Elqui Valley Astronomical Observatory Visit

Tour Options

When booking, you can choose between 3 options. All last 5 hours and include hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide and admission to the selected observatory.

You can see the details of each option below.

Omega Observatory Visit

Once we arrive at the Omega astronomical observatory, we'll give you an informative talk outside the facilities on how to recognise the sky with the naked eye. With the help of a laser, we'll identify the map of the constellations that will be visible at the beginning of sunset.

Then, using 2 high-end 16-inch and 24-inch telescopes, we'll take turns to enjoy a wide variety of celestial objects such as planets, nebulae, star clusters, galaxies and even binary stars—it will be quite an experience!

We'll continue stargazing as we talk about the Greek worldview to learn about zodiac signs. Of course, we'll reveal the astronomical theories of the indigenous people of the Chilean highlands, including a particular vision of the Milky Way and the dark constellations.

To end the experience on a high note, we'll take a digital astrophotography photo to immortalise the moment. Then, we'll head back to your hotel.

• Schedule: This option runs from Thursday to Saturday at 5:45 pm

Alfa Aldea Observatory Visit

The visit to the Alfa Aldea observatory will start with a screening in the cinema room. There, we'll enjoy a 3D video of the exploration of the universe and the studies and research of this astronomical centre in the Elqui Valley. Then, we'll head to the amphitheatre, where the telescopes are located.

Next, we'll get ready to see the sky through the telescopes, but not before receiving an explanation of what we are about to see. We'll learn why the Elqui Valley is one of the best areas to admire the Milky Way and to carry out astronomical studies.

If the sky is clear, the telescopes will offer us amazing details, such as cradles of stars, the craters of the moon, Jupiter and other planets. Everything we see will be accompanied by the astronomical centre's experts' reports.

• Schedule: This option runs from Monday to Sunday at 5:45 pm

Mamalluca Observatory Visit

In this case, on one of the hills of the Elqui Valley, we'll visit the Mamalluca Astronomical Observatory. This centre is the ideal place for families! As soon as we arrive, we'll be welcomed with a talk to learn about the details of the Solar System that we'll admire.

We'll walk around the observatory area of the Mamalluca hill with manual telescopes while we tell you about the wonders that can be seen. Did you know that the Elqui Valley is considered to have one of the clearest skies in the world? Without a doubt, we'll prove it at each of the observation points.

• Schedule: This option runs from Thursday to Saturday at 5:45 pm

Hotel Pickup

This activity includes pickup from hotels located in the centre of La Serena, from Avenida del Mar to the Hotel de la Bahía.