Observatories, specialist agencies or passionate astronomers: discover how to observe the stars in Vicuña, in the Elqui Valley, home to some of the clearest skies in the world. Our top recommendations and practical tips.
Observe the stars in Vicuna
Located in the heart of the magical Elqui Valley, the city of Vicuna is the capital of astronomy and astro-tourism. Although it is a little less popular than its neighbor San Pedro de Atacama, Vicuna has nothing to envy it.
In this article, we will explain why and how to observe the stars from the best viewpoint in the world.
Why observe the stars in Vicuña?
This is the best place in the world for stargazing. And that's no exaggeration: 300 days of sunshine a year and an extremely low humidity rate officially make it the clearest sky on the planet, ideal for observing beyond that sky!
In the area around the city, you will find many observatories, including a U.S. observatory that has set up residence outside its own territory, which gives you an idea of the quality of the location for stargazing.
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Vicūna
Where and how to observe the stars?
Several options are available to you: a visit to an observatory, with a specialized agency that owns a telescope, or with private individuals who also have equipment at home.
Warning if a provider offers you an observation session on a full moon night, that is not a good sign. The most reputable agencies or guides do not offer tours on full moon nights because the strong brightness of the moon prevents good observation.
Visit to an observatory
Mamalluca Observatory (language: French, English or Spanish): It is a tourist observatory and it is the most popular; visits are made in a group with a guide. You can leave from the city center by shuttle or go directly to the observatory with your own vehicle. The guide will explain everything there is to know about stargazing at the South Pole, our solar system, the Milky Way… In short, it's fascinating! You will also be able to observe the stars with different instruments.
Warning it is the most popular and therefore the busiest; in high season you will not be in a small group and the observation time may be limited. Also we do not recommend this tour with children under 7/8 years old; it can be long and tiring for them.
Payment for the excursion is made the same evening at the observatory office from where the shuttle will depart. It is not possible to pay in advance, because if the activity had to be canceled, in the event of cloudy skies, they would have to refund everyone and it is hard to predict the quality of the sky in advance. The same evening, you are sure that the departure will take place.
Information:
Duration: about 1h30
Price in 2026: Adults: 15,000 CLP $ pp.
Children from 3 to 12 years old: 5,000 CLP $ pp.
Book your tour on their website: https://reservas.observatoriomamalluca.cl/
Evening with a specialized agency
Elki Magic (language: French, English or Spanish): In addition to our evening at an observatory, we wanted to try observing in the heart of the mountains with an agency specialized in astro-tourism (and tourism in the valley in general). And we l o v e d it!
Small group, rich exchanges with the guide, high-quality equipment for observing the stars and even a small drink offered! It is truly a small-scale agency run by an adorable couple who listen to you and are dedicated to making your experience as beautiful as possible.
Departure is also available from the agency by shuttle for an additional fee, or you can reach the viewing point with your own vehicle. For us, it is a more personal and authentic experience.
Also, we do not recommend this tour for children under 7/8 years old; it can be long and tiring for them.
Payment for the excursion is made the same evening at the agency office from where the shuttle will depart. It is not possible to pay in advance, because if the activity had to be canceled in case of cloudy skies, they would have to refund everyone, and it is hard to predict the quality of the sky in advance. That same evening, we are sure that departure will take place.
Information :
Duration : about 2h00
Price in 2026 : Adults: 22,000 CLP $ pp. / Children 6 to 11 years old: 12,000 CLP $ pp.
Shuttle transport to the observation site (round trip): 3,000 CLP $ pp.
Book your activity on their website : https://elkimagic.com/en/stargazing-tour/
Observation by an enthusiast
At Patricia and Sergio's (language: French, English or Spanish): Even more authentic and off the beaten track, you can go directly to Patricia and Sergio, two passionate locals.
They will welcome you in their garden to observe the stars with their equipment. They will welcome you into their home in a small group and, over two hours, will be able to share their passion with you, take you with them into the depths of the Milky Way, and answer your questions.
This activity may be suitable for children under 8 years old because it is more adaptable to them.
Information:
Duration: approximately 2 hours
To book, you can contact them directly:
- Tel: +56 9 9918 7358
- Email: pati_elena@hotmail.cl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Astroturismodiaguitas/directory_contact_info
