The Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve is located in the Arequipa and Moquegua region, and in the provinces of Arequipa, Caylloma and General Sánchez Cerro. It expands across a surface area of 366,936 hectares and was established August 9, 1979.

In this reserve you can find important snow capped mountains, volcanoes and lagoons of great beauty and recreational value. The principle representatives of it's unique beauty are the inactive volcanoes Misti (5 821 m), Chachani (6 075 m) and Pichu pichu (5 440 m).

The drainage area regulated by El Fraile and Aguada Blanca dams, guarantees drinking water for the city of Arequipa and supplies irrigation water to the agricultural country side of the region.

The reserve is home to relics of Andean forests as well as high land Andean meadowlands which possess typical species like the yareta (Azorella sp.), the quenual or cinnamon barked small tree (Polylepis sp.) and the kcapo (Parastrephia lepidophylla), used by the local population as fuel and for tending flocks of cattle.

This area is the habitation of many mammals and birds. Among the most important are the north Andean huemul (Hippocamelus antisensis), the culpeo fox (Pseudalopex culpaeus) and the vicuna (Vicugna vicugna). Among those considered to be in danger of extinction are the puna flamingo (Phoenicopterus jamesi), the chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) and the guanaco (Lama guanicoe).

The most attractive places to bird watchers and tourists are the Salinas Lagoons, where an appreciable number of flamingos are found and the Indio Lagoon which is a place of refuge for the aquatic birds.

In the area of Pampa Cañahuas and Tocra you can appreciate significant populations of vicunas, making them the principle attraction of the visitors and leads them to the Cañón del Colca, in the providence of Caylloma.

The objectives of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve are to conserve the flora and the fauna as well as the beautiful scenery and geological formations of the area. Continuously encouraging the rational utilization of the high Andean species.

Location: Regions of Arequipa and Moquegua. 35 km northeast of Arequipa.
How to Get There
From Arequipa, take any road which leads you to the Colca Valley
When to Go
Between April and October
Other Close Attractions
Healing Hot Springs of Jesús and Yura.
Activities
Photography, wild life observation, cultural observation
Services
Camping
Climate
Typical climate of the sierra
Prices
Adult: daily PEN 5,00 (in USD), for three days PEN 10,00 (in USD)
Child: daily PEN 1,5 (in USD), for three days PEN 4,00 (in USD)

Salinas Salt Lagoon Tour

Schedule: from 07:00am to 16:00
Itinerary: At 120km. from the Arequipa city and after 4 hours of journey, we will arrive to the Salinas Lagoon, an Andean salty lake that receives its water from a narrow basin situated between snow-covered mountains and volcanoes. Marshes surround the lagoon, being preponderant vegetal formations for the native vicuñas and llamas and a natural habitat for fishes. In the wetlands, birds are abundant reaching a population of 20,000 in the rainy season (Birdwatching Tour)
With a 17,657 ha of extension, the Salinas Lagoon is an important representative sample of a South Peruvian Salina. More than preserving important populations of birds, it is also a natural source of income to develop preponderant economic activities.

Price per person: $95 (minimum 2 people)
Departures: Daily departures FROM Arequipa, Peru
Meals: Lunch included
Included: Transport, official guide and entrances.

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