San Pedro de Atacama: Cejar Lagoon

Quick Overview

This 5-hour tour in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, costs $59 per person and offers a chance to experience some of the most impressive natural salt formations and lagoons in the region. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll visit Laguna Cejar, famous for its buoyant saline waters, explore the Ojos del Salar, and relax at Laguna Tebenquiche during sunset.

What we love about this tour is how it combines the thrill of floating in salt-rich waters—something you can’t find elsewhere—with spectacular desert scenery. The tour also offers a chance to appreciate the delicate ecosystems of these salt flats and lakes, all while enjoying a relaxed pace and beautiful sunset views.

One thing to keep in mind is that entrance fees to the parks are not included in the price, so you should budget for that separately. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a combination of fun, nature, and stunning vistas in a manageable timeframe. It’s perfect if you’re looking for an authentic and memorable desert adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Unique floating experience: Salt-rich waters of Laguna Cejar allow you to effortlessly float without effort.
• Stunning scenery: Enjoy clear turquoise waters with the backdrop of the Andes and Licancabur volcano.
• Ecological interest: Visit Ojos del Salar, two freshwater ponds in the middle of salt flats, home to tiny microorganisms.
• Cultural and natural harmony: End the day at Laguna Tebenquiche with a sunset cocktail, taking in extraordinary mountain reflections.
• Local infrastructure: Changing rooms and showers at Laguna Piedra make salt removal easier.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or reserve now and pay later.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

When planning a visit to the Atacama, most travelers look for sights that are both visually impressive and different from typical landscapes. This tour captures that perfectly, starting with Laguna Cejar, often called the “floating lagoon.” Its high salt content makes it impossible to sink, so you’ll find yourself effortlessly bobbing on the water’s surface, much like the Dead Sea but with fewer crowds and more stunning scenery. As you float, you’ll have views of the Licancabur volcano and the Andes, creating a striking contrast of lush natural beauty and stark desert.

One review highlights the feeling: “We loved the way we could just relax and float effortlessly, surrounded by such vivid blue waters and towering mountains. It really is unlike anything else.” The experience is both relaxing and fun, especially if you enjoy natural wonders that make you feel like you’re in a different world.

Next, the tour visits Laguna Piedra, which, with its greenish-yellow hues and surrounding salt flats, offers a different, more mystical setting. The floating effect here is similar to that at Cejar, but the landscape around it is more surreal, with vibrant patches of color that stand out against the white salt. Facilities like changing rooms and showers make it easier to clean off the salt—something many travelers appreciate after a salty dip.

An interesting stop is Ojos del Salar, two freshwater ponds amid the salt flats. While swimming isn’t permitted, the small pools are fascinating because they contain tiny yokes and algae, creating a very special ecosystem. It’s a chance to see nature’s resilience firsthand—how life persists even in the most extreme environments.

The tour culminates at Laguna Tebenquiche, a salt lake renowned for its reflective surface that mirrors the mountains and sky. This spot is especially magical during sunset, when the light turns the landscape into a canvas of oranges and pinks. The included sunset cocktail is a thoughtful touch, giving you time to soak in the views and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Throughout the tour, the guides are attentive, sharing insights into the geology and ecology of the salt flats, making the experience both visually stunning and educational. The transportation is comfortable, and the group size remains manageable, ensuring you’re not just a number but part of a friendly group sharing this remarkable journey.

Why It’s Worth the Price

At $59, this tour offers excellent value considering the diversity of sights and the quality of experience. The inclusions—transport, guide, and sunset cocktail—add to the value since local park entrance fees are extra. The relaxed pace and beautiful settings make it worthwhile, especially for those wanting a short but impactful taste of the Atacama’s salt flats.

The tour’s balance of adventure and relaxation appeals to travelers who want to enjoy nature without strenuous hiking or long hours. Plus, the opportunity to float effortlessly in saline waters is genuinely unique—something that will linger in your memory long after you leave.

The Itinerary in Detail

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Laguna Cejar

Starting at the main highlight, Laguna Cejar, we find ourselves in a salt lake that’s as vibrant as a gemstone. The high salinity allows for unusual buoyancy—you can just lie back and float, which delights almost everyone. The views of Licancabur volcano and the surrounding desert make this spot a postcard picture. We found the experience to be both serene and surreal, especially when trying to stand or walk, only to realize salt crystals make it slippery and fun.

Laguna Piedra

Next comes Laguna Piedra, a smaller, less crowded lagoon. Surrounded by salt and mineral deposits, its waters are tinged greenish and yellow, creating a mystical, almost alien landscape. The floating here is similar, and it’s a good spot to relax and enjoy the quiet. The facilities help manage salt crusts and salt-sticky clothes, making the experience more comfortable.

Ojos del Salar

The two freshwater ponds, called Ojos del Salar, are fascinating because they are home to tiny aquatic life. While swimming isn’t allowed, getting close to these quiet pools offers a chance to observe nature’s adaptability. Tiny algae and microorganisms thrive here, and the experience reminds us how life persists in extreme conditions.

Laguna Tebenquiche

Finally, the reflections at Laguna Tebenquiche are stunning, especially at sunset. Its white salt surface reflects the mountain range beautifully, creating perfect mirror images. Many visitors describe this as the highlight of the day, especially with the addition of a refreshing cocktail to toast the spectacular views. The ecosystem here is protected, emphasizing the fragile beauty of this environment.

Practical Considerations

• Transport and Group Size: The tour includes comfortable transportation, making logistics easy. The group size is capped to maintain a personal experience.
• Duration and Timing: Lasting about 5 hours, you should check the availability for specific start times. This makes it suitable for a half-day outing.
• Cost and Inclusions: For $59, you get transportation, a guide, and a sunset cocktail. Entrance fees to the parks are not included, so remember to budget for this.
• Weather and Clothing: Expect warm desert conditions, so wear comfortable, breathable clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bringing a towel or change of clothes for after salt removal is recommended.
• Accessibility: Facilities like showers and changing rooms at Laguna Piedra improve convenience, though overall accessibility details aren’t specified.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers wanting a quick yet memorable highlight of the Atacama. It appeals to those who enjoy natural landscapes and fun water experiences without strenuous activity. If you love stunning vistas, unique ecosystems, and striking salt flats, this tour will suit you well.

Final Thoughts

This San Pedro de Atacama tour offers a beautiful balance of natural beauty, fun, and cultural curiosity. Floating in Laguna Cejar alone will be an experience worth remembering, but the added stops at Laguna Piedra, Ojos del Salar, and Laguna Tebenquiche make it a well-rounded exploration of the region’s otherworldly salt landscapes.

While the price is modest, the value lies in the quality of scenery and the unique opportunity to connect with the environment in a way few other places allow. It’s a great choice for those seeking an authentic, relaxing, and visually stunning desert adventure.

FAQ

Is the park entrance fee included in the price?
No, the entrance fee to the parks is paid separately, so plan accordingly.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 5 hours, but check specific start times when booking.

What should I wear?
Light, breathable clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel or change of clothes for after salt removal.

Can I swim in Laguna Cejar?
While swimming isn’t typically permitted, floating in the saline waters is the main attraction.

Are there facilities at the lagoons?
Yes, Laguna Piedra has changing rooms and showers, which are helpful after salt contact.

What makes this tour special?
The floating experience in high-salinity waters combined with breathtaking desert scenery and sunset views.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but keep in mind the salt and floating experience is best suited for those comfortable in water.

What is the best time of day for this tour?
Late afternoon to catch the sunset at Laguna Tebenquiche is highly recommended.

Will I see wildlife?
You might see some small microorganisms and algae, especially at Ojos del Salar.

How do I book?
Through the provided link or local tour operators, with options to reserve and pay later.

This tour offers a singular chance to see the most striking salt flat landscapes in San Pedro de Atacama without a lengthy or strenuous outing. Whether you’re looking for fun, stunning photo ops, or a peaceful moment amid nature, it delivers a memorable slice of desert life.

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