Tour to Laguna Cejar, Ojos del Salar and Laguna Tebinquiche

Imagine stepping into a landscape that feels like another planet — vast salt flats, shimmering lagoons, and surreal reflections. For $90 per person, this tour to Laguna Cejar, Ojos del Salar, and Laguna Tebinquiche offers roughly four and a half hours of eye-popping scenery, guided commentary, and a few memorable moments like floating in saltier-than-dead-sea waters. Led by friendly guides like David, this experience starts with hotel pickup in San Pedro de Atacama, making it straightforward and convenient for travelers staying nearby.

What we really love about this tour is how each stop feels like a different facet of the desert’s beauty. First, floating in the Cejar Lagoon — a salt lake so buoyant that you can relax without effort — is a highlight. Then, wandering among the Ojos del Salar, two circular lagoons set amid the salt flat, offers both a sense of scale and a quiet, contemplative vibe. Finally, the Laguna Tebinquiche with its perfect mountain reflection creates a picture-perfect ending. Plus, the chance to sip a pisco sour and hear stories from the guide adds a warm, local touch to an otherwise stark landscape.

A possible downside is that some travelers find the Laguna Cejar itself underwhelming, describing the lagoons as small and not quite worth the price. Others mention logistical hiccups, such as a lack of communication or missing amenities like the promised cocktail. If you’re expecting a full-on adventure or a high-energy activity, this tour is more about relaxed sightseeing and taking in the views than adrenaline or extensive exploration. It suits those who appreciate natural beauty but aren’t necessarily looking for a wilderness trek. This tour works best for travelers wanting a manageable, well-organized experience with enough time to enjoy the scenery and learn some stories along the way.

Key Points

• Stunning Salt Flats and Lagoons: The landscape is breathtaking, especially the Laguna Tebinquiche’s reflection of the mountain range.
• Buoyant Lagoon Swim: Floating in Laguna Cejar is a fun and unique experience that feels like a mini Dead Sea moment.
• Guided Stories and Local Flavor: The guide shares local legends and stories, adding depth to the scenery.
• Convenient Pickup and Drop-off: Hotel pickups make it easy to join without extra hassle.
• Short and Manageable Duration: About four and a half hours, ideal for a half-day outing.
• Mixed Reviews on Attraction Value: Some find the lagoons small or underwhelming, but most enjoy the views and experience.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Overall Logistics

This tour kicks off with hotel pickup around 2:30 pm, which means you’ll be able to relax and avoid the hassle of finding a meeting point. The small group size—capped at 12 travelers—provides a more intimate experience and personalized attention from the guide, which many travelers appreciate. The cost of $90 includes all entrance tickets, so no surprise expenses at each stop.

First Stop: Laguna Cejar and Piedra Lagoon

We begin at Laguna Cejar, a well-known attraction for its floating properties. The water here is richer in salt than the Dead Sea, making floating effortless. Many people enjoy paddling and taking photos, but some reviews suggest the lagoon’s size can be a downside. A traveler mentioned that while swimming in Laguna Cejar was a “novelty,” it may not be worth the full tour price if you’re expecting a large, natural swimming experience.

The nearby Piedra Lagoon, formed from the salt flat brine, offers similar floating fun in a more serene setting. Expect about an hour here, with time to relax and snap some pictures of the bright, salt-encrusted scenery. Since the admission is included, this stop feels like good value, though some might find the lagoons themselves smaller than anticipated.

Second Stop: Ojos del Salar

Next, you’re taken to Los Ojos del Salar, two circular lagoons situated amid the salt flats. Their unusual shape and central location make them a striking photo opportunity. The silence around this part of the salt flat, broken only by the occasional bird or breeze, adds a meditative quality. Reviews highlight that this stop is one of the most visually memorable, though some note it’s more about the view than activities.

Final Stop: Laguna Tebinquiche

The last site, Laguna Tebinquiche, is perhaps the most captivating. Its still waters reflect the surrounding volcanoes and mountain range, creating a mirror-like effect that’s hard to match elsewhere. Visitors often spend extra moments soaking in the scenery and snapping photos.

After this, everyone gathers for snacks and cocktails, including the popular pisco sour. The guide shares stories and legends, enriching the experience with local flavor. This convivial ending makes the tour feel complete, blending natural wonder with cultural insight.

Overall Value and Experience

While some reviews mention issues like the lack of air conditioning in the vehicle or missing the promised cocktail, most travelers find the overall experience enjoyable, especially given the included tickets and small group size. The tour’s value lies in the combination of scenic stops, guided storytelling, and the convenience of pickup and drop-off.

What the Tour Does Well

• Spectacular scenery at each stop, especially the reflective lagoon.
• Ease of participation, with hotel pickup and all tickets included.
• Knowledgeable guides who share local stories, making the landscape come alive.
• The chance to float in saltier-than-dead-sea waters — a fun, memorable activity.

Things to Consider

• The size of the lagoons may disappoint some, especially if expecting large, swimming-friendly lakes.
• Logistical hiccups, like communication issues or missing amenities, have been reported.
• The timing is quite specific — starting at 2:30 pm — so plan your day accordingly.
• The limited duration means you won’t spend hours exploring each site; it’s a quick but scenic overview.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to see iconic salt flats and lagoons without a strenuous hike. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed, guided experience with storytelling and photo opportunities. Those interested in floating in salty waters or capturing reflective landscapes will especially enjoy it. However, if you’re after a more expansive or adventure-filled trip, you might find this tour a bit limited.

Final Thoughts

This Laguna Cejar, Ojos del Salar, and Laguna Tebinquiche tour offers a compact, scenic glimpse into one of the world’s most surreal landscapes. It balances natural beauty, cultural stories, and comfort, making it a strong choice for those who value ease and memorable views. While it’s not a full-day adventure or a wilderness trek, it hits the highlights with style and charm.

For anyone visiting San Pedro de Atacama with limited time, or those looking for a relaxed introduction to the salt flats, this tour delivers on its promise of stunning vistas and enjoyable experiences. Just be prepared for some small lagoons and a few logistical quirks, and you’ll likely leave with plenty of pictures and stories to share.

FAQ

What is included in the price of $90?
All entrance tickets for the lagoons and salt flats are included, along with hotel pickup and drop-off. Snacks and a cocktail are also part of the experience.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 2:30 pm and ending with snacks and drinks.

Is this a small-group tour?
Yes, a maximum of 12 travelers ensures a more personal experience and better interaction with the guide.

Are the lagoons suitable for swimming?
Yes, at Laguna Cejar, you can float effortlessly thanks to the high salinity. The other lagoons are more for viewing and photography.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, water, comfortable clothes, and your camera. A towel might be useful for drying off after floating.

Are there any accessibility concerns?
The tour is designed for most travelers, but check with the provider if you have specific mobility needs.

What do reviews say about the experience?
Most reviews enjoy the scenic beauty and guide stories, but some found the lagoons small or were disappointed by logistical issues or the attraction size.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
Yes, poor weather can lead to cancellations or rescheduling, with full refunds or alternative dates offered.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Will I see volcanoes reflected in the lagoon?
Yes, the Laguna Tebinquiche is renowned for its stunning mountain reflections, making it a photographer’s dream.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Most travelers book about 31 days in advance, but last-minute availability may vary depending on demand.

This comprehensive review aims to help you decide if this salt flat adventure suits your travel style. Whether you’re after spectacular photos, a relaxing float, or just want to tick off some iconic sights, this tour offers a good mix of natural beauty and local charm.