Gemini Observatory

Near the Cerro Tololo Observatory and at 2,700 meters above the sea level are the Gemini Center, another giant in astronomy that has Chile. It is an international cooperative project involving the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Chile, Argentina and Brazil. Its objective is the operation of two telescopes of 8.1 meters, one on the Cerro Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA, and the other on Cerro Pachon, in the IV Region of Chile. Both are designed to produce high quality images of the universe, of course, thanks to the excellent weather conditions there. Leer mas

Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory

The most famous astronomical center of all Chile, located, in the Aymara language, at the “edge of abyss.” When you see the vast landscape that opens up from an elevation of 2.200 meters, revealing the valley and its most hidden corners, you will see how the name gains meaning. The view is priceless. Leer mas

Punta de Choros, Damas Island and La Silla Observatory

Punta de Choros / 3 days, 2 nights

Description:

An unforgettable experience you can enjoy in this 3 days trip in northern Chile. Cross the desert landscape to reach one of the most beautiful national reserves in Chile, the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve. Sail for its beautiful islands, and  see the natural habitat of countless species, amazing birds such as penguins in the driest desert of the world and impressive marine mammals like the intelligent dolphin, and enjoy the turquoise waters and white sands of  Damas Island. Finally visit a prestigious  scientific observatory responsible for important discoveries in the field of astronomy, the Observatory La Silla. Leer mas

Tour Pangue Observatory

Pangue is an ambitious project that is still being developed. Today is already running, but in the future plans to become in the best of its kind, even more, they want to be worldwide recognize in the field of astronomic tourism. To accomplish this ambitious task they have implemented the best telescope for amateur astronomy in Chile and count with the best professionals in this matter.

Pangue observatory is located 10 miles to the south of Vicuña, in the middle of the mystic Elqui valley, at  1.500 mts (4.900 ft aprox.) elevation, just an hour and a half from La Serena. This is a unique place, the only human constructions visible from Pangue are the scientific observatories Cerro Tololo and Gemini. But the most outstanding thing is the quality of the sky, the result of the combination of light pollution absence and good weather. This is one the reason why astronomers and professional observatories are still interested in the Elqui Valley, even today. Now the valley is waiting for the construction of the LSST, a reflector telescope with a special camera that will take beautiful pictures of the universe.

The visit to this observatory begins with an introductory talk made by the observatory guides. One of the advantage of Pangue observatory in comparison with the rest of touristic observatories is the human team: the only tourist observatory directed by experts (astronomers, teachers and astrophotographers). The talks are very clear and instructive and they work with small groups in order to make everyone to understand and participate in a better way. No more than 12 people.

Now the technical equipment they have consist in one 12″ telescope, a 16″ telescope and a Dobsonian 25″ telescope, making the Pangue observatory, the one with the best telescopes in Chile.

Gallery

Make your Reservation