Float in buoyant, mineral-rich lagoons and watch the Andes frame glassy reflections on a five-hour tour from San Pedro de Atacama. This late-afternoon loop hits Cejar, Tebinquiche and the Ojos del Salar for swimming, photography and an immediate sense of the high desert.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You arrive late afternoon and the desert light has thinned to a cool, hard gold; the salt flats reflect it back in flat planes and the volcanoes stand like quiet hosts on the horizon. The first stop, Laguna Cejar at roughly 2,300 meters, feels like a mirror that refuses to sink you — its saline density will buoy your body while wind and sky trade colors above.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for light-moderate fitness; minimal walking on flat, uneven salt shores.
Wildlife
History
The area around the salar has long been used by Atacameño communities for salt and llama herding; colonial and modern salt extraction later shaped local trade routes.
Conservation
The high desert is fragile: stay on designated paths, avoid littering, and use biodegradable sunscreen where possible to limit chemical runoff into saline pools.
Reserve your spot on the Cejar Lagoon and Ojos del Salar with Tebinquiche Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring a reusable water bottle
High altitude and dry air increase dehydration — carry at least 1–2 liters and sip often.
Use strong sunscreen and a hat
UV intensity is high at 2,300 m; broad-spectrum SPF 30+ and sunglasses protect skin and eyes.
Wear sandals or water shoes
Rough salt crusts and sharp mineral edges make durable, closed sandals more comfortable than flip-flops.
Acclimatize before booking
If you arrive from sea level, spend a day in San Pedro to reduce altitude-related discomfort.
Swimsuit
Necessary for floating in the saline lagoons.
Quick-dry towel
Dries fast in desert winds and doubles as a wind barrier after sunset.
Reusable water bottle
Helps you stay hydrated in the high, dry environment.
Sun hat and UV sunglasses
Protects against intense sun and reflective glare off the salt and water.