Salt flats, volcano views, and hot water at altitude. This full-day trip pairs the Salinas Lagoon with a steamy pause at the Lojen Hot Springs, plus a string of scenic stops that make the drive feel like part of the fun. I love the photo-friendly Andean panoramas and the chance to see wildlife around the lake, and I also like that the day isn’t just scenery—it includes real local stops in Chiguata. One catch: your time at the lagoon is limited to about 1 to 1.5 hours, so you’ll want to be ready with your camera settings.

You start bright with pickup in Arequipa city center, then the morning unfolds step by step: Mirador de los Volcanes, Chiguata’s main square, and Alto Simbral before you reach the high-salt lake. I also appreciate the human factor here—this tour can bring a guide like Herbert, who’s known for a lot of local passion and for helping people with photos.

Do plan for altitude. You’ll reach roughly 4200 m at Alto Simbral and about 4300 m at Salinas Lagoon, and if you’re not prepared, it can hit you hard (even in a short window). Pack smart, go slow, and don’t assume everyone will feel fine.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Morning Mirador views: a quick stop with volcano spotting that sets the tone for the whole day.
• Chiguata cultural pause: time in the main square and an optional traditional breakfast.
• Alto Simbral at 4200 m: learn the names of plants like queñua, areta, and tola.
• Salinas Lagoon highlights in 1–1.5 hours: flamingos and water mirrors with Misti, Ubinas, and Pichu Pichu in the background.
• Lojen Hot Springs reset: warm up after high-altitude walking, with the added fun of a nearby mini-volcano.
• Bring money for extras: hot springs entry, reservation entry, and meals are not included.

Why the Salinas Lagoon and Lojen Hot Springs Pair so Well from Arequipa

This outing works because it gives you two very different “Andes moods” in one day. You get the crisp, high-altitude drama of Salinas Lagoon—seriously photogenic with volcanoes looming over a high-salt lake—then you switch gears to the warm comfort of Lojen Hot Springs. It’s the kind of contrast that makes a full day feel like a mini-vacation instead of a long ride.

I also like the way the day is structured around viewpoints and short stops rather than forcing long bus-only stretches. You’re not stuck staring out the window for 12 hours. The route includes multiple quick moments where you can get out, look around, and connect what you’re seeing to what your guide is explaining.

The value comes from the package: you’re paying for round-trip transport from Arequipa plus an English and Spanish-speaking guide. Even though meals and entry fees are extra, the core logistics are handled, and that matters when you’re going that high.

The Early Drive to Chiguata and Mirador de los Volcanes

After pickup from your accommodation in Arequipa city center, the day moves fast. You’ll be on the road for about 45 minutes before you reach the first big photo stop: Mirador de los Volcanes in the Chiguata District.

This is the moment to start noticing the volcano shapes you’ll keep seeing later around the lagoon. The guide can help you orient what’s what in the Andes. For your photos, think wide-angle here. You want one shot that shows the scale, then later you can switch to closer compositions when you get to the lake.

A practical note: one person experienced a pickup issue, so it’s smart to confirm your pickup details the day before and be ready a little early. In tours like this, a small delay can ripple through the schedule, especially when there’s only a set window at the lagoon.

Chiguata Main Square Breakfast and Alto Simbral’s 4200 m Plant Stop

From the mirador, you’ll head to Chiguata’s main square, where a traditional holy spirit church is located. This pause is more than just a break spot. It’s a chance to see day-to-day life in a smaller town instead of only the tourist viewpoints near Arequipa.

Breakfast here is optional and costs extra. I like that flexibility. If you’re sensitive to altitude, a small early meal can help you feel steadier, but you’re not forced to sit down and eat if you’d rather save your appetite for later.

Then you go higher to Alto Simbral (around 4200 m). This stop is great if you like the science side of travel, because you’ll be shown local plants such as queñua, areta, and tola (and more). Even if you don’t remember the names, you’ll walk away with a clearer picture of what “Andean high country” actually means—this isn’t just rock and sky. There are hardy plants built for cold nights and intense sun.

The risk here is time and comfort. At 4200 m, even a short pause can make you feel breathless if you rush. Keep your pace gentle. Take in the plants, then move on.

Salinas Lagoon at 4300 m: Flamingos, Water Mirrors, and Volcano Views

Now the reason most people sign up: Laguna de Salinas. You’ll spend about 1 to 1.5 hours at the lagoon, with different stops for photos and wildlife spotting.

A few things make this lake special:

• It’s a high-salt Andean lake inside the protected Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reservation.
• It sits around 4300 m, so expect that high-altitude feeling.
• It’s surrounded by major volcanoes, including Misti, Ubinas, and Pichu Pichu.

Wildlife is the big draw. The lagoon area is known for flamingos, and you’ll also likely spot animals like llamas and alpacas in the wider area (a guide like Herbert is especially good at pointing things out). If the sky and light cooperate, you can also see the lake create a near-mirror effect—those water-mirror moments are why you want to be ready to shoot quickly when conditions look right.

The main drawback is simple: your lagoon time is limited. If you’re the type who likes slow wandering with coffee and quiet, you may wish you had more than 60 to 90 minutes. The upside is that you still get enough time for a few key photos, a wildlife scan, and a couple of stops without the day dragging.

My practical tip: dress for sun and cold at the same time. At 4300 m, you can feel warm in the sunlight and chilly when the wind hits. Layer up, move carefully, and don’t wait until you’re already at the lagoon to start thinking about comfort.

Lojen Hot Springs: The Warm Soak After the High-Altitude Walk

After the lagoon, you’ll head to Lojen Hot Springs and a nearby mini volcano area to enjoy a relaxing bath. The hot springs entry fee is not included, so plan for extra spending if you want to soak.

This is a smart part of the day, not just a nice-to-have. You go from 4300 m exposure back to warm water relief, and it can make the whole experience feel more balanced. If you’ve been walking, stopping, and pausing for photos, a soak helps reset tired legs and cold fingers.

Also, the mini-volcano setting adds a fun “mini landscape” vibe (literal geography, not just a generic viewpoint). Even if you’re not a geologist, it gives the area character beyond a basic bathhouse.

What to bring is straightforward: swimwear and a towel. If you forget either, you’ll be stuck improvising, and that’s the opposite of what you want after a long day.

Food Breaks and What to Budget Beyond the $49

The ride is one thing; eating at altitude is another. Meals are not included. You’ll have optional chances for food:

• Traditional breakfast in Chiguata (costs extra)
• Lunch in Chiguata after the hot springs (costs extra)

You’ll likely want water as well, and you should keep some cash or card handy for meals and entry fees. Also remember that the Salinas reservation entry fee is not included, and the hot springs entry fee is also not included. The good news is that the trip price covers the core experience: transport, guide, and the planned stops.

Price and Value: Is $49 a Good Deal?

At $49 per person, the headline price is reasonable for a full-day tour that includes:

• round-trip transportation from Arequipa
• hotel pickup in Arequipa city center
• an English and Spanish-speaking guide

For value, I look at what’s included versus what you’ll likely pay anyway. Here, meals and reservation/hot springs fees are extra. That means your total day cost will be higher than the $49 number on its own.

Still, you’re paying to avoid the hardest part of planning: figuring out reliable transport to high-altitude stops, coordinating timing, and having a guide to explain what you’re seeing. When you combine that with the fact that the lagoon time is short but packed with major viewpoints, the overall structure feels like a solid bargain for most people who want the highlights without the stress.

If you’re traveling on a strict budget, you’ll want to choose either to bring your own snacks or budget for the optional breakfast and lunch. If you’re more flexible, treat the meals as part of the local experience and enjoy Chiguata’s food breaks.

Altitude Reality Check: How to Prevent Headaches

Let’s talk about the elephant in the Andes. You’ll be exposed to high altitude at:

• Alto Simbral: about 4200 m
• Salinas Lagoon: about 4300 m

One key lesson from the experiences people share is this: if you aren’t prepared, headaches can show up fast. Some people felt rough because altitude wasn’t clearly flagged early enough.

So here’s what you should do:

• Take it slow on the first walk after arrival points. Don’t sprint for the best photo spot.
• Hydrate. Cold, dry air can make you feel worse quickly.
• Dress in layers so you can manage body temperature as you move between sun and wind.
• Plan your energy. If you feel off, cut back on extra stops and prioritize the lagoon’s main photo moment.

If you have a history of altitude sickness, it’s worth asking a clinician ahead of time about prevention options. This is one of those destinations where “I’ll tough it out” can turn into a miserable day.

Photography, Wildlife, and How to Make the Most of Limited Lagoon Time

With only 1 to 1.5 hours at the lagoon, you’ll get more out of your photos if you have a simple plan. I suggest:

• Start with a wide shot showing the lagoon and volcanoes together.
• Then switch to tighter compositions for flamingos and reflective water areas.
• Save your best “wait for the moment” time for when the guide points out wildlife.

A guide like Herbert is especially helpful in practice because he’s known for being friendly, passionate about the region, and happy to take photos for people. Even if your guide isn’t the same person, expect a guide to help with orientation and spotting.

For wildlife, keep your eyes moving. High-altitude areas can make animals hard to spot if you’re looking only at the center of the lake. In the wider area, people have reported seeing llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas (which is a nice bonus if you want more than just flamingos).

Getting Dropped Back Near Plaza de Armas (and What to Expect at Day’s End)

The day doesn’t end with the hot springs. After soaking, you’ll head back to Chiguata for lunch, then make the return trip to Arequipa. You’ll arrive in the evening and be dropped off near Plaza de Armas.

That drop-off detail matters. It helps you plan dinner without needing extra transport across the city at night. Just remember that this is a long day and you’ll likely be tired from the altitude and the early start.

Should You Book This Salinas Lagoon and Lojen Hot Springs Day Trip?

I’d book this if you want an efficient way to see the big hitters near Arequipa: Salinas Lagoon’s high-salt scenery, volcano backdrops, flamingos, and a real hot-springs soak to close the day. The guide-driven stops (Mirador de los Volcanes, Chiguata’s main square, Alto Simbral’s plant viewing) make it feel like a full experience rather than a single long drive to one viewpoint.

You might skip it (or rethink timing) if you’re very altitude-sensitive or if you hate tight windows. The lagoon time is limited, and if you’re a slow wander type, you may leave wanting more.

If you do book, go in prepared: pack swimwear and a towel, layer up for changing temperatures, and treat altitude like it matters. With that mindset, the day feels like a compact Andean adventure—scenic, scenic, and then warm.

FAQ

How long is the Salinas Lagoon and Hot Springs full-day trip?

The duration is listed as 12 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll need to check availability.

What does the $49 price include?

It includes hotel pickup in Arequipa city center, transportation, and an English and Spanish-speaking guide.

Are meals included?

No. Breakfast and lunch are optional and meals are not included.

Is the Salinas reservation entry fee included?

No. The Salinas reservation entry fee is not included.

Do I need to pay for the hot springs?

Yes. Hot springs entry fees are not included (they’re optional).

Where do you go first and what stops are included?

You’ll be picked up in Arequipa, then you’ll visit Mirador de los Volcanes, Chiguata’s main square (holy spirit church area), Alto Simbral (4200 m), Salinas Lagoon, and finally Lojen Hot Springs.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

You Might Also Enjoy

2-Day Tour in Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu from CuscoMachu Picchu in 1 Day from CuscoFrom Cusco: Mountain of colors and red valley on ATVsThe First Class Machu Picchu Train by Inca Rail