Astronomy and Astrophotography Tour

4.8 (12 reviews) 5–6 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

12 reviews

4.8

Astronomy Tour - Ecotourism La serene — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 5–6 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 16 people
People per booking: 1–16
Guide: Spanish
Operated by: Ecoturismo La Serena Spa.

Ages: Infants (0–1 years) · Children (2–5 years) · Youth (6–17 years) · Adults (18–59 years) · Seniors (60–90 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Group Astrophotography
Included: Carbonated beverages: Soda/Pop
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Telescopes
Included: Tea and coffee: Coffee and/or Tea

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Tour only in SPANISH. A translator can be arranged. Cost: $20,000CLP
Not included: Personal Astrophotography
Not included: Dinner

Itinerary

La Serena

one hour

We begin collecting passengers from La Serena
Vicuna

2 hours

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.
Stop 3

2 hours Admission included

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.
La Serena

one hour

The return journey begins towards La Serena, where we will drop off all passengers at their initial pick-up points.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting 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.

Pickup points

Apart Hotel Serena Beach
Apart Hotel Gran Pacifico
Agua Marina
Departamento En Pleno Centro
Costa Real
Hotel Fuente del Mar
Hostal Alcohuaz
Hotel del Cid
Hotel Casablanca
Hotel Turismo Berlin
Francisco de Aguirre Hotel
Balcones De Aragon

and 41 more pickup points

We pick up all our passengers if they are within the pick-up radius. Please confirm your address and time one day before the tour with our executives. If your address is outside the radius, we can coordinate a meeting point. We will contact you one day before your activity to coordinate the pick-up time and confirm attendance. The same day of your activity, the guide will contact you to better coordinate your pick-up. You must be attentive to your cell phone.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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