Elqui Valley, located 500 kilometers to the north of Santiago, in the Small North, is recognized and referred to as the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the world, by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA).

The site will be called the “Gabriela Mistral Dark Sky Sanctuary” in honor of the revered female Chilean poet, born in Vicuña; the city classed as Elqui Valley’s capital.

The sanctuary houses four of the most important centers for astronomical, atmospheric and geological investigation in the world. It’s a place that invites profound contemplation within a safe and stable environment.

Few places in the world offer a better opportunity to enjoy and marvel at the starry sky than Elqui Valley.

The impressive stellar landscapes, the vineyards, the pisco distilleries, the colonial villages and the city of Vicuña – poet Gabriela Mistral’s cradle – have contributed to a growing interest from

national and international tourists in the destination; one which awaits its visitors with clear skies almost 365 days of the year.

Source of information: http://chile.travel/en/blog/elqui-valley-first-international-dark-sky-sanctuary-world/