San Pedro De Atacama: Cejar and Tebenquiche Lagoon

Nestled within the captivating Atacama Desert, San Pedro de Atacama is home to two remarkable natural wonders: the Cejar and Tebenquiche Lagoons. These unique bodies of water offer visitors a truly immersive experience, blending stunning geological formations with breathtaking mountain vistas. Whether it’s the buoyant, high-salinity waters of Cejar or the mesmerizing salt crusts of Tebenquiche, these lagoons present a mesmerizing glimpse into the desert’s remarkable history and serene beauty. A trip to these enchanting sites promises to leave a lasting impression, inviting travelers to delve deeper into the wonders of this remarkable region.

Key Points

• The tour explores the natural wonders of San Pedro de Atacama, including the turquoise-hued Cejar Lagoon and the salt-crusted Tebenquiche Lagoon.
• Visitors can experience a relaxing bath in the high-salinity waters of Cejar Lagoon, which create a unique floating effect.
• Tebenquiche Lagoon showcases stunning salt crusts with the majestic Andes Mountains as a backdrop, offering breathtaking scenery.
• The tour includes visits to Ojos del Salar, featuring two pools fed by underground water tables, and the small town of Machuca.
• The 5-hour excursion is priced from €89.94 per person and includes a light breakfast and traditional llama meat.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

In this guided tour, visitors can explore the stunning natural wonders of San Pedro de Atacama, including the mesmerizing Cejar Lagoon and the serene Tebenquiche Lagoon.

Priced from €89.94 per person, the 5-hour excursion offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Highlights include visiting three main locations, enjoying a light breakfast and traditional llama meat, and admiring the breathtaking Andes Mountain scenery.

The tour departs at 2:30 pm and returns around 7:00 pm in summer or 8:00 pm in winter, providing a comprehensive experience in the heart of the Atacama Desert.

Tour Highlights

This tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore three main locations: Cejar Lagoon, Ojos del Salar, and Tebenquiche Lagoon.

At Cejar Lagoon, you’ll enjoy a relaxing bath in a mystical environment, with its turquoise waters and high salt concentration creating a floating effect.

At Ojos del Salar, you’ll find two pools fed by underground water tables, surrounded by reeds and algae.

The tour also includes a visit to Tebenquiche Lagoon, where you can admire the stunning scenery of salt crusts formed by water evaporation, with the Andes Mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop.

Along the way, you’ll have the chance to sample a light breakfast and traditional llama meat anticucho, as well as explore the small town of Machuca with its adobe houses.

Cejar Lagoon Details

At an altitude of approximately 2,300 meters above sea level, Cejar Lagoon captivates visitors with its turquoise waters and high salt concentration, creating a unique floating effect.

Fed by the San Pedro River and mountain streams, the lagoon offers a relaxing bathing experience in a mystical environment.

The high salinity of the water allows visitors to effortlessly float, enabling them to fully enjoy the serene and tranquil setting.

The lagoon’s distinctive features, coupled with the stunning surrounding landscapes, make Cejar a must-visit destination for those exploring the natural wonders of San Pedro de Atacama.

Ojos Del Salar and Tebenquiche Lagoon

Situated adjacent to the Cejar Lagoon, the Ojos del Salar feature two distinct pools fed by underground water tables.

Surrounded by reeds and algae, these pools offer a unique natural spectacle.

The Tebenquiche Lagoon, on the other hand, is known for its dramatic salt crusts formed by water evaporation.

The breathtaking scenery of this lagoon reflects the majestic Andes Mountains, creating a picturesque landscape.

Visiting these two locations allows visitors to:

1. Witness the interplay of water and salt formations.
2. Observe the diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna.
3. Appreciate the stunning vistas of the Atacama Desert.

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Departure and Arrival Times

The tour departs at 2:30 p.m., both in summer and winter.

During the summer months, the tour returns around 7:00 p.m. In the winter, the arrival time is approximately 8:00 p.m.

This allows visitors to fully experience the tour’s highlights, which include the stunning Cejar Lagoon, the unique Ojos del Salar, and the breathtaking Tebenquiche Lagoon.

The itinerary also includes a light breakfast and a traditional llama meat anticucho, as well as a visit to the charming town of Machuca.

Booking the tour less than 24 hours in advance may not guarantee a spot, but the tour operator will make every effort to accommodate late bookings.

Inclusions and Booking Considerations

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation, as well as a knowledgeable driver/guide to lead you through the experience.

The package also includes a light breakfast and a traditional llama meat anticucho snack.

Keep in mind that booking less than 24 hours in advance may not guarantee a spot, though the tour operator will make efforts to accommodate late bookings.

The key considerations are:

1. The tour departs at 2:30 p.m. and returns in the evening, around 7:00 p.m. in summer and 8:00 p.m. in winter.
2. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.
3. Reserving now and paying later allows you to secure your spot without an upfront payment.

Relaxing Bath in a Mystical Environment

At the heart of this captivating tour lies the Cejar Lagoon, a turquoise-hued wonder nestled approximately 2,300 meters above sea level.

Visitors can enjoy a relaxing bath in its mystical, high-salinity waters, which create a unique floating effect. The lagoon’s water source is fed by the San Pedro River and nearby mountain streams, offering a serene and rejuvenating experience.

Surrounded by the stunning Andes Mountains, the Cejar Lagoon provides a breathtaking backdrop for this enchanting stop on the tour.

Immersed in this natural wonder, travelers can fully unwind and soak in the tranquility of the landscape.

Breathtaking Scenery Reflecting the Andes Mountains

Breathtaking scenery reflecting the Andes Mountains unfolds at the Tebenquiche Lagoon, a captivating salt-crusted expanse. The lagoon’s striking appearance is the result of a unique geological process:

1. Water evaporation has led to the formation of intricate salt crusts, creating a visually stunning landscape.

2. The reflection of the towering Andes Mountains in the lagoon’s calm waters amplifies the grandeur of the surrounding natural beauty.

3. Visitors are enchanted by the serene, otherworldly atmosphere, as they take in this remarkable natural wonder nestled within the Atacama Desert.

The Tebenquiche Lagoon offers a breathtaking glimpse into the region’s remarkable geological history and its ability to foster such captivating natural landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but the tour price includes a light breakfast and traditional snack. Bringing additional personal items is permitted to enhance the experience.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can’t be extended, as it’s a fixed 5-hour package. However, customers can request additional activities or explore the area independently before or after the tour within the allotted time.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography?

Participants are generally free to take photos on this tour. However, some sensitive areas or wildlife may have restrictions to protect the environment. It’s best to follow the guide’s instructions and be respectful of the natural surroundings.

What Should I Bring to Make the Most of the Experience?

To make the most of the experience, visitors should bring swimwear, sun protection, towels, and comfortable closed-toe shoes. It’s also advisable to bring water, snacks, and any necessary personal items to fully enjoy the tour’s activities.

Is the Tour Accessible for People With Disabilities?

The tour is accessible for people with disabilities, but it’s best to contact the tour operator in advance to discuss any special needs or accommodations required. They’ll work to ensure everyone can fully enjoy the experience.

The Sum Up

San Pedro de Atacama’s Cejar and Tebenquiche Lagoons offer a truly unique and breathtaking experience. Visitors can float effortlessly in the high-salinity waters of Cejar, surrounded by the striking Andes, while Tebenquiche captivates with its dramatic salt crusts and serene reflections. These remarkable lagoons showcase the Atacama Desert’s geological wonders and provide an unforgettable natural getaway in this stunning region of Chile.

You can check if your dates are available here: