Atacama Chile Tours San Pedro Atacama Desert Stargazing Tour – Astronomical Adventure
Astronomical tour in the hearth of desert Atacama

San Pedro Atacama Desert Stargazing Tour – Astronomical Adventure

Small-group stargazing tour from San Pedro de Atacama: world-class telescopes at a remote desert observatory, expert astronomy guide, personal Milky Way photo souvenir, plus hotel transfers, hot drinks and snacks included.

4.6
$ 50 per person
2 hours
893 + bookings
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Overview

Step away from San Pedro's lights into the pitch-black desert for a night that puts the entire Milky Way right overhead, so vivid it feels like you could reach up and touch it.

Your guide starts with an audiovisual talk and warm drinks inside the observatory, then leads you outside to spot constellations and planets with the naked eye before revealing nebulae and galaxies through powerful 14” and 16” telescopes. The highlight comes with a short transfer to Death Valley, where the group poses for professional shots—personal and collective—framed by the glowing galactic core against the dark Andes.

This 2.5-hour journey includes round-trip transport from Plaza Apacheta (meet at 21:25), salty/sweet snacks, juices, water, vegetarian options, and the stellar photos emailed after.

Real talk: bring warm layers—the high desert night drops cold fast.

Max 30 keeps it comfortable; share your WhatsApp and hotel name when booking for smooth drop-off.

What's Included

  • Round-trip transport from Plaza Apacheta meeting point.
  • Bilingual guide (English/Spanish).
  • Audiovisual astronomical talk.
  • Hot/cold drinks, wines, snacks (including vegetarian options like hummus).
  • Observation through 14” and 16” telescopes.
  • Professional group and personal photos with the Milky Way (emailed after tour).
  • Entrance fee to the site (CLP 5,000 per person, payable in cash).
  • Gratuities for your guide.
  • Telescope use for personal photos (high-end equipment—protected).

Itinerary

  1. Meet at Plazoleta La Apacheta (corner of Caracoles and Ignacio Carrera Pinto) at 21:25.
  2. Transfer to the observatory in the desert (away from light pollution).
  3. Welcome with audiovisual talk about the cosmos.
  4. Enjoy hot/cold drinks, wines, snacks (salty/sweet, vegetarian options).
  5. Observe constellations and planets with the naked eye.
  6. View nebulae, galaxies, and deep-sky objects through 14” and 16” telescopes.
  7. Short transfer to Death Valley for professional Milky Way photo session (group and individual shots).
  8. Return transfer to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.

What to Expect from the Tour

Here's practical advice to help your stargazing night go well, based on common experiences with cold, skies, and the photo session. We've pulled this from what past guests told us after their trips.

  • Gear essentials. Warm layers (thermal base, fleece, windproof jacket, hat, gloves, scarf) aren't optional. Several guests said the desert night drops to near-freezing—wool socks and closed shoes help. One packed a neck warmer that blocked wind during photos.
  • Skies and viewing. Atacama's clarity is world-class—Milky Way often looks three-dimensional. Guests loved the naked-eye constellations then telescope deep-sky objects; guides explain everything patiently.
  • Photo session. Professional shots in Death Valley capture you under the galaxy—group and personal. People said the images turned out stunning; emailed soon after.
  • Snacks and drinks. Hot/cold options warm you up. Guests appreciated the vegetarian hummus and juices—plenty to share.
  • Group setup. Max 30 feels relaxed with multiple viewing areas. Past visitors said the size let everyone get good telescope time.
  • Best time to visit. Year-round, but May to October (dry season) for clearest skies. Guests early 2026 noted June-July nights delivered bright Milky Way and calm conditions.
Month/Season Upsides Downsides Recommended Start Time
May-Oct (Dry) Clearest skies, best Milky Way Colder nights 21:25 meet
Dec-Apr (Wet) Milder temps Possible clouds 21:25 meet

Common issues. Not wheelchair accessible—uneven desert ground. Guests found walking minimal but cold intense—dress seriously. Weather rarely cancels; clear nights essential.

FAQ

Do I need astronomy knowledge?

No knowledge required. Guides explain constellations, planets, and deep-sky objects simply. Past beginners left amazed by the Milky Way and telescope views.

How cold does it get at night?

Very—desert nights drop fast. Thermal layers, hat, gloves essential. Guests stayed comfortable with proper gear during outdoor time.

Suitable for kids?

Yes for older children who handle late hours and cold. Families said teens loved the telescope and photos, but bundle extra.

Vegetarian snack options?

Yes—hummus and other vegetarian choices available. Guests found snacks generous and tasty.

Photos included?

Professional group and personal shots with the Milky Way—emailed after. One couple got frame-worthy images without effort.

Why this astronomy tour?

Clear Atacama skies, powerful telescopes, and Death Valley photo session. Past guests said the intimate group, snacks, and pro photos made it more memorable than basic stargazing.

Book it today with Atacama Chile Tours or simply following this link.

Reviews

4.6 Read more reviews