STARGAZING · SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
The Atacama is the driest place people live in, two thousand metres up, and the local outfits would rather cancel than run under a full moon. These 6 compare the telescope programmes, the ethno-astronomy nights and the transfers from town.
Travel from San Pedro de Atacama to a dark viewing site for a 150-minute astronomy evening led by guides such as Felipe or Claudio. Learn Western and Andean sky lore, use large telescopes, see southern constellations, and finish with warm drinks and a souvenir photo.
“I spent really great time and learned about constellations, planets and more. My guide was kind and professional!”
Meet in San Pedro de Atacama and ride 15 minutes into the desert for a guided night-sky session with telescopes, astronomy stories, drinks, snacks, blankets, and a star portrait. Guides such as Alejandro and Alberto explain constellations in English or Spanish, with targets changing by season and moon phase.
“We had a great tour. We went on the tour during a full moon week (which was advertised during booking) - meaning we could not see as many stars as normal, but our guides put on an excellent tour still! We learned all about the history of astronomy and saw some great constellations! We had some good snacks and took some great pictures. I have never seen such a beautiful moon! I would definitely recommend!”
You’ll leave San Pedro de Atacama at about 9:30 p.m. for a two-and-a-half-hour astronomy session with telescopes, laser-guided constellations, snacks, drinks, and a professional night-sky photo. Guides such as Patricio and Nathan explain the sky in Spanish and, depending on the group, English.
“Beautiful and very interesting the guy is super knowledgable but go when there’s no moon or very little”
Meet at Plaza Apacheta at 9:30 pm for a 2.5-hour night under Atacama’s famous clear skies. Enjoy an astronomy talk, drinks, snacks, and views through 14-inch and 16-inch telescopes, then pose for a personal and group Milky Way photo at Death Valley.
“Horrible company. Horrible interaction as in actually none. No response to any question. I want my money back. Did I say Horrible?”
Meet at Plaza Turistour in San Pedro de Atacama, ride into the desert, and use telescopes to view stars and planets. Your English or Spanish-speaking guide explains Andean cosmovision, then serves wine or coffee, a snack, and two photos. Bring very warm clothes.
“informative and friendly. a really interesting and different experience and the Milky Way looked amazing. nice selection of drinks and snacks and good photo op.”
You’ll leave San Pedro de Atacama for a dark observation site, where an English or Spanish-speaking astronomy guide uses telescopes and extra equipment to show you planets, stars, nebulas, and galaxies. Transport, snacks, drinks, information material, and experience photos are included.
Pick a desert, a summit or a telescope.
