Located northeast of Arequipa and on the way to Lake Titicaca, the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve was created in 1979 to conserve the natural resources and landscapes of this area. It is a stunning example of the arid environment of the Puna. The reserve is spread over an area of 367,000 hectares and is home to a variety of enchanting places such as lagoons, volcanoes, wetlands, dotted with pre-Inca ruins and unique wildlife.
Between 6:00 am and 6:30 am, we will pick up passengers from hotels located in the center of Arequipa. Then, we will begin a trip of approximately 3 hours to the salt lake of Salinas and Aguada Blanca. At 7:30 am, we will make a brief stop in the town of Chiguata, where you can buy something to eat or take with you, such as a bottle of water and cookies.
Qeñuales forest . Throughout the entire journey, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Andean landscape, which makes this trip extremely interesting. At approximately 10:30 am, we will arrive at the Salinas salt lake, which is located within the Aguada Blanca and Salinas National Reserve. This lake is located between the Misti volcano, the Ubinas volcano and the snow-capped Picchu Picchu .
During a walk around the lake, you will have the opportunity to appreciate a variety of wildlife, especially Andean birds such as pink flamingos and migratory birds such as ducks, condors, eagles, hummingbirds, among others. During the trip, you will be able to enjoy stunning views and learn about the harvesting of salt known as borate carried out by the local community.
Optionally, clients can decide to extend the tour to the Lojen mini volcano area and visit the thermal baths. With this extension, you will have time for lunch, and return is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
If you choose to visit only the Salinas lagoon and the Salar, the most notable parts of the tour, the return will be at 1:30 p.m.
Elevations around the reservation range from 9,200 feet to 19,850 feet (2,800 m and 6,050 m). Most attractions are located at around 4,300 m (14,100 ft). For reference, this is much higher than Arequipa (7,660 ft | 2,335 m) along with the elevation of Cusco (11,155 ft | 3,400 m) and Machu Picchu (7,970 ft | 2,430 m).
Those intending to extend their visit to the reserve should be sure to acclimatize before attempting any strenuous activities. Read about how to avoid altitude sickness.
The reserve experiences consistently cold weather throughout the year. Average temperatures range between 36°F (2°C) and 46°F (8°C), with drastic temperature drops at night.
From October to April, strong winds called frosts blow eastward from the Bolivian highlands, bringing rain, snow and hail, and temperatures as low as -20°C (4°F).
The rainy season is from January to March. The dry season, from April to December, is the best time to visit due to ideal weather and road conditions.
The Andean flora of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve is made up of 358 species of plants, the majority made up of shrubby and herbaceous species. The most representative plants of the place are the desert scrub, the wetlands, the queñual and, above all, the puna grassland.
Research in the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve reveals the existence of up to 207 species, including birds and mammals. Likewise, 3 types of fish, 4 amphibians and 5 reptiles were recorded. The most representative animal of the reserve is the vicuña. They also highlight the presence of other camelids such as: the alpaca, the llama and the guanaco.
Among the most representative mammals of the reserve are the Andean puma, the vizcacha, the Andean cat, the tarucas, the Andean fox, the osjollo and more. Among the most famous bird species are the goose, the huallata, the flamingos ( parihuanas ), the condor, the Andean duck, among others.
In our packages you can customize your experience as you like it.
TERRA QUECHUA PERU. Is a full-service travel company. Our reputation for excellence is earned every day by providing the ultimate in value and personal attention. Since our founding in 2012, we have striven to make travel simple, worry-free, and fun for our corporate and leisure customers alike.
Terra Quechua Peru is dedicated to providing the ultimate in value and personal attention to its customers, striving to make travel simple, worry-free, and enjoyable for both corporate and leisure travelers.
Terra Quechua Peru, initially started by Raquel Sanchez and Edwin Medina, is a family-owned travel agency and direct local tour operator headquartered in Cusco. Their extensive personal experience in trekking, along with the fact that it's a 100% Cusquenian Company without any shareholders, sets it apart.
Terra Quechua Peru distinguishes itself by its dedication to providing exceptional value and personalized attention to its clients. Since its establishment in 2012, it has been committed to making travel straightforward, stress-free, and enjoyable for both corporate and leisure travelers. Additionally, being a family-owned business with a strong local presence and a wealth of experience in trekking further sets it apart.
Terra Quechua Peru's uniqueness lies in its origins as a family-owned travel agency and direct local tour operator. Its founders, Raquel Sanchez and Edwin Medina, have personal experience spanning many years in trekking, offering travelers an authentic and knowledgeable perspective of Peru.
Travelers with Terra Quechua Peru can anticipate a personalized and friendly experience during their trekking adventures. The guides are dedicated to making travelers feel like they are hiking with their own family or friends. Their in-depth knowledge of the region and culture adds an extra layer of authenticity to every journey.
Yes, Terra Quechua Peru specializes in fully customizable trips. They can work with travelers to create personalized itineraries that cater to their specific interests and preferences, ensuring a tailored and unforgettable experience in Peru.
TERRA QUECHUA PERU. Is a full-service travel company. Our reputation for excellence is earned every day by providing the ultimate in value and personal attention. Since our founding in 2012, we have striven to make travel simple, worry-free, and fun for our corporate and leisure customers alike.
