Lagoon and National Reserve
Continue driving to the Salinas Lagoon Arequipa (4,300 m), located inside the Salinas National Reserve.
Here you can observe llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, flamingos (parihuanas), and many other migratory birds.
During the wet season, the lagoon becomes a giant natural mirror, reflecting the sky and surrounding volcanoes.
During the dry season, the water evaporates and the landscape turns into a white salinas salt lake. This creates the look of an endless salt flat known as the salinas salt lagoon and Salar Salinas Arequipa.
We continue to the highest viewpoint of the tour at 4,500 meters above sea level. Here we’ll have some amazing views on the way.
Afternoon: Lojen Hot Springs
Visit the natural hot springs of Lojen (about 4,300 m).
The water temperature is between 20°C and 24°C.
Time to relax and enjoy the high Andes scenery.
Salar Salinas photo stop
Return to the dry salt area (during dry season) of the salinas lake Arequipa for creative perspective photos on the white salt flats.
Lunch at a local restaurant
We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant (not included) around 2:30 PM.
Mini volcano and optional ATV activity
Visit the mini volcano of Lojen and surrounding landscapes.
Optional ATV (quad bike) activity available for those who want extra adventure (not included).
Return to Arequipa: 05:00 PM
Drive back to Arequipa, drop off close to Plaza de Armas.
Approximate arrival time: 05:00 PM.
Times are approximate and the order may change with weather, traffic, or local conditions.
Practical information
Meeting and timing
- End point
-
5:00 PM
Trail and tour details
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Tour duration
- 1 day
Full tour description
Join this amazing full-day tour to the Salinas Lagoon and Lojen hot springs. 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 Salinas Lagoon and Lojen hot springs 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.
Salinas Lagoon – A high-altitude salt lake
Salinas Lagoon 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 Lojen 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 offered by a local family. This is a great chance to see how people in the highlands live, including their agriculture, handicrafts, and customs.
Why join our Salinas Lagoon and Lojen hot springs 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 and experience Andean culture.
This Salinas Lagoon and Lojen hot springs 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!
What to bring
- Warm jacket or fleece (temperatures are cold at 4,300 to 4,500 meters)
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho (weather can change quickly)
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (strong sun at high altitude)
- Swimsuit and small towel for the hot springs
- Extra clothes and socks
- Small backpack for the day
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Cash in soles for entrance fees, lunch, tips, and optional activities
- Personal medication (for altitude)
- Camera or phone for photos