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Astronomical week

Travel Program

-en

Moderate

Chile

Overview

The 7-Day Astronomical Programme – Chile is designed for travellers passionate about the clearest skies on the planet, combining science, culture, and the unique landscapes of northern Chile. Throughout this journey, participants will have the opportunity to observe the stars at iconic locations such as the Atacama Desert, the Paranal Observatory, and the Elqui Valley, considered some of the world’s top astrotourism destinations. In addition to the astronomical experiences, this programme includes visits to highly valuable cultural and natural attractions: from the Tatio Geysers, the Valley of the Moon, the high-altitude villages, and the desert landscapes of San Pedro de Atacama, to the vineyards of the Elqui Valley and the literary heritage of Gabriela Mistral. It is a comprehensive experience that combines the observation of the cosmos, nature, culture, and Chilean hospitality.

What's included in this tour?

  • Accommodation in 4 star boutique hotels/lodges through all the itinerary.
  • Mentioned land services.

What's not included in this tour?

  • Domestical or international flights.

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Santiago → Calama → San Pedro de Atacama

    The journey begins with a flight from Santiago to Calama, the gateway to the Atacama Desert. From the airport, a private transfer will take guests to San Pedro de Atacama, an adobe town with dirt roads that has become the epicentre of scientific and cultural tourism in northern Chile. In the afternoon, visit the stunning Valley of the Moon, within the Salt Mountain Range, a surreal landscape shaped by thousands of years of erosion that resembles the lunar surface. Its sand dunes, canyons, and rock formations provide a natural spectacle that intensifies with the changing colours of the sunset. In the evening, travellers will enjoy their first astronomical tour in the desert, equipped with high-end telescopes and guided by experts. The Atacama sky is considered the clearest on the planet, ideal for observing nebulae, star clusters, and constellations.

  2. Day 2

    San Pedro de Atacama

    The day focuses on the scientific dimension of the desert. In the morning, a trip to the Monturaqui Crater, a striking meteorite impact nearly 400 metres in diameter, offers a testament to the relationship between Earth and the cosmos. Back in San Pedro, visit the Meteorite Museum, which houses a unique collection of fragments that help understand how celestial bodies have influenced the formation of our planet and the worldview of indigenous cultures. In the afternoon, guests will have the opportunity to attend a talk with a local astronomer, bridging modern science with the ancient Atacameña worldview. Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

  3. Day 3

    San Pedro de Atacama (Exploration + Astronomy)

    Early in the morning, departure to the Tatio Geysers, located over 4,300 m above sea level, where sunrise reveals a natural spectacle of steam vents and columns of vapor emerging from the frozen earth. This geothermal field is one of the highest in the world. On the way back, visit the small village of Machuca, home to Atacameño shepherds, where traditional dishes can be tasted and life in the highlands is explored. The afternoon is free for rest or further exploration of the town of San Pedro. In the evening, a new astronomical session will introduce astrophotography, capturing images of the starry sky and learning to identify visible planets, satellites, and galaxies from the Southern Hemisphere. Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

  4. Day 4

    San Pedro de Atacama → Antofagasta

    A land transfer from San Pedro to Antofagasta crosses vast desert landscapes, dominated by salt flats, rock formations, and endless horizons. Upon arrival in Antofagasta, a panoramic city tour will include the main urban landmarks: Plaza Colón, the Huanchaca Ruins, and the La Portada Natural Monument. The day concludes with check-in at the hotel and time to relax before preparing for a visit to South America's most important astronomical observatory. Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

  5. Day 5

    Antofagasta → Paranal Observatory → La Serena

    This day is dedicated to one of the programme’s most iconic experiences: a visit to the Paranal Observatory, operated by the European Southern Observatory (ESO). During the tour, guests will learn about the scientific facilities, the observation platforms, and receive a talk on the groundbreaking discoveries that have transformed our understanding of the universe. In the afternoon, a flight from Antofagasta to La Serena. Upon arrival, a transfer to the Elqui Valley for dinner and overnight accommodation. Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

  6. Day 6

    Elqui Valley (Astronomy and Culture)

    The day begins with a visit to Vicuña, the birthplace of poet Gabriela Mistral, Nobel Prize in Literature, including her museum and heritage sites. Next, a visit to a pisco distillery will provide insight into the production of this traditional drink, a symbol of Chilean culture. The experience culminates with night-time observation at the El Pangue Observatory, a pioneering centre of Chilean astrotourism, equipped with high-precision telescopes. Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

  7. Day 7

    Elqui Valley → La Serena → Santiago

    In the morning, transfer to La Serena for a brief city tour, including the Plaza de Armas, the Monumental Lighthouse, and the craft market. After lunch, a flight back from La Serena to Santiago, closing a unique experience that combines science, culture, and nature. Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

Tour Details

Duration
-en
Type
Travel Program
Activity Level
Moderate
Destination
Chile
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