6 Hours To Enjoy Nature And Wildlife In Laguna De Salinas
La Laguna de Salinas (4100M) is located on the back side of Misti volcano and Pichu Pichu Mountain – From Arequipa is possible to get there by paved road toward Baños de Jesus and Chiguata (3000M) and then uphill following a dirt and bumpy road on Pichu Pichu slopes passing a peculiar Andean forest as known as Queñuales and of La Llareta (Azorella compacta) – The distance from Arequipa to Salinas salt lagoon are 68KM and driving takes around 2 hours thanks to the not good condition of the road – The road pass through Misti volcano and Pichu Pichu Mountain.
Salinas salt lake is part of the national reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca – The 60% of the lake is located in the territory of Arequipa region and the other 40% is part of Moquegua region – The Salinas salt lake is home of many kind of birds especially during and after the raining season till June – Easily the bird watcher lover can recognize Puna, Andean and Chilean flamingos, Andean goose, Andean avocet, Andean ducks, Tamarugo Conebill, Puna plover, Canasteros, eagle and if you are lucky is possible to see some Andean Condors flying around – Within the bosque de Queñuas or Quiwiña (Polylepis) sometime is possible to see different of sizes of hummingbirds as known as Picaflor Andino – Also are present the Andean foxes, Viscacha (Lagidium peruanum), lizard, falcons, deer, Vicuña, Llamas, Alpaca and sometimes Huanacos and Andean Puma.
WILDLIFE OF NATIONAL RESERVE OF AGUADA BLANCA AND SALINAS - FULL DAY GUIDED TOUR
The trip begins at 7AM from customer hotel or 1PM from our office - The travel from Arequipa to Salinas lagoon (4100M) takes around 2 hours following uphill bumpy and dusty road passing small villages on the countryside of Arequipa - The scenery includes nice view of the southeast wall of Volcan Misti and countryside of Chiguata village surrounding with lot Pre-Incan terraces - Along the way we pass different ecological floors, lot flora and fauna as Giant Humminbird, Falcon, Andean Eagle, Condors and others species - The trip go up to 4300M of altitude and might the travelers are going to feel the high sickness but do not worry because the private transport have medical oxygen in case someone needs.
Finally arrive to Laguna Salinas, this place show us impressive around scenery - We drive around the lagoon to take advantage of different view of the lagoon - Nice panorama of the backside of Volcan Misti, of Pichu Pichu Mount and of course spectacular view of Volcan Ubinas, one of the most active volcano in Peru - Time to walk around recognizing the area and take pictures of Flamingos and other wildlife as andean goose, andean eagle, etc - Enjoy the serenity of this place under the blue sky, see nice contrast of colors on the mountains, twisters around the lagoon - After 1½ hour as maximum time in this amazing and peaceful place we return to Arequipa driving on same road - You will be drop off at your hotel around midday (12PM) and end of service.
