night-vision telescope under a starry sky
boy posing with the Milky Way
A couple sitting and enjoying the stars
Three friends enjoying the astronomy tour in San Pedro de Atacama
Milky Way
family posing in front of the starry sky
A happy girl in a blue poncho posing against a starry sky
telescope at sunset
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Atacama Desert Stargazing Tour

Atacama Desert Stargazing Tour in English with transfer from San Pedro de Atacama

Location
San Pedro de Atacama
Duration
1 day
Language
Spanish and English
This page has been automatically translated.

Tour highlights

Atacama Desert Stargazing Tour

The Atacama Desert Stargazing Tour is one of the best ways to enjoy the incredible night sky over San Pedro de Atacama, considered one of the clearest skies in the world for stargazing.

On this tour, you’ll leave the hustle and bustle of town behind and head to an area of the desert free from light pollution, where you can gaze at the stars in all their splendor. Over the course of two and a half hours, you’ll learn about the universe, galaxies, the solar system, and the major constellations visible that night. You’ll also take a journey through the cosmos accompanied by a professional bilingual guide, who will reveal fascinating facts and secrets about the universe.

You’ll also enjoy stargazing through a powerful telescope and discover why the Atacama Desert is one of the world’s best destinations for stargazing and observing the details of deep space.

To make the experience even more special, the team will take nighttime photos so you can take home a unique memento of your trip.

Are you ready to experience a magical night under the stars? 🌟

💙 In addition to the astronomical tour, in San Pedro de Atacama you can enjoy other unforgettable activities, such as a visit to the Puritama Hot Springs or the Uyuni Salt Flats. Discover all tours in San Pedro de Atacama and don't miss a thing.

Tour details

Atacama Desert Stargazing Tour

Starts
From the meeting point in San Pedro de Atacama between 7:45 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. (depending on the season and assigned time slot)
Ends
To your lodging in San Pedro de Atacama 3 hours later

Included

  • Carpooling
  • Professional Guide (Spanish/English)
  • Individual photo

Important information

RESERVATIONS: The tour is available year-round, but reservations cannot be made for days with bright moonlight (full moon and days around it).

START: The Astronomy Tour in the Atacama Desert begins at the meeting point at the time specified for your session and season. The exact time will be confirmed the day before the tour begins. We recommend arriving 20 minutes early.

RESTRICTIONS: This tour takes place in a high-altitude area (2,400 m a.s.l. / 7,870 ft), so it may not be suitable for everyone. We recommend assessing in advance whether the activity is suitable for your physical condition and mobility.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation!

If you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour begins, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the amount paid. After that time, or if you don’t show up, no refunds will be issued.

Tour itinerary

Atacama Desert Stargazing Tour

San Pedro de Atacama Astronomy Tour

Elevation: 2,400 m a.s.l. / 7,870 ft a.s.l.

📍 Meeting Point in San Pedro de Atacama

The San Pedro de Atacama Astronomy Tour begins at the meeting point in downtown San Pedro at the time specified in your booking confirmation, but please remember to arrive 20 minutes before departure.

Once the entire group has gathered, you’ll head out of town in a shared vehicle to avoid the town’s light pollution. A starry night awaits you!

telescope for the San Pedro de Atacama astronomy tour

✨ Astronomy Tour in the Atacama Desert

The astronomy guide will begin the tour with an explanation of the night sky, celestial mysteries, and how to identify the major constellations of the southern hemisphere. You’ll learn to recognize planets with the naked eye and interpret the star chart according to the time of year.

Then it will be time to look through the telescope. You’ll observe planets, stars, nebulae, distant galaxies, and open and globular clusters, among other celestial bodies.

Panoramic view of the starry sky with Venus

📸 Photo Session 

While you enjoy the desert sky, the guide will take the opportunity to capture nighttime images of the landscape and the night sky. You’ll also have individual and group photos taken against the starry backdrop so you’ll have a beautiful keepsake. 

🚐 Return to San Pedro de Atacama 

After two and a half hours, it’s time to head back in the shared vehicle. The San Pedro de Atacama Astronomy Tour will end in the town center.

two women posing next to a telescope with a starry sky in the background

What to bring

Atacama Desert Stargazing Tour

  • Warm, colorful clothing (so you'll stand out in the photo).
  • Closed-toe shoes or hiking boots.
  • Water (at least 1 liter).

Where does the tour start

Atacama Desert Stargazing Tour

The Astronomy Tour in the Atacama Desert begins in San Pedro de Atacama, and most travelers arrive from three different areas:

  • From Santiago, Chile: The best option is to take a direct flight to Calama. Upon arrival, you can take a shuttle to San Pedro de Atacama. We recommend Transfer Pampa as the most reliable company. 
  • From Peru: You’ll most likely arrive directly from Cusco or Arequipa. In this case, we recommend taking a bus that crosses the Arica-Tacna border and then takes you to San Pedro de Atacama, although this is a somewhat complicated journey, as it requires transferring between several buses.
  • From Salta (Argentina): There is a direct bus that takes approximately 11 hours.

Questions & Answers

Atacama Desert Stargazing Tour

  • Why is the sky over Atacama perfect for stargazing?

    The Atacama Desert offers ideal conditions for astronomy: high altitude, almost complete absence of light pollution, minimal humidity, and more than 300 clear nights a year. These conditions will allow you to observe the night sky with a clarity that is hard to find anywhere else on the planet.

  • What time does the tour take place?

    It depends on the shift and the time of year. Generally speaking, between December and January, hours are from 9:00 p.m. to midnight, while between June and August, they are from 7:50 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

  • Will the tour be canceled due to bad weather?

    The tour may be canceled due to weather conditions—for example, if the sky is very cloudy. If possible, we will offer to reschedule the activity.

  • Does the tour run every day of the year?

    Yes, but there are exceptions. On full moon nights, as well as the days immediately before and after, the activity does not take place, since the excess light makes it difficult to see the night sky clearly.

  • Are photos taken during the tour?

    Yes. The package includes a night astrophotography session. They'll take digital photos of you against the starry sky, and you can download them at no additional cost.

  • What is the temperature at night in the Atacama Desert?

    It depends on the time of year. However, keep in mind that temperatures drop dramatically at night and can range from 5 °C to several degrees below zero (especially from May through September). For this reason, you should wear warm clothing.

  • What will you see during the astronomy tour?

    You'll begin with naked-eye observation to learn how to identify constellations, planets, and other celestial bodies with the guide's help. Afterward, you'll use high-end telescopes to observe details such as star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies.

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