CEJAR LAGOON, SALT EYES AND TEBINQUINCHE LAGOON

CEJAR LAGOON, SALT EYES AND TEBINQUINCHE LAGOON: A Deep Dive into the Atacama’s Salt Flat Wonders

When you think of the Atacama Desert, images of stark landscapes, towering volcanoes, and vast salt flats probably come to mind. This particular tour hits some of the most visually stunning spots within Chile’s largest salt flat, the Salar de Atacama. For $59 per person, you’ll explore Laguna Cejar, Laguna Piedra, Ojos del Salar, and Laguna Tebinquinche over about four hours. It’s a compact experience that packs in floating in salt-rich waters, breathtaking desert scenery, and a chance to walk through landscapes that look almost too surreal to be real.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines unique natural swimming experiences—thanks to the high salt content—and spectacular panoramic views of volcanoes and desert. Plus, the walk around Tebinquinche Lagoon offers an excellent opportunity to appreciate the horizon where sky and salt meet. On the downside, the tour’s schedule is flexible but may shift by an hour depending on lighting conditions, which might affect your plans for the day.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a short but visually intense outing, especially those interested in floating in saltwater or seeing prominent salt flats and desert lakes. It’s suitable even if you’re not an avid hiker, as most activities involve minimal physical effort but plenty of stunning photo opportunities.

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Key Points

• Location: Within the Salar de Atacama, featuring multiple lagoons and salt flats.
• Highlights: Laguna Cejar, Piedra Lagoon, Ojos del Salar, and Laguna Tebinquinche.
• Experience: Floating in salt-rich waters and walking through desert landscapes.
• Duration & Cost: About 4 hours at $59 per person, with flexible start times.
• Guide & Transport: Bilingual guides (Spanish and English) and shared transportation included.
• Entrance Fees: Not included—expect to pay for Laguna Cejar and Tebinquinche entries separately.

Exploring the Wonders of Salar de Atacama

The Journey Begins: Laguna Cejar and Piedra Lagoon

The tour kicks off at the famous Laguna Cejar, which is arguably the star attraction. This lagoon’s high salt content allows you to float effortlessly—no swimming skills required. We loved the way the water’s buoyancy makes you feel weightless, reminiscent of the Dead Sea but with fewer crowds and a more rugged setting. The water is turquoise, contrasting beautifully with the yellow and green grasses that border the lagoon, creating a landscape that’s equally suited to stunning photos and quiet reflection.

Nearby, Laguna Piedra shares similar salty qualities but is distinguished by its colorful mineral deposits along the shoreline. Here, you can dunk in the water or just walk along the shoreline, taking in the scenery of volcanoes looming in the distance. It’s a good spot to relax, change into dry clothes, and rinse off some of the salt—so bring your swimsuit and towel.

The Salt Eyes: Ojos del Salar

Next, the tour takes you to the Ojos del Salar, which translates to “Eyes of the Salt.” These are two deep freshwater wells that provide a striking contrast to the surrounding salt flats. They lend an almost alien quality to the landscape—two dark pools amid the white salt crust, offering a glimpse into the subterranean freshwater sources that sustain this arid environment. This stop offers great photo opportunities and a moment to appreciate how water shapes even the harshest landscapes.

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Tebinquinche Lagoon: Desert’s Edge and Sky Merging

The final stop is the Laguna Tebinquinche, a vast, shallow lake fringed with salt and desert. We loved the walk along its path, which reveals a panoramic view where the sky seems to melt into the salt flats. On a clear day, you can see the horizon where desert meets the sky, creating a dazzling sense of space. The lagoon’s tranquil waters and expansive views make it a perfect spot to reflect on the day’s sights.

What to Expect: Practical Details and Tips

This tour is designed to be efficient and engaging. The transportation is shared, which keeps costs reasonable but means the group might be a bit larger—good for social travelers, less so for those seeking solitude. Guides are bilingual, fluent in Spanish and English, providing context and answering questions along the way, which enhances the experience.

The entry fees to Laguna Cejar and Tebinquinche are not included in the ticket price. For Laguna Cejar, expect to pay around CLP$15,000 for adults, with discounts for seniors and children, and CLP$5,000 for Tebinquinche. These are paid directly at each site, so factor that into your budget.

The duration is approximately four hours. Keep in mind that start and end times can shift by up to an hour depending on light conditions, which is typical in remote desert environments. This flexibility helps ensure the best lighting for photos but might require some patience.

What to Bring

• Swimsuit and towel for the salt lagoons
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Hat for sun protection
• Water and snacks (though not included)
• Dry clothes for changing after salt baths
• Camera or smartphone for photographs

Considerations

While the tour offers plenty of spectacular sights, it’s worth noting that it’s quite shallow in physical activity. If you’re looking for hikes or more active exploration, this brief tour might not satisfy that craving. Also, since the entry fees are separate, budget accordingly.

Authenticity and Overall Value

This tour provides a solid introduction to the salt flats and desert lagoons of the Atacama. For $59, you gain access to some of the most photogenic and surreal spots. The floating experience at Laguna Cejar is a real highlight, especially if you’re keen to try something different from the usual swimming pools or beaches.

Many travelers appreciate the well-organized logistics and bilingual guides that help elevate what could otherwise be a confusing or confusingly timed outing. “We loved the way the guide explained the geology and history; it made the landscape even more fascinating,” one reviewer noted.

The disadvantages are mainly related to costs outside the tour price—the separate entry fees can add up—and the possibility of schedule shifts. However, these are minor inconveniences in exchange for the chance to see some of the most iconic salt flats and lagoons in Chile.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a short, visually stunning outing that combines floatation in mineral-rich waters with spectacular desert scenery. It suits visitors with a moderate budget who don’t mind paying extra for entry fees and those who prefer guided, no-hassle logistics. Since the tour is bilingual, language is not a barrier, making it accessible for international visitors.

It’s a great choice for photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone curious about the geological marvels of the Atacama. If you’re short on time but eager to witness some of the most eye-catching landscapes the desert has to offer, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts about four hours, but start and end times may shift by up to an hour depending on lighting and other logistical factors.

How much does the tour cost?
The ticket is $59 per person, but note that additional entrance fees are payable on-site for Laguna Cejar and Tebinquinche.

Are transportation and guides included?
Yes, shared transportation and a bilingual guide (Spanish and English) are included.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, water, and dry clothes for changing after salt baths.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, the stops involve minimal physical effort, making it suitable for most ages, provided they can handle some salt contact and walking.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Will I have time to swim or take photos?
Yes, there’s plenty of time at Laguna Cejar and Piedra Lagoon for swimming and photography.

Is the order of the stops fixed?
The itinerary might change on the day of the tour, and the order of visits is subject to weather and light conditions.

What’s the best time of day for the tour?
While the schedule can vary, most tours aim for times when lighting is best for photography, typically morning or late afternoon.

This Salt Flat adventure offers a remarkable mix of natural beauty, relaxing saltwater floating, and desert vistas. Perfect for those eager to tick off one of the most iconic Chilean landscapes, it combines value, scenery, and a bit of that otherworldly charm the Atacama is famous for.

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