Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve
Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve
About: The Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve has lakes, extensive grasslands, and Polylepis forests in the backdrop of grazing vicuñas, flamingos, volcanoes, and spectacular snow-capped peaks. The reserve is populated by thirteen native communities and small private landowners. This article was originally published at Avian Report.Address: It is very close to the city of Arequipa between the departments of Arequipa and Moquegua and covers an area of 366.936 hectares (906.719 acres). See on the map below.
Biodiversity: 158 (?) Hours and Fees: There is no established schedule or entry fee because it is entered through the public thoroughfare. It is recommended to visit from 5 am to 17 hours. Photography: The marshes, lagoons, wetlands, volcanoes, wildlife in open landscapes provide excellent opportunities for photography. Contacts: Headquarters: Telephone: +51 54 257461. Email: rnsalinasyaguadablanca@sernanp.gob.pe
http://http://www.sernanp.gob.pe/ 
Click to rate Salinas and Aguada
.......Blanca National Reserve Bird & Wildlife Observation:
.....Easy (?)
No wheelchair Access (?)
Adequate for Families
Activities
Bird-Watching Photography Hiking Camping Wildlife Observation Camping Cycling Sport Fishing
Features
Signposted Trails Interpretation Center Ranger Stations Viewpoints Camping AreasHabitats
Puna Grasslands and Polylepis Forest
The Polylepis forests are forest formations that grow well above the line of normal trees, to elevations up to more than 5000 meters (16.304 feet). Polylepis trees are usually twisted and short. These woods are frequently surrounded by high-Andean grasslands. Puna Grasslands are above 3.500 meters. Mostly, Puna Grasslands are dry pastures, but they vary in floristic composition, from pure pastures to pastures and mixed shrubs.
Freshwater and Alkaline Lagoons
Lagoons refer to bodies of water with a varying amount of emergent vegetation. Some have emergent vegetation along the edges and some have none at all particularly in high altitude lagoons. Some lakes and lagoons contain either alkaline or salty water permanently or seasonally. Flamingos and other birds rely heavily on invertebrates in alkaline lagoons to complete their life cycles. Photo: Pedro Allasi.
Andean Scrub
The montane arid scrubland is structurally and floristically variable. In general, it is composed of a variety of plant communities that include shrub vegetation, scrub, small trees, cactus and wooded formations. Photo: Alfredo Begazo.
Peat Bogs
Peat Bogs are areas in the high Andes of poorly drained soils that contain water almost constantly, even during long droughts in regions where they occur. Soils at a peat bog usually contain a layer of organic material called peat. Some Andean birds are strongly associated with this habitat and their geographical distributions are largely reflected in the occurrence of peat bogs.
Site Photos
1. View of the interpretation center of the reserve in the area of TOCRA. 2. Informative panels within the reserve. 3. South American camelids grazing in high-Andean grasslands. 4. Girl in traditional dress. See more photos >>
Map of Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve
Explore layers (click on
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Click on the red icons on the map to locate the points of interest within the reserve.
Visit Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve
The Salinas-Aguada Blanca National Reserve has volcanoes, Puna grasslands, Andean scrub, Polylepis forests, peat bogs, and freshwater and alkaline lagoons. Vicuñas, Guanacos, Tarucas, flamingos and a variety of endemic and migratory birds are found in these habitats. The reserve was created in August 1979 with the purpose of protecting essential habitats for Vicuña populations as well as tarucas, and flamingos. The reserve now also protects lagoons, peat bogs, and wetlands essential for the capture and regulation of the hydrologic cycle of the Chili River basin, which is the main water provider in the city of Arequipa and surrounding areas.Physical description
The Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve covers an area of 366.936 hectares (906.719 acres) at altitudinal ranges ranging from 3.500 – 6.075 meters or 11.483 – 19.931 feet above sea level. The dominant ecosystem is Puna Grasslands. There are also freshwater and alkaline lagoons and peat bogs, some of which have been designated as Ramsar sites. Andean scrub and stands of Polylepis forests are found on the slopes and ravines in a more localized manner. Paved and dirt roads cross the reserve connecting the most important ecosystems and places of interest as well as native communities that live within the reserve. There is an interpretation center in Tocra and checkpoints in Salinas-Huito, Cañahuas, and Patahuasi. These points are also used as viewpoints. See the map. In general, the region is characterized by sunny days and cold nights. Average annual temperatures vary between-2 °-8 °c or 28 °-46 °f, but may fall to a minimum of-20 °c or-4 °f and reach a maximum of 15 °c or 59 °c.Plan your visit
The Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve is adjacent to the city of Arequipa, which is used as the base for planning your visit to the reserve. The highways from Arequipa to Juliaca and from Arequipa to Puno cross the reserve and connect points of interest. Popular routes include:- Route 1. Arequipa – Chiguata – Salinas huito – Salinas Moche – San Juan de Tarucani. Buses leave from 6 am from the place called Alto Jesus (Paucarpata).
- Route 2. Arequipa – Cabrerias – Pampa Matacaballo – Pampa Blanca – Patahuasi.
- Route 3. Arequipa – Pampa Cañahuas – Imata – Laguna del Indio y Dique de los Españoles. Board buses to Puno-Juliaca from ground terminal (Terminal Terrestre).
- Ruta 4. Arequipa – Pampa Cañahuas- Viscachani – Laguna Jancoccota – Tocra- Chucura –Mirador de los Volcanes. Board buses that go to the Colca Canyon from Terminal Terrestre. For all routes it is recommended to use private transport or to take services of tour operators.
Where to eat/Where to Stay
There are small local restaurants and stores in the villages and communities along the recommended routes. It is recommended to pack your own food for the duration of your visit to the reserve. There are no hotels or visitors ' hostels in the reserve or at the park ranger stations. There is basic lodging in the village of Imata. You can camp at various points of the reserve, but given the cold nights and winds, it is recommended to return to the city. One possibility is to coordinate with the locals to be able to stay in their homes. The reserve is very close to the city of Arequipa where there is plenty of lodging and places to eat.When to visit
The best season to visit the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve It is during the months of April-September. This constitutes the dry season. The least recommended season includes the months of December-March Which corresponds to the rainy season. It is estimated that 65% of the annual rainfall falls during the months of February and March.How to get there
To get to Arequipa, the base to explore the reserve, you can take a flight from Lima, Cuzco and other parts of Peru. Alternatively, you can use public or private land transportation. Points of interest within the reserve can be visited using public transportation (see Plan your visit) or take tours that cover pre-established routes.What to do/Where to go there
Most visitors to the reserve cover the recommended routes above. Others only visit the reserve by stopping at the Tocra Interpretation Centre on the way to the Colca Valley. Some of the most popular activities in the reserve include:- Walk or hike to the top of the volcanoes Misti, Chachani or Pichupichu.
- Hike from the village of Chiguata to the Salinas-Huito lagoon.
- Visit the caves with cave art of Sumbay.
- Visit the Stone Forest of Puruña.
- Visit the pause Falls, Rascals, and the Paccha.
- Cycling on certain routes.
- Sport fishing, which requires coordination with respect to the season and places where this activity is allowed.
Where to watch birds
Birdwatching becomes more popular year after year and the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve has a lot to offer. Perhaps the greatest attraction for birdwatchers and photographers is the Salinas Lagoon where you can see the three species of flamingos such as the Chilean flamingo, James (or the Puna) Flamingo, and Andean Flamingo. The best time to observe the three flamingo species are the months of January, February and March. Other Andean lagoons, such as El Indio, Jancoccota and Chaquiccocha have resident and migratory birds including the Yellow-billed Pintail, Puna Teal, Crested Duck, Andean Avocet, Andean and Giant Coots, and Puna Plover. The Polylepis forests of El Simbral, El Rayo, Tuctumpaya, and Cacayaco and Andean scrub of Cabrerias, Chiguata, and Pampa de Arrieros support endemic and southern Peru specialties such as Black Metaltail, Andean Hillstar, Tamarugo Conebill, Giant Conebill, Thick-billed Siskin, the Puna Canastero. Mixed scrub with rocks is the ideal habitat for the White-throated Earthcreeper, Straight-billed Earthcreeper, Creamy-breasted Canastero, Giant Hummingbird, and Black-hooded Sierra-Finch. The peat bogs of San Juan de Tarucani, Tocra, Viscachani, Chalhuanca attract Puna Ground-Tyrant, Rufous-naped Ground-Tyrant, and the enigmatic Diademed Sandpiper-Plover. The Puna grasslands constitute the habitat for the Ornate Tinamou, Rufous-bellied and Gray-breasted Seedsnipes, the Golden-spotted Ground-Dove, the Elusive Cordilleran Canastero, Andean Swallow, and Puna Yellowfinch. At any of these habitats keep an eye open to the sky for the possibility of an Andean Condor, Variable Hawk, or a Mountain Caracara. The bird lists (above) provide an account of the bird recorded at each of these sites.Where to observe mammals
Vicuñas are the most emblematic mammal and it is estimated that there are more than 12.000 individuals within the reserve. The Pampa Blanca area is recommended for vicuña sightings. The routes to ascent to the summit of the Misti and Ubinas volcanoes are very good for the sightings of vicuñas, guanacos, and tarucas. Alpacas and llamas are common throughout the reserve.What to wear and bring
Prepare for cold temperatures especially at dusk and night. Keep in mind that the average annual temperatures are between-2 and 8 degrees. In winter they can reach-20 degrees during the night. Although the days are very sunny, don't forget your warm clothes. Comfortable shoes or light walking equipment would be adequate to explore the reserve. Don't forget a photo camera to make your own photographic collection of flora, fauna, and Andean landscapes.Safety
It is important to have gradual acclimatization when arriving in Arequipa since the reserve is at more than 3500 meters above sea level. If you are not adapted to these altitudes it is advisable to carry an oxygen kit, to drink infusions based on coca leaves, or to carry pills for altitude sickness.
References:
- Bofedales y Laguna de Salinas | Ramsar Sites Information Service". rsis.ramsar.org.
- Plan Maestro de la Reserva Nacional de Salinas y Aguada Blanca 2006-2011 (PDF) (in Spanish). SERNANP. 2006.
This article was originally published at Avian Report https://www.avianreport.com/salinas-and-aguada-blanca-national-reserve/
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