The National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca was established on August 9, 1979 through Law (D.S.) N 070-79-AA, located in the departments of Arequipa, Caylloma and General Sánchez Cerro. It has a surface of 366,936 hectares.

In this reserve there are lakes, volcanoes and high mountains such as Misti (5821 m), Chachani (5075 m) and Pichupichu (5440 m). The reserve also counts on typical species such as the Yareta (Azorella sp.) the queñual (Polylepis sp.) and the keapo (Parastrephia lepidophyla), used by the population as fuel.

In this area live different types of mammals and birds for example: the Taruca (Hippocamelus antisensis), the wolf (Pseudalopex culpaeus) and the vicuna (Vicugna vicugna). The most attractive places to observe the birds and flamingoes are the Laguna de Salinas and Laguna del Indio. We can find vicunas in Pampa Cañahuas and Tocra, and the Colca canyon in the province of Caylloma. The goals of this Reserve are to protect the wild flora and fauna of the region.