Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve
2025 Guide

🧭 General Description

The Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve (RNSAB) is a protected area in Peru, located between the regions of Arequipa and Moquegua. Created in 1979, it spans 366,936 hectares and is situated at an altitude of between 3,500 and 6,075 meters.

This reserve is renowned for its spectacular Andean landscapes, featuring volcanoes, lagoons, wetlands, and desert expanses. It is also home to a unique biodiversity, with iconic species such as the vicuña, Andean flamingo, and condor.

📜 History and Importance

The RNSAB was created to:

• Protect vicuñas, which were threatened by poaching
• Conserve wetland ecosystems, essential for Arequipa's water supply
• Preserve volcanic landscapes typical of the region

The reserve plays a crucial role in water regulation, supplying water to the cities of Arequipa and Moquegua through its rivers and lagoons.

🐾 1. Fauna

• Mammals: Vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, Andean foxes, viscachas
• Birds: Andean flamingos (Parina grande and Parina chica), condors, ibises, Andean ducks
• Reptiles and amphibians: A few species adapted to high altitudes

🌿 2. Flora

• Queñua (endemic Andean tree)
• Tolares (drought-resistant shrubs)
• High-altitude grasses (ichu) used by local communities

🏔️ 3. Landscapes and Notable Sites

• Laguna Salinas: Saltwater lake where pink flamingos gather
• Misti and Chachani volcanoes: Emblems of Arequipa visible from the reserve
• Pampa Cañahuas: Area where vicuñas can be observed in the wild
• Aguada Blanca: Important wetland area for wildlife

📍 Access from Arequipa

• Distance: Approximately 50 km (1h30 by car)
• Route: Take the Pan-American Highway towards Puno/Cusco
• Public transportation: Minibuses depart from Arequipa to Chivay (Colca) and cross the reserve (ask to get off at Pampa Cañahuas)
• Organized tours: Many agencies offer one-day tours

🧳 Practical Tips

• Altitude: Between 3,500 and 4,800 m - risk of altitude sickness. Acclimatize in Arequipa (2,335 m) before ascending
• Climate: Cold in the morning and evening (can drop below 0°C), strong sunlight during the day. Bring warm clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses
• Best time to visit: May to November (dry season, clear skies). Avoid the rainy season (December to March)
• Environmental respect: Do not feed animals, do not litter
• Visit early in the morning (between 6am and 9am) to maximize wildlife observations
• Bring water, snacks, and meals - very few services available in the reserve

🎟️ Option 1: Reserve Entry Only

• Foreigners: 40 soles
• Peruvians: 20 soles
• Foreigners (7-21 years): 20 soles

Included:

• Access to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve
• Additional attraction: Hot Springs and Mini-Volcan Lojen: 5 soles/person

🎫 Option 2: Colca Tourist Ticket

Fees for Foreigners

Category	Latin American countries	Other Foreigners
Adults	40 soles	70 soles
Children (6-15 years)	20 soles	20 soles

Important conditions:

• Foreign children (6-15 years) must present an official ID certifying their age
• Required to present:
  • The tourist ticket
  • Passport or valid ID
• Validity:
  • Starts on the date of purchase
  • Single use per site

WHICH SITES CAN BE VISITED WITH THE TOURIST TICKET?

• With the Tourist Ticket you can visit:
  • The Colca Canyon Valley of Caylloma in the Arequipa region
  • The Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve
  • The Valley of Volcanoes

Sales points:

• At the entrances of tourist sites
• In authorized agencies

💡 Budget Tips

• ✔ If you visit only the reserve, choose the simple entry for 40 soles
• ✔ For a combined Colca + reserve tour, the 70 soles Tourist Ticket is more advantageous
• ✔ The reserve is located on the road to Chivay (Colca Canyon) - ideal for combining visits

Notes:

• Prices are subject to change - check before your visit
• Must present proof for reduced rates
• Payment in soles recommended (some sites accept cards)

The Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve is an Andean haven of peace, ideal for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and ecotourists. With its lunar landscapes, preserved wildlife, and local culture, it offers an unforgettable experience at the gates of Arequipa.

Don't miss it if you're visiting southern Peru!

🔍 Strategic Points

• Laguna Salinas: -16.3214° S, -71.2408° W (pink flamingos)
• Pampa Cañahuas: -16.1833° S, -71.4333° W (vicuñas)
• Main control post: -16.2667° S, -71.4167° W
• Misti Volcano: -16.2944° S, -71.4067° W
• Lojen hot springs: -16.2569° S, -71.3514° W