You will never look at the sky the same way again.
In the Atacama Desert, the sky is not merely a backdrop: it takes center stage. Understanding when to observe it is an essential part of the experience.
Even before your trip, there is one decisive factor to consider: the lunar calendar.
We always recommend checking the phases of the Moon before purchasing your flights. If your travel dates are already confirmed, we prioritize the period between the fifth night after the full moon, when there is still some moonlight but moonrise occurs after the tour has ended, and the first days of the new moon, when its illumination is below 20%.
This is when the sky reveals its greatest depth.
At the scheduled time, we pick you up from your hotel and travel approximately 20 km away from San Pedro de Atacama. The objective is simple: to reach true darkness, where you can see the sky as it really is.
This is one of the factors that makes the Atacama Desert one of the best places in the world for astronomical observation.
And that is no coincidence.
Some of the planet’s most important observatories are located here, including ALMA, the Simons Observatory and TAO. These facilities only exist in places where the sky reaches exceptional levels of quality.
The answer lies in a combination of three rare factors:
At the astronomy site, the experience unfolds in stages, making the night more dynamic, engaging and accessible.
We begin with naked-eye observation, just as humanity did for thousands of years. We identify constellations, planets and movements across the sky while learning how to navigate by the stars. It is a moment of direct connection with the cosmos and the silence of the desert.
During this first stage, we serve an outdoor selection of Chilean wines, hot drinks and snacks. It is a moment to pause, relax and contemplate without disrupting the experience.
We then move on to observation through telescopes. This is where the details come to life: planets, double stars, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies, which vary depending on the time of year. Everything is explained clearly and accessibly, even for those with no previous knowledge of astronomy.
And then we reach the final moment of the night.
Using long-exposure techniques, we photograph you beneath one of the most impressive skies on the planet, with the Milky Way as the backdrop. More than a photograph, it is a record of your presence in one of Earth’s most extraordinary environments.
Throughout the experience, every detail, from the location selected to the departure time, is determined by actual sky conditions.
We do not operate by schedule alone. We operate according to the quality of the sky.
If you are looking for more than stargazing and want to experience the Atacama sky at its best, this is the tour that makes that difference clear.
We return to San Pedro de Atacama with a feeling that is difficult to put into words: the sense of understanding, even if only for a moment, our place in the Universe.
TOUR PRICE: CLP 45,000 per person
SCHEDULE: 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. (winter) and 9:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (summer)
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 2,500 meters
ENTRANCE FEE: No entrance fee
WHAT’S INCLUDED: Transportation, certified guide, picnic with wine and 3 photos per person
RECOMMENDED FOR: The first few days of your Atacama itinerary