Astronomy and Astrophotography Tour
Descriptions come from the operator and are translated automatically.
- 5–6 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in Spanish
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
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.
Inclusions
What's included
- Group Astrophotography
- Soda/Pop
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Telescopes
- Coffee and/or Tea
What's not
- Gratuities
- Tour only in SPANISH. A translator can be arranged. Cost: $20,000CLP
- Personal Astrophotography
- Dinner
Itinerary
We begin collecting passengers from La Serena
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.
The return journey begins towards La Serena, where we will drop off all passengers at their initial pick-up points.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.8
- 510
- 41
- 31
- 20
- 10
Ratings come from 12 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- 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.
- Pickup
- Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 16 travellers
- Operated by
- Ecoturismo La Serena Spa.
- 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.
How it compares in La Serena
- Its from-price is 74% below the median of the 14 day trips we list in La Serena.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 4 of 14.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About La Serena
La Serena, on Chile's northern coast, is known for its colonial-style churches and long beaches, and as the gateway to the Elqui Valley's pisco vineyards.
Founded in 1544, La Serena is one of the oldest cities in Chile. Its centre has stone churches, a cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and many buildings in a neo-colonial style, added in the 20th century to give the place a unified look. To the west a broad avenue runs to a long line of beaches, with a monumental lighthouse, and a Japanese garden sits in the Parque Pedro de Valdivia.
Top-ranked sights in La Serena: Third Millennium Cross (Cruz del Tercer Milenio).
