CEJAR LAGOON, SALT FLAT EYES AND TEBINQUINCHE LAGOON

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

If you’re headed to San Pedro de Atacama and craving a mix of surreal landscapes, this 4-hour tour offers a compelling glimpse into the salt flats and lagoons that make this region so extraordinary. For around $59, you’ll visit some of the most striking spots: Laguna Cejar, Laguna Piedra, Ojos del Salar, and Tebinquinche Lagoon. Guided by bilingual experts, these visits promise an unforgettable combination of floating experiences, vast desert vistas, and peaceful walks.

What we especially loved about this tour is how accessible it makes these otherworldly landscapes. The floating effect at Laguna Cejar is both fun and unique — it’s like experiencing the Dead Sea without leaving South America. Plus, the walk along Tebinquinche Lagoon’s shores offers a peaceful moment where the sky seems to melt into the salt flats. One small consideration is the entrance fees—these are not included in the tour price, so you’ll want to bring extra Chilean pesos. This tour suits travelers eager to explore the natural wonders of the Atacama but who prefer a manageable, half-day adventure with comfortable transport.

This experience is ideal for those who want a taste of the desert’s most iconic sights without a full-day commitment, especially if you’re traveling with family or prefer guided tours that handle logistics. It’s also perfect for photographers eager to capture the contrasting colors of green grass, turquoise waters, and white salt flats, all framed by distant volcanoes.

Key Points

• Accessible Highlights: Focuses on major salt flat lagoons, including Laguna Cejar and Tebinquinche, making it easy to see the region’s highlights in a short time.
• Floating at Laguna Cejar: A standout experience where salt concentration creates a buoyant, relaxing float—similar to the Dead Sea but in a more manageable setting.
• Scenic Walks: The walk along Tebinquinche Lagoon offers sweeping views and a sense of serenity, with the landscape blending sky, salt, and desert.
• Bilingual Guides: Guides speak both Spanish and English, ensuring clear explanations and engaging commentary for diverse travelers.
• Transportation & Convenience: Shared transport with pickup and drop-off in San Pedro de Atacama makes logistics simple.
• Cost & Entry Fees: Entrance fees for lagoons are additional, so budget accordingly for a smooth experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour

Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins with a pickup at your San Pedro de Atacama hotel or designated meeting point. From there, we travel in a shared vehicle through the stark but beautiful landscape of the Atacama. Our first stops are Laguna Cejar and Laguna Piedra—two of the most famous lagoons in the region. Surrounded by patches of yellow and green grass, these lagoons stand out vividly against the ochre desert. Laguna Cejar is known for its high salt content and buoyancy, so expect to float effortlessly — a bit like being in an earthly Jacuzzi.

We loved the way the guides explained the science behind the floating phenomenon, making the experience more meaningful. You’ll find changing rooms and showers available here, so you can rinse off the salt and change comfortably. The water’s turquoise hue, contrasted with the desert surroundings, makes this spot perfect for photos.

Next, we visit Ojos del Salar, two freshwater pools amid the salt flats. These are less crowded, offering a quiet place to take in the stark beauty of the desert and reflect on how such deep pools manage to stay fresh in this salty environment. The pools are quite deep, and the contrast of clear water against the white salt crusts is striking.

Finally, the tour heads to Laguna Tebinquinche, a large, picturesque lagoon where we take a walk along a designated trail. The view from here is breathtaking: the sky seems to stretch endlessly and merge with the salt flats and desert horizon. Many reviews highlight the serenity and expansive vistas, describing it as “a place where the sky feels close enough to touch.”

What Makes This Tour Special

One of the main attractions is the floating experience at Laguna Cejar. As one reviewer put it, “It’s like a giant salt bath, and it’s so funny to see others trying to stand or swim in it without sinking.” The fact that you can comfortably rinse off afterward with provided showers makes it more convenient.

The walking around Tebinquinche Lagoon offers a different kind of appeal — wide-open, peaceful, and photogenic. Travelers have commented on the “magnificent views where the sky merges with the salt,” which is a classic Atacama moment.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour lasts about 4 hours, making it suitable for travelers with tight schedules or those who want a taste of the salt flats without a full-day commitment. It includes pick-up and drop-off, shared transportation, and a bilingual guide, which enhances the overall experience.

However, the entrance fees for Laguna Cejar (CLP$15,000) and Tebinquinche Lagoon (CLP$5,000) are additional costs to consider. These are paid directly at each site, so bringing extra cash is advisable. The tour price of $59 per person is quite reasonable when you consider the inclusion of transportation and guide service.

Some travelers mentioned that the group size can vary but tends to be manageable, and guides are often engaging and informative. Given the natural beauty and the convenience, many feel this tour offers excellent value for the price.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

Travelers who appreciate striking landscapes and don’t mind a bit of salt and water will find this tour rewarding. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want a condensed yet immersive experience of the salt flats. Families with children often enjoy the floating lagoon, and photophiles will love the variety of vibrant colors and expansive vistas.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to some of the most iconic salt flat sights near San Pedro de Atacama. For a modest price, you get access to floating lagoons, scenic walks, and beautiful desert scenery, all with the convenience of guided transport. It’s best suited for travelers seeking a manageable, engaging way to experience the region’s natural wonders without a full-day commitment.

If you’re after an activity that combines fun, relaxation, and stunning vistas, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially ideal if you want to avoid the crowds and have a chance to enjoy the tranquility of the salt flats in a comfortable setting.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children often enjoy the floating lagoon experience and the scenic walk at Tebinquinche Lagoon.

How much do the entrance fees cost?
The entrance to Laguna Cejar costs CLP$15,000 for adults, with discounts for seniors, and CLP$5,000 for Tebinquinche Lagoon.

What should I bring on the tour?
Extra Chilean pesos for entrance fees, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, towel, and perhaps a change of clothes for after the lagoon swims.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking at Tebinquinche Lagoon and changing at Laguna Cejar, so it might require some mobility; check with the provider for specific concerns.

How long does the floating experience last?
You can float in Laguna Cejar for as long as you like during your visit; the overall stop usually lasts around an hour.

Will I get wet or salty?
Yes, the lagoon water is salty and can be sticky; showers are available to rinse off afterward.

What is the quality of the guides?
Guides are bilingual and generally praised for their helpfulness and knowledge about the region.

Are the transportation and logistics comfortable?
Yes, the shared transport is comfortable and convenient, with pickup and drop-off in San Pedro de Atacama.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the scheduled time, offering flexibility.

Is this tour good if I want to avoid crowds?
It tends to be less crowded than full-day excursions, especially at Tebinquinche, making it a good choice for a quieter experience.

This Salt Flats tour offers a wonderful snapshot of the Atacama’s most mesmerizing sights, perfect for those who value natural beauty, ease of access, and authentic moments in an extraordinary landscape.

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