Float effortlessly in the hyper-saline Laguna Cejar, dip into the freshwater Ojos del Salar and watch Tebenquinche turn into a burnished mirror at sunset. This half-day excursion from San Pedro de Atacama mixes easy water time with stark desert geology and local cultural notes.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You arrive on a low, salt-crusted plain and the wind cuts like a clean edge across the sky. The first sight is Laguna Cejar: a pale, glassy lake that seems to push back against gravity, ready to hold you in its buoyant, saline embrace. Walking to the water, the desert smells faintly of mineral and sun-warmed stone; the lake answers with a silence that keeps you afloat.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short walks on flat, uneven salt and sand.
Wildlife
History
The basin combines indigenous Atacameño heritage and geological history shaped by Andean uplift and ancient evaporated lakes, creating today’s salt flats and lagoons.
Conservation
These wetlands are fragile; stick to designated paths, avoid leaving waste, and follow local rules to protect flamingo feeding grounds and groundwater sources.
Reserve your spot on the Laguna Cejar, Ojos del Salar and Tebenquinche in Atacama today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring cash for entrance
Park entrance fees are paid in cash at the office before departure; keep small bills handy.
Sun protection is non-negotiable
High-altitude sun is strong—use SPF 50, a wide-brim hat and UV sunglasses.
Rinse after floating
The high salinity can irritate skin and eyes; rinse thoroughly with fresh water after the float.
Watch for altitude effects
San Pedro sits around 2,400 m; take it easy if you feel short of breath or fatigued.
Swimsuit & towel
Required for floating and freshwater dips; towel for drying in the windy desert.
all
High-SPF sunscreen
Protects against intense UV at high elevation during daytime visits.
summer
Reusable water bottle (2+ liters)
Hydration is critical in the dry, high-altitude environment; refilling options are limited.
all
Light windproof layer
Keeps you warm during transfers and at sunset when temperatures drop quickly.
winter