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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Starting at: $9,990 * Price includes special offer Make a Reservation Ask Us A Question or Call 855-330-1542

Chile Earth and Sky

A Stargazing Journey from Santiago to the Atacama Desert

13 days from $9,990

departure passengers

or Call 855-330-1542

Tour Details

JOURNEYS DISPATCHES

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Accommodations

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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.

Number of nights: 2

Hotel Costa Real

La Serena, Chile

The Hotel Costa Real is a comfortable accommodation on La Serena’s main street, just steps from the waterfront as well as the city’s dining and shopping areas. Rooms are tastefully furnished, and feature modern amenities and large windows. The hotel offers an outdoor pool and terrace, as well as a bar and a restaurant that serves international fare.

Number of nights: 3

Terrado Suites Antofagasta Hotel

Antofagasta, Chile

The oceanfront Terrado Suites Antofagasta Hotel boasts sleek, contemporary rooms with balconies overlooking the sea. A stunning pool reaches right to the edge of the waves, and the acclaimed Mediterranean-style restaurant and bar includes outdoor seating on a seaside terrace. Guests can partake in spa treatments, a sauna and steam room, an indoor pool, and a gym; and many of Antofagasta’s sites are just a short walk away.

Number of nights: 2

Explora Atacama Lodge

Antofagasta, 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.

Number of nights: 3

Activity Level

Activity Level 3: Moderate / Active

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
Las Campanas Observatory: 7,487 feet
San Pedro de Atacama: 7,900 feet.
El Tatio geothermal field: 14,170 feet

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.

Travel Insurance

For the convenience of our travelers, Travel Guard provides an on-tour Insurance Plan. On-tour emergency evacuation insurance (up to $100,000), medical expense coverage (up to $25,000), dental expense coverage (up to $500), travel medical assistance and worldwide travel assistance (U.S. Residents only). It also includes up to $25,000 medical and up to $500 dental expense coverage, and 24-hour worldwide travel and medical assistance. Please click here to view complete coverage details.

Please visit www.TravelGuard.com/SmithsonianJourneys or call Travel Guard at 1-800-208-6142 to learn about additional (optional) coverage.