The skies of northern Chile are world-renowned for their clarity and purity because they have a large number of nights per year with clear skies. It also has a particularly dry climate, which is favorable for astronomical observation. Last but not least, our skies are free of air pollution.
With this program you will have the opportunity to visit the Cerro Tololo Observatory in the Elqui Valley. Its main attraction is undoubtedly its eight telescopes. The Mamalluca Observatory is also here, which has smaller telescopes, but also allows visitors to behold galaxies, nebulae, and constellations.
Come and experience this unique opportunity. You won’t regret it!
Itinerary
Day 1: La Serena – Astronomical Tour of the Alfa Aldea Natural Planetarium
Transfer from Airport (Florida) – to Hotel Terral.
Check in at the hotel and free afternoon.
Trip to the Alfa Aldea Natural Planetarium at night for the astronomical tour.
We will gaze at the constellations led by an astronomical tour guide with a telescope. (Stargazing with an aperitif). End of the tour and transfer to the hotel.
Accommodations.
Day 2: Visit to the Cerro Tololo Scientific Observatory and Mamalluca Tourist Observatory
Breakfast at the hotel and free morning.
Departure for Cerro Tololo at 12:00 pm.
Guided tour of the Cerro Tololo Scientific Observatory (*).
This is a leading focal point for research in astronomy, located in the Coquimbo region 2,200 meters above sea level. It has state-of-the-art technology built into a radio telescope and seven optical telescopes, of which the Gemini telescope stands out, which has a diameter of 8 meters.
End of the tour and transfer to the hotel. Free afternoon.
Night time departure from the hotel to the “Mamalluca” Tourist Observatory.
The Mamalluca Tourist Observatory is located 9 km northwest of Vicuña in the Elqui Valley. This observatory invites us to take a cosmic journey through sounds and images.
Mamalluca has a 12“ telescope donated by AURA featuring CCD detectors for electronic photography.
End of tour and transfer to hotel.
Day 3: La Serena –La Florida Airport
Breakfast.
Check Out in hotel.
Transfer to La Florida Airport in La Serena.
- Transfers from airport / hotel / airport
- 2 nights of accommodations in Hotel.
- Breakfast buffet.
- Alfa Aldea Natural Planetarium Astronomical Tour
- Mamalluca Tourist Observatory
- Visit to the Cerro Tololo Scientific Observatory (*)
- Airfare
- Insurance.
- Tips.
- Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Any other item not specified.
- Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary.
RESTRICTIONS AND GENERAL INFORMATION OF THE PROGRAM
- Itinerary subject to change due to weather conditions.
- Guided visits to the Cerro Tololo Scientific Observatory only on Saturday and exclusively in the schedule indicated in the itinerary.
- (*) To participate in the tour of the Cerro Tololo Observatory, the reservation must be made at least one month before the start date of the program.
- The astronomical program in the Elqui Valley is valid throughout the year.
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