The road from Arequipa to Puno (about 295 km, 5 hours without stops) crosses the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve and climbs above 4,500 m. By bus you just watch it go by; with a private transfer you can stop wherever you like.
Stops we love
- Mirador de los Volcanes — views of Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu.
- Pampa Cañahuas — wild vicuñas grazing next to the road.
- Lagunillas — high-altitude lagoons with flamingos and Andean birds.
- Andean villages — a coffee break, alpaca textiles and a chance to stretch your legs.
Good to know
- Bring warm layers, sunscreen and water: the altiplano is cold and the sun is strong.
- With stops, plan 6 to 7 hours door to door.
- Combine it with the Colca Canyon: Arequipa → Colca → Puno is one of the best road trips in Peru.