Laguna Cejar

Laguna Cejar is a striking salt lagoon in the Atacama Desert, about 45 minutes from San Pedro de Atacama. Its vivid turquoise waters, ringed by a white salt crust and set against the stark desert landscape, create a surreal, almost otherworldly scene. The high salt concentration means you float effortlessly, like in the Dead Sea, making it a must-do for a unique natural spa experience.

Highlights & What to See

• Floating in the supersaline water – bob on the surface without effort, but avoid splashing in your eyes.
• Stark desert scenery – the lagoon is surrounded by salt flats and distant volcanoes, perfect for photography.
• Nearby Laguna Tebinquinche – often visited together, this deeper lagoon has a greenish hue and is less salty, so you sink a bit more.
• Sunset views – the colors intensify as the sun drops behind the Andes, casting a golden glow.
• Wildlife spotting – keep an eye out for flamingos and other birds that frequent the area.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for about 2–3 hours at Laguna Cejar itself, including time to float, walk around the edge, and take in the views. Many visitors combine it with a half-day tour that includes Laguna Tebinquinche and the nearby salt flats, allowing a total of 4–5 hours for the circuit. Aim to arrive in the late afternoon so you can enjoy the floating and then catch the sunset.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• San Pedro de Atacama – the gateway town with adobe architecture, artisan markets, and excellent restaurants.
• Valle de la Luna – a surreal lunar-like landscape of dunes and rock formations, great for hiking and sunset.
• Salar de Atacama – the largest salt flat in Chile, home to flamingo-filled lagoons and expansive white plains.
• El Tatio Geysers – a spectacular early-morning drive to see geysers erupting at dawn (requires a very early start).
• Laguna Miscanti & Miñiques – high-altitude lagoons with intense blue waters, framed by volcanoes and altiplano wildlife.

Please check official sources for current details.