A full-day trip from Arequipa to Salinas Lagoon, at 4,300 m above sea level: the salt flat with flamingos, vicuñas, llamas and alpacas, artisanal salt harvesting at Salinas Moche and the rock forest of the Lojen mini volcano, with its hot spring pools. Pickup at 6:00 a.m. and return to downtown Arequipa via Characato.
The Salinas salt flat is a landscape covered by vast expanses of salt, with white formations that stand out against the mountains. At the lagoon, at 4,300 m above sea level, you see flamingos (parihuanas), vicuñas, llamas, alpacas and yareta plants.
Nearby is the Lojen mini volcano, a small volcanic formation set among a rock forest and hot spring pools. Along the way you pass through the traditional village of Chiguata and see artisanal salt harvesting at Salinas Moche.
Highlights
- Traditional village of Chiguata
- Llamas, alpacas and high-Andean plants
- Artisanal salt harvesting at Salinas Moche
- Rock forest of the Lojen mini volcano
Itinerary
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Pickup
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Traditional village of Chiguata
Breakfast stop.
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High-Andean plants and camelids
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Salinas Lagoon
The salt flat at 4,300 m above sea level, with flamingos (parihuanas), vicuñas, llamas, alpacas and yareta.
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Salinas Moche
Artisanal salt harvesting.
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Lojen mini volcano
The rock forest, its formations and the Lojen hot springs.
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Uzuña Dam
Kayaking and a boat ride.
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Characato
Lunch and return to downtown Arequipa.
Included
- English- and Spanish-speaking guides
- Shared transportation
- Personalized service
Not included
- Breakfast
- Lunch in Characato
- Lojen hot springs entrance: S/ 8.00
- Kayaking: S/ 10.00
- Boat ride: S/ 15.00
Gallery
What to bring
- Warm clothes: the tour leaves early
- Comfortable sneakers
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Swimsuit for the hot springs
- January to March: rain jacket and warm clothes
- May to August: warm clothes
Important notes
- Duration Full day.
- Altitude Salinas Lagoon sits at 4,300 m above sea level; always bring warm clothes.
- Suitable for all ages.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the altitude of Salinas Lagoon?
4,300 m above sea level. The tour calls for a moderate level of fitness and is suitable for all ages.
What do you see at Salinas Lagoon?
A salt flat with vast white expanses that stand out against the mountains, with flamingos (parihuanas), vicuñas, llamas, alpacas and yareta. The tour also shows you artisanal salt harvesting.
What is the Lojen mini volcano?
A small volcanic formation near the salt flat, with a rock forest and hot spring pools. To soak in the hot springs, bring a swimsuit; entry costs S/ 8.00 and is paid separately.
What time does the tour leave Arequipa?
Pickup is at 6:00 a.m. It’s a full-day tour, returning to downtown Arequipa.
What does the Salinas Lagoon tour include?
Shared transportation, English- and Spanish-speaking guides and personalized service. Breakfast in Chiguata and lunch in Characato are on you.
