Compare prices
EN
Flamingo standing in shallow water with reflections of surrounding mountains.

Explore

Northern Lagoons of the Salar de Atacama

The northern section of the salt flat features deep sinkholes and hyper-saline lagoons. Visitors can float in dense saltwater and watch sunset reflections over the Andes.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

Located north of the main flamingo reserves, this area highlights extreme salt concentrations and unique geological formations. Tours typically visit these spots together during an afternoon trip.

You will find intense sun glare and rapid temperature drops at sunset. Prepare with high SPF sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a windbreaker.

Flamingo grazing in a salt flat with reflections on the calm water.
Photo: tour listing on Viator
01

Laguna Cejar

1-2 hoursFloat in dense saltwater

Laguna Cejar is a bright turquoise lagoon with salt concentrations high enough to make you float effortlessly. Keep your head above the surface to avoid getting the extremely salty water in your eyes. On-site showers are available, so you can rinse the thick salt crust off your skin before moving on.

Flock of flamingos wading in a shallow lake against a desert background.
Photo: tour listing on Viator
02

Ojos del Salar

30 minutesUnique circular sinkholes

These two perfectly round, deep freshwater sinkholes resemble large eyes looking out from the desert crust. You can walk right up to the edge of the circular formations. Some tour guides allow swimming here to wash off the remaining salt from Laguna Cejar.

Flamingo walking along the edge of a salt flat reflecting in water.
Photo: tour listing on Viator
03

Laguna Tebinquinche

1 hourPopular sunset location

This large, shallow lake creates a mirror-like reflection of the Andes mountains as the sun goes down. Most visitors arrive here at the end of the day. It is a common stop for afternoon tours, which often serve pisco sours as temperatures drop.

Book a Northern Lagoons Tour

Woman walking along a ridge overlooking a vast, rugged desert landscape.
Laguna Cejar, Ojos del Salar and Tebenquinche in Atacama4 h 30 min 4.7 (10)from $50
cejar, ojos del salar & tebenquinchefrom $50 on Viator
Check dates