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Observe the night sky over the Atacama desert

Chile Astronomy Adventure

Example 8 Day Tour
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Explore Chile on an 8-day astronomy adventure across La Serena, the Elqui Valley, and the Atacama Desert. Start with a guided city tour of La Serena and Coquimbo, visiting La Recova market, the Monumental Lighthouse, and the Third Millennium Cross before checking in at Hotel Casa Molle. Head to Vicuna to tour the Gemini Observatory or SOAR, depending on the schedule. Spend a full day in the Elqui Valley with stops at Puclaro Reservoir, a solar kitchen in Villaseca, a pisco distillery, and a night sky session at the Omega Astronomical Center. Fly to Calama and travel to San Pedro de Atacama. Visit Moon Valley, explore a traditional Atacameno village, and enjoy a cultural stargazing tour. See Altiplanic lagoons, the town of Socaire, and the Tatio Geysers before the trip ends.
Study the skies from La Silla ObservatoryGeysers in the Atacama. Explore La SerenaHiking above the Valley of the MoonDiscover the beauty of the Elqui valleyExplore the otherworldly Valley of the MoonObserve the night sky over the Atacama desertObserve the night sky over the Atacama desert
Highlights
  • Tour La Serena and Coquimbo, visiting La Recova and Third Millennium Cross
  • Visit Gemini or SOAR Observatory in Vicuna for a guided astronomy tour
  • Explore Elqui Valley with stops at Puclaro Reservoir and pisco distillery
  • Stargaze at Omega Astronomical Center under some of the world’s clearest skies
  • Discover Moon Valley and learn about Atacameno traditions in a local village
  • See Altiplanic lagoons, visit Socaire, and explore steam vents at Tatio Geysers
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive La Serena | City Tour

Arrive at La Florida Airport in La Serena and begin a guided city tour focused on key cultural and historical sites. Visit La Recova market, the Plaza de Armas, and the Historic Center, followed by stops at the Japanese Garden and the Monumental Lighthouse.

Continue along Avenida del Mar to Coquimbo to walk the coastal boardwalk, visit Lambert Fortress and the English Neighborhood, and ascend the Third Millennium Cross. After lunch in La Serena’s Historic Center, transfer to Hotel Casa Molle in the Elqui Valley. This boutique property offers a peaceful base for exploring northern Chile. Check in and settle in for the night.

Day 2: Gemini Observatory

Begin the day with a shared excursion from Hotel Casa Molle to the town of Vicuna, located in the heart of the Elqui Valley. This area is known for clear skies and world-class stargazing. Visit either Gemini South or SOAR Observatory, depending on availability.

Upon arrival at Cerro Pachon, check in at the access gate and receive a safety briefing. Join a guided tour through key areas of the observatory, including the control room, telescope platform, and mirror coating facility. Learn how astronomers study deep space from one of the world’s top astronomical sites.

Return to Casa Molle to relax and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Day 3: Elqui Valley Tour | Night Astronomy

Depart from Hotel Casa Molle for a full-day tour through the Elqui Valley, a region known for clear skies and astronomical research. Travel toward the Andes Mountains, stopping at Puclaro Reservoir for views of the valley and dam.

Continue to Vicuna to visit key landmarks, then head to Villaseca for lunch cooked using solar energy. Visit Cerro Pachon viewpoint and explore Montegrande, birthplace of Nobel Prize winner Gabriela Mistral.

Tour a local pisco distillery and walk the streets of Pisco Elqui. In the evening, dine in Vicuña before joining a stargazing session at Omega Astronomical Center. Return to Casa Molle for the night.

Day 4: Fly to Calama | San Pedro de Atacama

Take a morning flight to Calama, the gateway to the Atacama Desert. Travel by private transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, passing the Cordillera de la Sal with views of salt-crusted rock formations and desert landscapes. Arrive at Hotel Desertica for check-in and receive the schedule for the days ahead. Spend the rest of the day at a relaxed pace. Walk through the town’s adobe streets, visit the local church, or browse traditional handicrafts in the village market. San Pedro de Atacama, known for its dry climate and high elevation, serves as a base for exploring one of the best stargazing destinations in the world.

Day 5: Moon Valley Tour | Night Astronomy Tour

Start the day with a private excursion to Moon Valley, a key highlight in the Atacama Desert known for its dry terrain, salt formations, and wind-carved landscapes. Walk among rock formations that shift in color with the sunlight and stop at scenic viewpoints to take in the surroundings. Continue to Ayllu de Coyo, a traditional Atacameno community, for a cultural visit and a tasting of local dishes.

In the evening, join a guided astronomical tour under some of the clearest skies in the world. Begin with cultural stories shared around a fire, reflecting ancient Andean interpretations of the night sky. Then use telescopes to observe stars, planets, and constellations through the lens of modern astronomy. Return to Hotel Desertica for the night.

Day 6: Altiplanic Lagoons | Socaire Visit

The very early wake-up call from the hotel is well worth it when you arrive at the amazing Tatio Geysers and see them in action. From almost 900 meters below the earth, boiling steam bursts up to 40 meters over the surface of these spectacular geysers. A scrumptious breakfast is served upon arrival before you walk through the geothermal fields with the geysers erupting nearby. As you drive back, there is a magnificent view of the Tocopurri and Sairecabur volcanoes. Arrive back in town. The afternoon is free to rest after the early start, high altitude, and low temperature you faced in the morning.

Day 7: Tatio Geysers | Machuca Village

Begin the day early with a drive through the Andean highlands to reach the El Tatio Geyser field at sunrise. Watch as steam vents rise up to 40 meters high in one of the world’s highest geothermal fields.

After exploring the geysers, visit Geyser Blanco to experience the thermal waters in a natural setting. Continue to the small mountain village of Machuca, known for its traditional adobe homes and local food stands. Return to San Pedro de Atacama in the afternoon and stay overnight at Hotel Desertica.

Day 8: Fly Santiago and Home

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport. Board your flight to Santiago where you can catch your connecting flight home.

Accommodations

Hotel Desertica

Hotel Desertica Superior Room

Hotel Desertica

Located in San Pedro de Atacama, 8 km from Piedra del Coyote, Hotel Desertica has a garden, as well as free WiFi. The property is set 28 km from Termas de Puritama, 400 metres from San Pedro Church and 2.2 km from Pukará de Quitor. Moon Valley is 14 km away
Hotel Desertica Standard Room
Hotel Desertica Lounge and Pool
Hotel Desertica

Hotel Casa Molle

Walk through beautifully-landscaped public areas of CasaMolle in Chile

Hotel Casa Molle

CasaMolle La Puntilla has the perfect connection for your vacation. Located 430 km from Santiago and just minutes from La Serena, you can fly to that city and then drive to La Puntilla. We invite you to discover the magic of CasaMolle on the coast.
Bonfire at night in CasaMolle in Chile
Public area of CasaMolle in Chile
Kayaking activity in CasaMolle in Chile

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

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  • Dec 4, 2025from $8,863
  • Dec 11, 2025from $8,863
  • Dec 18, 2025from $8,863
  • Dec 25, 2025from $8,863
  • Jan 1, 2026from $8,863
  • Jan 8, 2026from $8,863
  • Jan 15, 2026from $8,863
  • Jan 22, 2026from $8,863
  • Jan 29, 2026from $8,863
  • Feb 5, 2026from $8,863
  • Feb 12, 2026from $8,863
  • Feb 19, 2026from $8,863
  • Feb 26, 2026from $8,863
  • Mar 5, 2026from $8,863
  • Mar 12, 2026from $8,863
  • Mar 19, 2026from $8,863
  • Mar 26, 2026from $8,863
  • Dec 3, 2026from $10,192
  • Dec 10, 2026from $10,192
  • Dec 17, 2026from $10,192
  • Dec 24, 2026from $10,192
  • Dec 31, 2026from $10,192
  • Jan 7, 2027from $10,192
  • Jan 14, 2027from $10,192
  • Jan 21, 2027from $10,192
  • Jan 28, 2027from $10,192
  • Feb 4, 2027from $10,192
  • Feb 11, 2027from $10,192
  • Feb 18, 2027from $10,192
  • Feb 25, 2027from $10,192
  • Mar 4, 2027from $10,192
  • Mar 11, 2027from $10,192
  • Mar 18, 2027from $10,192
  • Mar 25, 2027from $10,192
  • Dec 2, 2027from $11,522
  • Dec 9, 2027from $11,522
  • Dec 16, 2027from $11,522
  • Dec 23, 2027from $11,522
  • Dec 30, 2027from $11,522
  • Jan 6, 2028from $11,522
  • Jan 13, 2028from $11,522
  • Jan 20, 2028from $11,522
  • Jan 27, 2028from $11,522
  • Feb 3, 2028from $11,522
  • Feb 10, 2028from $11,522
  • Feb 17, 2028from $11,522
  • Feb 24, 2028from $11,522
  • Mar 2, 2028from $11,522
  • Mar 9, 2028from $11,522
  • Mar 16, 2028from $11,522
  • Mar 23, 2028from $11,522
  • Mar 30, 2028from $12,851
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Per person starting at
$8,863

Notes

Rates may vary based on current exchange rate.

Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner, 1 Box Lunch
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • 2 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Entrance Fee: Valley of the Moon 
  • Bilingual guide
  • Towels and mineral water
  • Entrance Fee: El Tatio Geyser
  • Private transfer (with guide)
  • Pick-up/drop-off from accommodation
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.

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