We’ll pick you up from your hotel in Arequipa (2,335 m a.s.l.) and take you by tourist vehicle to the village of Chiguata, the first stop on your journey to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve and your connection to Puno.

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A long and exciting excursion deserves a delicious local breakfast in Chiguata, a district in the province of Arequipa known for the Parish of the Holy Spirit. This 16th-century church was built using sillar, a white volcanic stone that’s iconic in Arequipa’s architecture.

After breakfast, you’ll take a short 15-minute walk to El Alto de Chiguata Viewpoint, the first tourist stop on your tour.

Imagine starting your travel day by gazing at the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu—the majestic trio of volcanoes rising on the Arequipa horizon. Sounds extraordinary, doesn’t it? That’s exactly what you’ll see from this viewpoint, located at 2,300 m.a.s.l.

But that’s not all. You’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the Andean landscape that awaits you throughout the tour, fuelling your excitement to explore Salinas Lagoon.

Full of energy, you’ll hop back into the tourist vehicle and continue the itinerary. Your next stop: a forest of queñual trees and yaretas.

Watched over by Pichu Pichu volcano, this queñual forest forms a unique Andean ecosystem. It is home to various species of flora and fauna that are threatened or endangered, such as the taruca (Andean deer) and the queñual bird.

These high-altitude trees—scientifically named Polylepis besseri—can live for over 200 years and grow up to 20 metres tall. Adapted to the harsh climate of the Andes and Altiplano, the queñual is vital to the water cycle.

Spanning approximately 4,500 hectares, the forest is part of reforestation projects aimed at protecting this species. Unfortunately, intensive grazing and bush burning are putting the queñua at risk.

At 3,500 m.a.s.l., you’ll also encounter another emblematic species of the Andes and Altiplano: the yareta. Due to its extremely slow growth, researchers believe this plant may live for hundreds, possibly even thousands, of years.

Known as Azorella compacta, the yareta grows over rocks, gradually covering them with its tiny leaves that form cushion-like mats—making it easy to identify.

Traditionally, yareta has been used as a natural medicine and even as fuel for cooking. Unfortunately, these qualities have led to overharvesting, putting this valuable species in danger.

Once you finish exploring the forest, you’ll return to the vehicle. It’s time to visit the star of the tour: Salinas Lagoon.

A natural mirror of 6,200 hectares on the Altiplano. A mirror that reflects the sky and surrounding mountains. But this mirror isn’t made of glass—it’s the still, pristine surface of a lagoon located 4,300 m.a.s.l., within a national reserve.

Get your camera ready to capture that magical mirror effect, along with images of the many species that inhabit the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve.

The lagoon and surrounding wetlands are home to three species of Andean flamingos (parihuanas). During the rainy season (October to March), around 21,000 flamingos gather in the area. It’s a breathtaking sight.

You’ll also spot llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas. The latter are sheared during the traditional chaccu ceremony, which takes place near the lagoon and helps protect this valuable animal, prized for its fine fibre.

From January to March, the conditions are ideal for witnessing the mirror effect and photographing the flamingos. From April to December, we’ll visit the salt extraction centres, where you’ll learn about ancient techniques dating back to pre-Hispanic times.

Now it’s time to return to the vehicle and head towards your next destination: the Lojen Hot Springs.

It’s time to unwind in the warm and healing waters of Lojen. With a temperature ranging between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius, these thermal baths originate from rainwater and snowmelt that seep into the high Andean soil.

Once underground, the water is naturally heated by geothermal formations and the presence of the small Lojen volcano. The result of this fascinating process is something you’ll get to fully enjoy during your visit.

Before continuing with the tour, it’s worth knowing that the curative properties of the Lojen waters come from the minerals they contain—calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and chlorine.

Right then, let’s hop back into our vehicle and head to Patahuasi.

From spotting wildlife and soaking in hot springs to enjoying a hearty local lunch in Patahuasi (4020 m.a.s.l.), this is a moment to sit back and savour the experience. Vegetarian options are available, and don’t forget to browse the local handicrafts—a great way to support the local economy.

Patahuasi is a strategic stop on the Arequipa–Puno route. Its population, primarily Quechua, maintains strong cultural traditions and agricultural practices that are perfectly adapted to the region’s harsh climate.

This area is, in fact, considered the coldest in the Arequipa region. In winter, temperatures can plummet to –18°C, so make sure to pack warm clothing in your backpack to stay comfortable.

No matter the weather, the panoramic views from the Patahuasi viewpoint are truly spectacular. From here, you’ll be able to admire the snow-capped peaks of Ampato, Sabancaya, Hualca Hualca, Mismi, and the mountains of the Chila range.

After lunch, we’ll head off once again, this time to the viewpoint overlooking Lagunillas Lagoon.

Welcome to the Puno region, where your travel experience continues in Lagunillas (Santa Lucía district, Lampa province). This beautiful lagoon features four small islands and is known for its lush vegetation and diverse wildlife.

Stretching 18.6 kilometres in length and 5.8 kilometres in width, Lagunillas (4179 m.a.s.l.) is home to flamingos, ducks, and even the giant Titicaca frog. Among the native flora, the Andean queñua trees and tall grasslands dominate the landscape.

We’ll drop you off at your hotel in Puno (3827 m.a.s.l.), the capital of the region of the same name. The Titicaca lake and its islands are the star attractions of this destination, known as the cradle of the Incas and the folklore capital of Peru.