Chile Astronomy & Stargazing 2025

Admit it — you’ve always wanted to go south of the equator to take advantage of the extraordinary celestial sights of the southern sky. But you’ve never quite figured out the logistics of getting there, let alone how you’d lug your telescope through airports and customs.

Here’s your chance to have it all — and you can leave the scope at home! Sky & Telescope is heading to Chile for a 10-day, 9-night adventure to some of the most astronomically famous and stunning locales on the planet. Join us October 13–22, 2025, on what promises to be an over-the-top celestial adventure.

With its high mountains, clear skies, and dry air, northern Chile is a mecca for both professional observatories and nighttime stargazing — and you’ll get to see plenty of both. The trip combines rare, behind-the-scenes tours of major telescopes (including visits to the Very Large Telescope and the amazing ALMA radio-telescope array) with three nights of stargazing at privately owned facilities that cater to amateur observers. You can leave the telescope at home, because all the observing gear will be there waiting for you!

You’ll enjoy comfortable, high-quality accommodations, delicious local cuisine (virtually all meals are included!), and the expertise of local, English-speaking guides. With decades of experience bringing groups to South America, Royal Adventures has become one of the premier astronomy- and eclipse-trip providers. This trusted travel partner teamed up with S&T for tours to Chile in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.

So if you’ve never seen the far-southern sky in all its dazzling glory, this tour will provide that full-immersion celestial experience you’ve been hoping for. Click below to get the full details:
• Itinerary for our 10-day tour of Chile and its amazing observatories
• Itinerary for our optional 5-day pre-tour extension to Easter Island
• What is and isn’t included; what conditions to expect
• Pricing, Payments, and Terms
• Get on the wait-list today using this online registration

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Itinerary for the 2025 Chile Astronomy & Stargazing Tour

Date	Itinerary at a Glance	Accommodation	Meals
Sunday, Oct. 12	Depart for Santiago	—	(aloft)
Monday, Oct. 13	Santiago, National Observatory	Pullman El Bosque Ebro	D
Tuesday, Oct. 14	La Serena, stargazing	Hotel Terral	B,L,D
Wednesday, Oct. 15	Gemini, SOAR, Vera Rubin	Hotel Terral	B,L
Thursday, Oct, 16	Las Campanas, GMT construction	Hotel Costa Real	B,L
Friday, Oct. 17	La Serena & Antofagasta	Terrado Suites	B,L
Saturday, Oct. 18	Very Large Telescope, sightseeing	Terrado Suites	B,L,D
Sunday, Oct. 19	San Pedro de Atacama, stargazing	Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama	B,L,D
Monday, Oct. 20	ALMA, Moon Valley, stargazing	Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama	B,L,D
Tuesday, Oct. 21	Puritama Hot Springs, Chaxa Lagoon	Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama	B,L,D
Wednesday, Oct. 22	Santiago, wine tasting, depart for home	—	B,L
Thursday, Oct. 23	Arrive home	—	(aloft)

Day 0 (Sunday, Oct. 12): Depart for Santiago
Depart from your home city on an overnight flight to Santiago, the capital of Chile.
Overnight flight (meals aloft)

Day 1 (Monday, Oct. 13): Santiago & National Astronomical Observatory
Arrive this morning in Santiago and transfer to one of the city’s most exclusive areas for early check-in at our five-star hotel. After an afternoon orientation and city tour, we’ll have a welcome dinner followed by a visit to Chile’s National Astronomical Observatory. Operated by the University of Chile, the observatory is situated on Cerro Calán, which offers breathtaking views of the city. Afterward we’ll return to our hotel.
Pullman El Bosque Ebro (D)

Day 2 (Tuesday, Oct. 14): La Serena
Depart Santiago on a flight to La Serena, Chile’s second-oldest city, founded in 1544. Take a guided city tour, then in the early afternoon travel to the picturesque town of Vicuña to visit a pisco distillery. We’ll learn about this Chilean liquor and enjoy a pisco tasting in the cellars of Pisco Elqui. After dinner in Vicuña, enjoy stargazing at El Pangue Observatory for breathtaking southern-sky stargazing through 16- and 25-inch telescopes.
Hotel Terral (B, L, D)

Day 3 (Wednesday, Oct. 15): Gemini South, SOAR, and Vera Rubin Observatories
This morning enjoy exclusive visits to the Gemini South Telescope, Southern Observatory for Astrophysical Research (SOAR), and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, all located on the peak of Cerro Pachón, an 8,900-foot-high mountain in northern Chile. The Gemini Observatory has an aperture of 8.1 meters, and the adjacent SOAR has an aperture of 4.1 meters. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory, now under construction, is an 8-meter-class telescope coupled to a 3.2-gigapixel camera — the largest digital camera ever fabricated for optical astronomy.(Observatory visits are subject to final confirmation.) Dinner on your own.
Hotel Terral (B, L)

Day 4 (Thursday, Oct. 16): Las Campanas Observatory & GMT Construction
We travel north of La Serena by road to Las Campanas Observatory for a day-long tour of the Magellan Project site and the two 6.5-meter optical telescopes that are housed there. We’ll also see the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) construction site (to be completed in 2027). The GMT uses seven of the world’s largest mirrors — each 8.4 meters (27.6 feet) across — as segments of its primary mirror, yielding a spatial resolution better than that of the Hubble or Webb space telescopes. (Observatory visits are subject to final confirmation.) Dinner on your own.
Hotel Costa Real (B, L)

Day 5 (Friday, Oct. 17): La Serena & Antofagasta
This morning, we take a guided tour of La Serena, followed by an afternoon flight to Antofagasta. Upon arrival, we will visit the Tropic of Capricorn Milestone north of the city and “The Gateway,” a prominent natural rock arch along the coastline shaped by erosion, before checking in at our seaside hotel.
Terrado Suites (B, L)

Day 6 (Saturday, Oct. 18): Very Large Telescope
In the morning, visit the Paranal Observatory home of the VLT (observatory visit is subject to final confirmation). Then, explore the Hand of the Desert with a picnic lunch, followed by dinner at the hotel.
Terrado Suites (B, L, D)

Day 7 (Sunday, Oct. 19): San Pedro de Atacamca, Stargazing at SPACE
In the morning, we drive by private motor coach to San Pedro de Atacama. Enjoy leisure time throughout the day. In the evening, immerse yourself in the captivating world of astronomy with an unparalleled stargazing experience at San Pedro de Atacama Celestial Explorations (SPACE). Here, marvel at the universe through several instruments including the largest telescope for visual observing in the Southern Hemisphere, a giant reflector with a 115-cm (45-inch) aperture.
Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama (B, L, D)

Day 8 (Monday, Oct. 20): ALMA, Moon Valley, Stargazing at SPACE
This morning, visit ALMA (the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array), the largest astronomical project in existence (this visit is subject to final confirmation; travel to the top of the plateau is optional and requires verification of your physical suitability). Later, we’ll watch sunset from Moon Valley, whose extraordinary landscape has been shaped by the erosion of the Salt Mountains. Lastly, enjoy a second stargazing session at SPACE. 
Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama (B, L, D)

Day 9 (Tuesday, Oct. 21): Puritama Hot Springs & Chaxa Lagoon
Start your day with a rejuvenating soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the Puritama Hot Springs, nestled in a stunning canyon setting. Afterward, head to the Chaxa Lagoon, where we’ll observe graceful flamingos in their natural habitat amid the surreal landscapes of the Atacama Desert. Enjoy a delicious lunch before spending the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. In the evening, savor a delightful group dinner.
Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama (B, L, D)

Day 10 (Wednesday, Oct. 22): Santiago, Casablanca Valley, Depart for Home
After breakfast, we transfer by motor coach to Calama and then fly to Santiago. Upon arrival, we’ll tour the renowned Casas del Bosque Vineyard, where we will enjoy a delightful lunch amid the scenic vineyards. Afterward, we’ll return to the airport for our late-evening flights back to the U.S.
Overnight flight (B, L, meals aloft)

Day 11 (Thursday, Oct. 23): Arrive Home
After an overnight flight from Santiago and your connecting flight, you return home with wonderful memories of your time under Chile’s amazing night sky.

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Optional Pre-Tour Extension to Easter Island (October 7-12, 2025)

Located 2,600 miles west of Santiago in the South Pacific Ocean, this mysterious island has a visual impact few places in the world can equal. Hundreds of moais, tight-lipped basalt statues unique in the whole of Oceania, are scattered throughout the island.

The extension includes three nights at the Taha Tai Hotel on Easter Island, two nights at Plaza El Bosque Ebro in Santiago (after your arrival and after your return from Easter Island), shared guided excursions while on Easter Island, entrance to Rapa Nui National Park, and all transfers.

Note: Airfare to Easter Island is not included. Rates are based on a minimum of eight participants. Tips to guides and staff on Easter Island are at the passenger’s discretion.

Date	Itinerary at a Glance	Accommodation	Meals
Tuesday, Oct. 7	Depart for Santiago	—	(aloft)
Wednesday, Oct. 8	Santiago	Pullman El Bosque Ebro	—
Thursday, Oct. 9	fly to Easter Island	Taha Tai Hotel	B,L,D
Friday, Oct. 10	Easter Island	Taha Tai Hotel	B,L,D
Saturday, Oct. 11	Easter Island	Taha Tai Hotel	B,L,D
Sunday, Oct. 12	fly to Santiago	Pullman El Bosque Ebro	B
Monday, Oct. 13	join Main Tour	Pullman El Bosque Ebro	B

Day 0  (Tuesday, Oct. 7):  Departure
Depart from the U.S. and fly to Santiago, Chile. (Meals aloft)

Day 1  (Wednesday, Oct. 8):  Arrive in Santiago
Arrive at Santiago airport and transfer to your hotel. Settle in with an early check-in (from 9:00 a.m. onward) and relax as you begin your adventure. Pullman El Bosque Ebro

Day 2  (Thursday, Oct. 9):  Santiago to Easter Island
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Easter Island. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a delicious lunch before embarking on a half-day tour of the Orongo ceremonial village, where you’ll explore the island’s rich cultural heritage. Taha Tai Hotel (B)

Day 3  (Friday, Oct. 10):  Easter Island
Spend the day exploring Easter Island’s most iconic sites. You’ll visit Anakena Beach, marvel at the towering moai at Tongariki, explore the Rano Raraku quarry, and visit the intriguing sites of Te Pito Kura and Akahanga. Enjoy your meals and evening back at the hotel. Taha Tai Hotel (B)

Day 4  (Saturday, Oct. 11):  Rano Kau Exploration
Today, set out on a half-day tour to explore the majestic Rano Kau volcano and its breathtaking surroundings. After a day of adventure, relax and unwind back at your hotel. Taha Tai Hotel (B)

Day 5  (Sunday, Oct. 12):  Return to Santiago
Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to the airport for your flight back to Santiago. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel for a restful evening. Pullman El Bosque Ebro (B)

Day 6  (Monday, Oct. 13):  Join Main Tour
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon join the Main Tour program and meet your fellow travelers.
(B only for those on the Pre-Tour Program)

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What the Main Tour Does/Doesn’t Include

Included:
• In-tour flights within Chile: Santiago/La Serena, La Serena/Antofagasta, Calama/Santiago
• Airport transfer for using or meeting the suggested group flight
• Arrangements to visit professional and private observatories (visitation permits are pending)
• Private tour director and local English-speaking guides for touring days
• 24 meals: (9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 6 dinners); wine with all dinners
• Private coach for ground transportation
• Lectures and discussion from a S&T representative on the main tour
• Entrances fees to museums, national reserves, and other venues on the itinerary
• Baggage handling
• Tips to local guides, drivers, service charges, and taxes on the main tour
• Customized luggage tags and name tags with Sky & Telescope logo
• Pre-trip planning information and resources

Not included:
• International airfare to and from Santiago, Chile
• Passport and visa fees
• Trip Cancellation and Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
• Evacuation Insurance (required for those visiting ALMA; minimum amount: $50,000)
• Medical or quarantine expenses
• COVID-19 testing before, during, or after the tour
• Airport transfers if not arriving or departing with the group
• Hotel accommodation for extra nights before or after the tour dates
• Individual excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour
• Meals or beverages not listed in the detailed itinerary
• Personal expenses (room service, laundry, telephone calls, etc)
• Excess-baggage fees
• Tip for the Tour Director is at the participant’s discretion
• Unforeseen cost increases for internal flights, security, or fuel surcharges

What Conditions to Expect on the Tour

This exclusive Sky & Telescope expedition to Chile is designed for travelers who are interested in learning about the professional observatories of Chile, the skies of the southern hemisphere, and experiencing the wildlife, geology, and superb natural landscapes of the Atacama Desert and Northern Chile.

To enjoy this experience, participants must be in good physical and mental health and be able to keep up with schedules, food, insects, weather, and dust. Program participants requiring extraordinary assistance must be accompanied by someone who can and will provide all required assistance. We describe this trip as relatively active. Travel is by jet aircraft and motorcoach.

Roadways can be narrow with steep ascents/descents and at times rocky, unpaved, and dusty. The drive from Antofagasta to San Pedro de Atama takes approximately 4 hours. Clothing that can be layered, as well as sunblock, sun hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes with a sturdy tread, will be essential on this trip.

October is spring in Chile and average temperatures in Santiago are between 73°F and 44°F.  In the Atacama Desert temperatures generally range from 77°F to 41°F. Observatory visits will involve walking from 1 to 2 miles and at times over rocky, dusty, muddy, and uneven terrain and at high elevations in the Atacama. The pace of the walks will be leisurely.

All the hotels are located at what are considered comfortable elevations. However, the professional observatories are at significant altitudes: Las Campanas Observatory is at 7,810 feet; the Very Large Telescope is at 8,645 feet; and the Vera C. Rubin, Gemini, and SOAR observatories are at 8,737 feet. Moreover, some of the excursions in the Atacama Desert can reach (for a short time) altitudes of approximately 14,000 feet. Finally, an optional visit to ALMA’s antennas on the Chajnantor plateau (pending final confirmation) is at 16,500 feet and will require a signed medical release from the passenger’s physician and an evacuation insurance policy with minimum coverage of $50,000.

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Pricing, Payments, and Terms for Chile Observatories and Stargazing 2025 Tour

Pricing (per person)	Double Occupancy	Single Occupancy
Chile Observatories & Stargazing (Oct. 13-22, 2025)	$8,990	$9,990
Pre-Tour Extension to Easter Island (Oct. 7-12, 2025)	$3,650	$4,650

• Pricing: All tour prices are based on costs and U.S. dollar exchange rates in effect at the time of posting. As such, prices listed here are subject to change. Royal Adventures and/or AAS Sky Publishing LLC will inform clients of any changes prior to departure.
• To make a reservation: A reservation request can be submitted by completing this form. Reservations are recorded and acknowledged in order of receipt. Royal Adventures (CST #2009579-40) handles all invoicing.
• Deposits: An advance payment of US$1,000 per person is required to secure your reservation for the main tour, along with US$200 per person for the pre-tour extension, if applicable. Please make your check payable to "Royal Adventures" and mail it to: Royal Adventures, 9 Crow Canyon Court, Suite 205, San Ramon, CA 94583. Initial deposits may be charged to a credit card. All subsequent payments must be made by check. The final payment (by check or wire transfer only) is due by May 30, 2025.
• Cancellations and Refunds: Royal Adventures must receive all cancellations in writing. Cancellations received within 14 days of booking: full refund of the trip deposit. Cancellations received on or before May 30, 2025, are eligible for a refund less a $500 per person cancellation penalty. Cancellations received after May 30, 2025, are subject to a 100% penalty for all deposits and payments, regardless of the booking date. There are no refunds for unused meals, accommodations, or other trip features.
• Itinerary: The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of Sky & Telescope and Royal Adventures. All tour prices are based on costs and U.S. dollar exchange rates in effect at the time of posting. As such, the prices listed here are subject to change. In particular, any increases in the fares for in-tour transportation, security, and/or fuel surcharges will be paid by the participants. Sky & Telescope and/or Royal Adventures will inform clients of any changes prior to departure.
• Travel insurance: We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance including “Cancel for Any Reason” because the cancellation penalty listed in the brochure will apply. Trip cancellation, medical, quarantine, and evacuation insurance can be purchased through our recommended provider, Travel Insured International; click here to get a quote or call 800-243-3174 and mention Royal Adventures #53140. Entry into Chile currently requires proof of medical insurance covering COVID-19 related expenses in an amount of a least $30,000. Participation in the optional ALMA excursion to 16,500 feet requires a medical release and an evacuation insurance policy in the minimum amount of $50,000. Most insurance plans need to be purchased within 14 days of paying the initial deposit to waive preexisting medical conditions as well as to purchase “Cancel for Any Reason” insurance.
• Disclaimer: Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented here. Royal Adventures, AAS Sky Publishing, LLC, and Sky & Telescope are not responsible for errors in or damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. Information contained here is subject to change.
• Responsibility Statement: Royal Adventures (CST #2009579-40), its owners, and employees act only as agents for the various independent suppliers and contractors providing transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant, and other services connected with this tour. Such travel and services are subject to the terms and conditions under which such accommodations, services, and transportation are offered or provided; AAS and AAS Sky Publishing LLC (collectively referred to herein as “AAS Sky Publishing LLC”) and Royal Adventures and their respective employees, agents, representatives, and assigns accept no liability therefor. AAS Sky Publishing LLC and Royal Adventures assume no liability for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or other irregularity which may be caused by the defect of any aircraft or vehicle or the negligence or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out or performing any of the services involved. Additionally, responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages, or expenses of any kind due to sickness, epidemics, pandemics, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, quarantine, force majeure, animal or insect bites, or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws of the country in which they are provided. AAS Sky Publishing LLC and Royal Adventures reserve the right to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their sole judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the tour participants. AAS Sky Publishing LLC and/or Royal Adventures shall not be deemed to be in breach of these terms and conditions or otherwise be liable to you, and shall not provide any refund, by reason of delay in performance, or by non-performance, of any of our obligations hereunder to the extent that any such delay or non-performance is due to any force majeure event. A force majeure event, in relation to this tour, shall mean any circumstances beyond our control, including, but without limitation, to acts of God, explosion, flood, forceful wind, fire or accident, war or threat of war declared or undeclared, acts of terrorism, sabotage, insurrection, riots, strikes, civil disturbance, sickness, epidemics, pandemics, quarantines, government intervention or other unforeseeable events. Limitations on travel arising from the COVID-19 pandemic shall be considered a force majeure event. If this tour is affected by a force majeure event, AAS Sky Publishing and Royal Adventures shall be entitled to, and may in their sole and absolute discretion, vary, cancel, or postpone any itinerary or arrangement in relation to this trip. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour or to substitute another qualified leader or special guest. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. The price of the program is given in good faith based on current tariffs and rates and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate, security surcharge, fuel, or internal airline ticket fee increases, will be passed on to participants. Neither AAS Sky Publishing LLC nor Royal Adventures accepts the liability for any airline-cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable airline ticket or other expenses incurred by tour participants in preparing for the tour. Participants on this tour agree not to hold Royal Adventures or AAS Sky Publishing LLC and/ or its employees or agents responsible for any expense or loss caused by their failure to purchase trip cancellation insurance coverage or by their failure to purchase insurance or “Cancel for Any Reason” insurance coverage within the 14 days following the date of their registration on this tour. The air ticket when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the airline concerned. As part of the consideration and right to participate in this tour, each participant will be asked to sign a liability release, an assumption of risk, and a hold-harmless agreement.
• Questions: Please contact Royal Adventures at [email protected] or call 800-453-4754 or 925-820-6260 (Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time).