Cejar Lagoon Tour: San Pedro de Atacama

Discover the Salt-Laden Magic of the Atacama: Cejar Lagoon Tour Review

If you’re heading to San Pedro de Atacama and craving a taste of something truly unique, a Cejar Lagoon tour might just be your perfect day trip. For around $40 per person and lasting roughly 4 hours, this tour whisks you through some of the most striking natural salt formations in the region—Cejar Lagoon, Ojos del Salar, and Tebenquiche Lagoon. Led by friendly guides—like the one we had, Kevin—this experience offers both fun and awe-inspiring moments.

What we really liked about this tour is how accessible and well-organized it is. The highlight is, of course, floating in the salt water at Cejar Lagoon—something you can’t replicate anywhere else. We also enjoyed the spectacular views from Ojos del Salar and the serene walk around Tebenquiche Lagoon, which offers a quieter, contemplative end to the excursion.

One possible consideration is the paying for the entry ticket ($20,000 Chilean pesos) separately; that can be a bit of a surprise if you’re not prepared. Also, the tour is tailored for those who are okay with physical activity and are over 7 years old, as well as those not pregnant or with mobility issues.

This experience suits travelers who love nature’s unusual landscapes, enjoy guided tours with knowledgeable guides, and are keen to relax in a salty, floating lagoon environment. If you’re looking for a straightforward, well-regarded adventure with plenty of photo opportunities and a sprinkle of salt, this tour is worth considering.

Key Points

• Unique Salt Experience: Floating effortlessly in Cejar Lagoon is a highlight you won’t forget.
• Beautiful Scenery: The contrasting landscapes of salt flats, lagoons, and mountain ranges are stunning.
• Well-Organized Tour: The itinerary is clear, with engaging stops and guided commentary.
• Affordable Value: At $40, it offers a balanced mix of experience and scenery, with potential extra costs for entrance tickets.
• Guides Make a Difference: Knowledgeable guides help explain the geography and history, enriching your understanding.
• Limited for Some Travelers: Not suitable for young children under 7, pregnant women, or those with mobility restrictions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Cejar Lagoon Tour

The Journey Begins: From San Pedro de Atacama to the Salt Flats

Starting at Whipala Expedition’s meeting point in San Pedro de Atacama, we’re soon on a comfortable bus heading toward the salt flats. The drive takes about 30 minutes, giving us a chance to settle in, chat with your fellow travelers, and get a quick briefing from the guide, Kevin. The scenery begins to shift as the landscape turns increasingly stark and surreal, setting the tone for what’s to come.

First Stop: Laguna Cejar – Salt, Salt, and More Salt

Arriving at Laguna Cejar, the first thing that hits you is the intense turquoise color of the water and the thick salt crust along the edges. Here, you’ll get roughly an hour to explore, take photos, and, most famously, float effortlessly thanks to the high salt content—a sensation both bizarre and delightful.

Kevin was very informative, explaining how the salt concentration creates the buoyancy—similar to the Dead Sea—making swimming more like lounging. We loved the guided tour aspect, which added context about the lagoon’s formation and ecological significance.

A note from a fellow traveler: “Bathing in salt water… it’s such a weird, fun experience.” The salt water can be a bit tricky on the skin, so using biodegradable sunscreen and bringing a hat is recommended.

Second Stop: Ojos del Salar – The Eyes of the Salt Flat

Next, we headed to Ojos del Salar, about 20 minutes away. These are two pools fed by underground layers, with small reeds and algae along the banks adding a splash of green to the otherwise white and blue scenery. This spot offers a quiet, contemplative vibe and a great photo opportunity.

The guide explained how these pools are formed, and we appreciated the chance to snap some photos and take in the impressive salt formations. It’s a shorter stop—about 30 minutes—but enough to get a sense of these natural “eyes” peering into the salt flats.

More Great Tours Nearby

Third Stop: Laguna Tebenquiche – The White Salt Lagoon

Our final major stop was Laguna Tebenquiche, about 20 minutes from Ojos del Salar. Here, the vast whiteness of salt dominates the horizon, providing a minimalist yet striking view. We took a leisurely walk around the lagoon, soaking in the impressive salt crusts and the gentle mountain backdrop.

Our guide encouraged us to take a walk, enjoy a guided tour, and even hike a little. We loved the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to contemplate the natural beauty of this remote landscape.

The Secret Picnic Stop

After the lagoons, we stopped at a hidden spot for a picnic, which was a nice break. We enjoyed an aperitif while taking in views of the mountain range—an ideal spot to reflect on what we’ve seen so far.

Wrapping Up and Returning

The trip concludes with a short bus ride back to San Pedro de Atacama, arriving after about 4 hours total. The entire experience felt well-paced, giving us plenty of time to enjoy each location without feeling rushed.

The Practicalities: What to Know Before You Go

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses shared transportation, which keeps costs reasonable. The group size depends on demand, but the tour operates with a minimum of 6 people; if not reached, you’ll be joined by another friendly agency. The driver/guide makes the journey informative and engaging.

Entry Ticket & Extra Costs

The $20,000 Chilean pesos entry fee isn’t included in the tour price—you’ll need to arrange and pay for this separately, ideally 12 hours before to ensure smooth entry. This fee grants access to the salt flats and lagoons, and it’s worth noting that this cost is typical for tours in the region.

What to Bring

• Sunglasses and Hat: The sun is fierce, especially over salt flats.
• Biodegradable Sunscreen: Protect the environment along with your skin.
• Beachwear: You’ll spend time floating in the lagoons, so bring appropriate clothing.
• Closed-Toe Shoes: The terrain can be rough, and you’ll be walking around salt crusts and lagoons.

Restrictions and Considerations

This tour isn’t suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, wheelchairs, or those over 70. Also, drones and feeding animals are prohibited, respecting the environment and local regulations.

Authentic Experiences and Authentic Guides

From the reviews, the guides seem to be a big part of why this tour stands out. Travelers mention “knowledgeable guides” who add depth with explanations about the salt flats’ formation and ecological importance. Kevin, for instance, was praised for making the landscape relatable and engaging.

Some travelers comment on the stunning views and the unique salt water bathing experience—a moment that many find both fun and surreal. The floating sensation at Cejar Lagoon is often highlighted as a highlight and a bucket-list moment.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits adventurous travelers who enjoy natural landscapes, are comfortable with short walks and some physical activity, and want a cost-effective way to see the salt flats and lagoons. If you’re seeking a relaxing, scenic, and educational outing with plenty of picture moments, this tour ticks the boxes.

It’s less ideal for those needing more comfort or accessibility or travelers with very young children or mobility issues.

Final Thoughts

The Cejar Lagoon tour offers a balanced mix of spectacular scenery, engaging guides, and unique salt-water experiences at a reasonable price. It’s a fantastic way to see some of the most surreal landscapes in the Atacama, with the chance to float effortlessly in salt-rich waters and marvel at otherworldly lagoons.

While the entry fee is separate, the overall value lies in the stunning vistas and memorable moments that stay with you long after the trip ends. It’s a solid choice for nature lovers, photographers, and curious travelers eager to see Chile’s salt desert at its best.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, shared transportation is included in the tour, with a comfortable bus taking you between sites.

How long is the tour?
Expect around 4 hours from start to finish, including stops and travel time.

Do I need to bring my own entry ticket?
Yes, the entry fee of $20,000 Chilean pesos must be paid separately, ideally 12 hours before your tour.

What should I wear?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, and closed-toe shoes for walking around salt formations.

Can I swim at Cejar Lagoon?
Yes, you will have about 30 minutes to swim and float in the lagoon—an experience many find fun and relaxing.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 7, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.

What if I don’t meet the minimum group size?
If the minimum isn’t reached, your tour may be combined with another agency, but it will still run smoothly.

This Cejar Lagoon tour offers a neat, authentic taste of the Atacama’s salt flats—perfect for those wanting to combine natural beauty, fun, and a touch of saltwater adventure.

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