Short Trips from Arequipa

Reserva Nacional Salinas y Aguada Blanca. Herds of beige-and-white vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas graze together on the sparse plant life in the midst of the open fields that encompass this vast nature reserve of dessert, grass, and lakes. Wear good walking shoes for the uneven terrain and bring binoculars. Also bring a hat, sunscreen, and a warm jacket, as the park sits at a crisp 3,900 meters (12,800 feet). The reserve is 35 km (22 mi) north of Arequipa, just beyond El Misti. If you're headed to Colca Canyon from Arequipa, you have to pass through the reserve to get there.

Yura. About a half-hour drive from Arequipa, this serene little town is settled in the western foothills of the Volcán Chachani. Take the road 27 km (17 mi) farther to reach the famous thermal baths where you can take a dip in naturally heated water that ranges from 70 to 82°F. You can soak in any weather and enjoy a picnic along the river in summertime. If you don't bring your own food, you can lunch at the Hotel Libertador. Admission to the hot springs is S/10, and they're open daily from 6 am sunrise until 3 pm. From San Juan de Dios, you can catch buses to Yura for S/3.