Atacama is the best place for astronomical tourism.
If you are looking for an astronomical tourism experience, the Atacama Desert, located in northern Chile, has been recognized by the BBC and astronomers worldwide as one of the five best destinations on the planet for nighttime tourism. It is the only place in Latin America to appear on this prestigious list, and it’s easy to see why.
A sky like no other in Atacama
Atacama is the driest non-polar desert on Earth, which means that clouds are almost nonexistent. With an average of 300 clear nights per year, this destination has become a paradise for stargazing. In fact, it is home to ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array), one of the most powerful telescopes in the world, designed to explore the mysteries of the universe.
Journalist Stephanie Vermillon, author of the book “100 Nights Of A Lifetime,” describes her experience in Atacama with these words:
“Atacama has the clearest night skies I have ever seen, and clear skies for so many consecutive nights as I have never seen before.”
Unforgettable experiences under the desert stars
The clarity of the sky has allowed many local entrepreneurs to develop unique experiences for travelers who wish to discover the cosmos. Some of the options include:
Astrophotography tours, where visitors can capture stunning images of the night sky.
Archaeoastronomy sessions, which combine astronomy with indigenous stories about the cosmos.
Private observatories, where experts teach tourists to identify constellations of the southern hemisphere.
If you are planning a trip to Atacama to admire the stars, the best time to do so is before, during, or after the new moon, when the sky is darkest and the number of visible stars is truly impressive.
It is no coincidence that NASA uses parts of the Atacama Desert to test its Mars missions due to its resemblance to the Martian landscape. Atacama is, without a doubt, the ideal destination for those who dream of touching the stars.
Source: BBC Mundo, “5 de los mejores lugares del mundo para experimentar el ‘turismo nocturno’ (y cuál se encuentra en América Latina),” February 8, 2025, https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/cgq0gx2423zo
Ready to live this unique experience?
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the purest sky in the world in the San Pedro de Atacama Desert with CaminAndes. Experience an exclusive astronomical tour under the clearest skies on the planet.
With high-resolution telescopes, we will explore planets, nebulae, and the breathtaking Milky Way, while an identification laser will guide you through constellations and stars.
Learn about the mysteries of the cosmos with our astronomical talk, capture unforgettable memories in a photo session under the stars, and end the night with a cocktail and hot drinks. On full moon nights, enjoy the Astro Lunar tour, focused on lunar craters and visible celestial bodies, accompanied by a wine tasting with a sommelier.
We offer round-trip transportation, small groups, and personalized attention to ensure a comfortable and enriching experience.
Check out more of our fascinating astronomical tour here. We invite you to come and live the adventure of a lifetime.