Stargazing in Chile

Starry skies, beguiling desertcapes, winelands, and outdoor adventure

Few places leave travelers as spellbound by the radiance of the Milky Way as Chile’s ink-black, clear night skies. The lunar-like Atacama Desert is famous for high-altitude celestial stargazing, but it’s the Elqui Valley that was named the world’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary. This luxurious Stargazing in Chile travel itinerary combines both destinations on a trip that will have you adventuring in desert highlands during sunlight-bathed days and then peering into the cosmos after dark. Whether or not you pick up on the esoteric energies said to reverberate in both places (we're reminded of Sedona), this trip is likely to expand your fascination for the universe—and perhaps remind you of your place in it. Interacting with experts and using high-power telescopes, you’ll identify astral objects and constellations while learning that ancient Atacameñan people interpreted the opposite—figures shaped by the dark matter between stars.  

Throughout your extraordinary journey, you’ll retreat to architecturally intriguing lodges replete with cozy lounge areas engineered for stargazing. Think: forested cedar barrel hot tubs, an observatory, and private decks. Indulge in regionally inspired treatments that invite you into soothing spa facilities and savor gourmet meals made with local ingredients. You'll also get acquainted with Chilean grapes, fermented into big, bold reds, refreshing whites, and floral piscos. Raise a glass in the Casablanca Wine Valley to toast the end of a stellar trip.  

Stargazing in Chile: 8 Nights / 9 Days

Stargazing in Chile Trip Highlights

This 8-night itinerary begins in Santiago. From here, fly to Calama and transfer to Explora Atacama.
Atacama Stargazing: Explora Atacama, a 50-room luxury lodge sits on a private 42-acre oasis near San Pedro de Atacama. A trip highlight takes place at the on-site Observatory, which contains one of the best private telescopes in Chile. Spend an evening gazing into the heavens during a guided stargazing session. Your South America destination specialist will help time your trip to coincide with the new moon for optimal visibility. Optional: Add an excursion with a local astrophotographer to learn more about dark sky photography and astronomy.
Atacama Desert Excursions: By the light of day, the stark Atacama Desert is a steaming, beguiling moonscape. Explore geysers, crooked canyons, valleys, milky-opaque lagoons, volcanoes, and hot springs. Explore by foot, on horseback, or on mountain bike. Back at the lodge, rest your muscles in the heated outdoor pools, steam room, sauna, or hot tubs.
Fly from Calama to La Serena to reach the Elqui Valley, famed for year-round, sunshine-drenched days and almost non-existent light pollution. The Elqui Valley was named the world's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2015—the perfect second stop for your Stargazing in Chile odyssey. Check into CasaMolle, a stylish, desert-inspired, 24-room escape set on 42 private acres. Lounge in one of the six cedar barrel hot forested hot tubs, open your chakras during a Quartz Circle meditation or enjoy a therapeutic treatment at the spa.
Stargazing in the Elqui Valley: Take an after-dinner drive to reach El Pangue Observatory, located in the heart of the Valley, where guides will help you observe star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies. Dedicate another evening to stargazing alongside CasaMolle guides.
Elqui Valley Excursions: Although the sky is the (literal) star attraction in the Elqui Valley, there's plenty of Andes adventure to stir your appetite. Go hiking or saddle up for a horseback ride, then visit a high-altitude vineyard to sip wine and pisco. If you're craving the coast, take a guided excursion to the Humboldt Penguin Reserve to spy the colonies that call the beaches of Isla Damas and Punta de Choros home.
Wine tasting in Casablanca Wine Valley: A sweet ending to a celestial journey, end your trip in Chile's Casablanca Wine Valley. Located close enough to the ocean to receive a cooling, maritime influence, you'll be sampling crisp coastal whites and lighter reds. Slumber at La Casona Matetic, a seven-room boutique hotel with more than 100 years of history, surrounded by rows of vines. Pass easy, sun-bathed days touring valley vineyards and meeting winemakers. Hikes are a splendid way to stretch the legs after a lazy al fresco lunch.
Return to Santiago for your flight home, or onward journey.

Price

Starting at $9,260, per person based on two people sharing in 2024.

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