Cejar Lagoon Tour: San Pedro De Atacama

The Cejar Lagoon Tour in San Pedro de Atacama promises a captivating 4-hour adventure, allowing visitors to float effortlessly in the high-salinity waters of Laguna Cejar. This experience showcases the unique ecosystems and breathtaking landscapes of the Atacama Desert, with guided visits to the stunning Ojos del Salar and tranquil Laguna Tebenquiche. With a light picnic break and knowledgeable guides, guests can appreciate the serene beauty of this remote corner of the world. But what truly sets this tour apart is the opportunity to connect with fellow travelers and take in the…

Key Points

• The Cejar Lagoon Tour is a 4-hour excursion in San Pedro de Atacama, offering a unique floating experience in saline waters at an altitude of 2,300 meters.

• The tour includes a visit to Ojos del Salar, where participants can observe vibrant pools and learn about the diverse ecosystems within the Salar de Atacama.

• Participants can explore the tranquil Laguna Tebenquiche, known for its vibrant blue and green waters, salt formations, and opportunities to spot wildlife like flamingos.

• A 30-minute picnic break in serene surroundings allows participants to recharge and learn about the local wildlife and geology from the knowledgeable tour guides.

• The tour starts and ends at the Whipala Expedition office in San Pedro de Atacama, with shared transportation provided for a hassle-free experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Cejar Lagoon Tour is a 4-hour excursion located in San Pedro de Atacama, with prices starting from £30.40 per person.

The tour is offered in English and Spanish, and participants can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Transportation is included, with the meeting point at Whipala Expedition.

The tour focuses on visiting Laguna Cejar, Ojos del Salar, and Laguna Tebenquiche, allowing participants to swim, observe, and explore these unique natural landscapes.

The tour’s altitude is 2,300 meters above sea level, situated within the Salar de Atacama, the largest saline deposit in Chile.

Laguna Cejar Experience

Visiting Laguna Cejar, participants enjoy approximately 30 minutes of swimming in the lagoon’s buoyant, saline waters.

Guided by knowledgeable tour leaders, they’ll explore the unique landscape and snap photos of the stunning scenery. The lagoon’s high salt content allows swimmers to effortlessly float, creating a serene and relaxing experience.

After the swim, the tour continues to the Ojos del Salar, where visitors can observe the two pools with their vibrant reeds and algae.

The journey then leads to Laguna Tebenquiche, where guests can walk around the lagoon, taking in the breathtaking views under the guidance of the tour.

Ojos Del Salar Exploration

After swimming in the buoyant waters of Laguna Cejar, the tour moves on to the Ojos del Salar.

Visitors will be guided to observe two pools with reeds and algae, a unique sight in the vast salt flat. The guide will provide insights into the formation and significance of these "eyes of the salt flat."

Guests can snap photos during the guided tour, capturing the serene beauty of these natural wonders.

This stop offers a chance to learn about the diverse ecosystems found within the Salar de Atacama, Chile’s largest salt deposit.

Laguna Tebenquiche Walkabout

Guests wander around the serene Laguna Tebenquiche, taking in its tranquil beauty. The guide leads the group on a leisurely tour, highlighting the lagoon’s key features:

• Vibrant shades of blue and green waters, a result of the high salt content
• Delicate salt formations along the shoreline, creating a mesmerizing display
• Mirrored reflections of the Andes mountains on the still surface
• Diverse array of bird life, including flamingos, dotting the shores
• Opportunity to capture stunning photographs of the picturesque landscape

The walkabout provides a peaceful respite, allowing visitors to appreciate the serene wonder of this hidden gem within the Salar de Atacama.

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Secret Picnic Stop

The tour now segues to a secret picnic stop, where travelers can enjoy a well-deserved respite.

During this 30-minute break, participants gather to indulge in a light picnic and soak in the serene surroundings.

This hidden gem provides a chance to recharge before continuing the journey.

The guide shares insights about the local wildlife and geology, enhancing the overall experience.

Visitors have the opportunity to savor the tranquility of the Atacama Desert and appreciate the small moments that make this tour truly special.

After the picnic, the group prepares to return to the starting point, their memories filled with the magic of the secret stop.

Transportation and Meeting Point

Participants meet at the Whipala Expedition office located at Tocopilla 418A in San Pedro de Atacama.

Shared transportation is included, and the tour group will depart from this central meeting point.

The tour offers the following benefits:

• Hassle-free transportation to and from the lagoon sites
• Eliminating the need for participants to arrange their own transportation
• Convenience of being picked up and dropped off at a known location
• Guides and staff on hand to assist throughout the journey
• Opportunity to meet and interact with other tour participants

The meeting point and transportation provided ensure a seamless and enjoyable tour experience.

Altitude and Salar De Atacama

The Cejar Lagoon Tour takes place at an elevation of 2,300 meters above sea level, nestled within the Salar de Atacama, the largest saline deposit in Chile.

This vast, desolate landscape was formed by a natural depression with no water outlet, resulting in the accumulation of salts and minerals over time.

The Salar de Atacama’s unique geology and climate create a breathtaking environment, home to specialized flora and fauna that thrive in these harsh, arid conditions.

Visitors can marvel at the surreal, otherworldly beauty of the Salar as they explore the Cejar Lagoon and its surrounding natural wonders during this immersive tour.

Participant Restrictions and Recommendations

According to the information provided, the Cejar Lagoon Tour isn’t suitable for certain participants.

The tour is restricted for children under 7 years, pregnant women, wheelchair users, and people over 70 years. Plus, there’s a minimum group size requirement of 6 participants, and if it isn’t met, the tour may join another agency.

Participants are recommended to bring the following items:

• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Beachwear
• Closed-toe shoes

Plus, the use of drones and feeding animals aren’t allowed during the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a picnic is already included during the secret stop, so bringing additional snacks is not necessary.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Mentioned?

The tour price includes shared transportation and a guided tour, but there’s an additional entry fee of 20,000 CLP per person that must be paid in cash or via transfer prior to the tour.

What Is the Expected Weather and Temperature During the Tour?

The tour takes place in the Atacama Desert, where the weather is typically sunny and dry. Daytime temperatures range from mild to hot, around 68°F (20°C) to 86°F (30°C). Participants should dress appropriately and bring sun protection.

Is There an Option to Book Private Transportation Instead of Shared?

The tour offers shared transportation, but there doesn’t appear to be an option for private transportation. Guests must use the included shared transportation to get to and from the tour sites.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Add Additional Stops?

According to the tour details, the standard duration is 4 hours. However, it’s possible to extend the tour or add additional stops, but this would likely require a custom booking and incur an extra charge. Contact the tour operator to inquire about customization options.

The Sum Up

The Cejar Lagoon Tour in San Pedro de Atacama offers a unique opportunity to experience the serene beauty of the Atacama Desert. Visitors can float effortlessly in the high-salinity waters of Laguna Cejar, explore the stunning Ojos del Salar, and wander through the tranquil Laguna Tebenquiche. With knowledgeable guides, a light picnic break, and seamless transportation, this tour provides a captivating 4-hour adventure that showcases the region’s diverse ecosystems and breathtaking landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here: