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Salinas y Aguada Blanca

The aim of the National Reserve is to preserve the natural and landscape riches of the area, protecting the habitats of animals such as the vicuña, taruca, Chilean flamingo, Andean flamingo and James flamingo and plants such as the Polylepis forests (Queñuales). The majestic volcanoes of Ubinas, Pichupichu, Misti and Chachani in the south-west and the snow-capped mountains of Chuccura and Huarancante in the north tower over Andean plateaus dotted with lakes and wetlands. By storing precipitation as rain, snow and hail, this area becomes an important water reservoir, especially for the city of Arequipa.

Geographical location

35 km northeast of Arequipa.

Altitude

Altitudes from 2800 to 6050 m with an average altitude of 4300 m. The highest peaks are the volcanoes Misti (5825 m), Chachani (6075 m) and Pichu Pichu (5664 m).

Extension

366.936 ha.

Climate:

The average annual temperature varies between 2 °C and 8 °C with lows down to –10 °C and highs up to 15 °C. Rainfall between 200 mm and 519 mm, often in the months of January to March, less from April to December. Relative humidity around 50%. 

Foto: ANDINA.

 

Travel programs:

PTW-AQP004

Colca valley

2 days / 1 night

Drive from Arequipa through «Pampa Cañahuas», «Sumbay», «Vizcachani», «Chukura» and «Parapampa» to «Chivay». Overnight in Chivay. Observation of the condors and the Colca Valley from the Cruz del Condor viewpoint. Return to Arequipa or continue to Puno.

 

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