“CEJAR LAGOON, TEBENQUINCHE & OJOS DEL SALAR” Tour

“CEJAR LAGOON, TEBENQUINCHE & OJOS DEL SALAR” Tour

CEJAR LAGOON, TEBENQUINCHE & OJOS DEL SALAR. Experience one of the most iconic and visually striking excursions in the Atacama Desert, exploring the unique ecosystems of the Atacama Salt Flat and its extraordinary high-altitude lagoons. The journey begins with departure from San Pedro de Atacama, heading toward the vast Salar de Atacama, the largest salt flat in Chile. Our first stop is Laguna Cejar, famous for its high salt concentration, which allows visitors to effortlessly float on its crystal-clear turquoise waters—an unforgettable and relaxing experience surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes. We then continue to the Ojos del Salar, two freshwater pools located in the heart of the salt flat. These contrasting circular lagoons offer a refreshing swim and a fascinating natural contrast between fresh and saline waters, set against the stark white salt crust and deep blue sky. The excursion concludes at the breathtaking Tebenquiche Lagoon, one of the most photogenic locations in the region. Here, visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk along the salt formations while observing reflections of the surrounding volcanoes and mountains on the lagoon’s mirror-like surface. As the sun begins to set, the landscape transforms into a palette of intense colors, providing exceptional photo opportunities and a moment of quiet contemplation. This tour combines nature, relaxation, and spectacular scenery, making it an ideal experience for travelers seeking to connect with the unique beauty of the Atacama Desert.

Itinerary

• The tour starts with pickup from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama (Winter: 14:00–14:30 / Summer: 15:00–15:30), as we travel toward the remarkable Laguna Cejar, one of the most iconic sites in the Atacama Salt Flat. Upon arrival, guests will have time to enjoy a relaxing swim, effortlessly floating in its highly saline waters. Afterward, a brief outdoor rinse will be available to remove excess salt. 20 Km. from San Pedro de Atacama and at an altitude of 2,300 mts., is the Cejar Lagoon, located in the middle of the Salar de Atacama and in an environment of great beauty, surrounded by salt crystals, highlighting even more its turquoise waters. In this place it is possible to observe some flamingos and taguas. Located very close to the Salt Mountain Range, it is approximately 180 km long and 15 km wide. The Cejar Lagoon, with its extremely salty waters, is a beautiful landscape of turquoise colors, volcanoes and a large salt deposit.
• The journey continues with a short stop at the Ojos del Salar, followed by a visit to Laguna Tebenquiche, a stunning natural setting known for its dramatic salt formations and expansive desert views. This area is particularly significant from a scientific perspective, as it is one of the few places in the world where stromatolites, often referred to as “living rocks,” have been identified. These ancient structures are formed by microorganisms that trap and precipitate minerals, representing some of the oldest fossil records on Earth.
• At the end of the experience, we return to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama (Winter: 18:00–18:30 / Summer: 19:00–19:30).

Includes

• Guide service in Spanish, English and Portuguese.
• Entrance fees.
• Pick-up from your accommodation,
• Snack and water.
• Towels.

Does not include

• Tips and gratuities.
• Professional guide in French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. If you would like a guide in these languages, please request one in advance and pay an extra fee, subject to availability.
• Other services not described in the program.

Notes:

• Level of difficulty: low.
• Minimum age required for the tour: 7 years old.
• Not recommended for pregnant women, people with heart problems and children under 7 years old
• The order of site visits may vary depending on weather conditions, group size, and access times determined by the community that manages the area.
• Timings are approximate and vary throughout the year depending on the season, sunset time, and available access hours at Laguna Cejar. The final schedule will be confirmed upon your arrival in San Pedro de Atacama.