Observatory Stargazing Tour from Santiago: Andes Telescopes
Telescopes, bare-eye observation, and astrophotography in the Andes
A stargazing tour from Santiago takes you to a privately held observatory in the Andes, half an hour from the city, where an astronomer guides you through observation with the naked eye, binoculars, and telescopes. You'll see distant planets and galaxies through an astrophotography scope and receive the images by email. The evening includes wine, cheese and appetizers shared with other guests.
Step-by-step itinerary
Observatory visit and stargazing experience
- Arrive at private Andes Observatory
- Enjoy welcome glass of wine or refreshment
- Attend astronomer presentation on universe
- Observe sky with naked eyes
- Use binoculars for sky observation
- View celestial bodies through telescopes
- Receive astrophotography pictures by email
- Share experiences with wine and appetizers
What’s included
- Bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
- welcome glass of wine.
- boutique appetizers and cheese.
- astronomer's presentation.
- observation with bare eyes, binoculars, and telescopes.
- astrophotography images by email.
- private transport from Santiago.
Times
Next departure: 27 Mar 2027
Before you book
Operated by Chile Off Track
Prices and times updated today
Traveler reviews
The experience
The observatory sits in the Andes high enough that the air is clear and the temperature drops noticeably after dark, so bring warm layers. After you arrive, your host offers a welcome glass of wine or other refreshment, then an astronomer gives a brief talk on where Earth sits in the universe and what you'll be able to see that night. The presentation grounds the observation that follows: you start with your bare eyes and the astronomer's guidance, move to binoculars, and progress through increasingly powerful telescopes until you reach the astrophotography scope, where the celestial bodies come into sharp focus. The images you see through that final telescope are captured and sent to you by email afterward.
What makes this observatory unique is that it's one of the only places on Earth where you can stargaze in broad daylight. A technique the operator has developed here. The five-hour experience ends with your feet back on solid ground: wine, cheese, and appetizers while you talk through what you saw with the other guests on the tour. The bilingual astronomer guide speaks English and Spanish, and private transport from Santiago is included, so you don't arrange the drive yourself. A minimum of two people per booking applies, and children must come with an adult.
Is this one for you?Small groups of two or more work well here because the evening unfolds around shared observation and conversation with other guests over wine and appetizers at the end. If you're traveling solo, you'll need at least one other person to meet the minimum booking size.
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
How far is the observatory from Santiago?
The observatory is located in the Andes about half an hour from Santiago, so the drive is short enough to fit into an afternoon or evening.
What will I actually see through the telescopes?
You'll observe planets, stars, and galaxies. The astronomer guide will point out what's visible on the night you visit and explain what you're looking at. The astrophotography telescope captures images that are sent to you by email.
What if the weather is bad on the night I book?
In case of limited weather conditions, the operator proposes an alternative gourmet stargazing experience, though you should reach out to confirm availability and discuss options before booking.
Do I need to download anything or bring equipment?
The operator recommends downloading the paid "Sky Safari" application on your own phone so you can identify objects by pointing it at the sky, but it's optional. All telescopes and binoculars are provided. You just need to bring warm clothes.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Children can attend, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
Observatory Stargazing Tour from Santiago: Andes Telescopes
5h · EN · ES · at your hotel
from US$ 487 per person
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.