Cejar Lagoon Tour

The Laguna Cejar Tour is one of the most unique experiences in the Atacama Desert. Located just 20 kilometers from San Pedro, this salt lake impresses with its incredible buoyancy, turquoise color, and white salt surroundings. The tour also includes other gems of the salt flat: Ojos del Salar, Laguna Piedra, and the sunset at Laguna Tebinquiche. A short, intimate, and visually unforgettable route, ideal for all types of travelers.

💰 General Information

Price per person: $300,000 for 2 people, + Additional person $20,000
Schedules: PM
Includes: Transportation, certified guide and snack.
Booking: Reservations must be made 2 or 3 days in advance.

🗺️ Tour Itinerary

1. Departure from San Pedro de Atacama

The tour begins in the afternoon from your hotel or meeting point. The journey to the Salar de Atacama is short and completely flat, crossing a salty landscape that already gives a glimpse of what lies ahead: emerald-colored lagoons surrounded by salt crystals.

2. First stop: Laguna Cejar

One of the most famous lagoons in the Atacama Desert. The water, saturated with salt, allows the body to float effortlessly. The sensation is surprising, like being suspended in the air. It is recommended not to submerge your head and to shower upon exiting. The surroundings are quiet, with views of the volcanoes.

3. Laguna Piedra

Just a few minutes away, this smaller lagoon is also suitable for swimming. It's less saline than Cejar, allowing you to cool off without the intense salt concentration. Ideal for those who prefer a gentler experience.

4. Eyes of the Salar

Two perfectly symmetrical, circular pools of freshwater emerge from the middle of the salt flats. Although swimming is not always permitted, it is one of the most photographed spots along the route.

5. Tebinquiche Lagoon

The last stop before the return trip. You can't swim here, but you walk along salt paths next to a white-rimmed lagoon. At sunset, the sky reflects like a mirror. This is the most contemplative moment of the tour, ideal for photos and silence.

6. Return to San Pedro de Atacama

After a couple of hours of floating, walking, and observing the changing landscape, you return to the village at dusk.

📝 Considerations

  • Buoyancy in Cejar Lagoon: Thanks to its high salt concentration, the buoyancy in Cejar Lagoon is remarkable. You don't need to know how to swim to stay afloat. This is why this lagoon has become so popular among those seeking a Dead Sea-like experience.
  • Temperature and weather conditions: The area's climate is dry and sunny almost year-round. The best time to visit Laguna Cejar is in the afternoon, when the sun sets and the reflections in the water intensify, creating a mirror-like effect ideal for photos.
  • What to bring on the tour:
    • Swimsuit (put on beforehand)
    • Towel
    • Sandals or water shoes
    • Light clothing and hat
    • Sunglasses and sunscreen
    • Water to hydrate
    • Plastic bag for wet clothes
  • Cejar Lagoon Entrance Fee: Entrance fees to Cejar Lagoon range from CLP 15,000 to CLP 20,000 per person. Not all agencies include this in the tour price. Please verify this when booking.
  • On-site amenities: There are restrooms, changing rooms, and showers to rinse off the salt after a swim. Showering before entering the vehicle is mandatory to protect the upholstery from salt spray.
  • Important restrictions: Sunscreen is not permitted in the water. Running, jumping, or diving are also prohibited. The environment is fragile and its preservation is a priority.

📘 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Laguna Cejar and where is it located?

It's a salt lake located in the heart of the Salar de Atacama, about 20 km south of San Pedro de Atacama. It's known for its emerald color, its white salt water, and the incredible buoyancy its water provides.

2. Can you swim in Laguna Cejar?

Yes, swimming is permitted in designated areas. The high salinity allows for natural buoyancy, which amazes all visitors.

3. What other lagoons are visited on this tour?

In addition to Cejar, the tour includes Laguna Piedra, where you can also swim; Ojos del Salar, freshwater pools; and Laguna Tebinquiche, ideal for watching the sunset.

4. What is the entrance fee to Laguna Cejar?

The entrance fee to Laguna Cejar is around CLP 1,000-CLP 15,000. Some agencies include this in the total tour price, while others don't. It's always best to confirm.

5. Are showers and toilets available?

Yes. The site has restrooms, changing rooms, and showers. It's mandatory to shower afterward to remove the salt before returning to your vehicle.

6. Can you visit on your own?

Yes, but we recommend taking a trip to Laguna Cejar Atacama for greater convenience and better time management.

7. How long is the tour?

Between 4 and 5 hours. It's usually done in the afternoon to take advantage of the sunset light at Laguna Tebinquiche.

8. What to bring on the Laguna Cejar tour?

Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, and a change of dry clothes. Sunscreen is not allowed in the water.

9. What is the best time to go?

The best time to visit Laguna Cejar is between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, when the sun sets and the landscape becomes more photogenic.

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

Yes. Cejar Lagoon offers a completely different experience: floating, visual contrast, and accessibility, all just minutes from San Pedro.

⚠️ Important Information

AtacamaTours offers advice and reservation management with the best tour operators in San Pedro de Atacama so that you can enjoy your vacations to the fullest.

Pickup times are limited to a 40-minute window. If the time limit is reached and we haven't made the pickup, please call one of the following numbers: 977834208 – 982839659 – 978380416.

At Atacama Tours, your security is our priority. We will never ask you to transfer money to private or third party accounts. All payments are made exclusively through Business Account or WebPay.

Please note that a document detailing the cancellation policies is available upon request. Please don't hesitate to ask; we'll be happy to provide it.

If you wish to make changes or cancellations to the itinerary without additional cost, you must notify us at least 48 hours before the tour departure. After this time, changes, cancellations, and refunds will not be accepted.

Once tickets are purchased, they are non-refundable due to the regulations established by the parks.

Please note that all tours are subject to change or cancellation due to adverse weather conditions. In these cases, the activity will be rescheduled or the full amount of the missed tour will be refunded.

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