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Natural area · Chivay, Arequipa
Reserva Nacional de Salinas y Aguada Blanca
Protected area of 366,936 hectares of Andean high plains between Arequipa and the Colca, with vicunas, llamas, alpacas and flamingo lagoons, crossed by the road to Chivay.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Reserva Nacional de Salinas y Aguada Blanca
The Reserva Nacional de Salinas y Aguada Blanca was created in 1979 and protects about 366,936 hectares of Andean high plains north and east of Arequipa, between the volcanoes Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu. The landscape is puna, the hard-tussock grassland above 3,800 meters, with lagoons, volcanoes and few people. The road from Arequipa to Chivay crosses the reserve.
The most visited stretch is the Pampa Cañahuas, where herds of vicunas often graze near the road. The vicuna, the wild relative of the llama, has the finest wool in the Andes and is protected by law. Further on you see llamas and alpacas raised by local families, and in the lagoons and wet areas, such as the bofedales, Andean birds are common. At the Laguna de Salinas, a saline lagoon farther south, flamingos gather during part of the year.
At the northern limit of the route, the Patapampa viewpoint, at almost 4,900 meters, is the highest point on the road. From there you can see a row of volcanoes, including Ampato, Sabancaya and Hualca Hualca, and visitors leave small piles of stones, apachetas, as offerings.
Colca tours stop in the reserve on the way. At altitude, get out of the car slowly and bring warm clothes: the wind is cold year-round.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes to 1 hour at the Pampa Cañahuas and Patapampa stops on the way to Chivay.
Best time
In the morning, on the route from Arequipa to the Colca, when vicunas tend to graze near the road. In the dry season, from May to November, the clear skies show the volcanoes best.
How to get there
The road from Arequipa to Chivay crosses the reserve. Pampa Cañahuas is about 90 km from Arequipa and 70 km from Chivay, and the Patapampa viewpoint about 20 km from Chivay. Agency tours and regular buses stop at both points.
Tip
Ask the driver to stop at Pampa Cañahuas and observe the vicunas without getting too close. At Patapampa, get out of the car slowly and don't run: the air has much less oxygen at almost 4,900 meters.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Reserva Nacional de Salinas y Aguada Blanca
Where to see vicunas on the way to the Colca?
At Pampa Cañahuas, inside the Reserva Nacional de Salinas y Aguada Blanca, where herds of vicunas often graze near the road.
What is the altitude of Patapampa?
Almost 4,900 meters, the highest point on the road between Arequipa and Chivay. Get out of the car slowly and avoid exertion.
What's the difference between vicuna, llama and alpaca?
The vicuna is wild, small and has very fine wool; it is protected by law. The llama, larger, is used as a pack animal, and the alpaca is raised for its wool. The latter two are domesticated.