Astronomy and Astrophotography Tour
In the Elqui Valley, in the IV Region, there is a privileged Astronomical Center with almost 300 days of clear skies a year. It offers advanced astronomy tours with specialized guides in Spanish, who explain everything about the universe in a clear and didactic way. High-quality telescopes are used, such as the 24-inch Hubble Optics, unique in Chile, the 20-inch Hubble Optics, and the 20-inch Meade, rotating between them for a varied observation experience. From the outdoor terrace, constellations, planets, nebulas, and more can be observed. Group astrophotography photos are captured on moonless nights, and visitors are allowed to photograph lunar craters with their own devices on moonlit nights.
Options
Astronomy and Astrophotography Tour
Pickup included
What's included in Astronomy and Astrophotography Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
La Serena
We begin collecting passengers from La Serena
Vicuna
Then we have a 1 hour and 30 minute drive to Vicuña, where we will have 10-15 minutes to stretch, go to the bathroom or buy some snacks at the nearby supermarket. Then we begin our last journey to the Astronomical Center located at the foot of Mamalluca Hill on a private plot of land in the area.
Upon arrival at the observation area, you will enjoy a welcome with a selection of drinks including coffee, tea, water, juice, pisco sour or mango sour. After these 15 minutes of relaxation, we will descend to the observation patio, where our fascinating advanced astronomy tour will begin. At the astronomical center, you will be provided with expert astronomy guides who will guide you through the cosmos with simple and educational explanations, all in SPANISH. This tour will allow you to immerse yourself in the mysteries of the universe in an accessible and exciting way. The approximate duration of the tour is 2 hours.
Inclusions
- Group Astrophotography
- Telescopes
- Soda/Pop
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Gratuities
- Tour only in SPANISH. A translator can be arranged. Cost: $20,000CLP
- Personal Astrophotography
- Dinner
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Tour subject to a minimum of 6 passengers for its realization
- Tour subject to sky conditions
- We will confirm your pick-up time on the same day of the activity. As it varies depending on the season
- Consider the lunar cycle for better observation and prefer days without moon. When there is a crescent moon and a full moon, observation CAN be done, but astrophotography CANNOT.
- Astrophotography only for moonless nights
- Young children visiting the astronomical center should not wear shoes with lights
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You can choose to be picked up from a list of locations, or alternatively, have the choice to make your own way to the meeting points
Please arrive at the pick up point 60 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
We pick up all our passengers if they are within the pick-up radius. Please confirm your address and time one day before the tour with our executives. If your address is outside the radius, we can coordinate a meeting point. We will contact you one day before your activity to coordinate the pick-up time and confirm attendance. The same day of your activity, the guide will contact you to better coordinate your pick-up. You must be attentive to your cell phone.
Meeting / End Points
- We are located next to the Toyota car dealership. From Route 5, cross the train line two blocks towards the coast. From the monumental lighthouse of La Serena it is approximately a 15-minute walk towards the mountain range.