Atacama Chile Tours Atacama Desert Tour: Half-Day Laguna Cejar Experience
our Tour to Laguna Cejar in Atacama desert

Atacama Desert Tour: Half-Day Laguna Cejar Experience

Half-day Cejar & Tebenquiche lagoons tour from San Pedro de Atacama: float Dead-Sea style in turquoise Laguna Cejar, swim in Ojos del Salar pools, sunset pisco sour + snacks at Laguna Tebenquiche, small group (max 12), hotel pickup included.

4.8
$ 30 per person
5 hours
505 + bookings
BOOK NOW

Overview

Float weightless on the turquoise surface of Laguna Cejar, where the extreme salt concentration turns the water into a natural buoyancy bath, mirroring the sky and distant volcanoes in perfect stillness.

Your guide leads the way from San Pedro through the vast Salar de Atacama, stopping at Ojos del Salar—two eerie groundwater eyes ringed by reeds and algae—then on to Laguna Tebenquiche for its blinding white salt flats and a dramatic sunset that paints the Cordillera de la Sal in gold. End the afternoon with a relaxing snack, juice, and a Pisco sour toast as the desert light fades.

This 5-hour small-group escape includes hotel pickup (within radius), a knowledgeable English/Spanish guide, and a comfortable vehicle for the ~1-hour drive each way.

Real talk: the salt stings open cuts and eyes—rinse well after floating—and the sun is relentless; pack strong sunscreen and a hat.

Max 12 travelers for a relaxed pace; minimum age 7. Book now.

What's Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in San Pedro de Atacama (within pickup radius).
  • Bilingual guide (English/Spanish).
  • Comfortable vehicle transport.
  • Snack, juice, and Pisco sour at the end of the tour.
  • Entrance fees to the parks/lagoons (payable on site in cash).
  • Gratuities for your guide.
  • Personal items like swimsuit/towel (bring your own for floating).

Itinerary

  1. Hotel pickup in San Pedro de Atacama (around 2:30 PM).
  2. Drive ~1 hour through the Salar de Atacama to the first stop.
  3. Visit Laguna Cejar: float in the ultra-salty turquoise waters (Dead Sea-style), walk trails around the lagoon.
  4. Continue to Ojos del Salar: see the two groundwater "eyes" with reeds and algae.
  5. Head to Laguna Tebenquiche for the white salt flats and sunset views over the Cordillera de la Sal.
  6. Enjoy the included snack, juice, and Pisco sour toast.
  7. Return drive ~1 hour to San Pedro de Atacama.

What to Expect from the Tour

Here's practical advice to help your lagoon day go well, based on common experiences with salt water, sun, and trails. We've pulled this from what past guests told us after their trips.

  • Gear essentials. Swimsuit, towel, quick-dry clothes, water shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water aren't optional. Several guests said the salt water stings cuts and eyes—rinse well after. One packed a light sarong for easy changing.
  • Floating sensation. High salt concentration makes you bob effortlessly—guests called it surreal and fun, but avoid swallowing the water.
  • Trail and access. Short, easy walks on flat terrain around lagoons. Guests found it manageable for most fitness levels; shade limited—sun protection key.
  • Snack and Pisco sour. Light but refreshing—juice and appetizers pair perfectly with the sunset toast. People loved the relaxing end to the day.
  • Group setup. Max 12 spreads out nicely. Past visitors said the size allowed personal guide attention without crowding the trails.
  • Best time to visit. Year-round, but May to October (dry season) for cooler afternoons and clearer water. Guests early 2026 noted June-July days stayed comfortable with vivid turquoise.
Month/Season Upsides Downsides Recommended Start Time
May-Oct (Dry) Cooler temps, crisp water Windier Afternoon (2:30 PM)
Dec-Apr (Wet) Warmer days Hotter sun Afternoon for sunset

Common issues. Not wheelchair accessible—uneven paths. Guests found the float relaxing but sun intense—hydrate often. Weather rarely cancels; dress in layers for temperature shifts.

FAQ

Do I need swimming skills?

No skills required—the high salt makes floating effortless. Guides supervise; non-swimmers relax completely.

How salty is the water?

Extremely—Dead Sea-like buoyancy, but it stings cuts/eyes. Guests said rinsing after helps; shower facilities basic on site.

Suitable for kids?

Yes for children 7+ who handle sun and cold water. Families said older kids loved the float, but supervise closely.

What if I don't want to swim?

Swimming is optional—many guests just walked trails and enjoyed views. The lagoons are stunning from shore too.

Pisco sour included?

Yes, a toast at the end with the snack. Guests found it a perfect relaxing finish to the day.

Why this lagoon tour?

Three lagoons (Cejar, Ojos, Tebenquiche) with floating, sunset views, and included snack/Pisco sour. Past guests said the quiet, uncrowded feel and turquoise contrast beat busier salt flat spots.

Book it today with Atacama Chile Tours or simply following this link.

Reviews

4.8 Read more reviews