Peru's national tour operator

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Arequipa Salt Flats 1 day tour

The most complete Arequipa Salt Flats Tour, explore a surreal landscape of white and bright plains.

From:

$35USD

per person

Secure your spot with only 50%

53 + verified reviews

Confirmation

Immediate

Duration

6 Hours

Difficulty

Easy

Daily departures

365 days a year

Trip type

Group or private

Save your spot with only 50%

Arequipa Salt Flats 1 day tour

One of the best excursions from Arequipa to discover landscapes that seem from another planet.

Explore the Arequipa Salt Flats, admire volcanoes and vast Andean plains, and discover the wildlife that inhabits one of the most surprising natural settings in the region.

Nature, adventure, and photography in an experience that deserves a place on your trip to Arequipa.

Group Tour

Private Tour

Day 1: Arequipa Salt Flats 1 day tour

Your experience at a glance:

6:00 AM

Pick-up from your hotel in Arequipa

6:30 AM

Chiguata Viewpoint

7:00 AM

Chiguata Village and local breakfast

8:00 AM

Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve

9:30 AM

Arequipa Salt Flats

10:30 AM

Free time and photographs at the Salt Flats

11:30 AM

Return to Arequipa

12:30 PM

End of the tour 3 blocks from the Main Square

6:00 a.m. - Pick-up from your hotel in Arequipa

We begin the tour with pick-up from your hotel to travel by tourist transportation to the Arequipa Salt Flats.

6:30 a.m. – Chiguata Viewpoint

We make a stop to admire an impressive panoramic view of Misti Volcano and Pichu Pichu.

7:00 a.m. – Chiguata Village and local breakfast

We visit the main square and its traditional Baroque church. Afterwards, we will enjoy an included local breakfast.

8:00 a.m.– Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve

We continue through the landscapes of the reserve, where we can observe vicuñas, alpacas, flamingos, and other Andean animals, depending on the season.

9:30 a.m. – Arequipa Salt Flats

We arrive at the famous Arequipa Salt Flats. You will have time to walk, explore the surroundings, and admire its impressive landscapes surrounded by mountains.

10:30 a.m. – Free time and photographs at the Salt Flats

Enjoy the landscape and capture incredible photographs. Our guide will help you find some of the best spots for your photos.

11:30 a.m. – Return to Arequipa

After visiting the Salt Flats, we begin the journey back to the city of Arequipa.

12:30 PM – End of the tour 3 blocks from the Main Square

We finish our experience in the center of Arequipa, leaving you free to continue enjoying the city.

Vicuña en la Reserva Nacional Salinas y Aguada Blanca

Considerations of the area

Maximum altitude

4000 m.a.s.l. / 13123 ft

Minimum altitude

2800 m.a.s.l. / 7874 ft

Maximum temperature

20°C / 68°F

Minimum temperature

-3°C / 26°F

Usually with icy winds

Expert Travel Recommendations

Is the Arequipa Salt Flats Tour worth it?

Yes. The Arequipa Salt Flats Tour is worth it if you are looking for nature, Andean landscapes, and photography without spending a full day outside the city.

What makes the Arequipa Salt Flats Tour special?

The main attraction of the Arequipa Salt Flats Tour is the combination of the salt flats, volcanoes, and Andean wildlife in a single excursion.

When do I NOT recommend taking the Arequipa Salt Flats Tour?

I do not recommend taking the Arequipa Salt Flats Tour as your first activity if you have just arrived from a city located at sea level and have not yet adapted to the altitude.

Why is this tour different?

Vicuña en la Reserva Nacional Salinas y Aguada Blanca

Book with confidence

INCLUDED

Our Arequipa Salt Flats Full Day Tour from Arequipa includes:

    • 24/7 support and assistance during and after your booking.
    • Tourist transportation
    • Professional guide
    • Local breakfast
    • Entrance to the National Reserve
    • Photo stops and assistance
  • Lunch
  • Tips for the guides.
  • Travel insurance (Peruvian laws suggest that you enter Peru with insurance purchased in your country of origin).
  • We work with some clinics and can help you arrange medical care in case you need it (the clinics will apply the insurance you previously purchased; however, they do not offer travel insurance).
  • Personal medications.
  • A legible photo of your passport.
  • Small daypack (with a rain cover if possible).
  • Water (we recommend bringing 1L per day).
  • Rain poncho or jacket.
  • Extra snacks.
  • Hiking shoes and pants.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
  • Lip balm.
  • Warm clothing (jacket, sweater, fleece, long-sleeve shirts, etc.).
  • Cash in SOLES (Peruvian currency).

AVOID SCAMS!
GET IN PERU will only charge you a 50% deposit to reserve your seats and tickets.

The remaining amount must be paid 3 days before your departure.

Contact your travel advisor to learn more details or visit our Terms of Service Agreement.

Travel your way

$ Price per person

Our tour packages are available in both group and private formats. Consult with one of our travel experts to tailor your journey and enjoy a personalized experience led by our specialized local guides.

Budget friendly

Group Tour

From:

$35USD

per person

Recommended experience

Private Tour

From:

$210USD

per person

Minimum 2 travelers

Always Included

Recommended experience

Private Tour

From:

$210USD

per person

Minimum 2 travelers

Budget friendly

Group Tour

From:

$35USD

per person

Always Included

Secure your spot with only 50%

Pay the rest later

More than 7500+ Happy Travelers

Shera Zad - Panama
Shera Zad - Panama
Verified Traveler
We are from the Shera Zad group. Our experience with GET IN PERU was great! They gave us the best attention and service. We had an excellent tour and tour guide. They met our expectations, and we had a great vacation. Thank you...
Nicole - Colombia
Nicole - Colombia
Verified Traveler
Highly recommended agency, everyone was very kind and always willing to help and answer questions. All the organization and logistics for each of the places we visited were perfect, on time, and exactly as described in each itinerary. Excellent service!
Bibiana - Ecuador
Bibiana - Ecuador
Verified Traveler
GET IN PERÚ made our trip to Peru unforgettable. From the moment we were looking at options and itineraries, until the moment they dropped us back off at the airport, they were looking out for us and always ready to help. Highly recommended, I still have several places left to visit and I would definitely return with them.
Adriana - Colombia
Adriana - Colombia
Verified Traveler
I had the pleasure of traveling with a group of friends to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain under the guidance and advice of David and his team. One of the best travel experiences, they were always very attentive, willing to resolve any questions, and ready to help you with photos so you could take home great memories; they turned the trip into an unforgettable adventure full of professionalism and camaraderie. I hope to return to Cusco for more amazing trips... 100% recommended.
Juliet - France
Juliet - France
Verified Traveler
We took a tour of Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain and it was a great and wonderful experience. They were very attentive and their assistance was highly personalized. When I return, I will definitely call them again 😊
Jadhyra M. - USA
Jadhyra M. - USA
Verified Traveler
My partner and I had a great time with the organization of GET IN PERÚ. We loved how flexible they were with us since my boyfriend is a heavy sleeper. They were always willing to help and are, without a doubt, highly trustworthy. Very attentive and also very gentlemanly.
Miguel - Mexico
Miguel - Mexico
Verified Traveler
From the very beginning of the trip, everything was excellent. The support with making payments and their punctuality upon our arrival gave us a lot of peace of mind, as it was our first experience in another country. All the guides were very well-prepared and great people, very kind. Everything was on time and there was never a single setback. Honestly, this was a fundamental part of making it an incredible experience. Highly recommended, thank you for everything!!!

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Everything you need to know before traveling

The Arequipa Salt Flats Tour includes tourist transportation, a professional guide, local breakfast, entrance to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, as well as stops to admire the landscape and take photographs. The tour begins with pick-up from your hotel and ends at approximately 12:30 PM at the Main Square of Arequipa.

💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: Bring some cash in soles. Along the route, there are small interactions with local residents, such as feeding llamas or alpacas, which may have an additional cost and are normally paid for in cash.

📍 Did you know? The Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve protects high-Andean ecosystems where species such as vicuñas and numerous birds live.

The Arequipa Salt Flats Tour begins at approximately 6:00 AM with pick-up from your hotel and ends around 12:30 PM at the Main Square of Arequipa. It is a half-day excursion that allows you to visit Chiguata, explore the landscapes of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, and discover the Arequipa Salt Flats during the morning.

💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: Do not schedule another tour immediately afterward. Although arrival is expected at 12:30 PM, road conditions may slightly change the return time.

📍 Did you know? Leaving early allows you to take advantage of the first hours of the day in the high-Andean landscapes before returning to Arequipa.

The Arequipa Salt Flats Tour reaches areas that exceed 4,000 meters above sea level, so during the excursion you will be at a considerably higher altitude than in the city of Arequipa. The altitude can be especially noticeable during the walks and stops around the Arequipa Salt Flats.

💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: If you arrive in Arequipa directly from a city at sea level, avoid scheduling this excursion immediately after your arrival. Spending the first night in Arequipa usually helps with acclimatization before heading up to the Salt Flats.

📍 Did you know? Arequipa is located at around 2,300 meters above sea level, so during the tour there is a significant change in altitude within just a few hours.

The best time to take the Arequipa Salt Flats Tour depends on the landscape you want to see. The conditions of the Arequipa Salt Flats change throughout the year: during certain periods, water can accumulate and create reflections, while in drier seasons, the whitish and saline surface stands out.

💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: Before booking based solely on a photograph seen on social media, ask about the current conditions of the salt flats. The appearance of the salt flats can change considerably depending on recent rainfall.

📍 Did you know? The Arequipa Salt Flats are a seasonal ecosystem, so their appearance does not remain the same throughout the year.

Yes, it is possible to see flamingos during the Arequipa Salt Flats Tour, but sightings are not guaranteed. The presence and concentration of these birds depend on natural factors such as the season, water availability, and conditions of the salt flats. During the tour, you may also see vicuñas, alpacas, and other species native to high-Andean ecosystems.

💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: If your main interest is flamingos, check the current conditions of the salt flats before traveling. No responsible operator should guarantee wildlife sightings.

📍 Did you know? The high-Andean wetlands in this area provide habitat and food for different bird species adapted to extreme altitude conditions.

The Arequipa Salt Flats Tour does not require a long trek, as much of the route is covered by tourist transportation and the walks are mainly concentrated at the stops and around the Arequipa Salt Flats. However, walking at more than 4,000 meters above sea level can feel more demanding than covering the same distance at a lower altitude.

💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: Walk slowly when you arrive at the Salt Flats, even if you are normally in good physical condition. Avoid running to reach distant photo spots: at this altitude, the effort is quickly noticeable.

📍 Did you know? The lower availability of oxygen in high-altitude areas means that simple activities may require more physical effort.

For the Arequipa Salt Flats Tour, it is advisable to wear layered clothing, a warm jacket, comfortable footwear, a cap or hat, sunglasses, and sun protection. Temperatures can change considerably between Arequipa and the high-Andean areas, especially because the tour starts early and reaches more than 4,000 meters above sea level.

💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: Do not rely solely on the weather you experience when leaving Arequipa. At the Salt Flats, the wind and altitude can make the temperature feel much colder a few hours later.

📍 Did you know? In the Andes, it is common to experience significant temperature variations between the early morning hours and midday.

The Arequipa Salt Flats Tour begins with pick-up from your hotel in Arequipa at approximately 6:00 AM and ends around 12:30 PM at the Main Square of Arequipa. Along the route, stops are made in Chiguata and different areas of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve before reaching the Arequipa Salt Flats.

💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: Confirm the exact location of your accommodation when booking. Some hotels located outside the usual pick-up areas may require a different meeting point.

📍 Did you know? The Main Square is a practical place to end the tour because it allows you to easily continue to restaurants and attractions in the Historic Center.

The Arequipa Salt Flats Tour is a half-day excursion, departing around 6:00 AM and returning at approximately 12:30 PM. This duration allows you to visit Chiguata, travel through the landscapes of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, and visit the Arequipa Salt Flats without taking up the entire day.

💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: If you plan to use the afternoon for another activity, choose something flexible within Arequipa. Avoid purchasing bus tickets, flights, or activities with strict schedules immediately after returning.

📍 Did you know? The relative proximity of these high-Andean landscapes allows you to travel in just a few hours from the urban environment of Arequipa to areas located above 4,000 meters.

It is recommended to book the Arequipa Salt Flats Tour several days in advance, especially during holidays, long weekends, and months with higher tourist numbers. Booking in advance allows you to properly coordinate pick-up, transportation, guide, and breakfast, as well as confirm the operating conditions of the route to the Arequipa Salt Flats.

💡 Get In Peru Expert Tip: Before scheduling the excursion, first organize your days for altitude acclimatization. If you are coming directly from the coast, it is preferable not to choose the Salt Flats as your first activity immediately after arriving in Arequipa.

📍 Did you know? Conditions on high-Andean roads can vary with rainfall, so the logistics of the tour may change depending on the time of year.

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