Astronomical Tour in San Pedro de Atacama

The Astronomical Tour in San Pedro de Atacama invites you to experience an unforgettable night under one of the clearest skies on the planet. Just a few kilometers from town, far from light pollution, visitors observe stars, planets, and galaxies with powerful telescopes while learning about the Andean worldview and modern astronomy. The experience includes guided talks, nighttime photography, and hot drinks, all in a silent and majestic setting where the universe seems within reach.

Location of the Astronomical Tour

Community: In the vicinity of San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta Region, Chile.

Distance from Atacama: Approximately 15 km outside the town, according to one source.

Altitude: Around 2,408 meters above sea level (m a.s.l.) was cited as the “maximum altitude” in one version of the tour.

Dimensions: Not specified.

Detailed Itinerary – Astronomical Tour

Departure from San Pedro de Atacama

The experience begins at the agency located in the center of San Pedro de Atacama, where travelers meet at dusk. The guide gives a brief introduction about the sky conditions in the Atacama Desert, considered one of the clearest and cleanest on the planet. After a few minutes of orientation, the group boards the bus that will take them to the outskirts of town.

Transfer to the astronomical base

The journey lasts approximately 15 minutes. During the trip, the town lights fade into the distance, giving way to the vastness of the desert. The silence deepens, and the sky begins to reveal its first blanket of stars. Upon arriving at the astronomical base, visitors find themselves in a completely dark environment, with minimal light pollution, ideal for nighttime observation.

Andean Cosmovision Talk

The first part of the tour is a cultural and scientific talk, where the guide explains how the indigenous peoples of the Andean highlands, such as the Atacameño or Lickanantay, interpreted the constellations. Unlike modern astronomy, their worldview united the sky and the earth, relating the stars to animals, agricultural cycles, and the energies of the universe. It is a moment that combines history, ancestral wisdom, and contemplation.

Telescope Observation

The second part of the tour invites you to look at the universe up close. Participants observe through professional, high-resolution telescopes, which allow them to appreciate the craters of the Moon, the rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter, and, on clear nights, star clusters and distant galaxies. The guide directs your gaze and explains each phenomenon clearly, ensuring that each visitor feels the wonder of discovering the cosmos.

Astrophotography Session

In the final stage, one of the most anticipated moments arrives: the astrophotography session. Under the completely star-filled sky, visitors can take photos with the universe as their backdrop. The flashlights are turned off, the cameras are switched on, and the sky becomes the star. It’s a moment of silence and connection, where each person captures an unforgettable memory of the immensity of the Atacama Desert.

Return to San Pedro de Atacama

After the stargazing session, the group returns to the bus to begin the journey back to town. During the trip, the stars continue to shine brightly over the desert, while the travelers leave with the feeling of having touched the sky with their eyes.

Recommendations

Dress in layers for the cold
During the trek, you will cross areas between 3,500 and 4,000 meters above sea level. Bring comfortable clothing, a windbreaker, lightweight gloves, and a scarf or Andean hat.

Warm and very comfortable footwear
Some sections may have loose soil or rocks. Good hiking shoes or lightweight trekking boots will make all the difference.

Hydration and personal snacks
Although the tour includes breakfast and lunch, it is recommended to bring a water bottle, nuts, or energy bars for the trail.

Camera with sufficient battery and memory
This tour offers numerous photo opportunities, from Andean landscapes to cultural portraits by the bridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the tour located?

The activity takes place on a nearby plot of land, about fifteen minutes from the city of San Pedro de Atacama. It’s important to stay away from brightly lit areas to minimize light pollution and optimize astronomical observation.

What happens to the tour if it’s canceled?

Cancellations may occur due to weather conditions, in which case a 100% refund of the reservation fee is due. If you are able to reschedule the tour, you can do so without any problem, depending on availability.

Is there any difference in the observation depending on the tour departure I choose?

None, other than the position of the celestial bodies at the time of your tour. You will be able to see the same celestial bodies and constellations, with explanations provided by the guides.

What is the difference between the Astronomical Tour and the Astrophotography Tour?

Both tours include stargazing with a telescope, but the Astronomical Tour offers more technical information for astronomy enthusiasts. The Astro-Photographic Tour, on the other hand, provides simpler information and includes a special segment exploring the Andean worldview.

How much time will I have to bathe in the hot springs?

Of the approximately 4.5 hours the entire activity lasts, a maximum of 2 hours is allocated for bathing in the thermal pools.