Tour Laguna Cejar

If you’re heading to San Pedro de Atacama, a visit to Laguna Cejar offers a truly unique experience. For just $51 per person, this 5-hour tour takes you through some of the most captivating salt flats and lagoons in northern Chile. Led by knowledgeable guides who speak Spanish, English, and Portuguese, you’ll travel in comfort from your meeting point at Tocopilla 418 to witness one of the most surreal natural sights in the desert.

What we love about this experience is the chance to float effortlessly in the salty waters—something reminiscent of the Dead Sea—and the stunning scenery of salt flats and distant volcanoes that surrounds the lagoon. Plus, the opportunity to relax on the shores and watch a breathtaking sunset makes it a well-rounded, restorative outing.

A possible consideration is that you’ll need to pay entrance fees separately — CLP $15,000 for Laguna Cejar and CLP $5,000 for Laguna Tebenquiche — and these aren’t included in the tour price. This means you should budget accordingly. The tour is best suited for those who enjoy natural beauty, are comfortable with a moderate amount of walking, and prefer guided experiences that balance adventure with relaxation.

This tour appeals most to travelers looking for an easy, scenic escape that combines natural wonder with a relaxed pace. If you’re eager to see striking salt flats and enjoy the desert’s tranquility, Laguna Cejar is a perfect choice.

Key Points

• Stunning Floating Experience: The high salt content makes floating effortless and fun.
• Breathtaking Scenery: Surreal salt flats and distant volcanoes create unforgettable views.
• Guided Tour: Led by multilingual guides, ensuring clear explanations and safety.
• Flexible Itinerary: Stops for photos, sightseeing, and relaxing at the lagoons.
• Additional Costs: Entrance tickets are paid separately, so plan accordingly.
• Comfortable Transportation: Shared transport from and back to San Pedro de Atacama makes logistics simple.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Laguna Cejar: What You Can Expect

A visit to Laguna Cejar is unlike anything else you’ll experience in the Atacama. From the moment your journey begins at Tocopilla 418, the anticipation builds. The roughly 70-minute bus ride takes you through the stark, beautiful desert landscape. Along the way, your guides—fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese—share insights into the geology and environment of the salt flats, adding context to the spectacular scenery.

First Stop: Laguna Cejar

This is the highlight of the tour. As you arrive, the visual contrast is immediately striking. The crystal-clear waters shimmer under the bright desert sun, reflecting the sky and surrounding salt flats. The surface looks like a giant mirror, and the salt-encrusted shores add to the scene’s surreal quality.

What makes this spot particularly special is the floatation experience. Thanks to the extremely high salt concentration, you don’t need to swim to stay afloat; just gently lean back and you’ll find yourself effortlessly bobbing in the water. Several travelers have noted how relaxing and unusual this feels—”It’s like being in outer space,” one visitor commented.

While floating, you’ll love the panoramic views of salt flats stretching to distant volcanoes. The white salt crust contrasts vividly with the deep blue of the lagoon, creating a scene that sticks in your memory. You’re encouraged to take plenty of photos, and there’s time for a guided walk along the shore to explore the salt formations and learn about how these landscapes are shaped.

Optional Stops and Free Time

The tour includes free time to simply float, relax, and enjoy the scenery. Many visitors mention how calming this part of the trip is, offering a perfect break from more strenuous activities. Guides often point out the Eyes of the Salt Flat, a striking natural feature you might want to photograph or just marvel at from afar.

Scenic Drive and Viewpoints

After leaving Laguna Cejar, the scenic drive takes you past other notable sites. You’ll make a couple of viewpoint stops—each about an hour long—that include photo opportunities and brief guided visits. These are excellent spots to absorb the vastness of the desert landscape and appreciate the distant volcanic peaks.

One viewpoint offers a self-guided experience with enough time for a quick walk and some photos. The guide will provide safety instructions and highlight the natural features, but the real reward here is the uninterrupted views.

More Great Tours Nearby

Sunset and Reflection

As the tour winds down, you’ll arrive at a vantage point just in time for the sunset. Watching the sky shift into hues of pink, orange, and purple over the salt flats is a truly mesmerizing experience. Several reviews mention how peaceful and inspiring this moment is—perfect for some memorable photos or simply soaking in the magic of the desert.

Return Journey

After sunset, the bus takes you back to the starting point in Tocopilla, completing a journey that balances adventure, relaxation, and awe-inspiring scenery. The whole trip lasts about 5 hours, making it an ideal half-day activity for those looking to add a touch of wonder without overextending.

The Practical Details

Transportation is shared but comfortable, with guides who speak multiple languages, making communication easy. The tour begins at 9 am or as per availability, so check in advance for your preferred time slot. The inclusion of a snack and the convenience of pickup and drop-off at the meeting point at Tocopilla 418 add to the overall value.

Entrance Fees and Additional Costs

It’s important to remember that entrance tickets to Laguna Cejar and Laguna Tebenquiche are not included in the $51 price. The fee for Laguna Cejar is CLP $15,000, and for Tebenquiche, CLP $5,000. These are paid separately, so budget for them if you want to visit both lagoons.

Accessibility and Suitability

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible for travelers with mobility challenges. However, it is not suitable for children under 5 years old. Travelers should bring essentials like sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and warm clothing for the cooler parts of the day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re looking for a relaxing yet visually stunning activity that combines natural beauty with gentle adventure, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for nature lovers, families with older children, or anyone wanting a memorable experience of the desert’s saltwater marvels.

While it’s not overly strenuous, it does involve some walking and time in the water, so those who prefer a more passive experience will find it ideal. If you’re keen on photography, the viewpoints and floating lagoon provide incredible photo opportunities.

This tour offers great value for the price, especially considering the scenic drive, guided explanations, and the chance to float in such a unique environment. Just keep in mind the extra cost for entrance tickets, and plan your budget accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Laguna Cejar offers a glimpse into the strange beauty of the Atacama’s salt flats. The sensation of floating effortlessly while surrounded by spectacular desert vistas makes this a highlight for many travelers. The guided format, scenic stops, and sunset views add layers of richness to the experience, making it more than just a quick dip.

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape, a photo adventure, or simply want to stand in a saltwater lagoon that feels like a different world, this tour delivers. It’s an accessible, well-organized way to enjoy some of the most striking natural sights in northern Chile.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own flotation devices?
No, the high salt content in Laguna Cejar means you won’t need any additional flotation devices. Just bring your sense of adventure and a towel.

Are the entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, you will need to pay separately for entrance tickets—CLP $15,000 for Laguna Cejar and CLP $5,000 for Laguna Tebenquiche.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It is not recommended for children under 5 years old. The activity involves water and walking, which might not be suitable for very young children.

What should I wear?
Bring weather-appropriate clothing, sunglasses, a hat, and a scarf for sun protection. A swimsuit and towel are necessary for the lagoon, and a warm layer for the cooler parts after sunset.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience spans about 5 hours, including transportation, stops, and time at the lagoons.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility challenges?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check specific needs with the provider in advance.

What’s the best time to see the sunset?
The tour includes a sunset stop, typically around late afternoon, when the sky begins to change colors—perfect for photography and soaking in the landscape’s beauty.

In sum, this Laguna Cejar tour combines natural wonder, relaxation, and stunning scenery into a well-organized half-day trip. Perfect for those seeking a memorable, photogenic experience that captures the essence of the Atacama Desert’s salt flats.

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