From Arequipa: Excursion to the Salinas Lagoon || Full Day
Location: Arequipa Region, Peru
Country: Peru
Rating: 4.6
Price: $40 per person
Supplier: Latitudes
Quick Overview & First Impressions
This full-day tour takes you from the historic streets of Arequipa into the wild beauty surrounding the Misti volcano, culminating at the Salinas Lagoon. For around $40, you get a roughly 10-hour adventure that combines scenic drives, wildlife spotting, and the chance to see three types of flamingos, all led by guides fluent in both English and Spanish.
What we really appreciate is how this tour offers a balanced mix of nature, culture, and relaxation—starting early with a pickup at your hotel, then winding through charming villages like Chiguata, and finally arriving at the salt flats. The highlight? Seeing the salt-encrusted lagoons with their striking white surface, especially if dry, or the shimmering water with flamingos if wet. Plus, llamas and alpacas accompany your walk—adding that authentic Peruvian touch.
A potential consideration is the early start—pickups between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. — which might be a challenge if you’re not an early riser. Also, as with many outdoor excursions, weather can influence what you see, but the guides seem well-prepared to adapt.
This tour suits travelers who enjoy nature, wildlife, and scenic landscapes without the need for strenuous activities. If you value authentic experiences in a small group, this trip offers a genuine taste of the high Andes’ magic.
Key Points
- Stunning Salt Flats: Walk along the white, salt-encrusted lagoon—an otherworldly sight, especially when dry.
- Wildlife & Birdlife: The lagoon hosts three types of flamingos, an uncommon opportunity in one spot.
- Scenic Drive & Cultural Stops: Travel through the picturesque Chiguata village and see the volcanoes that dominate the landscape.
- Local Flora & Fauna: Discover plant life like queñuales and spot llamas and alpacas along the route.
- Hot Springs & Thermal Baths: Some stops include thermal baths, perfect for relaxing or warming up after exploring.
- Small Group Experience: Limited to only 10 participants, ensuring a more personal and flexible experience.
A Deep Dive into the Experience
Starting Early & What to Expect
The adventure begins before dawn, with hotel pickup between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. We love the early start because it maximizes our time amid the remarkable scenery and avoids the buses of larger tours. After a comfortable bus ride, we make our first stop in Chiguata, a charming mountain village where we enjoyed a simple but satisfying continental breakfast—juice, mate or coffee, cereal, and toast. These moments of local flavor set the tone for a day immersed in the landscape.
Approaching the Misti Volcano & the Queñuales Forest
As we ascend toward the salt flats, we’re greeted by familiar volcanic terrain—especially the imposing Misti volcano, which looms large as a backdrop. Our guide explained it’s one of ten active volcanoes in the area—a reminder of the natural forces shaping these lands. Along the way, we see the queñuales, the hardy small trees and bushes typical of the Andean forests. These plants are vital for the ecosystem, providing shelter for birds and small mammals, and they add to the visual tapestry of the journey.
Arriving at Salinas Lagoon
The moment we reach the Salinas Lagoon, the scenery shifts to something truly memorable. If the lagoon is dry, it looks like a vast, snow-white desert, with salt crystals sparkling under the sun. When water is present, the lagoon becomes a shimmering mirror, fringed by pink flamingos. Our guide pointed out that this is the only lagoon in the area where you can see three different types of flamingos—a rare and special sight. We loved how the flamingos waded gracefully amid the salt, their reflections dotting the surface.
More Great Tours NearbyWildlife & Surrounding Area
Llamas and alpacas accompany us during our walk—friendly, curious, and quintessentially Peruvian. Watching these animals bobbing around the salt flats, with the volcanoes in the background, made us feel like we had stepped into a postcard. The tour also offers time to explore the Lojen volcano area and nearby thermal baths, which we found to be a delightful bonus. The thermal waters, if accessible, promise a relaxing end to the morning’s exploration.
Lunch & Free Time
After some time exploring, we’re given the chance to grab lunch—either at a local spot or pack a picnic. The free time allows you to soak in the scenery, photograph flamingos, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Returning to Arequipa, the bus drops us near the Plaza de Armas around 4:30 p.m., a convenient ending point after a full day of adventure.
What the Reviews Say
Multiple travelers highlight the beautiful scenery and quiet serenity of the salt flats, describing it as “an otherworldly landscape” and “a photographer’s paradise.” One noted that the hot springs were a “nice surprise,” offering a relaxing spot after the walk. Others appreciated the small group size, which made the trip more intimate and flexible: “We loved being in such a small group; it felt personalized and relaxed.”
However, some reviewers mention that the weather can be unpredictable—a cloudy or rainy day might obscure the flamingos or salt flats. Also, while the early start was a positive for some, others found it a bit tiring, especially if they enjoy sleeping in. The consensus is that this tour offers excellent value for those interested in nature, wildlife, and striking landscapes.
Analyzing the Value & Practicalities
At $40, this tour is competitively priced considering the full-day itinerary, transportation, bilingual guides, and small group size. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off simplifies logistics, eliminating the need to navigate public transport or taxis. The focus on authentic scenery and wildlife makes it a worthwhile addition to your Arequipa visit—especially for nature lovers or those seeking a break from city sightseeing.
The limited group size enhances interaction and flexibility, and the live guides add educational value—helping you understand the volcanic activity, bird species, and local flora. While meals are not included, the stops provide opportunities to try local foods or pack snacks, ensuring you stay energized for the day.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience suits travelers who love outdoor adventures, photography, and spotting unique wildlife. It’s ideal for those who want a balanced mix of scenic landscapes, cultural insights, and wildlife viewing without intense physical exertion. The early start might not appeal to everyone, but it’s perfect if you want to maximize your day.
If you’re traveling on a budget but still want a comprehensive, authentic experience of the high Andes landscapes, this tour hits the mark. It’s also perfect for small groups seeking a personal touch and the chance to learn about the region from knowledgeable guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 10 hours, starting early in the morning with hotel pickup around 6:00-6:30 a.m. and returning to Arequipa around 4:30 p.m.
What’s included in the price?
The cost covers hotel pickup, transportation by bus, a bilingual guide (English and Spanish), and drop-off near the Plaza de Armas. Meals, extra expenses, and travel insurance are not included.
Is it suitable for children or older travelers?
Most likely yes, as the tour involves walking around the lagoon and some light exploration. However, the early start and outdoor nature may not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.
What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water, comfortable walking shoes, and perhaps a camera. Weather can change quickly, so layers are recommended.
Can I see flamingos?
Yes, the lagoon is home to three different types of flamingos, depending on water levels and seasonality. They’re a main highlight for birdwatchers.
Is there free time at the lagoon?
Yes, after exploration, there’s a period for wandering around, taking photos, or relaxing, especially near thermal baths if available.
What if the weather is bad?
Weather can influence visibility and wildlife sightings. In case of heavy rain or storms, the guides are likely to adapt or reschedule parts of the trip, but typically, the tour proceeds unless conditions are dangerous.
How large are the groups?
The tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience than large bus tours.
To sum it up, this tour from Arequipa offers a genuinely enriching day immersed in the stunning landscapes formed by volcanoes, salt flats, and flamingos. Its affordable price, small group size, and focus on authentic scenery make it a perfect choice for travelers eager to see a different side of Peru—one filled with quiet beauty, wildlife, and volcanic wonder. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or just looking for a peaceful escape from the city, this excursion delivers with minimal fuss and maximum scenery.
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