Imata Stone Forest
Explore a surreal stone forest and high-altitude salt flats teeming with wildlife near Arequipa, Peru.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for mirror effect
Imata Stone Forest
Best Time
Best chance for mirror effect
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a surreal stone forest and high-altitude salt flats teeming with wildlife near Arequipa, Peru.
"A fantastic high altitude lake near Arequipa with stunning views and abundant wildlife."
💧 Hydrate for Altitude
Drink plenty of water and consider coca tea to combat altitude sickness. Locals swear by it!
🥾 Waterproof Footwear Needed
Wear waterproof shoes for walking on the muddy salt flats to get closer to flamingos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Imata Stone Forest
A surreal landscape of towering volcanic rock formations sculpted by nature over millennia. Truly a forest made of stone!
Laguna de Salinas
A high-altitude salt flat and lake, famous for its mirror-like reflections and abundant wildlife, especially flamingos.
Los Pillones Waterfall
Witness powerful cascades carving intricate patterns into ancient rocks, a breathtaking display of nature's artistry.
Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, and flamingos in their natural high-altitude habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Altitude Awareness is Key
Best Time for Mirror Effects
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Hydrate for Altitude
Drink plenty of water and consider coca tea to combat altitude sickness. Locals swear by it!
🥾 Waterproof Footwear Needed
Wear waterproof shoes for walking on the muddy salt flats to get closer to flamingos.
📸 Camera Ready!
The 'mirror effect' at Laguna de Salinas offers incredible photo opportunities.
🧥 Dress in Layers
High altitude means unpredictable weather. Pack layers for warmth and sun protection.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Hydrate for Altitude
Drink plenty of water and consider coca tea to combat altitude sickness. Locals swear by it!
🥾 Waterproof Footwear Needed
Wear waterproof shoes for walking on the muddy salt flats to get closer to flamingos.
📸 Camera Ready!
The 'mirror effect' at Laguna de Salinas offers incredible photo opportunities.
🧥 Dress in Layers
High altitude means unpredictable weather. Pack layers for warmth and sun protection.
🚗 Dusty Roads Ahead
Be prepared for a bumpy, dusty ride on the way to the reserve.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of the Imata Stone Forest and the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, particularly the unique 'mirror effect' at Laguna de Salinas and the abundant wildlife. The high altitude and dusty roads are noted challenges, but most agree the breathtaking scenery and animal encounters make the trip well worth the effort.
"Fantastic high altitude lake near Arequipa. We did a tour that included stops to see the 3 big volcanoes surrounding the city, some cuddle time with alpacas and llamas, a stop on the lake bed for pictures and a 4900m geyser and hot spring dip.
A great experience and so many alpacas, llamas and wild vicuñas"
Alan Price
"Joined with a tour company near Arms square, left hotel around 6 am and got here before 10 am. Amazing place to visit although had some altitude sickness, only me, no one else in the group. The guide helped with the flour water, poured to the palms and quickly smell it, works. We had an hour and half to be here. You can have kayak here as well. It has toilets and a few stalls selling stuff, didn't get the chance to have a look. 6 sol to enter."
shelly
"High altitude plateau with stunning views of surrounding mountains and volcanoes. I saw wild vicuñas and flamingoes! Beware that it was difficult to get there, it took a 1 hour drive through a dusty road with many twists and turns on the edge of a ravine."
Romain Marquer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Imata Stone Forest is typically visited as part of a day tour from Arequipa, often combined with Los Pillones Waterfall. Tours usually depart early morning and involve a drive of a few hours. Some tours might use dusty, unpaved roads, so be prepared for a bumpy ride.
While independent travel is possible, it's challenging due to the remote location and road conditions. Most visitors opt for organized tours from Arequipa, which provide transportation and often a guide. +1
The journey to the Imata Stone Forest and surrounding areas typically takes around 2 to 3 hours from Arequipa, depending on the specific tour itinerary and stops. +1
Public transportation directly to the Imata Stone Forest or the heart of the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve is very limited. Organized tours are the most practical and recommended way to visit.
The drive can be quite scenic but also involves dusty and winding roads, especially as you ascend in altitude. Some sections might be on the edge of ravines.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Imata Stone Forest itself doesn't typically have a separate entrance fee. However, access is usually part of a tour package that covers the broader Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve.
Tour prices can vary, but many TikTok videos mention prices around S/80 soles for a full-day tour, often including transportation and a guide. It's advisable to check current prices with tour operators in Arequipa's Plaza de Armas. +1
It's recommended to book your tour in advance, especially during peak season or if you have specific dates in mind. You can often book tours the day before or even on the same day from agencies in Arequipa. +1
Some reviews mention a small entrance fee of around 6 soles for the Laguna de Salinas area, which is often included in tour prices.
For most tourist visits via organized tours, specific permits are not required as they are handled by the tour operators. The reserve is managed by SERNANP (National Service of Natural Protected Areas).
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You have a great chance to spot vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, and various species of flamingos, especially at Laguna de Salinas. +1
During the rainy season (Jan-Mar), shallow water on the salt flats creates a stunning reflection of the sky and surrounding landscape, resembling a giant mirror. +1
The Imata Stone Forest is more for exploration and photography of the unique rock formations. Hiking is more prominent around Los Pillones Waterfall, which can be a bit challenging. 
There are basic facilities including toilets and a few stalls selling souvenirs or snacks. Kayaking might also be available.
A full-day tour usually allocates about 1 to 1.5 hours at Laguna de Salinas and similar time for exploring the Imata Stone Forest and Los Pillones Waterfall, with stops for photos and wildlife viewing.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Laguna de Salinas offers incredible opportunities for reflection photography, especially during the rainy season. The Imata Stone Forest provides unique compositions with its rock formations, and the volcanic landscapes offer panoramic shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes and reflections. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a polarizing filter for enhancing sky and water colors.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light and dramatic skies. The 'golden hour' can be magical for capturing the Stone Forest and the salt flats.
Shoot when the water is calm and the sky is clear or has interesting clouds. Getting low to the ground can enhance the reflection.
Drone usage might be restricted within national reserves. It's best to check with your tour operator or local authorities before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Opt for tours that are not overly strenuous. The Laguna de Salinas with its mirror effect and the unique rock formations of the Stone Forest are visually captivating for all ages. Pack plenty of snacks and be prepared for a long day, as tours often start early. Consider bringing a small first-aid kit for any minor scrapes.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife. A polarizing filter can enhance the vibrant colors of the sky and water. Be prepared for changing light conditions and varying terrain. Consider a tripod for low-light shots or capturing the mirror effect perfectly.
⛰️ Adventure Seekers
Exploring the Imata Stone Forest feels like an expedition into an alien landscape. The high-altitude environment itself adds an element of adventure. Be sure to wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots as parts of the terrain can be muddy or uneven, especially around the salt flats.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Marvels: Imata Stone Forest
+1Exploring the Stone Forest involves walking amongst these natural monoliths. The scale can be deceptive, with some formations appearing smaller from a distance but revealing their grandeur up close. It's a place that encourages quiet contemplation and appreciation for the slow, powerful forces of nature. Many find it to be a highlight of any Arequipa excursion, offering a stark contrast to the city's colonial architecture.
While not a strenuous hike, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The terrain can be uneven in places. The sheer visual impact of the Stone Forest makes it a photographer's dream, with endless angles and textures to capture.
Laguna de Salinas: A High-Altitude Oasis
The reserve is a crucial habitat for a variety of wildlife. Visitors frequently report seeing flamingos, vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas. The chance to observe these animals in their natural, rugged environment is a significant draw. The high altitude (around 4,300 meters or 14,100 feet) contributes to the unique ecosystem and the stark beauty of the landscape.
Accessing the lakebed can involve walking on muddy terrain, so waterproof footwear is essential. The journey to the reserve itself can be an adventure, often involving dusty, unpaved roads. Despite the challenging access, the stunning scenery and wildlife encounters make it a highly rewarding destination.
Adventure Beyond the City: Los Pillones Waterfall
+1The area around Los Pillones offers opportunities for trekking and adventure. While the path might be a bit challenging, the reward is a beautiful, clean waterfall in a relatively secluded spot. It’s a great destination for those who enjoy a bit of physical activity combined with stunning natural scenery.
Combining a visit to Los Pillones with the Stone Forest and Laguna de Salinas provides a comprehensive experience of the natural diversity surrounding Arequipa. It showcases the region's volcanic origins, water-carved landscapes, and unique high-altitude ecosystems.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit