CEJAR LAGOON, SALT FLAT EYES AND TEBINQUINCHE LAGOON

Experience the mesmerizing landscapes of North Chile on a 4-hour guided tour that takes you inside the Salar de Atacama, visiting the famous Laguna Cejar, Tebinquinche Lagoon, and the Salt Flat Eyes. For just $59 per person, you’ll enjoy a day immersed in otherworldly scenery, perfect for those who love striking nature and a touch of adventure. Our guide, Daniel, was both engaging and knowledgeable, making complex geological features easy to understand.

What we really appreciated was the chance to float effortlessly in Laguna Cejar—an experience that feels almost surreal. We also loved how the tour combines both relaxing moments in salt lagoons and scenic walks that highlight the vastness of the desert. The only minor consideration might be the need to pay entrance fees separately for Laguna Cejar and Tebinquinche, which adds a small extra expense, but it’s well worth the immersion.

This tour suits travelers who want a balance of scenic beauty, unique floating experiences, and accessible, well-organized logistics. It’s especially good for those who prefer guided groups and want to maximize their time exploring the salt flats without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• Highlights: Visits to Laguna Cejar, Laguna Piedra, Tebinquinche Lagoon, and Ojos del Salar wells.
• Floating Experience: Laguna Cejar offers a unique floating experience similar to the Dead Sea, with changing rooms and showers available.
• Landscape: Expect vibrant turquoise waters contrasted against the desert, volcanoes, and salt flats.
• Guided Insight: Bilingual guides enrich the experience with local knowledge and context.
• Cost & Extras: The tour costs $59, but entrance fees for Laguna Cejar and Tebinquinche are paid separately.
• Timing: The tour lasts around 4 hours, with flexible start times subject to daylight conditions.

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A Closer Look at the Experience

The Itinerary and Its Magic

This tour kicks off with a pickup from the meeting point, usually in the morning or early afternoon, depending on availability and light conditions. From there, we head straight into the Salar de Atacama, the largest salt flat in Chile, which is a stunning vastness filled with shimmering salt and the distant silhouettes of volcanoes.

Our first stop is Laguna Cejar, the star of the day. Known for its high salt content, this lagoon lets you float effortlessly—an experience that quickly becomes the highlight for many travelers. As one visitor noted, “We loved the floating feeling—it’s like being weightless in space.” You’ll find changing rooms and showers here, which are invaluable for rinsing off the salt and changing into dry clothes afterward. The water’s turquoise hue, set against the stark desert backdrop, makes for incredible photos.

Next, we visit Laguna Piedra, a smaller, less crowded saltwater lagoon surrounded by vibrant green and yellow grasses that add a splash of color to the landscape. The contrast between the salt-white flats and the lush grasses makes it a visual feast. Here, you’ll have time to relax and take in the scenery before heading to the Ojos del Salar—two deep wells of fresh water set into the salt flats. These wells are striking because they are like natural windows into the aquifer beneath the desert, providing a refreshing contrast to the salt lakes.

The final stop is the Laguna Tebinquinche, a large, shallow salt lagoon renowned for its reflective surface and stunning views of the sky merging with the white salt flats. A walk along its perimeter offers sweeping vistas that emphasize the scale and serenity of this remote landscape. One traveler remarked, “It’s like standing at the edge of the world, with the desert meeting the sky.”

Transportation and Group Dynamics

Transport is shared and comfortable, with a small group size that fosters a friendly atmosphere. The journey is smooth, with bilingual guides providing commentary in both Spanish and English, making it accessible for international visitors. Timing is flexible; the schedule might shift by up to an hour depending on natural lighting conditions, but this adaptability ensures the best possible view and experience.

Price, Value, and Additional Costs

For $59, this tour offers a solid value considering the transportation, guided commentary, and access to some of the most iconic salt flats in Chile. However, remember that entrance fees are paid separately—about CLP$15,000 for Laguna Cejar, CLP$10,000 for seniors, and CLP$5,000 for children, with Tebinquinche at CLP$5,000 per person. Budgeting for these adds about $25–$30 to the total experience, but it’s well worth it for the access and facilities.

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Authenticity and Practical Tips

We liked the straightforward nature of this tour—no surprises, just a well-organized day out. Respect for the environment is key; the salt flats are fragile, so sticking to designated paths and leaving no trash behind are important. Pack sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, and water, as the desert sun can be relentless.

Some reviews highlight that the floating experience at Laguna Cejar is “a must-do,” and the contrast of salt and water strengthens the feeling of being in an otherworldly place. A few mentioned that the order of visits can shift, which isn’t unusual for tours dependent on weather and daylight, so a flexible attitude helps.

Why Choose This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking a short yet impactful glimpse into the surreal landscapes of the Atacama. It’s especially suitable for those who want a mix of relaxation and scenery, with the chance to float in salt lakes and walk across salt flats. It’s also a good fit for travelers who prefer guided tours for ease and local insight, or those with limited time but a desire to see some of the most iconic salt formations.

The Sum Up

This tour delivers a solid taste of the Salar de Atacama’s best features—floating in Laguna Cejar, exploring salt lagoons, and marveling at the vastness of the desert landscape. Its well-organized, friendly approach makes it accessible for most visitors, and the price point offers good value given the scenery and experiences included.

While the extra entrance fees are an added cost, they are on par with other attractions in the region, and paying separately means you have flexibility on the day of the tour. If you’re after a unique, memorable experience that combines natural beauty with light adventure and comfort, this tour hits the mark.

It’s especially suited for those who want to tick off a bucket-list moment—floating like a star in a salt lake—without sacrificing comfort or clarity in explanations. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or just curious about strange landscapes, this trip provides plenty of photo-worthy moments and stories to tell.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 4 hours, but the exact timing may shift by up to an hour depending on natural light conditions, ensuring the best experience.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation, a bilingual guide in Spanish and English, and drop-off in the city center. Entrance fees to Laguna Cejar and Tebinquinche are paid separately.

Are there changing facilities?
Yes, Laguna Cejar has changing rooms and showers, so you can rinse off the salt and change clothes comfortably.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection like a hat and sunscreen, sunglasses, water, and a towel. Comfortable shoes for walking are recommended.

Can I swim in the lagoons?
Yes, particularly at Laguna Cejar, where the saltwater allows you to float effortlessly. The salt content can be high, so avoid swallowing water.

Is the order of visits fixed?
No, the sequence can change based on weather and daylight, but all key sites are typically included.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s wise to reserve ahead, especially during peak season, as spots are limited and popular.

This tour provides an ideal snapshot of the Atacama’s salt flats—an accessible, beautiful, and memorable adventure suited for most travelers eager to witness one of Chile’s most striking natural wonders.

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