Category: Arequipa

Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve This protected area includes volcanoes, snow-capped mountains, lagoons, forests and an abundant and varied fauna of beautiful native species. It covers an area of almost 367,000 hectares and was created in August 1979 to preserve the flora, fauna, geological heritage and natural beauty of this region. The reserve extends behind the Misti volcano, which is located within the reserve, some 80 kilometers from the city and also contains the Chachani volcano - its highest point at 6075 m.a.s.l. -, Ubinas and Picchu Picchu. It is home to the Chucura and Huanacante snow-capped mountains and several lagoons, among which the Laguna de Salinas stands out. Inside the reserve you can see vicuñas, guanacos, flamingos, parihuanas, tarucas, among the hundreds of animal species that coexist in the place. There is also the possibility of fishing, trekking, cycling and mountain climbing. What to see and do in the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve? See thousands of vicuñas. One of the main objectives for the creation of the Reserve was the preservation of the vicuña, Peru's most symbolic animal. If you visit between July and December you will be able to observe the chaku or "vicuña shearing". Its wool is considered the finest in the world. Appreciate its diverse flora and fauna. In addition to vicuñas, you will see guanacos, llamas, alpacas, flamingos, parihuanas, tarucas, pumas and Andean cats and foxes, among other species. It is also home to hundreds of species of grasses and shrubs that are the main food for camelids. Visit the Salinas Lagoon. This lagoon is located in an environment of peat bogs and wetlands, with flamingos as its friendly inhabitants. Interact with local people. Within the reserve there are several communities that will be happy to show you their work, traditions and