The Cejar Lagoon is a unique sight amid the dusty plains and sandy plateaus of the Atacama Desert. Admire the views from the shore, then stroll down to the beach and take a swim in the salty waters—with a salt concentration of around 20%, you will find yourself floating effortlessly on the surface. Visit the lagoon on a half-day tour from San Pedro de Atacama or combine it with other lagoons such as the Ojos del Salar on a full-day tour.
Cejar Lagoon lies in the Atacama Desert, about 18 miles (29 kilometers) south of San Pedro de Atacama. Regular taxis, shared taxis, and tours run from San Pedro de Atacama to the lake; about a 30-minute journey.
Summer (December–February) is the most popular time to explore; with warm weather fit for swimming in the lagoon. Winter (June–August) visits can be equally rewarding and it’s still possible to swim, although temperatures can plummet below freezing at night.
One of the most unusual features of the Atacama Desert is the Atacama Salt Lake (Salar de Atacama), which stretches over an area of 40,000 square miles (100,000 square kilometers), and is one of the world’s largest reserves of salt and lithium. Cejar Lagoon is one of several lagoons created by the salt lake. Other popular spots to visit include the Miscanti and Chaxa lagoons in Los Flamencos National Reserve; the Ojos del Salar, two sinkholes that resemble a gigantic pair of eyes; and the Tebinquiche Lagoon, where you can walk across the glittering salt flats.
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