"CEJAR LAGOON, OJOS DEL SALAR & TEBENQUICHE LAGOON" PREMIUM Tour

"CEJAR LAGOON, OJOS DEL SALAR & TEBENQUICHE LAGOON" PREMIUM Tour

CEJAR LAGOON, OJOS DEL SALAR & TEBENQUICHE LAGOON – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA, CHILE. Discover one of the Atacama Desert's most extraordinary natural landscapes, where crystal-clear turquoise lagoons, shimmering salt flats, and endless desert horizons combine to create an unforgettable experience. Located within the breathtaking Salar de Atacama, just south of San Pedro de Atacama, the Cejar Lagoon, Ojos del Salar, and Tebenquiche Lagoon represent three of the region's most iconic attractions, offering visitors an exceptional opportunity to experience the unique beauty of the world's driest non-polar desert. Surrounded by the majestic Andes Mountains and towering volcanoes, the Salar de Atacama is Chile's largest salt flat and one of the country's most remarkable natural treasures. Formed over millions of years through intense geological activity and the evaporation of ancient lakes, this vast landscape is characterized by brilliant white salt crusts, mineral-rich lagoons, and an ecosystem that supports a surprising diversity of wildlife despite the extreme desert conditions.

The highlight of the excursion is undoubtedly Cejar Lagoon, famous for its striking emerald and turquoise waters and its exceptionally high salt concentration. Similar to the Dead Sea, the lagoon's salinity allows visitors to float effortlessly on the surface, creating a unique and relaxing experience unlike any other. Floating peacefully while surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the Atacama Desert is one of the most memorable moments of any visit to northern Chile. The journey continues to the Ojos del Salar, two perfectly circular freshwater sinkholes hidden within the immense salt flat. These natural pools, fed by underground aquifers, offer a fascinating contrast to the surrounding salt formations and demonstrate the remarkable geological diversity of the region. Their crystal-clear waters and tranquil setting make them a favorite stop for photography and nature enthusiasts.

The final destination is the beautiful Tebenquiche Lagoon, one of the most picturesque locations in the Salar de Atacama. Here, shallow waters reflect the surrounding volcanoes, mountains, and expansive desert skies, creating spectacular mirror-like landscapes that change continuously with the light. During calm afternoons, the reflections become almost perfect, producing one of the most photogenic scenes in the Atacama Desert. Beyond their extraordinary scenery, these lagoons are also important ecological sanctuaries. The wetlands surrounding the salt flat provide habitat for several species of flamingos, Andean birds, and other wildlife uniquely adapted to life in one of the harshest environments on Earth. The combination of brilliant salt formations, colorful mineral deposits, crystal-clear waters, and abundant birdlife makes the Salar de Atacama one of South America's most remarkable natural ecosystems.

As the afternoon unfolds, the constantly changing sunlight transforms the landscape into a magnificent display of colors. Brilliant whites, deep blues, turquoise waters, golden salt flats, and the warm tones of the surrounding volcanoes create an unforgettable panorama that captivates photographers, nature lovers, and travelers alike. Whether you are seeking relaxation, breathtaking photography, unique geological wonders, or the unforgettable sensation of floating effortlessly in one of the world's saltiest lagoons, Cejar Lagoon, Ojos del Salar, and Tebenquiche Lagoon offer an extraordinary journey through one of the most spectacular and iconic landscapes of the Atacama Desert—a destination where nature reveals its beauty in its purest and most captivating form.

Itinerary

• Your journey begins at the spectacular Cejar Lagoon, one of the most iconic attractions within the Salar de Atacama. Surrounded by brilliant white salt formations and the majestic volcanoes of the Andes, this extraordinary lagoon invites you to experience the unique sensation of floating effortlessly in its crystal-clear, mineral-rich waters. Thanks to its exceptionally high salt concentration, the lagoon offers a relaxing and unforgettable experience unlike almost anywhere else in the world.
• After enjoying the lagoon and taking in its breathtaking scenery, the excursion continues across the vast salt flats to the fascinating Ojos del Salar. These two perfectly circular freshwater pools emerge unexpectedly from the surrounding desert, creating a striking contrast against the endless white salt crust. Their peaceful setting and unusual geological origin make them one of the most distinctive natural features of the region and an ideal location for memorable photographs.
• The final destination is the beautiful Tebenquiche Lagoon, a tranquil oasis renowned for its spectacular panoramic views and extraordinary reflections. A leisurely walk along the shoreline allows you to appreciate this remarkable ecosystem, where shallow waters mirror the surrounding mountains, volcanoes, and endless desert skies. The area also provides an important habitat for flamingos and other native bird species that thrive in the unique conditions of the Atacama Salt Flat.
• To conclude this unforgettable experience, you'll enjoy a carefully prepared sunset cocktail featuring a selection of local flavors and regional specialties. As the sun slowly disappears behind the Andes, the salt flats are transformed by brilliant shades of gold, orange, pink, and violet, creating one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Atacama Desert. It is the perfect ending to a day filled with extraordinary landscapes, unique natural wonders, and unforgettable moments in one of the world's most remarkable desert environments.

Note: This excursion does not operate on Tuesdays.

Includes

• Guide service in Spanish and English.
• Pick-up from your accommodation,
• Cejar, and Tebenquinche lagoons entrance fee.
• Bathrobe.
• Cocktail.

Note: Our PREMIUM collective excursion service provides personalized attention and the expertise of highly experienced tour guides, designed for groups from 1 up to a maximum of 9 passengers. This tour operates daily with a minimum of 2 passengers.

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.

Estimated Schedule:

• Pick-up: Between 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM from accommodations located within the urban area of San Pedro de Atacama.
• Estimated Return: Approximately 6:00 PM, subject to weather conditions, road conditions, visit durations, and daily operational coordination.
• Approximate Duration: 4.00 hours - 4.30 hours.

Transportation available for this excursion:

• 1 to 4 passengers: Toyota Hiace, Toyota 4Runner, or Toyota Hilux.
• 5 to 7 passengers: Toyota Hiace or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
• 8 to 12 passengers: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. (Shared services accommodate a maximum of 9 passengers.)

Availability:

This excursion does not operate with daily departures, as tour availability depends on several factors, including seasonal weather conditions, actual availability and minimum passenger requirements.

• December 25 and January 1: The excursion does not operate due to national holidays.

Reservation Deadline:

• We strongly recommend booking this excursion as early as possible. Ideally, reservations should be confirmed at least 10 days prior to the scheduled departure date, with no further reconfirmation required.
• As the operation of this excursion is subject to daily availability and operational conditions, bookings made less than 10 days before departure will be subject to confirmation. In such cases, the local operator reserves the right to decline the reservation if the minimum number of participants required to operate the excursion is not met.

Important Note:

Our agency strongly recommends that passengers follow an appropriate sightseeing schedule based on altitude levels. This gradual acclimatization helps the body adapt more comfortably to the region’s elevation and significantly reduces the risk of altitude-related discomfort during the trip. We recommend the following:

• High-altitude excursions should be scheduled from the second day of your stay onward. Our suggested order is: Piedras Rojas & Altiplanic Lagoons first, followed by El Tatio Geysers, and finally the Salt Flats Route, which reaches the highest elevations.
• For passengers continuing their journey to Uyuni, we strongly recommend completing at least two high-altitude excursions in San Pedro de Atacama before traveling to Bolivia in order to facilitate proper acclimatization.
• For volcano ascents, we recommend a minimum of three full days of acclimatization in San Pedro de Atacama. Guests should ideally complete the region’s higher-altitude excursions before attempting trekking activities such as Cerro Toco or Láskar Volcano.

Following these recommendations will help ensure a safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable experience while exploring the Atacama Desert and the surrounding Altiplano region.

Notes:

• Level of difficulty: LOW.
• Maximum elevation during the excursion: 2,400 m.a.s.l. (meters above sea level).
• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Basic fitness level is sufficient. No trekking experience required. Suitable for most active travelers.
• Recommended minimum age: There is no official regulation that prohibits or restricts minors from participating in this excursion. However, our agency does not recommend the participation of infants or young children due to the long travel distances, the nature of the terrain, the desert's weather conditions, and the limited access to medical facilities, as the nearest hospital is located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from San Pedro de Atacama.
• Children's rates: No special child fare applies. Under Chilean law, all minors must travel using an approved child restraint system or safety seat, occupying an individual seat inside the vehicle. Therefore, all children are charged the full adult fare.
• The activity takes place in a remote area with no shelter or restroom facilities available. Weather conditions may change rapidly, and stop durations may vary accordingly.
• Excursion days and schedules may vary depending on the season, weather conditions, and the groups forming.
• The pickup and return times depend on the season and will be confirmed upon booking confirmation.