{"id":10818,"date":"2026-01-07T06:08:07","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T10:08:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.atacama.tours\/?p=10818"},"modified":"2026-05-21T16:40:44","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T20:40:44","slug":"guia-laguna-cejar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.atacama.tours\/en\/guia-laguna-cejar\/","title":{"rendered":"Laguna Cejar Guide in San Pedro de Atacama"},"content":{"rendered":"

This tour,<\/a> is one of the most unique experiences you can have in San Pedro de Atacama. You'll step into a natural setting where your body reacts in an unusual way: you float effortlessly thanks to the water's high salt concentration. In this guide you'll find clear, practical information to understand what the experience is like, why Laguna Cejar is so popular, and what makes it so special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n \n \n \n <\/svg>\n Book a tour of Laguna Cejar\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

What is Laguna Cejar and why is it so special?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Laguna Cejar is a saltwater lagoon located in the heart of the Salar de Atacama, just a few kilometers from San Pedro, in a landscape that looks like another planet. It's not a \u201cpostcard\u201d lagoon just because it's beautiful, but because of what it represents: water in the middle of the driest desert in the world, surrounded by white salt crusts, ochre tones, and volcanoes that frame the horizon as if someone had placed them there on purpose for the photo. On clear days, the contrast is so striking it's hard to believe it's real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes Cejar special is that it combines three things that rarely come together: a unique physical experience (floating), a striking visual setting and a fragile natural environment that makes you feel very small. You're literally bathing in a corner of the salt flat, in mineral-rich water, while the desert and the mountains remind you that everything here is extreme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another reason Cejar feels different is the atmosphere. There's a very particular stillness: the water is usually calm, the air is dry, the silence is deep, and the light makes everything sharper. It's a place that, even with more people around, keeps that feeling of \u201copen space\u201d that many look for when traveling to the desert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why do people float on the Cejar Lagoon?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Floating in Laguna Cejar isn't a myth or a tourist exaggeration: it happens naturally and has a clear physical explanation. The lagoon has an extremely high salt concentration, comparable to that of the Dead Sea, which significantly increases the water's density. Because the water is denser, the human body displaces more volume with less effort, resulting in immediate and very stable buoyancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some areas, salinity can exceed 300 grams of salt per liter, far higher than seawater, which is usually around 35 g\/L. This difference explains why you don't need to know how to swim or move to stay afloat. Even when you try to sink on purpose, your body quickly pops back to the surface, creating an unusual sensation for first-timers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Floating in Laguna Cejar doesn't feel the same as floating in the ocean. Here the body tends to ride higher, and any sudden movement causes splashes of salt water that can be uncomfortable for your skin or eyes. That's why the swim is taken at a leisurely pace, with slow, controlled movements. The experience invites you to lie back, keep your balance, and let the water hold you up effortlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walking in the lagoon also feels different. The water exerts constant pressure that pushes the body upward, changing your sense of weight and stability. Far from being annoying, this effect is part of the experience's appeal and reinforces the feeling of being in an extraordinary natural setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There's also a practical side worth keeping in mind. The high salt concentration tends to dry out the skin quickly, leaving a tight feeling when you get out of the water. For this reason, it's best to avoid touching your face while in the water, not to dive in, and to rinse off properly afterward when conditions at the site allow. Getting in calmly, keeping your movements gentle, and following these guidelines lets you fully enjoy floating without discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Floating in Laguna Cejar is, in essence, a rare physical experience: simple, different, and easy to remember. It's not just about taking a dip in a salt lagoon, but about experiencing firsthand how the extreme conditions of the Salar transform the body's relationship with water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The turquoise color of Ceja: how it is formed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The turquoise of Laguna Cejar looks edited, as if someone had turned up the saturation on reality. But that \u201cimpossible\u201d color has an explanation, and it comes from a combination of salts, minerals, pure air, and intense light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, there's the composition of the water. The lagoons of the salt flats contain a mixture of dissolved salts and minerals that change the way light is absorbed and reflected. It's not the same type of water as in a mountain lake or a river. Here, the water is heavier, more mineral-rich, and that influences the final color we perceive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then there's the desert light. Here, the sky is usually clear and the atmosphere is very dry, with little humidity and few airborne particles. That means sunlight arrives more direct and \u201charsh\u201d, with a level of sharpness you notice in everything. That clarity makes the water's tones stand out more, especially when the sun is high or the day is completely clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The contrast of the surroundings also plays a role. Around Cejar, you have the white salt flats, the browns and ochres of the desert, and in the distance, mountains and volcanoes like Licancabur and Lascar. This backdrop makes the turquoise appear even more intense, because the eye compares. It's as if the landscape were designed to make the color of the water stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And there's a lovely detail: the turquoise doesn't always look the same. It changes with the time of day, the wind, and the angle of the sun. When the water is calm, the color feels deeper and more mirror-like. If there's wind and the surface is choppy, variations, glimmers, and lighter areas appear. That's why, even if two people visit Cejar on different days, they can end up with photos showing different shades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Altogether, that turquoise color is born from the chemistry of the salt flat and the desert light in its purest form. It's not just pretty: it's one of those clear signs that you're in an extreme and unique place, where even the color of the water reminds you that this place plays by its own rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where is Laguna Cejar located?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The lagoon is located within the Salar de Atacama, about 20 kilometers south of San Pedro de Atacama. It is part of the salt flat's system of hypersaline lagoons, known for their high salt concentration. This characteristic directly influences the color of the water and the sensation you feel when you get in, making the visit one of the most memorable in San Pedro de Atacama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It's one of the most popular visits for those looking for a different experience during their trip. Getting here means leaving town and traveling along flat roads that cross the salt flat, where the landscape opens up completely and the sense of space takes center stage. The surroundings are vast and silent; as you get closer, the ground changes color and texture, and white salt-covered surfaces, mineral areas, and a lagoon of calm water appear, contrasting with the arid landscape. This transition makes the journey an important part of the experience and helps you understand that the Salar is like a large natural basin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the lagoon you can see altiplano volcanoes such as Licancabur and L\u00e1scar, which serve as natural landmarks and give context to the landscape. The combination of water, salt, volcanoes, and open sky creates a truly unique setting that's easy to enjoy even without long hikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Access to Laguna Cejar is regulated because it is a protected area. Entry is organized with set schedules and limited capacity, allowing you to explore the site calmly and respect the environment. Thanks to its proximity to town, it's often included in half-day outings or combined with other lagoons in the salt flat, making it an excellent option for adding a different experience without requiring much physical effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Atacama Salt Flat Ecosystem: What Surrounds Cejar<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Atacama Salt Flat is one of the most extreme and fascinating ecosystems on the planet. Beneath the surface of Cejar's water live microorganisms adapted to extremely high salt concentrations: halophilic bacteria and archaea that tolerate salinities above 300 g\/L. These organisms, invisible to the naked eye, form the base of the salt flat's entire food chain and explain how life can exist in such a seemingly barren environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Around Laguna Cejar, it's uncommon to see visible wildlife: the environment is silent, mineral and almost still. It isn't a birdwatching spot. If your main interest is seeing flamingos, we recommend the Chaxa, Toconao and Jere Tour, which does include Laguna Chaxa, home to three species of flamingo (Andean, Chilean and James's).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What you will find at Cejar is a one-of-a-kind visual setting: crusts of crystallized salt along the edges, mineral formations on the ground, the contrast between the turquoise water and the white of the salt flat, and the Licancabur, Lascar and Juriques volcanoes silhouetted on the horizon. It's more of a sensory, contemplative experience than a wildlife-watching one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Stops on the Tour: Ojos del Salar and Laguna Tebenquiche<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Laguna Cejar Tour isn't limited to the main lagoon. The full route includes two other spots in the Atacama Salt Flat that perfectly complement the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ojos del Salar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A few kilometers from Cejar you'll find the Ojos del Salar: two perfectly symmetrical, circular freshwater pools that rise out of the salt plain like two blue mirrors on a white sea. They're a curious geological phenomenon, formed by groundwater seeping up through the layers of salt. Although swimming in them isn't always permitted, they're one of the most photographed stops on the route thanks to their perfect geometry and the visual contrast they create.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Laguna Tebenquiche<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The final stop on the tour is Laguna Tebenquiche, a wide lagoon with calm waters and a white rim of salt. There's no swimming here, but you walk along trails beside the water as the sunset light transforms the landscape. When the water is still, it reflects the sky and the volcanoes like a perfect mirror, creating one of the most memorable images of the salt flat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It's the perfect ending to the tour: contemplative, silent and visually stunning. At this point in the tour, a Rica Rica Pisco Sour is served to accompany the sunset in the heart of the desert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the bathroom experience like step by step?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Entering Laguna Cejar is not like stepping into a swimming pool or onto the beach. It's a distinct experience from the very first moment, marked by the salt, the silence of the salt flats, and that mixture of curiosity and respect that such an extreme environment evokes. Everything unfolds calmly, without haste, and following a very clear sequence that allows you to enjoy your swim without mistakes or surprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slow entry to the lagoon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it's time to go in, the most useful advice is to move very slowly. The edge may have areas with salt crust, rocks, or hard mud, and your foot can slip if you're overconfident. Also, your body isn't used to the feel of the water yet, which usually feels \u201cheavier\u201d than a normal lagoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walk in with short steps, watching where you place your foot and avoiding splashing. Many get excited and want to jump in quickly, but in Cejar that almost always ends with a jet of saltwater in your face. The trick is the opposite: enter gently, without splashing, feeling how your balance changes as your body loses weight in the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First contact with flotation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is the funniest and strangest moment at the same time. When the water covers part of your body, you can try to slowly lean back. And that's when the "impossible" happens: your body rises on its own. You don't need to kick or exert any force; the lagoon literally pushes you to the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best thing to do is let yourself go: back back, arms slightly open, breathing calmly. It's normal to laugh because your body feels different, as if the water is holding you up too much. It's also normal to feel a little unsteady at first: floating so much shifts your center of gravity and you don't quite know how to adjust. The key is not to fight the water, but to find a position where you feel stable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Body adaptation to salt water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After the initial shock, comes the important part: adapting to the water without making the typical mistakes. The main one is touching your face with wet hands or trying to "dry" them with salt stuck to them. Salt can be irritating, especially to the eyes, lips, or any small wounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, it's best to keep a few mental rules in mind: no rubbing, no diving, no splashing. If water gets in your eyes, it stings. If you have even the smallest scrape, the salt will make it painfully obvious. That's why bathing here is usually more peaceful than in other places: it's more about floating and relaxing than swimming or playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You'll also notice that the water can leave a film-like feeling on your skin. This is normal. For some people, it's quite drying, while for others, it leaves a slippery feeling due to the minerals. Either way, that's why getting out of the pool and rinsing afterward are so important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Staying and enjoying the bath<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once you get used to it, bathing is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Typically, you just float, take in the scenery, and soak up the silence of the salt flats. It's a very visual experience, but also a very physical one: your body relaxes in a unique way because you're not making any effort to float.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here's a tip that works: if you want photos, take them quickly at the beginning and then put your phone away. With salty hands, it's easy to slip, and you'll enjoy it more when you're not focused on the camera. If it's windy, it can be cold being wet out of the water, so many people prefer to alternate: float for a while, then get out for a bit, then go back in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There's no "perfect duration," but generally, it's best to stay for a reasonable amount of time and get out before your body starts to get too cold or your skin feels excessively dry. Remember, you're in the desert, with dry air and strong sun: your body loses water faster than you might think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carefully exit the water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Leaving Cejar is usually trickier than entering. For two reasons: first, because your body gets used to floating and regaining weight on solid ground makes you feel a bit clumsy; second, because the edge can be slippery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get out the same way you went in: slowly, with short steps and watching the ground. Avoid putting your weight down suddenly, and if you can, use your hands only for balance, not to push yourself off the edge while covered in salt water. When you get out, the cold air or wind can hit hard, so having your towel ready helps a lot. And one important thing: when you get out, don't rub your skin hard. The salt stays on your body like a film, and if you rub, you can irritate your skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cleaning and subsequent drying<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is the most appreciated step. The goal is to remove the salt from your body, especially your hands, neck, and face, because if the salt stays on for too long, it dries out your skin and can be quite uncomfortable. If there are designated areas for rinsing, use them carefully. If not, at least rinse your hands and face with your own water and avoid touching your eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pat yourself dry; don't rub. Then put on comfortable clothes and bundle up if it's windy. This is also a good time to apply lip balm or moisturizer if your skin tends to dry out, because the desert combo (dry air + salt + sun) really takes its toll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you do this finishing touch right, the bath ends with a fantastic feeling: "clean" skin, a relaxed body, and that feeling of "I just floated in the middle of the desert." If you do it wrong, you're left with itching, dryness, or discomfort. That's why, at Cejar, the after-bath is almost as important as the bath itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water temperature and climate in Laguna Cejar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Laguna Cejar can be deceiving at first glance: the turquoise color and the desert sun make you think of a warm swim, but the experience is a bit different. The water isn't freezing, but it isn't warm either. Its temperature is usually cold to cool, and you feel it especially when getting in, above all if it's windy. Once you're floating, your body adjusts quickly, but when you get out, the contrast with the dry air of the salt flat is immediately noticeable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The climate around Cejar is  dry, with clear skies most of the year and very intense solar radiation. During the day, temperatures are usually pleasant, especially in the afternoon, which is when many tours visit the lagoon. However, the wind can pick up suddenly and make it feel colder, especially when you're wet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another important factor is the temperature swing. Although it doesn't reach the extreme cold of the altiplano like El Tatio, there are clear differences between being in the sun and in the shade, or between before and after your swim. That's why, even on hot days, getting out of the water can feel cold. Understanding this contrast helps you prepare better and not let your guard down just because the day is clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What clothes to bring and what not to bring on the tour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For the Laguna Cejar tour, the right clothing makes the experience comfortable and hassle-free. The essential item is a swimsuit, but not just any swimsuit: ideally one that's comfortable, not too tight, and that you don't mind getting salt residue on. The salt is intense and can damage delicate fabrics over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bring a large towel, preferably quick-drying, and sandals or footwear that can get wet and won't slip. The edge of the lagoon may have hard salt or dry mud, and walking barefoot isn't always a good idea. It's also highly recommended to bring a change of clothes, because even after you dry off, salt can stay on your skin and clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For warmth, a light jacket or windbreaker is key, especially for when you get out of the water. Even when it's sunny, the wind off the salt flat can be cold, and your body loses heat quickly when it's wet. Don't forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen: the sun is intense, and it feels even stronger because of the glare off the salt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And what shouldn't you bring? Avoid jewelry, watches and metal accessories: salt damages them quickly. It's also not a good idea to wear dark or delicate clothing if you can't change afterward, because salt leaves marks. And one important tip: don't put lotions or oils on your skin before getting in the water. They mix with the salt, feel uncomfortable and pollute the lagoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With just the right amount, well thought out and without excesses, the tour to Laguna Cejar is much more enjoyable and without unpleasant surprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rules and precautions within the lagoon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Laguna Cejar isn't just a pretty place to swim; it's a fragile natural environment, which is why there are clear rules in place. They aren't meant to bother visitors, but to protect the ecosystem and prevent problems. Respecting them is an essential part of the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first rule is to enter only in the designated areas. Even though the lagoon may look calm, the bottom is uneven, and there are spots with soft mud or salt buildup where you could slip or sink your foot in uncomfortably. Following the marked access points prevents accidents and reduces the impact on the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the water, behavior must be calm. Diving, swimming roughly, and splashing are not allowed. The water is extremely salty, and any sudden movement can cause it to splash into your eyes or mouth, which is very unpleasant. Furthermore, the artificial waves damage the shoreline and accelerate its deterioration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another important precaution is not to use sunscreen, lotions or oils before swimming. These products pollute the water and upset the balance of the salt flat's ecosystem. If you need sun protection, apply it after your swim, not before. Food, drinks and any objects that could fall into the water are also not allowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essential: Respect for the place. Do not remove salt, stones, or water, and do not leave any kind of trash. Everything you bring in, you must leave with you. Cejar remains beautiful precisely because access is controlled and the rules are respected. As a visitor, your role is simple: enjoy without leaving a trace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is the Laguna Cejar tour worth it?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For many travelers, the Laguna Cejar tour is one of the most memorable moments of their time in San Pedro de Atacama. It isn't a long or exhausting tour, but it offers something that's very hard to find anywhere else: floating effortlessly in the middle of the desert, surrounded by silence, salt and volcanoes. It's especially worthwhile if you're looking for something different, more sensory than adventurous. It isn't about walking a lot or learning technical facts, but about experiencing a unique physical sensation and taking in a landscape that seems unreal. For photographers, lovers of contrast and people who enjoy unusual places, Cejar is usually a total hit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It's a highly recommended tour if you understand what it offers and go with realistic expectations. Laguna Cejar impresses with how strange and pure it is. Floating in silence, with the salt flat stretching out all around you, is one of those experiences you can only have here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Este tour, es una de las experiencias m\u00e1s singulares que puedes vivir en San Pedro de Atacama, tendr\u00e1s la experiencia de entrar en un entorno natural donde el cuerpo reacciona de una forma poco habitual: flotas sin esfuerzo gracias a la alta concentraci\u00f3n de sal del agua. En esta gu\u00eda encontrar\u00e1s informaci\u00f3n clara y pr\u00e1ctica […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12891,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[84],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10818","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guias"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atacama.tours\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10818","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atacama.tours\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atacama.tours\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atacama.tours\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atacama.tours\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10818"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.atacama.tours\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10818\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atacama.tours\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12891"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.atacama.tours\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10818"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atacama.tours\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10818"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.atacama.tours\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10818"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}