Salinas & Aguada Blanca: Day Trip with Hot Springs & Wildlife

Summary

Andean volcano views, salt flats, wild vicuñas and thermal pools

You’ll start your day early from Arequipa, catching sunrise over Andean volcanoes before breakfast in Chiguata. Walk across Salinas’ salt flats alongside wild vicuñas and spot flamingos if you’re lucky. End with a soak in natural hot springs surrounded by mountain silence—a day that sticks with you longer than you expect.

What’s the experience like?

Hands stuffed deep in my jacket pockets, I watched steam curl from someone’s coffee cup as we stopped in Chiguata. Our guide—Luis, who seemed to know everyone—pointed out the Mirador de los Volcanes before I’d even realized we’d climbed so high. Misti, Chachani, Pichu Pichu—he listed them off like old friends. The air was thin and sharp; I caught myself laughing at how winded I felt just walking to the viewpoint. Breakfast tasted extra good up there (bread still warm, jam that actually tasted like fruit), maybe because of the altitude or maybe just the view.

I didn’t expect the silence out on the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve. It’s huge—just sky and salt flat stretching forever, interrupted by herds of vicuñas that barely seemed to notice us. Sometimes the ground looked like glass with those water mirrors (Luis said it depends on the season), and sometimes it was all white and cracked underfoot. We tried those silly perspective photos—mine came out weirdly lopsided but whatever. There were flamingos too, way pinker than I thought they’d be. My friend tried to count them until she got distracted by a llama chewing something stubborn behind us.

We ended up at these natural hot springs near Lojen—a little pool steaming in the chilly air. Getting in was awkward (I almost slipped), but once you’re sitting there with your legs underwater and mountains all around… yeah, that’s one of those moments you try to memorize for later. Luis told us about yaretales and queñuales plants while we soaked; I only half listened because honestly I was just enjoying not moving for a bit. The drive back to Arequipa felt quieter somehow—maybe everyone was tired or maybe just full of that kind of quiet you get after seeing something big.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve

• Start tour at 6 am
• Visit Mirador de los Volcanes viewpoint
• See volcanoes Misti, Chachani, Pichu Pichu
• Visit local square and church
• Have breakfast
• Observe flora and fauna around Pichu Pichu
• Explore Salinas and Aguada Blanca landscapes
• See vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, guanacos
• Visit salt flats and water bodies
• Spot flamingos and water mirrors
• Visit Lojen mini-volcano
• Relax at natural hot springs

Top questions

What time does the Salinas & Aguada Blanca day trip start?

The tour starts at 6 am with pickup from your hotel in Arequipa.

Are hotel pickups included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included as part of your day trip booking.

Will I see wildlife like vicuñas or flamingos?

You’ll likely see vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and possibly flamingos depending on the season.

Is breakfast included on this tour?

Yes, breakfast is included after visiting Chiguata’s viewpoint and church square.

How long can we spend at the hot springs?

You can relax in the natural hot springs for about 30 to 60 minutes during the tour.

Do I need to be very fit for this day trip?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels according to organizers.

Are infants allowed on this trip?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Is this a private or group tour?

The reference information does not specify if it is private or group; check directly when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Arequipa early in the morning, a local guide throughout the journey, breakfast after reaching Chiguata village, time exploring Salinas & Aguada Blanca National Reserve with wildlife sightings (think vicuñas and flamingos), plus entry to natural hot springs near Lojen before heading back to town—all covered so you can just show up ready for adventure.