Float in the mineral-rich Cejar Lagoon on an easy half-day afternoon tour from San Pedro de Atacama. Expect high-altitude sun, dramatic salt formations and effortless buoyancy in shallow turquoise water.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A pale sun slides behind the volcanic ridge as you step out onto salt-crusted flats and the Cejar Lagoon opens like a sudden sheet of turquoise. Wind carves patterns in the crust; the water, dense with minerals, holds you with an effortless buoyancy that feels almost engineered to surprise. Guides shepherd small groups across the flat toward the shallow shore, and the Andes stand watch beyond the horizon.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short, level walks and standing at 2,600 m elevation.
Wildlife
History
The Cejar area is part of the larger Atacameño cultural landscape and the Salar de Atacama basin, shaped by volcanic uplift and evaporation over millennia.
Conservation
The salt flats are ecologically fragile—avoid removing salt or disturbing microbial crusts, pack out all waste, and use only biodegradable products when rinsing off.
Reserve your spot on the San Pedro de Atacama: Half day Cejar Lagoon afternoon tour. today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimate before you go
Spend at least a day in San Pedro to adjust to 2,600 m altitude—take it easy the morning of the tour and hydrate well.
Sun and wind protection
Bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a windproof layer; desert sun and cold breezes combine quickly at sunset.
Protect the salt crust
Stay on routed paths and avoid breaking or collecting salt formations—these structures are fragile and regenerating slowly.
Swim smart
Float gently and avoid splashing; don’t enter the water with open cuts and rinse off afterwards with fresh water to remove salts.
Swimsuit or swim trunks
Needed if you want to float in the saline lagoon and experience the buoyancy.
High-SPF sunscreen
Essential protection at altitude where UV exposure is stronger and prolonged.
Light windshell or fleece
Temperatures drop quickly after sunset; a layer keeps you comfortable on the flats and at pickup points.
Reusable water bottle (at least 1 L)
Hydration is critical in the dry high desert—bring more than you think you'll need.