Cejar Lagoon, Eyes of the Salt Flat and Tebinquinche Lagoon

Experience the Salt Flats: Cejar Lagoon, Eyes of the Salt Flat, and Tebinquinche Lagoon

Thinking about a day immersed in some of the most breathtaking landscapes northern Chile has to offer? This 4-hour tour offers a glimpse into the surreal beauty of the Salar de Atacama, with stops at the iconic Cejar Lagoon, the Eyes of the Salt Flat, and the Tebinquinche Lagoon. For $68 per person, you’ll get a well-balanced mix of scenic views, unique natural phenomena, and chances to observe flamingos in their natural habitat—all with the comfort of bilingual guides and small group sizes.

What we especially love about this experience are two things: first, the opportunity to float effortlessly in the salt lakes, a sensation unlike any other, and second, the chance to witness flamingos feeding in the wild. These moments make the tour memorable and great for photography. On the flip side, a consideration is that the entrance fees are extra, which means you’ll pay approximately $15 for Cejar Lagoon and $5 for Tebinquinche on top of the tour price. Still, the overall value for such a spectacular landscape is hard to beat. This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy natural beauty, unique experiences like floating in saltwater, and don’t mind the extra fees and the sometimes busy nature of popular spots.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Stunning landscapes of the Salar de Atacama, including salt flats, lakes, and volcano views
• Floating experience at Laguna Cejar, perfect for a fun, unusual activity
• Wildlife spotting opportunities, especially flamingos at Tebinquinche Lagoon
• Comfort and convenience with bilingual guides, transportation, and facilities
• Extra costs for entrance fees should be kept in mind when planning the budget
• This tour fits best for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and those seeking an authentic desert adventure

A Close Look at the Tour Experience

What’s Included and How It Works

For $68, this shared transportation tour covers pick-up and drop-off in the city center, with a small group limited to 10 participants. You’ll enjoy the company of a bilingual guide who speaks both Spanish and English, making the experience accessible and informative. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, and you’ll need to check availability for the specific starting times.

While the price covers transportation and guiding, entrance fees are separate: about US$15 for Laguna Cejar, US$10 for seniors**, and US$5 for children**. The Tebinquinche Lagoon costs roughly $5 per person. Including these fees, the total cost is still quite reasonable considering the high-quality scenery and activities.

Itinerary Breakdown

Our journey begins at Laguna Cejar and Laguna Piedra. These two lagoons are the most iconic stops, known for their turquoise waters that starkly contrast against the yellow and green grasses surrounding them. The combination of lush grasslands with volcanic backdrops makes for some stunning photo opportunities. Here, we loved the way the salt-encrusted shores and mountain views created a picture-perfect scene.

At Cejar Lagoon, the highlight is the floating sensation—thanks to the high salinity, you can effortlessly stay afloat, often with a grin on your face. Facilities with changing rooms and showers are available, so you can rinse off the salt and change comfortably afterward. One review mentioned, “The floating effect in Cejar was both funny and surreal. We felt like human corks in the water.”

Next, the tour visits the Ojos del Salar, two natural freshwater wells in the desert. These are less crowded and give insight into the geological complexity of the salt flats. It’s a peaceful spot where you might notice the clear, pure water contrasting sharply with the salty surroundings.

The highlight for many is the Tebinquinche Lagoon. Surrounded by trails, this lagoon offers breathtaking panoramic views of the salt flat extending into the horizon. If luck is on your side, you’ll observe flamingos feeding—a truly special sight. Several reviews highlighted the spectacular scenery: “Watching flamingos against the salt flats at sunset was one of the most beautiful moments of our trip.”

More Great Tours Nearby

Transportation and Group Experience

The small group size guarantees more personalized attention from the guide, and the shared transport keeps costs manageable. Expect a comfortable ride with scenic commentary along the way, making the journey part of the adventure rather than just transportation.

The Value Factor

While the $68 cost for a 4-hour tour sounds modest, remember that entrance fees are additional. When factoring in those, the total price is close to $80. Considering the inclusion of a bilingual guide, transportation, and the chance to see flamingos and float in saltwater, the experience offers excellent value. Travelers consistently appreciated the well-organized itinerary and the informative guides who made the trip engaging.

Authenticity and Practical Tips

You’ll want to bring sun protection—hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen—since the desert sun can be intense. Wearing swimsuits and bringing towels is advisable for the lagoon stops. Many travelers mention the salt residue can be a bit challenging; hence, rinsing facilities are a plus, but packing a change of clothes is smart.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for nature lovers and photographers eager to capture the unique salt flat scenery. It also suits adventure seekers curious about the sensation of floating on saltwater. If you enjoy observing wildlife in natural settings, the flamingos at Tebinquinche will be a highlight. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a short but impactful excursion from San Pedro de Atacama.

Final Thoughts

This tour strikes a fine balance between spectacular scenery, authentic natural experiences, and practical convenience. The chance to float in the salt lakes, combined with the opportunity to see flamingos and enjoy panoramic desert vistas, makes it a memorable outing. The modest extra cost for entrance fees is well justified by the quality of the sites visited and the expert guidance provided.

If you’re after a visual feast and a unique experience in the Atacama Desert, this tour delivers. It’s especially suited for those who want a manageable half-day trip that packs in the highlights without the crowds of busier sites.

FAQ: Your Questions About the Cejar Lagoon and Salt Flat Tour

Is transportation included in the price?
Yes, the tour includes shared transportation with pick-up and drop-off in the city center, making it convenient and comfortable.

How long does the trip last?
The tour runs for approximately 4 hours, with specific starting times available depending on the day.

Are guides bilingual?
Absolutely, guides speak both Spanish and English to ensure clear explanations and ease of communication.

What’s the cost for entrance fees?
Entrance to Laguna Cejar costs about US$15 for adults, US$10 for seniors, and US$5 for children. Tebinquinche Lagoon’s entry fee is roughly US$5 per person.

Can I float in the lagoons?
Yes, Laguna Cejar is famous for its floatation effect due to the high salt content, which allows you to effortlessly stay afloat.

Are facilities available?
Yes, changing rooms and showers are provided at Cejar Lagoon, so you can rinse off the salt afterward.

Is there wildlife to see?
Yes, especially at Tebinquinche Lagoon, where flamingos sometimes feed, offering excellent photo opportunities.

What should I bring?
Sun protection, swimsuit, towel, water, and possibly a camera with a zoom lens for wildlife and landscape shots.

Is this suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves some walking trails and getting in and out of lagoons, so it might not be ideal for all mobility levels.

How do I book last-minute?
Contact the tour provider via email to check availability before booking, especially for last-minute plans.

In wrapping up, this tour offers a compact, beautiful, and memorable taste of the Atacama’s salt flats. Whether you’re floating in Cejar, gazing at flamingos, or soaking in the sweeping desert vistas, it’s a journey that will stay with you long after you’ve left the salt behind.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby