Laguna Cejar San Pedro de Atacama
Experience effortless floating in the hypersaline waters of Laguna Cejar, surrounded by the stark beauty of the Atacama salt flats.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer guided tours
Laguna Cejar San Pedro de Atacama
Best Time
Fewer guided tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience effortless floating in the hypersaline waters of Laguna Cejar, surrounded by the stark beauty of the Atacama salt flats.
"It’s so nice to just be floating there. Impossible to sink. +1"
🎟️ Book Online Ahead
Secure your entry slot online in advance to guarantee access and avoid disappointment.
🧴 No Sunscreen Allowed
Avoid sunscreen to protect the delicate ecosystem. Consider a rash guard for sun protection.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Effortless Floating
Laguna Cejar
Experience the surreal sensation of floating effortlessly in the hypersaline waters, surrounded by stark desert beauty.
Salt Flats Landscape
Surrounding areas
Marvel at the vast, otherworldly salt flats stretching for kilometers, a unique geological wonder of the Atacama Desert.
Flamingo Sightings
Lagoon edges
Keep an eye out for graceful flamingos that often frequent the shallow edges of the lagoons, adding a splash of color to the arid scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Slot in Advance
Prepare for Salt and Showers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Online Ahead
Secure your entry slot online in advance to guarantee access and avoid disappointment.
🧴 No Sunscreen Allowed
Avoid sunscreen to protect the delicate ecosystem. Consider a rash guard for sun protection.
💧 Rinse Off Promptly
Use the limited shower time to rinse off salt. Slick hair back to avoid stiffness.
🚶♀️ Explore Independently
Consider a solo visit for more time to enjoy the lagoon without tour group constraints.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Online Ahead
Secure your entry slot online in advance to guarantee access and avoid disappointment.
🧴 No Sunscreen Allowed
Avoid sunscreen to protect the delicate ecosystem. Consider a rash guard for sun protection.
💧 Rinse Off Promptly
Use the limited shower time to rinse off salt. Slick hair back to avoid stiffness.
🚶♀️ Explore Independently
Consider a solo visit for more time to enjoy the lagoon without tour group constraints.
🦩 Spot the Flamingos
Look for flamingos near the lagoon edges; they add a beautiful natural element to the landscape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Laguna Cejar for its unique floating experience and stunning, otherworldly landscapes. The high salinity makes buoyancy effortless, and the surrounding salt flats are breathtaking. While some find the water cold and the shower facilities basic with strict time limits, the overall consensus is that it's a must-visit attraction in San Pedro de Atacama.
"Loved this place. We went with a guide so we had only 20 minutes to get inside the lagoon, so if you want to enjoy it more I definitely recommend going solo, without a guide. It’s not far from the city at all. The water is cold but I personally didn’t find it freezing like people told me it was. It’s so nice to just be floating there. Bring your towels with your if you’re planning to get in, they have a place where you can shower (no soap or anything, just water) you have a limit time in the shower as well, but it’s time enough to get the salt out of your skin. I recommend to slick your hair back or else it will be like a stone lol."
Vanessa Morais
"A short drive from San Pedro, Laguna Cejar is a beautiful place. You need to book a ticket on the website in advance. You have a one hour slot. The Laguna is being carefully cared for and preserved by the indigenous people in the area; and the limited time means less impact on the beautiful environment.
There are three lagoons, we walked around the first one and then floated in the second one. We didn’t make it to the third as we wanted to spend as much time in the water as possible. We were there in August for the 11am slot and it was chilly. Mornings are for independent travelers and afternoons for guided tours. There are changing areas and showers you can use afterwards, there is a 20 second limit for the shower due to water scarcity. We went back to our Airbnb to shower which seemed easier. You cannot wear sunscreen in the Laguna due to the environmental impact, this conflicts with information on their website when translated to English.
This was a beautiful and calming experience, floating in the arid landscape of Atacama.
Please don’t be put off by other reviewers. Local people are doing all they can to share the Laguna whilst limiting human impact. It’s a must see in Atacama."
Michelle Evans
"Superb experience. Impossible to sink. Float w hands and feet high out of the water. Vertically float at armpit level. Surrounded by salt flats for many 1000 square kilometers. Infrastructure: personnel, showers, lockers all top rate."
buzz mccord
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Laguna Cejar is a short drive from San Pedro de Atacama. Many visitors opt for guided tours which include transportation. Alternatively, you can rent a car or hire a taxi. Independent travelers can also arrange transport with local agencies.
No, Laguna Cejar is conveniently located a short drive from San Pedro de Atacama, making it an accessible day trip.
Yes, you can drive yourself if you have a rental car. Be prepared for potential queues upon arrival, even with a reservation.
Guided tours typically provide round-trip transportation from your accommodation in San Pedro de Atacama, making it a hassle-free option.
The roads are generally well-maintained, but it's always good to check local conditions, especially if driving independently.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, booking your ticket online in advance is highly recommended, as entry is managed in timed slots to control visitor numbers and preserve the environment.
Ticket prices can vary, and it's best to check the official website for the most current pricing information. Booking online is usually required.
Visitors are typically allocated a one-hour slot to experience the lagoon, which helps manage crowds and minimize environmental impact.
While it might be possible during very off-peak times, it's strongly advised to book in advance to guarantee entry, as slots can fill up quickly.
Mornings are often favored by independent travelers, while afternoons tend to be busier with guided tours. Booking ensures your chosen time slot.
🎫 🤿 Onsite Experience
The water can be chilly, especially in the mornings or during cooler months like August. While some find it cold, others don't find it freezing.
Yes, the high salinity allows you to float effortlessly. It's a unique experience where sinking is nearly impossible.
There are changing areas, lockers, and showers available for visitors. However, showers have a strict time limit due to water scarcity.
Yes, it's essential to bring your own towel as they are not provided.
No, soap and shampoo are not permitted in the showers to protect the environment. The showers are for rinsing off salt water only.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire landscape is photogenic! Capture yourself floating, the vast salt flats, and any wildlife like flamingos. The reflections on the water can also be stunning.
There are no specific restrictions on photography, but be mindful of other visitors and the environment. Protect your camera from salt spray.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. Consider a waterproof camera or protective casing for your phone/camera due to the salt.
Drone usage policies can change and may be restricted in protected natural areas. It's best to check with local authorities or your tour operator before flying a drone.
While sunset visits might be limited by entry times, the unique light on the salt flats can create dramatic photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for the cold water, especially during cooler months, and ensure children have towels. The strict shower time limits mean you might want to plan for a more thorough rinse at your accommodation. Remember the no-sunscreen rule and consider protective clothing for younger ones. The short travel time from San Pedro also makes it a manageable outing for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own snacks and water to save money on potential on-site purchases. Bring your own towel to avoid rental fees. The experience itself, the unique floating, and the stunning scenery are well worth the admission fee, offering significant value for budget-conscious travelers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science of Floating
The experience of floating in Laguna Cejar is often described as surreal and deeply relaxing. Surrounded by the stark, beautiful landscape of salt flats and volcanic mountains, the sensation of weightlessness is amplified. It’s a must-do for anyone visiting San Pedro de Atacama, offering a playful and unforgettable interaction with nature's forces. Remember to slick your hair back, as the salt can leave it feeling stiff and dry after drying.
While the floating is the main draw, the surrounding environment also contributes to the magic. The vast salt flats create an otherworldly panorama, and if you're lucky, you might spot flamingos wading in the shallower areas. The infrastructure, including changing rooms and showers, is well-maintained, though the showers have a strict time limit due to water scarcity in the region.
Environmental Preservation Efforts
One of the key preservation measures is the prohibition of sunscreen and other chemicals in the water. This is crucial because even small amounts of these substances can harm the unique microbial life and the overall water quality of the hypersaline lagoon. Visitors are advised to wear sun-protective clothing like rash guards instead of sunscreen when entering the water.
The strict time limits for showers also reflect the region's water scarcity. While convenient for a quick rinse, these short durations emphasize the importance of water conservation in the Atacama Desert. By adhering to these guidelines, visitors contribute to the ongoing efforts to protect this extraordinary natural wonder.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit