Eyes of the Desert

Save the hotel pool for another day. This afternoon experience whisks you away to a salty basin where you'll wash away the morning's flight enveloped by the sights, smells, and sounds of nature. But before diving into Cejar Lagoon, you'll first hear about the importance of this ecosystem from your certified guide. Once in, the high salinity will carry you across the surface of the lake without needing to stroke or kick. After drying off, you will visit Ojos del Salar. These two freshwater pools appear like natural mirrors amid the arid landscape, creating a unique contrast between life and the desert. Tebenquinche Lagoon concludes the trilogy, where you'll study the salt deposits from the lakeside and hear about how ancient microorganisms exist here while watching the resident flamingos in the soft evening light. This is a privileged place to admire the Atacama Salt Flat and the imposing views of the volcanoes of the Andes.

This immersive exploration of the Salar de Atacama focuses on how the landscape provides a habitat for flora, fauna, and people. Your guide, schooled in sustainable tourism, will explain the fragility of the ecosystems and provide insight into why the Indigenous Licanantay people consider the lagoons and volcanoes sacred. The experience serves as a springboard into your Atacama adventure. In fact, you'll have the option to do that literally at Cejar Lagoon — a thrilling experience which fosters a deeper connection with the environment and supports acclimatization to this parched, elevated landscape. The story unfolds at Ojos del Salar and Tebenquiche Lagoon, which reveal more about the geology of this extreme environment in the far north of Chile and sheds light on how people have managed to exist here for over 11,000 years, carefully managing scarce water resources and cultivating the desert’s fertile oases while developing a profound spiritual relationship with the landscape.

Mirko and Nicolás are friends, certified guides, and business partners operating tourism experiences in the Atacama Desert. A professional landscape and wildlife photographer, Mirko has devoted his career to capturing the raw beauty of the Atacama Desert and the rugged terrains of Patagonia. Nicolás is a cultural project administrator specializing in ecotourism. As a local, Indigenous guide, with extensive knowledge of the Atacama’s territory, culture, history, and natural heritage, his experiences focus on Indigenous peoples and the natural environment. Your experience may be hosted by Mirko, Nicolás, or one of two certified guides. If you have a particular interest in photography and wildlife, you may prefer to book Mirko. If you are interested in Indigenous culture, you may wish to book Nicolás. Please feel welcome to write to the Experience Makers via Fernwayer Chat before booking your experience.

Sunscreen, lipbalm, sunglasses, and sunhat. Comfortable clothing: bear in mind that the conditions vary from cold to hot throughout the day. Trekking boots. Swimsuit, swimming cap, towel, and flip-flops for the walk from the lagoon to the shower. Camera and binoculars are recommended but not essential.