Cejar Lagoon Tour

The Laguna Cejar Tour is one of the most unique experiences in the Atacama Desert. Located 18 km south of San Pedro, in the heart of the Salar de Atacama, this salt lagoon amazes visitors with its incredible buoyancy, similar to that of the Dead Sea, its turquoise color and the contrast with the salt crystals that surround it.

The tour also includes other gems of the salt flat: Laguna Piedra, the Eyes of the Salar and sunset at Laguna Tebinquiche, with views of the Licancabur, Lascar and Juriques volcanoes. A short, nearby and visually unforgettable route, ideal for all kinds of travelers.

The tour begins in the afternoon with pickup at your lodging. After a drive of about 40 minutes across the Salar de Atacama, we reach the first stop of the tour. The salt landscape hints at what's to come: emerald-colored lagoons surrounded by salt crystals, with volcanoes in the background.

The star of the tour. The water, with a salinity of nearly 30% (similar to the Dead Sea), lets your body float effortlessly. The feeling is astonishing, like being suspended in midair. We recommend not dunking your head because of the salt concentration, and showering when you get out. The setting is silent, with direct views of the Licancabur and Lascar volcanoes.

Just a few minutes away, this smaller lagoon is also open for swimming. It is less salty than Cejar, so you can cool off without the intense salt concentration.

Two perfectly symmetrical circular freshwater pools that emerge in the middle of the salt plain like small blue mirrors; this is one of the most photographed spots on the tour.

The last stop before heading back. There's no swimming here, but you walk along salt trails beside a white-rimmed lagoon. At sunset, the sky is reflected on the water like a perfect mirror. It's the most contemplative moment of the tour, ideal for photography and silence. We wrap up with a Rica Rica Pisco Sour toast as evening falls.

After an afternoon of floating, walking and sunset views, we return to town as night falls.

❓ What is Laguna Cejar and where is it located?

It is a salt lagoon located in the heart of the Salar de Atacama, 18 km south of San Pedro de Atacama. It is known for its turquoise color, its setting of salt crystals and its extraordinary buoyancy —similar to that of the Dead Sea—, with direct views of the Licancabur and Lascar volcanoes.

💧 Can you swim in Laguna Cejar?

Yes, swimming is allowed in designated areas. The high salinity (close to 30%) makes your body float effortlessly, a sensation that surprises every visitor.

🏜️ What other lagoons are visited on this tour?

In addition to Cejar, the tour includes Laguna Piedra (also open for swimming and less salty), the Eyes of the Salar (two circular freshwater pools) and Laguna Tebinquiche, where we end the day with sunset and a Pisco Sour cocktail.

🔖 Are entrance fees included in the tour price?

Yes. At Atacama Tours, all park entrance fees are included in the tour price. You don't have to worry about extra payments at each lagoon.

🛁 Are showers and facilities available?

Yes. The site has restrooms, changing rooms and showers. Showering after leaving the water is mandatory to remove the salt before getting back in the vehicle, both for hygiene and to protect the upholstery.

👤 How long does the tour last?

Between 4 and 5 hours. The tour runs in the afternoon to make the most of the golden sunset light at Laguna Tebinquiche, the most visually memorable moment of the tour.

📍 What should I bring on the tour?

Swimsuit worn from the start, towel, sandals or water shoes, sunscreen (for use out of the water), sunglasses, a hat, water and a change of dry clothes. A plastic bag for wet clothes is a must.

🫧 Is the water temperature pleasant?

The water is cold (between 6 and 8°C year-round). The desert sun offsets the feeling, but it's not a hot spring. It's good to know so you come mentally prepared.

🔵 What is the best time to go?

The tour is designed to run between 3:00 and 7:00 PM, taking advantage of the sunset light at Tebinquiche, where the sky's reflection creates a unique mirror effect.

❗Is this tour worth it if I've already visited other lagoons?

Yes. Laguna Cejar offers a completely different experience: natural floating, the visual contrast of turquoise water against salt crystals, and the volcanoes in the background. It's one of the closest tours to San Pedro and one of the most photographed in the desert.