Laguna Cejar

Floating in the Salty Waters of the Atacama Desert

Laguna Cejar, located in the heart of Chile’s Atacama Desert, offers a truly unique experience: floating effortlessly in its salt-rich waters. This stunning turquoise lagoon, surrounded by white salt crusts and set against a backdrop of the Andes mountains, is a must-visit destination for any traveler exploring the Atacama. Here’s everything you need to know for a memorable visit to Laguna Cejar.

Getting to Laguna Cejar

By Air

  • Flights to Calama: Fly into El Loa Airport (CJC) in Calama, the closest airport to the Atacama Desert.

By Bus or Car

  • To San Pedro de Atacama: From Calama, take a bus or rent a car for a scenic 1.5-hour drive to San Pedro de Atacama, the main hub for exploring the desert.
  • To Laguna Cejar: Laguna Cejar is about 30 kilometers (18 miles) south of San Pedro de Atacama. You can reach it by car, bike, or as part of a guided tour.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (April to October)

Ideal Weather: The dry season offers pleasant temperatures and clear skies, making it the best time to visit.

Wet Season (November to March)

Lush Scenery: Although rare, rain showers can create temporary lagoons and blooming desert flora, adding to the landscape’s beauty.

Exploring Laguna Cejar

Laguna Cejar Overview

Salt Lagoon: Laguna Cejar is a saltwater lagoon with a salinity level so high that you can float effortlessly, similar to the Dead Sea.

Unique Environment: The lagoon is surrounded by a stark white salt crust, creating a stunning contrast with the turquoise water and the blue sky.

Activities at Laguna Cejar

Floating Experience

Effortless Floating: The high salt concentration makes it impossible to sink. Simply lie back and float on the surface, enjoying the surreal sensation and the breathtaking views.

Relaxation: The buoyancy is incredibly relaxing, making it an ideal spot for unwinding after a day of desert exploration.

Photography

Stunning Scenery: Capture the unique landscape of Laguna Cejar, with its vivid colors and dramatic contrasts. The lagoon is particularly photogenic at sunset, when the sky turns shades of pink and orange.

Conclusion

Laguna Cejar is not just a destination; it’s a mesmerizing experience that allows visitors to connect with the unique beauty of the Atacama Desert. Floating effortlessly in the high-salinity waters of this stunning lagoon is an unforgettable sensation, a surreal moment where the laws of gravity seem to bend. Surrounded by the breathtaking backdrop of the Andes mountains, the landscape transforms into a painter’s palette, offering vivid colors that shift with the sun’s journey across the sky. The contrast between the azure waters and the stark, arid desert creates a visual feast that captures the essence of the Atacama’s beauty, making it a must-visit for any traveler seeking to explore this remarkable region of Chile.

This remarkable natural wonder is not only about the unique floating experience; it also serves as an invitation to immerse yourself in the enchanting tranquility of the Atacama Desert. The peaceful ambiance allows for moments of reflection and serenity as you float, absorbing the beauty around you. The gentle ripples of the lagoon echo the quiet whispers of nature, reminding you of the vastness of the desert and the importance of taking a moment to pause and appreciate the present. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or on your first adventure, the experience at Laguna Cejar is transformative, offering a rare chance to disconnect from the hustle of daily life and reconnect with the natural world.

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