Stargazing in Atacama: Discover the Clearest Sky on Earth
Summary
As night descends over the vast silence of the Atacama Desert, the sky reveals its greatest treasure: a dazzling canopy of stars.
Duration
4 hours
Includes
Coffee break, astronomy talk, observation with a telescope and a photo!
Details
The Atacama is considered one of the best places on the planet for astronomy — and for good reason. Its high altitude places observers closer to space, with less atmosphere to distort or scatter the light. Combined with the desert’s extreme dryness, which means almost no water vapor to blur celestial objects, and its minimal light pollution thanks to the region’s remoteness, the result is one of the clearest night skies on Earth.
Guided by expert astronomers, the evening begins with the fundamentals of stellar observation, gradually drawing you deeper into the mysteries of the Southern Hemisphere sky. Under these pristine conditions, every constellation, planet, and even the Milky Way itself comes vividly to life.
The experience unfolds across three thematic stations, each offering a unique lens through which to understand and admire the cosmos:
Fun Facts
- Astronomy Hub – The Atacama Desert is home to cutting-edge facilities like the ALMA Observatory, where over 60 radio telescopes work together to explore the origins of the universe.
- Southern Hemisphere Treasures – From here you can admire constellations invisible in the Northern Hemisphere, including the Southern Cross and the Magellanic Clouds, two satellite galaxies of the Milky Way.
- Cultural Heritage – For the Andean peoples, the night sky was a living map: stars guided agricultural cycles, rituals, and navigation across the highlands.
- Crystal-Clear Nights – More than 300 nights a year are cloud-free
A night of stargazing in the Atacama is more than an activity — it’s an encounter with infinity. Beneath one of the clearest skies on Earth, you’ll connect with ancient traditions, explore modern astronomy, and surrender to the silent wonder of the cosmos. Are you ready to let the Atacama sky tell you its secrets?