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 way of life.

Practicing sports activities. In Salinas and Aguada Blanca it is possible to practice fishing -on some dates permitted-, trekking, cycling and mountain climbing. If you are a lover of any of these activities, you can also enjoy them at the Reserve.

See cave paintings. The Sumbay caves are located within the reserve, where you can observe cave paintings that show that there were inhabitants in the area thousands of years ago.

Enjoy beautiful panoramic views. At the Interpretation Center and at the Salinas Huito and Cañahuas post there are viewpoints from where you will have a magnificent view of the landscapes that the Reserve offers, with its rock formations, plains, volcanoes and mountains.

How to get to the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve?

To get there by car from the city of Arequipa, take highway 109 and then highway 682, a trip that takes between an hour and a half and two hours.

If you want to go by cab, it is best to take it to Chiguata, and from there begin a long trekking trail to the Salinas Lagoon of approximately two hours.

Recommendations

Best time to go. Although in this particular area of Arequipa the weather is usually quite cold throughout the year, it is best to go between the months of April and December, to avoid the time of greatest likelihood of rain.

Approximate time of the visit. Due to the large number of activities to do and places to visit in the reserve, it is advisable to set aside a full day of your stay in Arequipa to visit it.

What to bring? Warm clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, water and snacks. The trekking shoes will make it easier for you to walk.

You must visit it with a guide. An authorized guide accompanies visitors throughout the tour. It is important that you always walk on marked trails.

Precautions. The weather here is very cold, so it is advisable to bring plenty of warm clothes. In addition, due to the high altitude at which it is located, it is advisable to acclimatize in the city of Arequipa for one or two days before going.

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