Looking for things to do this winter vacation? Plan your activities with Chile’s Astro-tourism Portal

The website brings together more than 70 astronomical experiences throughout the country, designed to be enjoyed with the family. Scientific observatories, night treks, and astronomy workshops ideal for children and young people.

With winter vacation coming up on June 23, the Cielos de Chile Foundation invites families to experience a different kind of adventure: exploring the universe from the country’s dark skies. The Chilean Astro-Tourism Portal brings together the country’s astronomical tourism offerings, with activities ideal for adults and children alike.

From observing the sky with the naked eye to guided sessions with telescopes, nighttime horseback riding, or outdoor dinners, the platform brings together scientific observatories, tourist observatories, and specialized operators. Many of these experiences also integrate the worldview of indigenous peoples and promote sustainable tourism that cares for the natural environment and benefits local communities.

The Cielos de Chile Foundation emphasizes that astro-tourism is not only an opportunity for recreation, but also an educational experience and a way to connect with the environment. Along these lines, its project coordinator, Juan Pablo Valenzano, said: “These vacations are an excellent opportunity for children to approach astronomy in an entertaining way, learning to appreciate the importance of dark skies. Through the portal, families can find out what is available throughout the country and easily plan activities for these days.”

Featured activities for children

The Astro-tourism Portal brings together a wide range of options designed to entertain and educate children. During the weekends in June and July, ESO’s La Silla Observatory, located in La Higuera, offers daytime tours for children aged 4 and up, where they can see the scientific telescopes and other facilities at this world-class observation center up close.

In the Elqui Valley, the Solaris Observatory invites the whole family to explore the night sky through a 16-inch telescope and discover constellations and galaxies in an experience for children of all ages.

Although much of the country’s astro-tourism is concentrated in the north, the experience also extends to the Metropolitan Region, where families can visit the National Astronomical Observatory in Las Condes, the Boutique Observatory in Chicureo, or participate in outdoor activities in Cajón del Maipo, such as astronomical observation, night walks, and astrophotography workshops. Further south, the portal even includes alternatives in municipalities such as Puerto Montt and Panguipulli.

Skies unique in the world

The quality of Chile’s skies, especially in the desert areas of the north of the country, is unique in the world. In northern Chile, there is an average of 290 clear nights per year. The skies in this area are transparent, pristine, and stable. However, this reality is under threat: light pollution is currently growing by 9.6% each year, more than triple the rate of CO2 emissions.

In this context, more than just a tourism tool, the portal also seeks to raise awareness about the need to protect Chile’s dark skies. “Our invitation is not only to marvel at the stars, but also to understand the importance of caring for these unique skies, which are now threatened by light pollution,” said Juan Pablo Valenzano.

How to use the astro-tourism portal

The Fundación Cielos de Chile’s astro-tourism portal is available at astroturismo.cieloschile.cl. Its intuitive design allows users to explore activities based on their location and interests. Clicking on each offer displays detailed descriptions, photographs, and contact information for booking the service.