San Pedro de Atacama Astronomical Tour: Observing the Universe Through High-End Telescopes
4.5
86 Ratings
Join our San Pedro de Atacama Astronomical Tour and explore the universe through high-end telescopes. Observe planets, clusters, galaxies, and stars while learning about Andean archaeo-astronomy.
Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 3Q5V+8M Solor - Tours are exclusively in Spanish and Portuguese \n\nJoin us for a celestial journey as we use state-of-the-art, both computerized and manual, telescopes to conduct an altazimuthal exploration of the night sky’s offerings in the Atacama. Depending on the season, our stargazing adventure may include a glimpse of planets, various clusters (both open and globular), distant galaxies, and individual stars, all of which will be visible with remarkable clarity, allowing us to appreciate their shapes and hues. Our knowledgeable astronomy guides will enhance the experience with an engaging and educational scientific discourse on the cosmos. Additionally, we’ll employ a laser pointer to trace the constellations of the southern sky. For those interested in the intersection of astronomy and ancient Andean cultures, our Spanish-speaking guide Patricio can provide an insightful talk on how the indigenous peoples of the Americas integrated celestial phenomena into their regional and cultural contexts.
What's Included
  • Convenient pick up from accommodation
  • Astro Photography session under dark skies
  • Refreshments include carbonated beverages
  • Informative astronomy conversation with guides fluent in Spanish
  • Comfortable travel with in-vehicle air conditioning
  • Cozy blankets and chairs provided for your comfort
  • Access to WC facilities
  • Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee
  • Selection of alcoholic beverages available
What's Not Included
  • Pick up in ayllu de Cucuter, Coyo, Solor or Quitor
Additional Information

Utilizing top-notch, automated and manual telescopes, we will examine the celestial bodies present in the night sky of Atacama. Our exploration will be azimuthal and dependent on the season, enabling us to observe planets, open and closed clusters, galaxies, and stars in vivid detail. Our astronomy guides will complement the visual experience with informative and engaging presentations on the universe’s scientific aspects. Additionally, we will identify the southern hemisphere’s visible constellations using a laser pointer. For those interested in the Latin American Andean archaeo-astronomy, an enlightening talk by our resident expert Patricio, who explains how our ancestors related the cosmos with their geographical and cultural surroundings, can be requested.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(86 Ratings)
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Mariana
Mar 9, 2024
Beautiful sky, experienced guide - The Atacama sky is very beautiful! Patrício knows about all the constellations and astronomical curiosities! We saw several open and closed constellations, stars at different levels of evolution! The weather was pleasant and I could have stayed looking at the sky forever.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Luiguik2
Dec 31, 2023
This sky can't wait. - Wonderful and unique experience, especially for those who like Astronomy. Impeccable sky. Even on a full moon day like ours. Atacama is spectacular folks. The moon only rose around 11 pm... before that we were able to see the starry sky and learn a lot about astronomy with our guide Patricio who has a whole structure waiting for you, with telescopes, chairs, armchairs and hot drinks (including spirits, fermented drinks and chocolate ). The tour is excellent value for money. I recommend it a thousand times. And you get some photos through Patricio's wonderful lenses. We were able to see the stars, some planets, the Magellanic Cloud, things that we forgot and Patricio explained (there are a lot of things in the universe, my people) and finally the moon too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Voyage00470620212
Dec 20, 2023
Patrício guide with 23 years of experience makes the difference. - Rating 10 for AstroTour, guide Patrício made all the difference with his 23 years of experience as an amateur astronomer, making the experience much richer, enlightening and educational. It met all my expectations, as among the tours it was the most interesting. All the questions asked by the group, including the most difficult and specific ones, were answered in a clear and concise way, with clear and practical examples using a powerful laser to point out exactly what was being explained in the sky. It was fantastic to see the starry sky in San Pedro de Atacama, the telescopes were the highlight of the visits. You can observe the differences in stars and their colors depending on their ages, the nebulae resulting from super nova explosions, the clusters after the stars and planets were formed. Unmissable to see Saturn and its rings, and Jupiter with its color bands and 4 of its moons. As a bonus, it includes a break for hot drinks, wine, etc., to make the tour more pleasant and withstand the cold of the night, even in summer.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andre
Dec 7, 2023
Best astronomical tour - Great. The guide Patricio is the best in San Pedro. Incredible experience. Punctual, polite, with 23 years of experience. I recommend it to everyone
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Hugonmora
Oct 3, 2023
Seeing and identifying Saturn is an experience like few others - Awesome. Leave the rest of the tours far below (and I have had very good ones). Patricio is passionate about astronomy, giving you an incredible window to the sky. If you want to see the stars, book a tour. If you want to dive into them, select this one. Thanks Patrick!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eugenio
Sep 27, 2023
Great Star tour - This was a wonderful tour. Patricio was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about imparting information about the stars, southern hemisphere firmament, and the cosmos. It is perfect for all levels. He was able to show us thinks not seen by the naked eye through his telescopes, EC though it was a full moon. We highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
807pilars
Sep 20, 2023
100% recommended experience - Excellent experience, highly recommended for a trip to San Pedro. Patricio is a great expert on the sky, the stars and the science that surrounds them. His explanations are clear and demonstrate his extensive knowledge on the subject, in addition to constantly opening the talk to the entire group and being very willing to answer all kinds of questions, which is always very valuable on a guided excursion. The tour is very complete, includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, use of telescopes to see everything explained, blankets and complimentary drinks (coffee, chocolate, wine, pisco). Additionally, unlike other tours, the photo with the starry sky in the background is included in the price and is not charged separately. You can also take photos of the moon with your cell phone through the telescope. An unmissable tour in San Pedro de Atacama to learn and have a great time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Romanat237
Sep 7, 2023
Fascinating and wonderful - It was a unique experience. Really fascinating and impressive. Moreover we got a lot of interesting information about astronomy.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ariel_h
Aug 17, 2023
Great tour! - This was an excellent tour. Patricio is very knowledgeable about astronomy, and will surely keep you entertained during the whole tour. He also offers a wide variety of drinks and snacks. To top it all, he takes amazing pictures of you and the stars. Would definitely recommend it to everyone who's interested in science and astronomy.
Review provided by Viator
C_zarmitsuruk2023
Nov 16, 2023
The tour itself was satisfactory, greatly enriched by the presenter, but the delivery of photos is essential. - Good afternoon! We went as a family, a couple and a son, to the astronomical tour in the city of San Pedro de Atacama, purchased through Tripadvisor. The tour itself was satisfactory, with images and teachings about astronomy. It turns out that three photos were taken with the Milky Way in the background, by the person responsible for presenting and transporting tourists, who said that we should send a request for the photos taken within a week, to receive them by email. He told us that the order could be made in Portuguese, English or Spanish. Well, we, my son and I, placed the orders in a timely manner, according to attached copies of email requests, but the photos were not sent, without any satisfaction in this regard. As for the email address to request the photos, the person in charge said to take a photo of a board with that address on it. As can be seen from the emails we sent and the photo of the painting, the address to which the order for the photos was made is strictly correct. The point is that these photos were the most eagerly awaited of the entire Atacama tour, since before the trip! So, the problem involves a terrible feeling of disappointment and moral damage, made worse by not having a single photo of the event because it was at night, which is why the concept we gave to the tour was TERRIBLE. We asked Tripadvisor to send this protest to the person responsible for the tour to resolve the problem, sending the three photos (numbers 1456, 1457, 1463). We would like to thank you in advance for the attention that will certainly be devoted to this matter. Terufumi Katayama Note: The purchase of the tour for three people was made in the name of Cézar Mitsuru Katayama, whose email address can be found in the attached email copy.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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May 2024
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