Tour to Laguna Cejar and Tibenquinche

A Colorful Day at the Lagoons of Atacama: Laguna Cejar and Tebinquinche Tour

If you’re heading to San Pedro de Atacama and craving a day filled with extraordinary landscapes, this tour offers a good mix of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery. For just $49 per person, you’ll spend about five hours exploring some of the most visually striking lagoons within Chile’s largest salt flat. The highlights include Laguna Cejar, known for its incredible floating experience, and Tebinquinche, with its vast salt flats and mountain views. Plus, there’s a splash of local adventure at Ojos del Salar, two fresh water wells perfect for a quick swim.

What we really love about this tour is how it combines nature’s surreal artistry with accessible activities. The floatation in Laguna Piedra (which is part of the tour) mimics the famous Dead Sea, giving everyone a chance to enjoy this unique sensation. We also appreciate the quiet, contemplative walk along Tebinquinche, where the sky and salt flats seem to blend into a seamless horizon. The sunset views over the lagoons add a magical touch, making this a memorable, camera-friendly experience.

One thing to keep in mind is that bathing is only permitted at Ojos del Salar and Laguna Piedra. If swimming in Laguna Cejar or Tebinquinche is a priority, you might be disappointed. Also, since the tour involves some walking and exposure to the sun, bringing plenty of water, sun protection, and comfortable shoes is advisable. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic landscapes and don’t mind a bit of a drive with a small group of up to 11 people.

Key Points

• Exceptional Landscapes: Experience salt flats, turquoise lagoons, and volcanic backdrops all in one day.
• Unique Floating Experience: Laguna Piedra offers flotation similar to the Dead Sea, perfect for an unusual bathing experience.
• Limited Bathing Opportunities: Only two lagoons allow bathing, so plan accordingly if swimming is a highlight.
• Small Group Comfort: With a maximum of 11 travelers, you’ll enjoy more personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Affordable Value: For just $49, this tour packs in several iconic spots, making it a good value given the scenery and experiences.
• Photo Opportunities: Expect plenty of chances for stunning photos amid dramatic landscapes and vibrant waters.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Timing

The tour begins promptly at 1:30 pm, giving you plenty of daylight to enjoy the lagoons before sunset. The pickup is usually from your hotel, making it a hassle-free start. The transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle, crucial for comfort given the desert heat and the long drives between stops.

First Stop: Laguna Tebinquinche

The journey kicks off with a visit to Laguna Tebinquinche. This expansive saltwater lagoon is famous for its immense size and striking reflections. The walk along its salt flats offers panoramic views where the clear blue sky meets the white salt crust and distant mountains. This spot is less commercialized, allowing for quiet reflection or some quick photos of the vast horizon. The salt flats here are so extensive that you can often see the salt crystals shimmering underfoot, adding to the otherworldly feel.

Ojos del Salar: The Freshwater Wells

Next, we visit the Ojos del Salar, two deep wells filled with fresh water amid the salt flats. Here, we loved the chance to jump in for a refreshing swim, a rare delight in this arid environment. The water is clear and cool, a perfect way to break up the desert drive and cool off. This stop is especially popular with those looking for a quick dip or simply to experience the contrast of fresh water amid salt flats.

Laguna Cejar: The Floating Lagoon

The iconic Laguna Cejar is the highlight for most visitors. Known for its high salinity, it creates a natural buoyancy effect similar to the Dead Sea. The water appears vivid turquoise, framed by green and yellow grass, and volcanoes in the distance. You won’t be allowed to swim in the lagoon itself, but you can wade in and experience the floatation firsthand. We loved the way this lagoon combines natural beauty with the fun of effortless floating—imagine lying back and feeling like you’re weightless in a natural pool.

Laguna Piedra: The Relaxing Finish

The tour concludes at Laguna Piedra, where we are allowed to bathe in the salty waters. The lagoon’s water is a stunning shade of turquoise, surrounded by a landscape dotted with green and yellow grass. This is where you can truly enjoy the floatation, and many reviews mention it as a highlight. Watching the sunset over these lagoons adds a special glow, perfect for photography and quiet reflection.

Final Touch: Sunset and Snacks

To cap off the day, you’ll enjoy a snack while watching the sunset, with panoramic views of the lagoons and salt flats. This peaceful moment captures the essence of Atacama — vast, quiet, and awe-inspiring.

The Practicalities

Cost and Value

At $49 per person, this tour is quite accessible considering the number of stops and the stunning scenery. The fee covers the transportation and guide, but note that entrance to the park and tickets to Tebinquinche are paid separately (about 6,000 CLP). This means you should budget for those additional costs, but overall, the experience offers good value for the iconic landscapes you’ll see.

Group Size and Comfort

With a maximum of 11 travelers, the small group ensures more personalized interaction and flexibility. The vehicle’s air-conditioning helps mitigate the desert heat, making the long drives more comfortable.

How to Prepare

Bring plenty of water, sunblock, hat, and sunglasses. The walking is light but exposed, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Since bathing is only permitted at certain lagoons, plan your expectations accordingly. If swimming is a priority, you’ll find the opportunity at Ojos del Salar and Laguna Piedra.

Booking and Cancellation

Most travelers book about 22 days in advance, reflecting the tour’s popularity. With free cancellation up to 24 hours before, it’s a low-risk option if your plans shift.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who crave stunning natural scenery and enjoy photography or simply want a relaxing, scenic day. It’s ideal for those interested in salt flats, lagoons, and volcanic landscapes, and who are comfortable with a bit of driving and walking. The small group, combined with the incredible views, makes it appealing for couples, small families, or solo travelers seeking an authentic and peaceful outdoor experience.

Final Thoughts

This Laguna Cejar and Tebinquinche tour offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation. While the price is modest, the experience is rich with visual drama — from salt flats that stretch to the horizon, to floating lagoons that mimic the Dead Sea, to scenic walks that leave you feeling like you’ve stepped onto another planet. The small group size and knowledgeable guide (like the enthusiastic “Matheus”, who gets consistent praise) help make this a comfortable and memorable outing.

If you want a straightforward, picturesque adventure that captures the essence of Atacama’s surreal landscapes, this tour ticks all those boxes. Just remember to set your expectations about where you can swim and prepare for some stunning photos and quiet moments of awe.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, as long as they are comfortable with walking and outdoor exposure. Just note that bathing is only allowed at certain lagoons, so plan accordingly.

How long is the drive between stops?
While the exact times aren’t specified, expect a fair amount of driving between each location, as this is a desert landscape with large salt flats.

Can I swim in all the lagoons?
No, swimming is only allowed at Laguna Piedra and Ojos del Salar. Laguna Cejar and Tebinquinche are for viewing and floating, but not for bathing.

What should I bring?
Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes. If you want to take photos or relax, a camera and a towel are helpful.

Is the tour active?
It involves some walking, particularly along Tebinquinche’s salt flats and around Laguna Piedra, but it’s generally accessible for most travelers.

How do I pay for the additional tickets?
You’ll need to purchase entrance fees and Tebinquinche tickets separately, usually at the location or in advance.

What is the best time of day for this tour?
The tour starts at 1:30 pm, so you’ll enjoy afternoon light and sunset, which enhances the landscape’s colors and makes for great photos.

This tour is a fantastic way to witness some of Atacama’s most iconic and photogenic sights without breaking the bank. Whether you’re after a peaceful escape or a memorable adventure, the lagoons at Laguna Cejar and Tebinquinche deliver a quiet, natural spectacle that will stay with you long after you leave.