Uyuni Salt Flat in Peru

Is it possible to find a salt flat similar to the Uyuni salt flat in Peru?

Yes, the Salinas Lagoon, also known as Salar de Arequipa, is located in the department of Arequipa and is part of the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca, at an altitude of approximately 4,300 meters above sea level. Here you can have a magical experience similar to that of Bolivia’s famous Salar de Uyuni. Although it does not have the same extension, this salt flat offers you the opportunity to capture unique photographs and also enjoy the charms that surround the Salinas Lagoon, appreciate the beautiful natural landscapes and experience the sensation of being part of the ecosystem.

How to get to the Salinas Lagoon?

To access the salt lake, it is necessary to start the trip from Arequipa, which is approximately 17 hours away by bus and approximately one hour by plane from Lima.

From Arequipa there are several ways to get to the Salinas Lagoon: using personal transportation, tourist agencies or a cab service. In the case of choosing a tourist agency, the offices that offer tours are located in Arequipa’s main square.

If you prefer to travel in your own vehicle, you can choose to take the road to Yura-Juliaca or the Arequipa-Chiguata-Puno road. Both routes will take you to the town of Chiguata and from there take the road to the salt lake.

The trip from the city to the lagoon lasts approximately 3 hours, during which you can enjoy beautiful landscapes and capture magnificent photographs of the flora and fauna of Arequipa.

What are the prices to go to Laguna de Salinas?

• By tour service: These services have rates ranging from $20 to $35.
• By Taxi: The cost is between $10 and $14 generally.

What can you see in Salinas Lagoon?

Thanks to its privileged location, it offers impressive panoramic views of various snow-capped peaks and mountains of the Andes. In addition, being far from the city, it is the perfect environment to observe birds such as the parihuanas and huallatas, as well as to see different species of camelids, such as llamas, vicuñas and alpacas, among other animals.

In addition, near the Laguna de Salinas you will find thermal baths ideal for combating the cold characteristic of the place. You can also discover a very peculiar mini volcano that allows you to observe its crater without the need for a strenuous hike.

When is the best time to go to Laguna de Salinas?

The best time to visit the “Salar de Salinas” depends on what you want to experience. From January to March, during the rainy season

rainy season, you can enjoy the mirror effect. April is also a good month to visit, since you can still appreciate the mirror effect. During the dry season, you can take creative photographs playing with perspective and the sense of infinity that

perspective and the sensation of infinity that the salt flat transmits. In short, any time of the year is suitable to visit.

What should I bring if I go to the Salinas Lagoon?

• Warm clothes, since the weather varies on the same day.
• Two pairs of shoes, in case one gets wet.
• Change of clothes, in case you want to bathe in the hot springs.
• Sunglasses.
• Sun block.
• Cap.
• Light snacks or chocolates.
• Pills for altitude.