Astronomy and Astrophotography Tour

In Coquimbo

From
£42 pp
5h 0 mins · 4.8 (12)
Astronomy and Astrophotography Tour
In the Elqui Valley, in the IV Region, there is a privileged Astronomical Center with almost 300 days of clear skies a year. It offers advanced astronomy tours with specialized guides in Spanish, who explain everything about the universe in a clear and didactic way. High-quality telescopes are used, such as the 24-inch Hubble Optics, unique in Chile, the 20-inch Hubble Optics, and the 20-inch Meade, rotating between them for a varied observation experience. From the outdoor terrace, constellations, planets, nebulas, and more can be observed. Group astrophotography photos are captured on moonless nights, and visitors are allowed to photograph lunar craters with their own devices on moonlit nights.
Free cancellation Pickup included

What's included

  • Group Astrophotography
  • SODA_POP
  • AIR_CONDITIONED_VEHICLE
  • Telescopes
  • COFFEE_AND_TEA

What's not included

  • GRATUITIES
  • Tour only in SPANISH. A translator can be arranged. Cost: $20,000CLP
  • Personal Astrophotography
  • DINNER

Itinerary

  1. We begin collecting passengers from La Serena (1h 0min)
  2. Then we have a 1 hour and 30 minute drive to Vicuña, where we will have 10-15 minutes to stretch, go to the bathroom or buy some snacks at the nearby supermarket. Then we begin our last journey to the Astronomical Center located at the foot of Mamalluca Hill on a private plot of land in the area. (2h 0min)
  3. Upon arrival at the observation area, you will enjoy a welcome with a selection of drinks including coffee, tea, water, juice, pisco sour or mango sour. After these 15 minutes of relaxation, we will descend to the observation patio, where our fascinating advanced astronomy tour will begin. At the astronomical center, you will be provided with expert astronomy guides who will guide you through the cosmos with simple and educational explanations, all in SPANISH. This tour will allow you to immerse yourself in the mysteries of the universe in an accessible and exciting way. The approximate duration of the tour is 2 hours. (2h 0min) Admission included
  4. The return journey begins towards La Serena, where we will drop off all passengers at their initial pick-up points. (1h 0min)

Meeting & end point

Meeting point
We are located next to the Toyota car dealership. From Route 5, cross the train line two blocks towards the coast. From the monumental lighthouse of La Serena it is approximately a 15-minute walk towards the mountain range.
End point
We are located next to the Toyota car dealership. From Route 5, cross the train line two blocks towards the coast. From the monumental lighthouse of La Serena it is approximately a 15-minute walk towards the mountain range.

Practical information

Operated by
Ecoturismo La Serena Spa.
Max group size
16 travellers
Travellers per booking
1–15
Languages
es
Confirmation
INSTANT

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation available.

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

Important notes

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Tour subject to a minimum of 6 passengers for its realization
  • Tour subject to sky conditions
  • We will confirm your pick-up time on the same day of the activity. As it varies depending on the season
  • Consider the lunar cycle for better observation and prefer days without moon. When there is a crescent moon and a full moon, observation CAN be done, but astrophotography CANNOT.
  • Astrophotography only for moonless nights
  • Young children visiting the astronomical center should not wear shoes with lights
  • Pickup times may vary depending on the season of the year

Frequently asked questions

The tour runs for around 5 hours. Times are approximate and may vary depending on group size, traffic, and site conditions on the day.

What's included is set out in the tour description above. As a general guide, transport and guiding are normally covered; meals, personal expenses, and gratuities are typically extra unless the description states otherwise.

We don't hold specific age or fitness guidance for this tour. Read the activity description carefully and, if in any doubt, speak to your cruise line's excursion desk before you book.