ITINERARY
LA SERENA – CLASSIC PROGRAM
GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION
Not included:
- Landing fees
- Meals not specified
- Other expenses not mentioned
- Other services not specified
- Personal insurance or travel insurance
- Technical clothing or appropriate attire for the activity, unless otherwise indicated in each excursion
What to bring:
- Personal water (mandatory)
- Camera or mobile phone with a fully charged battery
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for the service, according to the destination and weather conditions
Day 1
➜ Flight and transfer
Flight: Santiago – La Serena:
Shared transfer: La Serena Airport – Accommodation in La Serena
Check-in – accommodation: From 15:00 hrs
Day 1
➜ Astronomical Tour and Astrophotography, Valle de Elqui (Elqui Valley), Private Astronomical Center Cerro Mamalluca
The Astronomical Tour and Astrophotography offers a specialized nighttime experience under one of the clearest skies on the planet, in the heart of Valle de Elqui (Elqui Valley), located in the Coquimbo Region, in northern Chile. This activity takes place at a Private Astronomical Center located on the slopes of Cerro Mamalluca, in a privileged setting for stargazing.
The experience begins with departure from your accommodation in La Serena, heading inland toward Valle de Elqui (Elqui Valley). During the visit to the astronomical center, expert advanced astronomy guides explain the night sky in an educational way, including visible constellations, the main stars and various celestial bodies, using astronomical laser pointers and high-end professional telescopes.
During the observation, equipment such as the 24-inch Hubble Optics, unique in Chile, is used, along with 20-inch Hubble Optics and a 16-inch Meade, with specialized filters to observe planets, nebulae, star clusters, binary stars, galaxies and lunar craters. On moonless nights, a professional group astrophotography session under the starry sky is included, while on nights with moonlight, it is possible to photograph lunar craters with a mobile phone through the telescope. Once the astronomical experience ends, the return to the accommodation in La Serena takes place.
Places to visit: Private Astronomical Center Cerro Mamalluca and Valle de Elqui (Elqui Valley)
Departure time: (Departure from the accommodation)
- Winter: 16:15 hrs approx
- Spring and Summer: 18:15 hrs approx
- Summer (certain days): 20:15 hrs approx
Return time: (Return to the accommodation)
- Winter: 22:00 hrs approx
- Spring and Summer: After midnight
- Summer (certain days): 02:00 hrs approx
- The return time may vary depending on weather conditions or other operational circumstances
Tour starting point: Astronomical observatory
- Transfer time between the accommodation and the astronomical observatory: Between 1 h 20 min and 1 h 40 min approx each way
Includes:
- Shared round-trip transportation from and back to the accommodation in La Serena (Mercedes Benz fully equipped tourist minibus)
- Local certified astronomical guide
- Professional telescopes 24” and 20” Hubble Optics, and 16” Meade
- Group astrophotography on moonless nights or lunar photography on nights with moonlight
- Tea, coffee or juice during the observation
Important information:
- Meals are not included
- Open-air astronomical center
- Snacks are not included. We recommend bringing some
- Not suitable for people with reduced mobility
- Small children should not attend wearing shoes with lights
- Total tour duration: Between 5 and 7 hours approx depending on the season
- Advanced and educational astronomy guides with extensive experience
- Have dinner or an early evening meal before the tour, as the return may be close to or after midnight
- Bring: Warm clothing, especially on winter nights, a snack or light refreshment, water or a hot drink in a thermos
- During January and February, pick-up and return times may be affected by traffic congestion in the coastal area
- Check your lunar calendar: La Serena Lunar Calendar
- It is recommended to check the lunar cycle and choose moonless nights for better observation
- Astronomical observation is not favorable during a full moon or waxing moon
- English translator is not included
- English translator service available at an additional cost from $20.000 for 2 people, subject to availability
- If the activity cannot be carried out and the cancellation is informed at least one day in advance, the possibility of rescheduling during the trip or the corresponding refund will be evaluated, according to operational conditions
- If the cancellation occurs once the transfer has started or while en route due to force majeure, the service will be considered as provided by the supplier
Day 2
➜ Free Day
Day 3
➜ Transfer and return flight
Check-out – accommodation: 11:00 hrs
Shared transfer: Accommodation in La Serena – La Serena Airport
Flight: La Serena – Santiago
End of our services.
