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Discover the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve on a full-day tour from Arequipa. See llamas, vicuñas, and alpacas, relax in hot springs, and make your own chocolate bar in a workshop.

Highlights

• Marvel at the stunning landscapes of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve
• See llamas, vicuñas, alpacas, and guanacos in their natural habitat
• Visit the Laguna de las Salinas and capture breathtaking photos
• Relax in the warm waters of the Lojen Hot Springs
• Learn to make your own chocolate bar in a hands-on workshop

Description

Begin your day with a pickup from your meeting point in Arequipa. Head to a volcano viewpoint, where you can see the three main volcanoes of Arequipa: Chachani, Misti, and Pichu Pichu. Continue to the district of Chiguata, where you can explore its church and main square. Take a break to enjoy breakfast before entering the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve. Admire the local flora and observe camelid species in their natural habitat, including llamas, vicuñas, alpacas, and guanacos. Next, visit the Salinas Lagoon (4300 m.a.s.l.), which during the rainy season forms impressive water mirrors, an excellent opportunity to take stunning photos and observe the salt flat. You will also have the chance to spot birds such as flamingos and parihuanas. Continue to the Lojen Hot Springs, where the naturally warm waters are perfect for a relaxing bath. The place also has changing rooms for your comfort. A few steps away, you will find the Mini Volcano Lojen. Return to Arequipa, stopping at a rural restaurant to enjoy a delicious lunch. Finally, arrive in the city at approximately 5:00 PM. In the evening, discover the soul of Chuncho cacao in a hands-on sensory workshop that connects flavor, culture, and sustainability. Guided by experts, explore all stages of the journey from tree to bar, starting with fresh cacao fruit and ending with a fine chocolate bar. Along the way, smell, touch, and taste cacao in its many forms: fruit, beans, paste, and chocolate with different percentages. Take on the role of a chocolatier and learn to temper and make your own chocolate bar. Customize it with a wide variety of ingredients, from uchuva and quinoa to roasted sacha inchi, Mara salt, tarwi, cañihua, kiwicha, and other local fruits and seeds. This workshop goes beyond flavor. Each bite tells the story of the producing communities of Ivochote, Quillabamba, and Cusco, whose traditions, languages, and agricultural methods are preserved through cacao. By participating, you support sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and small Peruvian farmers while creating a chocolate bar that is uniquely yours.

Includes

Pick-up from Arequipa Breakfast Visit to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve Visit to the Laguna de las Salinas Visit to the Termas de Lojen Lunch Live tour guide

Important Information

• The tour starts early in the morning, so be prepared for an early start. The altitude can affect some people, so it's important to be aware of altitude sickness symptoms. Bring warm clothing as temperatures can be low, especially in the morning and at high altitudes.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund