Cejar Lagoon: Turquoise waters in the heart of the Atacama Salt Flat

A few kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama, in the middle of the vast desert, is one of the most iconic postcards of northern Chile: Laguna Cejar. This body of water, which is part of the extensive Salar de Atacama, is known for its intense turquoise color, its edges crystallized by salt, and the curious sensation of buoyancy experienced when bathing in its waters, due to its high saline concentration.

Visiting Laguna Cejar is an experience that mixes supernatural landscapes, high-altitude nature, and a refreshing swim in one of the most arid environments on the planet. If you are planning a trip to San Pedro de Atacama, including this place in your itinerary is almost mandatory.

What is Laguna Cejar and why do you float in it

Laguna Cejar is part of a system of saline lagoons located within the Salar de Atacama, the largest in Chile. What makes it special is its extremely high salinity: it contains more salt per liter of water than the ocean itself, and even surpasses in density many areas of the famous Dead Sea.

This means that, upon entering the water, the human body floats easily. It is a strange but pleasant sensation, which many travelers compare to being suspended on an invisible surface. This is one of the main reasons why the excursion to Laguna Cejar has become one of the most popular activities in San Pedro de Atacama.

How to get to Laguna Cejar from San Pedro de Atacama

The lagoon is located approximately 20 km south of San Pedro de Atacama, and can be accessed by a route that crosses part of the salt flat. To get there on your own, a vehicle is required (ideally a 4x4 in certain seasons of the year) or a bicycle, although the latter option requires good physical condition due to the altitude and terrain conditions.

The most comfortable and recommended alternative for many visitors is to hire a excursion from San Pedro de Atacama, which includes transportation, guide, and in some cases even entry to the lagoons. This allows you to enjoy the landscape without worrying about logistics or roads.

What a visit to Laguna Cejar includes

A typical visit includes:

• Access to the lagoon area, managed by local communities.

• Free time to swim in the main lagoon (depending on the day's conditions).

• Walks around, offering unique views of the desert, the Andes mountain range, and the salt flat itself.

• Observation of Andean fauna, such as flamingos and other migratory birds.

The area has basic facilities, such as bathrooms and changing rooms. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

If you are going to use sunscreen, it is very important to apply it after bathing, so you will avoid contaminating the water in the lagoon.

In addition to Laguna Cejar, many excursions include a visit to the Ojos del Salar (two circular pools of fresh water in the middle of the salt flat) and to Laguna Tebenquiche, ideal for observing reflections at sunset.

How much does it cost to enter Laguna Cejar

Access to Laguna Cejar has a fee that varies depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased directly at the site, although some tour agencies already include them in the package price.

It is advisable to bring cash, as electronic payment systems are not always available in the area.

When to visit: weather, hours, and recommendations

The best time to visit Laguna Cejar is in the afternoon, when temperatures drop slightly and the sky begins to be tinged with orange and pink tones. It is at this moment when the reflection of the landscape on the salt water reaches its maximum beauty.

In terms of weather, the Atacama Desert is dry and sunny all year round, but it also presents strong temperature contrasts between day and night. That's why it is recommended to wear light clothing for the day and something warmer for the return.

Considerations before swimming

The high salt content can cause irritations if you have cuts, sensitive skin, or accidentally rub your eyes. It can also dry out the skin quite a bit, so it is advisable to shower as soon as you get out of the water and apply moisturizer if possible.

The use of soaps or chemical products inside the lagoon is not allowed, and we recommend not applying sunscreen minutes before bathing, as it is a fragile ecosystem. In addition, in some periods of the year, swimming is not allowed to preserve the lagoon, so it is always good to confirm in advance.

How to experience Laguna Cejar without discomfort

To avoid concerns related to transportation, tickets, schedules, or route planning, an excellent option is to hire a guided tour with a local agency. This way, you ensure a smooth, safe experience enriched by the knowledge of expert guides.

Outdoor Index offers complete excursions that include Laguna Cejar and other essential landscapes of San Pedro de Atacama. You can live an unforgettable day that can also include places like Valle de la Luna, Ojos del Salar, Laguna Tebenquiche, Valle del Arcoiris, Lagunas Altiplánicas, Geysers del Tatio, etc.

If you want to experience the desert without complications, with the peace of mind of being in good hands, this is an excellent way to discover the best of the area.

Discover all the tours available in San Pedro de Atacama here: The best tours in San Pedro de Atacama