Northern Chile is one of the best places on Earth for astronomical tourism. Its clear skies, dry climate, and high-altitude locations make it an ideal destination for stargazing and visiting world-renowned observatories. This 8-day tour will take you through the most spectacular astronomical spots in northern Chile, combined with the region’s other natural wonders, such as the Atacama Desert, altiplanic lagoons, and the coastal cities. Here’s a suggested itinerary focused on astronomical tourism and exploration.
Day 1: Arrival in Arica
Arrival: Fly into Arica, Chile’s northernmost city on the Pacific coast. Arica is known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and proximity to fascinating desert landscapes.
Afternoon: After checking into your hotel, take a walking tour of the city. Visit Cerro Morro for panoramic views of the city and the coast. The town itself offers a mix of colonial architecture and Inca history.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening and a delicious dinner at one of the local seafood restaurants on the coast.
Day 2: Visit to the Lauca National Park and Stargazing
Morning: Take a day trip to Lauca National Park, located about 3 hours from Arica. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to stunning high-altitude lakes, volcanoes, and wildlife.
Visit Lake Chungara, one of the highest lakes in the world, with incredible views of Mount Parinacota and Mount Pomerape.
Explore the salar de Surire (Surire Salt Flats) and its flamingo colonies.
Afternoon: Return to Arica in the late afternoon.
Evening: Head to a local observatory for an introduction to astronomy. Arica offers some astronomical tours at night, where you can stargaze and learn about the Southern Hemisphere constellations.
If available, enjoy a stargazing experience at Observatorio Astronómico de Arica, where you’ll observe the stars, planets, and deep-sky objects using powerful telescopes.
Day 3: San Pedro de Atacama – Gateway to the Stars
Morning: Fly or drive to San Pedro de Atacama, one of the most famous desert towns in the world. It’s known for its stunning landscapes and clear skies.
Afternoon: Explore the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), with its dramatic landscapes that resemble the surface of the Moon, salt caves, and rock formations. You can also explore Valle de la Muerte (Death Valley) for otherworldly views.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset tour in Valle de la Luna and take in the breathtaking views of the desert as the sun sets. The skies start to darken, setting the stage for a stargazing session.
Join an astronomical tour with Alma Observatory or San Pedro Astronomical Observatory, which are both known for offering evening stargazing tours and telescope experiences.
Day 4: ALMA Observatory & Stargazing in San Pedro de Atacama
Morning: Visit the ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array) Observatory, located about 50 km from San Pedro de Atacama. This is one of the world’s most advanced astronomical observatories, perched at 5,000 meters above sea level.
ALMA is focused on studying the universe at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths, offering extraordinary insights into the formation of stars, galaxies, and planets.
Take a guided tour to learn about the science and technology behind ALMA and how it helps astronomers understand the cosmos.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring Laguna Miscanti and Laguna Miñiques in the Altiplanic Highlands. The scenic beauty of these turquoise lagoons, surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes, is awe-inspiring.
Evening: Return to San Pedro de Atacama for dinner and rest. You can also opt for another evening astronomical tour in town or visit the San Pedro Astronomical Observatory for a hands-on stargazing experience using high-powered telescopes.
Day 5: El Tatio Geysers & Sunset Stargazing
Morning: Rise early to visit the El Tatio Geysers, located at 4,300 meters above sea level. These geothermal wonders offer an incredible spectacle of steam rising from the earth in the early morning light. It’s a great spot to take photographs and enjoy the landscape.
You can also take a dip in the hot springs in the area, surrounded by the Andean peaks.
Afternoon: After visiting the geysers, take a tour to the Salar de Atacama to see the beautiful Laguna Chaxa, home to flamingos and other wildlife.
Explore the Los Flamencos National Reserve, which is rich in natural beauty and wildlife.
Evening: In the evening, head back to San Pedro de Atacama. Have dinner at a local restaurant and then visit the San Pedro Astronomical Observatory for a guided stargazing experience. Learn about the constellations, the Milky Way, and other celestial bodies in the Southern Hemisphere.
Day 6: Day Trip to the Altiplano & Stargazing at the Very Large Telescope
Morning: Take a day trip to the Altiplano, a vast high plateau that stretches across northern Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia. The area is known for its lagunas, salt flats, and volcanoes. Visit the Laguna Verde and Laguna Blanca near the Chile-Bolivia border, both of which offer stunning natural beauty.
Afternoon: After exploring the Altiplano, head towards Paranal Observatory, home to the Very Large Telescope (VLT). This observatory, located at 2,635 meters above sea level, is part of the European Southern Observatory (ESO).
If available, you can book a guided tour of the VLT, where you’ll learn about its groundbreaking astronomical discoveries and its role in exploring the universe.
Evening: Head back to San Pedro de Atacama for the night.
Day 7: Visit to the Atacama Desert & Stargazing Tour
Morning: Take a relaxing morning to explore more of the Atacama Desert. You can visit the Laguna Cejar for a unique experience of floating in a saline lake, or go on a short hike to the Piedras Rojas (Red Rocks), famous for its dramatic desert scenery.
Afternoon: Explore the Los Flamencos National Reserve and see the Tebenquiche Lagoon, which offers stunning views of the salt flats and surrounding mountains.
Evening: Enjoy one last stargazing tour in San Pedro de Atacama. Choose a tour that takes you into the darkest corners of the desert, far from light pollution, for a truly magical astronomical experience. Some tours also include a laser-guided tour of the constellations.
Day 8: Return to Calama or Santiago
Morning: Depending on your schedule, enjoy a relaxing morning in San Pedro de Atacama, or visit any final attractions, such as the Pukara de Quitor, a pre-Columbian fortress with sweeping views of the valley.
Afternoon: Travel back to Calama (1.5 hours by car) for your flight back to Santiago or to your next destination.
Additional Tips
Best Time to Visit: The best time for astronomical tourism in northern Chile is during the dry season (April to October), when the skies are clearer and the nights are cooler. The new moon phase is also ideal for stargazing, as there’s minimal light interference.
Altitude: Many of the observatories and stargazing locations are at high altitudes (over 4,000 meters), so be prepared for altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activities on the first day, and allow your body to acclimatize.
Clothing: The desert can be extremely hot during the day and very cold at night. Be sure to pack layers, sunscreen, sunglasses and a good jacket for the evenings.
This itinerary offers an in-depth exploration of northern Chile’s natural wonders and its world-class astronomical tourism opportunities, including some of the most famous observatories and stargazing locations on the planet. It’s an unforgettable experience for anyone fascinated by the cosmos!
