Exploring the Salinas and Yanaorco Lagoons + Lojen Thermal Baths

If you’re in Arequipa and craving a day away from the city’s bustling streets, this tour offers an excellent opportunity to see some of Peru’s most unique natural sights. For about $35, you’ll spend a day exploring Salinas Lagoon, spotting flamingos and vicuñas, soaking in Lojen’s thermal waters, and wandering the impressive Yanaorco lagoon near the San José de Uzuña dam. The tour is guided in both English and Spanish — a bonus for those wanting a bit of linguistic flexibility — and keeps groups small, capped at 10 participants, which helps ensure a more personal experience.

What we love about this trip is how it combines wildlife viewing with beautiful landscapes. Seeing flamingos in their natural habitat and playing with perspective at the salt flats makes for memorable moments. Plus, the chance to relax in thermal waters that stay comfortably warm at 24-26°C is a real highlight.

One possible consideration is the early start — departure at 6:00 a.m. means an early wake-up, but it’s well worth it for the scenery and tranquility you’ll encounter before the day gets busy. If you’re someone who loves a taste of adventure blended with relaxation, this tour is perfect, especially if you’re eager to see volcano views and Andean wildlife without straying too far from Arequipa.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate nature, small-group intimacy, and authentic landscapes. It’s ideal for those who want a well-rounded day trip that combines photo opportunities, wildlife, and geothermal bathing—a little bit of everything with a local guide to keep you informed and engaged.

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Key Points

Affordable Price: At just $35, this tour offers excellent value considering the variety of sights and experiences.
Wildlife & Landscape: Expect close encounters with flamingos, alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas amid stunning volcanic scenery.
Relaxing Thermal Baths: Lojen’s thermal waters provide a soothing break with temperatures perfect for unwinding.
Authentic Experience: Small groups and bilingual guides enhance the feeling of exploring like a local.
Versatile Itinerary: From salt flats and wetlands to lagoons and dam views, each stop offers a unique perspective on the region’s geography.
Seasonal Views: Visiting during January to March may mean seeing the lagoon as a reflective water mirror — a striking sight.

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A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Early and Traveling in Comfort

The tour begins bright and early at 6:00 a.m., with pickup from your hotel or from San Agustin street in downtown Arequipa. The early start might seem daunting, but it’s a smart move to avoid the crowds and enjoy the tranquility of the reserve before it gets busy. The transportation is by bus or minibus, which keeps the group small, making for a more intimate experience. The guide, bilingual in English and Spanish, is knowledgeable and passionate, often sharing interesting tidbits about the region’s geology, flora, fauna, and history.

First Stop: Mariano Melgar and Breakfast

On the way out, you’ll make a quick stop in Mariano Melgar for an independent breakfast. This stretch gives you a taste of local life, and a good chance to stretch your legs. Be sure to bring cash if you want to grab a snack or coffee — local options are simple but satisfying.

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Salinas Lagoon: A Natural Wonder

Arriving at the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, you’ll immediately notice the impressive volcanic backdrop, dominated by Misti, Pichu Pichu, and Chachani volcanoes. The Salinas Lagoon itself is a striking sight — a vast expanse of wetlands and salt flats that stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s a landscape that invites both wonder and curiosity, especially at certain times of year.

What makes this stop particularly special is the opportunity to observe endemic fauna in their natural environment. Expect to see flamingos wading through the shallow waters, their pink feathers a vivid contrast to the white salt flats. Also, look out for alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and migratory bird species that make this region their home. The guide often points out the Moche salt flat, perfect for playful perspective shots, where you can create optical illusions with your camera — a favorite among visitors.

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Seasonal Beauty: Water Mirror Phenomenon

If you visit between January and March, you may find the lagoon filled with standing water, turning the landscape into a stunning mirror-like reflection of the sky and volcanic peaks. Travelers have noted how magical this can be, making it a great year-round destination depending on the season.

Yanaorco Lagoon and the San José de Uzuña Dam

Next, you’ll head to Yanaorco lagoon, located near the San José de Uzuña dam. This area offers broad views of volcanoes and wetlands, and the tranquil Yanaorco lagoon provides opportunities for photos and quiet reflection. Here, you’ll also have free time to explore, have lunch (bring your own or buy from local vendors), or rent a kayak — a fantastic way to see the lagoon from a different perspective.

Relax in Lojen’s Thermal Baths

One of the trip’s highlights is a stop at the Lojen thermal baths. These natural springs, with temperatures between 24 and 26°C, are perfect for soaking away any travel fatigue. The waters are believed to have medicinal properties, and many travelers appreciate the opportunity to unwind in this peaceful setting. The bath entry fee is 5 soles (around $2), paid locally, which is a small price for such a relaxing treat.

Final Stop: Return to Arequipa

After a leisurely afternoon, you’ll visit the San José de Uzuña dam again briefly before heading back. Expect to arrive back in downtown Arequipa between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m., giving you time to unwind and reflect on your day. The return trip offers a chance to review your photos and share impressions with fellow travelers.

Practical Details and What It Means for You

Transportation & Group Size

With transportation included, you won’t need to worry about navigating rural roads or renting a car. The small group size (limited to 10) ensures a more personalized experience, allowing your guide to tailor the commentary and answer questions comfortably.

Cost & Value

For $35, this tour offers a well-rounded experience, covering transportation, a local breakfast, and guiding services. The entrance fee for Lojen’s thermal baths is extra but minimal, making the overall expense quite reasonable. Compared to more expensive excursions, this day offers a good balance of adventure, relaxation, and scenery.

Timing & Seasonal Considerations

The early start maximizes daylight hours and helps avoid peak crowds, but it does require an early alarm. Visiting during January to March may mean seeing the lagoon as a reflective water mirror, adding an extra layer of beauty to the trip. Remember, the water levels and appearance vary with the season, so check with the provider for current conditions.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, or anyone seeking a peaceful escape from city life. It’s also suitable if you’re traveling with family or friends who can enjoy a mix of wildlife, scenic views, and relaxation. Since the tour is in small groups and includes bilingual guides, it suits travelers who appreciate a more intimate and informative outing.

Final Thoughts

This tour of Salinas Lagoon, Yanaorco, and the Lojen thermal baths offers a wonderful blend of spectacular landscapes, wildlife encounters, and rejuvenating waters. It’s a chance to see Peru’s Andean wetlands, volcanic scenery, and native animals up close — all within a manageable day trip from Arequipa.

The value for money is clear — considering the diversity of experiences packed into a single day, $35 is a compelling price. The guided approach ensures you won’t miss the details that make each site special, and the small group size keeps things personal and flexible.

If you’re after authentic scenery, a touch of adventure, and the chance to relax in thermal waters, this trip will fit your needs nicely. Just remember to bring your camera, some cash for extras, and an early alarm — the early bird gets the mirror-like lagoon!

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup in downtown Arequipa, transportation by bus or minibus, a bilingual guide, and a local breakfast.

Is there an extra cost for any activities?
Yes, the entrance fee to Lojen’s thermal baths is 5 soles (about $2) per person, paid locally.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring cash for extras, a hat, sunscreen, and water, and perhaps a light snack or lunch since lunch is not included. A camera is a must for capturing the landscape and wildlife.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 11 hours, starting early at 6:00 a.m. and returning around 4:30-5:00 p.m..

Is this suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes, the tour’s leisurely pace and manageable walking make it suitable for families and older travelers, but consider individual mobility and weather conditions.

What is the best time of year to visit?
Visiting between January and March offers the chance to see the lagoon as a water mirror, but the scenery is beautiful year-round.

Do I need to prepare for the weather?
Weather can vary; mornings and evenings may be cool, especially at high altitudes. Dress in layers, and always carry sun protection.

This guided day trip presents a genuine taste of Arequipa’s natural marvels, combining scenic beauty, wildlife, and relaxation — a well-rounded experience for anyone eager to explore Peru’s diverse landscapes.