Discover Laguna Cejar in San Pedro de Atacama.
Discover the natural beauty of San Pedro de Atacama and Laguna Cejar
San Pedro de Atacama, located in northern Chile, is one of the most popular destinations for nature lovers and tourists seeking to discover the wild beauty of South America. One of the region’s most remarkable attractions is Laguna Cejar, a saltwater lagoon that offers breathtaking landscapes and unique activities for visitors.
Laguna Cejar
Laguna Cejar is a turquoise saltwater lagoon located about 30 km from San Pedro de Atacama. This lagoon is surrounded by salt formations and is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in the region. Due to the high salinity of the water, visitors can easily float in it and enjoy the sensation of floating in the air.
One of the best times to visit Laguna Cejar is during sunset, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and salt formations.
Activities to do when visiting Laguna Cejar
Visitors can swim and float in the lagoon and explore the surrounding areas on foot or by bike. In addition, many local guides offer kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and mountain biking excursions to explore the surroundings.
Practical tips for visiting
Visitors should wear appropriate shoes and swimwear, as abrasives present in the water can damage the skin. It is also advisable to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and drinking water.
The history of Laguna Cejar
Laguna Cejar was created about 20,000 years ago when the sea level was higher and the region was underwater. Due to the evaporation of water, minerals and salts accumulated to form the natural salt formations around the lagoon.
The region around Laguna Cejar has been inhabited for thousands of years by the Atacaménian culture. Evidence of their presence includes petroglyphs, tools, and ceramics that have been found in the region. Nowadays, the descendants of the Atacaménian and the local communities continue to live in the region and seek to protect their cultural and environmental heritage.
Flora and fauna
The waters of Laguna Cejar harbor various species of microorganisms and algae that create a rich color layer in the surroundings. In addition, the region is also a habitat for species of flamingos, Andean seagulls, Chilean ducks, and pelicans. You can also discover typical flora associated with basins and marshes: rushes, Salicornia, and small sandpipers.
Other attractions near Laguna Cejar
There are many other lagoons and natural sites near Laguna Cejar. For example, the Miscanti and Miniques lagoons are nearby high-altitude lakes located at the foot of the Miscanti and Miniques volcanoes. Other natural sites include the Moon Valley and the Cordillera de la Sal.
The local villages are also an important attraction. Visitors can discover small villages such as Toconao and Socaire and discover the local communities and their projects.
Good eco-tourism practices
It is important to consider the ecological issues of the region when visiting Laguna Cejar. As with all delicate areas, visitors must respect the natural environment and be responsible for their actions. Visitors must be careful not to leave waste and not to damage the fragile ecosystem around the lagoon.
Conclusion
Laguna Cejar is an incredible destination for anyone looking to discover the unique nature and culture of Chile. By visiting this region, travelers can support local communities and their sustainable way of life while having fun and exploring the natural beauty of the region. We encourage all visitors to respect the environment when visiting Laguna Cejar and the surrounding areas, so that this region can be protected and preserved for future generations.