ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter Array
When talking about the most impressive skies on the planet, San Pedro de Atacama always holds a special place. Not only because of its natural beauty, but also because it is home to one of the most ambitious scientific projects in history: the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA).
What is the ALMA Observatory?
ALMA is the most advanced astronomical observatory in the world. It is located more than 5,000 meters above sea level, on the Chajnantor Plateau, one of the driest and clearest places on Earth. Its mission is to study the origin of the universe, galaxies, stars, and planets through millimeter waves that are invisible to the human eye.
This international project brings together Chile, Europe, North America, and East Asia, and operates with 66 giant antennas that work together as if they were a single telescope. Thanks to this technology, scientists can observe what happened just a few million years after the Big Bang.
Why is ALMA located in the Atacama Desert?
Northern Chile offers unique conditions in the world for astronomical observation:
- More than 300 cloudless nights per year.
- An extremely dry atmosphere.
- High altitude, which minimizes atmospheric interference.
For these reasons, the Atacama Desert is not only a fascinating tourist destination but also the world epicenter of modern astronomy.
Can you visit ALMA?
Currently, ALMA offers free guided tours to its Operations Support Facility (OSF), located at 2,900 meters above sea level and about 50 km from San Pedro de Atacama.
During the visit, you can learn how the antennas are controlled, discover the scientific research being carried out, and enjoy a unique panoramic view of the high plateau.
Visits require advance reservation and do not include access to the site where the antennas are located (at 5,000 m), for safety and health reasons.
The Atacama sky: a spectacle for everyone
Although ALMA is a scientific research center, travelers visiting San Pedro can enjoy their own astronomical experience under the same sky that inspires astronomers.
At Caminandes, we invite you to join our nighttime star observation tours, where we combine astronomical knowledge, professional telescopes, and an intimate experience in the middle of the desert.
Seeing the Milky Way with the naked eye, identifying planets and constellations, and learning the stories the Andean peoples once told about the sky is an experience that will truly mark a before and after in your journey through northern Chile.