Atacama Desert: Stargazing Night Tour with Telescopes & Campfire

Summary

Stargaze in Atacama with telescopes, wine by the fire and expert guides

You’ll sip hot drinks beneath the vast Atacama sky, guided by local astronomers who help you spot planets through telescopes. Share laughter around a campfire with wine and snacks, capture your own astrophotography portrait, and feel the hush of desert night settle in—a feeling that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a mug—hot chocolate, I think, but it’s dark enough that I can’t really tell until I taste it. The air is cold out here in the Atacama Desert, colder than I expected for Chile, and the ground crunches under my shoes as we shuffle closer to where Rodrigo is waving his laser pointer at a cluster of stars. He asks if anyone can spot Saturn. I squint up—honestly, I’m not sure if I’m seeing it or just pretending. Rodrigo laughs and says it’s fine, most people can’t their first time.

The group is quiet at first—maybe everyone feels a bit small under all that sky. Then someone (I think her name was Marta?) tries to say “nebula” in Spanish and gets it wrong; everyone laughs, including our guide. It loosens things up. We take turns at the telescope, peering at what looks like smudges but apparently are galaxies millions of light-years away. There’s this moment when you’re looking through the lens and everything else fades out—the cold, your own thoughts—just you and whatever’s out there. It’s strange how peaceful that feels.

Later we sit around a campfire with glasses of red wine (Rodrigo pours generously) and sweet snacks that taste homemade. Someone snaps photos with their phone on a tripod they lend us—my hands shake from the chill but I still try for one of those astrophotography shots they promised. The smoke smells sharp and earthy; someone tells a story about growing up nearby and watching these same stars every night. I keep thinking about how quiet it is except for the crackle of wood and low voices—not silence exactly, just... calm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Astronomical observation and campfire

• Arrive at quiet, dark location
• Observe sky with laser pointer
• Use automatic telescopes for viewing
• Take astrophotographic portraits
• Enjoy coffee, wine, and snacks
• Relax by campfire under stars

Top questions

Is transportation included in this Atacama stargazing tour?

Yes, pickup is included for guests joining this night tour near San Pedro de Atacama.

Are children or infants allowed on this astronomical tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Will there be a local guide during the stargazing session?

Yes, specialized guides lead all sky observations and telescope sessions.

What kind of drinks or snacks are provided?

The tour includes hot beverages like chocolate or tea, reserve wines, plus sweet and savory snacks.

Is astrophotography included in the experience?

Yes—each person receives an astrophotographic portrait taken during the session.

Can service animals join this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this astronomical tour.

Do I need any astronomy knowledge to join?

No prior knowledge is needed; guides explain everything clearly for beginners.

How long does the stargazing experience last?

The experience is unhurried but typically lasts several hours into the night.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup near San Pedro de Atacama, expert-led naked-eye stargazing with laser pointers, deep-sky telescope viewing, an astrophotography portrait for each guest (plus one per booking), use of smartphone tripods for photos, hot drinks like chocolate or tea alongside reserve wines and homemade-style snacks—all wrapped up around a warm campfire before heading back under those same silent stars.