Delve into the world of astronomy beneath the clear skies of northern Chile and enjoy exclusive access and behind-the-scenes tours of major observatories. This unique journey also balances culture, food, and wine alongside stargazing—from Santiago to the Atacama Desert.
Chile Earth and Sky
A Stargazing Journey from Santiago to the Atacama Desert
13 days from $9,990
Delve into the world of astronomy beneath the clear skies of northern Chile and enjoy exclusive access and behind-the-scenes tours of major observatories. This unique journey also balances culture, food, and wine alongside stargazing—from Santiago to the Atacama Desert.
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Hotel Cumbres Lastarria
Santiago, Chile
Located in the heart of the Barrio Lastarria, known for world-class museums, fine shopping and a wide range of restaurants and cafes, the 70 room Hotel Cumbres Lastarria offers a comfortable respite from the bustling city. Guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed featuring Chilean art along with modern baths with luxurious bath amenities. There is a comfortable lounge for afternoon and evening refreshments as well as a restaurant.
March 2024 departure
The Singular Santiago
Santiago, Chile
Located in a prime location in the center of Santiago, The Singular Santiago is just steps from cultural, historic and artistic attractions as well as a variety of restaurants, shops and entertainment. Guest rooms are all well-appointed with fine linens, marble baths, work desks, in-room safe and coffee-makers. The hotel features a roof-top bar, as well as a restaurant serving Chilean specialties and a casual café featuring delicious coffees, pastries and lighter fare. There is a small fitness area and spa on site.
October 2024 & March 2025 departures
Hotel Club La Serena
La Serena, Chile
The Hotel Club Serena is located directly along the coast and features 96 guest suites. Guests rooms are spacious and comfortable and feature complimentary Wi-Fi, generous work areas and private baths. There is a full service restaurant, outdoor pool and small fitness facility on-site.Terral Hotel & Spa
Vicuña, Chile
Situated in the heart of Vicuna, the Terral Hotel & Spa features a charming colonial adobe façade and quaint interior gardens. The hotel features comfortable and well-appointed guest rooms with private baths. There is a restaurant, roof-top outdoor patio and lounge and a spa (additional fee for services) on site.
Explora Atacama Lodge
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Located within the oasis village of San Pedro de Atacama, on the beautiful Ayllu de Larache, and surrounded by salt-flats, volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and windswept sand dunes, a stay at the 40-acre Explora Atacama Lodge is a truly unique and special experience. Guest rooms are designed with privacy and spaciousness in mind and feature comfortable bedding, bathrobes, and full baths with jetted-tubs. There is a restaurant serving all meals and a casual lounge area to enjoy a glass of wine with new-found friends. There are several heated pools for wading and swimming as well as a sauna, steam bath, and outdoor hot tubs. San Pedro de Atacama boasts some of the world’s clearest skies and to take advantage of that the lodge features an observatory which houses a Meade 16” f/10 LX200R Advanced telescope with a main mirror of 40 cm in diameter with extraordinary resolution and sharpness so guests can peer out into the ultra-clear skies of Northern Chile.
Expectations: This is an active program with a faster pace, some early morning departures, several hotel changes, some longer motor coach rides and three in-country group flights. Excursions feature walks of approximately one to two miles and will sometimes be over dusty, rocky and uneven terrain. Some walks will be at high altitudes with pauses to observe and discuss. All hotels are located at comfortable altitudes. Since this trip visits some very remote areas of Chile, flexibility is required concerning timings and weather. Expect warmer days, a very dry climate, strong sun and cold nights, especially in the desert. We will provide you with notes on temperature/weather, what to expect and a list of packing suggestions with your Pre-Tour documents.
- Santiago: 1,870 feet
- El Pangue Observatory: 4,850 feet
- Vera C. Rubin Observatory: 8,799 feet
- Las Campanas Observatory: 7,487 feet
- San Pedro de Atacama: 7,900 feet.
- El Tatio geothermal field: 14,170 feet (optional visit)
Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit, lead active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities, traveling to high elevations and expect some physical exertion. We recommend checking with your physician prior to registering for this trip if you have any concerns about traveling to higher altitudes.
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