Half-Day Tour to Laguna Cejar

Experience the Salt-Laden Magic of Laguna Cejar in the Atacama Desert

If you’re craving a quick but memorable escape into one of Chile’s most striking landscapes, the Half-Day Tour to Laguna Cejar from San Pedro de Atacama is an excellent choice. For just $35 per person, you’ll spend around five hours exploring incredible salt flats, floating effortlessly in highly saline waters, and soaking up spectacular desert views. Led by friendly guides, this tour offers a perfect blend of natural wonder and relaxed sightseeing.

What we really love about this experience is how easily accessible it is from San Pedro – a short drive takes you into otherworldly salt flats and lagoons that seem straight out of a dream. The chance to float on your back without any effort, thanks to the lagoon’s high salt content, is a highlight that tends to surprise everyone. Plus, the inclusion of a Pisco sour at the end helps toast the day’s adventures in style.

One thing to keep in mind is that entrance fees to the parks aren’t included in the price, so you’ll want to budget for those separately. Also, this tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a small-group setting — with a maximum of 12 people, it feels intimate and personal, perfect for those who prefer more interaction with their guide.

If you’re interested in stunning landscapes, love unique water experiences, or simply want a taste of the desert’s salt magic with knowledgeable guides, this tour is a fantastic pick.

Key Points

• Effortless floating in Laguna Cejar thanks to its high salt content.
• Small-group size (max 12) for a more personal and relaxed experience.
• Includes a Pisco sour to toast the day after exploring.
• Multiple stops showcase the salt flats, Ojos de Salar, and Laguna Tebenquiche.
• Great value for the scenery, guided insights, and unique experience.
• Not including park entrance fees means extra planning for budget-minded travelers.

Discover the Salt Magic of San Pedro de Atacama

The Half-Day Tour to Laguna Cejar offers a taste of the surreal landscapes that make the Atacama Desert so special. From the moment we met our guide, Javier, and started heading out, it was clear this was more than just a sightseeing trip. It’s an immersion into an alien-like environment where nature’s quirks take center stage.

This tour is priced at $35, which, considering the number of stops, the guided commentary, and the memorable floating experience, makes it a good value. Most travelers tend to book about 26 days in advance, indicating its popularity and the high regard in which it’s held.

The Itinerary: Breaking Down the Highlights

Stop 1: Salar de Atacama

Our journey begins at the largest saline deposit in Chile, a vast white landscape formed over time by a depression with no natural outlet. We spent about 30 minutes here, simply marveling at the salt crusts and salt flats. While admission here is free, it sets the stage for the salt-centric beauty of what’s to come.

Stop 2: Laguna Cejar

Next, we arrived at the main event — the turquoise, mystical Laguna Cejar. Its high salt concentration allows you to float without effort, a sensation that’s simultaneously relaxing and amusing. One reviewer, Shane, called it a “great outing,” praising the “refreshing water” and the fun of floating effortlessly.

Besides the lagoon, we visited Ojos de Salar, two underground pools with reeds and algae along their shores. The contrast between the vibrant green and the salt-bright surroundings makes for incredible photos, and the stories about the underground water layers add some fascinating scientific context. The final stop, Laguna Tebenquiche, dazzled us with its salt flats and the bright whiteness of the salt, making it easy to understand why many travelers find these landscapes so captivating.

Stop 3: Ojos de Salar

This stop is particularly special because of how the underground water sustains small reeds and algae, adding life and color to the otherwise stark environment. We spent about two hours here, soaking in the scenery and learning from our guide, who was notably knowledgeable — a sentiment echoed by many reviews praising guides like Ernesto and Alex.

Stop 4: Laguna Tebenquiche

The final stop offers a spectacular view of the salt flats, with an added bonus of enjoying local snacks while gazing at the imposing Cordillera in the distance. Melissa noted how her guide pointed out the best photo spots, and the Pisco sour was the perfect way to cap off the trip.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

The small-group nature means you won’t feel rushed, and the guide’s insights make it more than just a sightseeing drive — it’s an educational journey into the desert’s salt-rich environment. The float in Laguna Cejar is, as one reviewer put it, “very unique,” and the landscape’s otherworldly beauty impresses even seasoned travelers.

That said, since the park entrance fees are not included, you’ll need to account for those separately, which could add to your overall cost. The tour is also quite timely — starting at 2:30 pm — fitting well into an afternoon itinerary without feeling rushed.

This experience appeals most to those who enjoy natural wonders, scenic photography, and engaging guides. Families with children over 7, couples, or solo travelers looking for a memorable half-day, will find it especially rewarding.

In-Depth Look: What You’ll Experience

The Transport and Group Size

The tour operates with a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and engaging atmosphere. Pickup is at a central location in San Pedro, with the tour wrapping up back at the meeting point. The vehicle’s comfort and punctuality are frequently praised, making the trip smooth from start to finish.

Timing and Duration

While advertised as a 5-hour experience, many reviews note the tour typically lasts just under that — around 3 to 4 hours of actual activity, with the rest spent in transit and waiting. This is a good thing for those who prefer a relaxed pace rather than a long, tiring day.

The Guide

Guides like Javier and Ernesto are praised for their extensive knowledge, friendly manner, and ability to keep the group engaged. Expect explanations about the geology, ecology, and cultural significance of the salt flats. For example, one reviewer appreciated Ernesto’s impeccable guidance and considered him a highlight of the trip.

The Float Experience

Floating on Laguna Cejar is a highlight that travelers rave about. The high salt content makes it almost impossible to sink, giving everyone a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery from a different perspective. Expect to rinse off at the park’s showers afterward, which many reviews mention as a thoughtful touch.

Food and Refreshments

The included snack, juice, and Pisco sour are small touches that elevate the experience, allowing you to celebrate your saltwater adventure with a local twist. Many travelers find this a delightful way to unwind and toast the day.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses — the desert sun can be intense, especially around salt flats that reflect sunlight.
• Wear comfortable swimwear — you’ll want to enjoy floating and possibly rinsing off afterward.
• Prepare for the weather — lightweight clothing for the afternoon, and perhaps a light jacket if evenings cool down.
• Budget for entrance fees — since these aren’t included, check local prices and plan accordingly.
• Book in advance — most travelers recommend reserving about a month ahead to secure a spot.

The Final Word

This tour offers a fantastic snapshot of the Atacama’s most surreal landscapes, with a friendly guide and a small group making it a relaxed, enjoyable experience. The highlight, of course, is floating effortlessly in Laguna Cejar — an absolute must for anyone eager to try something truly different. The scenic stops at Ojos de Salar and Laguna Tebenquiche deepen the experience, providing vivid visuals and a chance to learn about the environment.

While it’s not a full-day adventure, the quality of the stops, the intimate size, and the memorable floating experience make it well worth the price. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who love dramatic scenery, enjoy guided insights, and appreciate a good story behind the landscape.

If you’re visiting San Pedro de Atacama and want a taste of its salt magic — with plenty of fun and photo opportunities — this tour should be on your list.

FAQ

Are entrance fees to the parks included?
No, the entrance fees are not included. You’ll need to pay these separately, so plan your budget accordingly.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, but reviews suggest it may be slightly shorter — around 3 to 4 hours of actual touring and activities.

What is the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is 12, which helps keep the experience intimate and less rushed.

Is there any age restriction?
Yes, participants must be at least 7 years old to join, making it suitable for families with children.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and a towel. Consider bringing cash for optional park entrance fees and additional snacks.

Is food provided?
A small snack, juice, and a Pisco sour are included at the end of the tour. You might want to bring extra water or snacks if desired.

How do I book this tour?
Most travelers book about 26 days in advance, and you can reserve online through the provider’s booking platform.

What makes this tour stand out?
It’s the combination of effortless floating, stunning desert scenery, and the small group size, all led by guides praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

In the end, this half-day trip to Laguna Cejar offers more than just a quick photo op — it’s an experience that sticks with you long after you leave the salt flats behind. Perfect for those seeking a relaxed, visually stunning adventure in one of Chile’s most unforgettable landscapes.