Atacama: Stargazing tour Into Our Universe

Overview

This private stargazing tour in the Atacama Desert near San Pedro suits small groups interested in astronomy and night sky photography.

Highlights

• Small group experience with a maximum of 4 people (exceptions possible)
• Smart telescope capturing nebulae and galaxies in true color
• Comfortable setup including reclining chairs, warm blankets, wine, and hot drinks
• Guided by an experienced astronomer with thousands of nights under these stars
• Photos of you with the galactic plane, positioned according to the season

Description

You will be picked up at your hotel in a 4x4 vehicle for a drive into the Salty Mountain Range, leaving San Pedro’s lights behind. The landscape transitions into a Martian terrain as darkness intensifies. Upon arrival at Vallecito, the Atacama Dark Sky reveals its hidden wonders.

Settling into reclining chairs, you experience the quiet of the desert night while the guide shares stories about the southern sky, its celestial bodies, and the people who advanced our understanding of the universe. Using a laser pointer, the guide highlights stars and constellations invisible to the untrained eye.

Next, the smart telescope is set up, automatically targeting planets, nebulae, and galaxies to display them in vivid color. You can enjoy wine, hot drinks, and snacks while capturing deep-sky photos, which will be sent to you the following day.

The experience concludes with a short night walk across the desert terrain, where photos are taken with the Milky Way as your backdrop—facing the galactic center from April to September, and the galaxy’s outer edge from October to March. Afterwards, you return to San Pedro with the evening’s atmosphere shaped by the music playing during your drive back.

Includes

• Professional English and Spanish-speaking astronomy guide
• Green laser pointer for sky demonstrations
• Use of smart digital telescope for nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies
• Deep-sky photos sent via WhatsApp or email the next day
• Photos of you with the Milky Way
• Chilean wine or Navegado (seasonal hot wine)
• Comfortable reclining chairs
• Snacks and refreshments
• Red light flashlights to preserve night vision
• Warm blankets available if needed
• Private tour with a maximum of 4-6 people

Excludes

• Optional gratuities
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Warm clothing (bring your own layers)
• Dinner or full meals

Important Information

• Tours operate every clear night except during the full moon period (±3 days)
• Weather cancellations are fully refunded or rescheduled
• The desert is cold at night—bring warm layers even in summer
• No photography experience needed; assistance is provided
• Suitable for all ages and fitness levels
• Not wheelchair accessible due to uneven desert terrain

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking Tips

Bring warm clothing and comfortable shoes. The best time to photograph the galactic center is from April to September. Book early to secure your spot, as group sizes are limited.