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Salt lagoon · San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta
Laguna Cejar
A very salty lagoon in the Salar de Atacama, about 20 km from San Pedro. Bathing is done in the neighboring Laguna Piedra, where the body floats effortlessly.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Laguna Cejar
La Laguna Cejar is located within the Salar de Atacama, south of San Pedro, with views of the Licancabur volcano and the Cordillera de la Sal. The salt concentration is so high that the body floats effortlessly, which is why the place is compared to the Dead Sea.
The site is administered by the Comunidad Indígena Atacameña de Solor. La Laguna Cejar is viewed from lookouts at a distance; bathing is allowed in the adjacent Laguna Piedra, which has the same salty, transparent water.
Nearby are the Ojos del Salar, two round water pits opened in the middle of the desert that look like two eyes side by side. Many tours then continue to Laguna Tebinquiche, a shallow sheet of water over the salt, to see the late afternoon.
Entry is purchased in advance through the official channel, with separate shifts for independent visitors and for agencies. The site is closed one day a week.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour at the lagoon; the tour including Ojos del Salar and Tebinquiche takes the afternoon.
Best time
The afternoon is the warmest time to enter the water, which is usually cold. Time slots for independent visitors and for agencies are different. Confirm before you go.
How to get there
From San Pedro, follow about 14 km south on Ruta 23 and turn right onto the marked dirt road; the total is about 20 km. You can also go by bicycle or with an agency.
Tip
Bring sandals or water shoes, because the salt crust has sharp edges that can cut. After the bath the salt dries on the skin: there are showers on site, but bring water to rinse your face. Avoid getting the water in your eyes.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Laguna Cejar
Can you swim in Laguna Cejar?
Bathing is allowed in Laguna Piedra, next to the Cejar, which is viewed only from viewpoints. The water of both is very salty and the body floats.
What are the Ojos del Salar?
They are two round water wells in the middle of the salt flat, near Laguna Cejar, that resemble two eyes.
Do you need to buy tickets in advance for Laguna Cejar?
Yes, tickets are purchased in advance through the official channel, in shifts with limited capacity.