The International Astrotourism Summit Atacama, organized by CORFO Atacama with the support of the Regional Government, brought together tourism entrepreneurs, researchers, public institutions, and international actors in a three-day seminar covering everything from global trends in the astrotourism sector to regulatory and civic challenges for the protection of dark skies. The Atacama region, with more than 300 clear nights per year, low humidity, and a geography that makes it unique in the world, was the natural setting for this gathering.

The program included panels on global astrotourism trends, experiences in local communities, scientific discoveries serving the sector, and the design of innovative tourism experiences. The summit concluded with the creation of the Regional Astrotourism Network, along with activities such as the Astrotourism Expo, a nighttime Star Party, and the Astrofest organized by the Municipality of Copiapó.

Fundación Cielos de Chile actively participated in the panel dedicated to dark sky protection, where Executive Director Daniela González presented concrete tools, regulatory advocacy strategies, and a call to action directed at both tourism operators and citizens.

Three Key Messages from the Foundation

González’s presentation articulated a vision that goes beyond scientific outreach, positioning dark sky preservation as a structural condition for the region’s economic and social development.

Dark skies are heritage and laboratory: The Foundation insists on understanding dark skies not only as an economic resource, but as scientific, cultural, and socioenvironmental heritage that must be preserved for future generations. The northern territories of Chile are so unique that their skies rank among the most pristine in the world. But that condition, González emphasized, is at risk: light pollution growth rates are alarming, and reversing them will only be possible through citizen participation, changes in lighting habits, and advocacy in public policy.

The new lighting regulation is an opportunity, not a restriction: Chile has had lighting regulation since 1998, but the current version represents a qualitative leap. For the first time, the Ministry of the Environment recognizes that human health and biodiversity are affected by exposure to artificial light, extending the regulation’s scope to the entire national territory. González outlined the six types of lighting it covers — pedestrian, vehicular, ornamental, sports, advertising, and industrial — and explained the spirit behind each: not to turn off the lights, but to illuminate with purpose. However, she warned that adoption has been low: as of August 2025, 44% of public lighting tenders in the municipalities where the regulation is already in force did not include the provisions of the corresponding supreme decree. The challenge, she said, is to become active agents of compliance.

Citizen science as a monitoring tool: During the presentation, González introduced Glowatch and its citizen walks — a citizen science initiative that allows people to report sources of light pollution through photos and geolocation via WhatsApp. The goal is to build an urban-scale map of the state of light pollution in the region’s cities.

Astrotourism Operators as Environmental Assessment Actors

The legislation governing the Environmental Impact Assessment System (SEIA) includes a specific article requiring projects to demonstrate that they will not affect productive activities in the territory, such as astrotourism. As González explained during her presentation: “projects must demonstrate that they do not generate an impact on tourism productive activities, and that is where your sector comes in”.

This opens a concrete channel of participation for operators: they can exercise their rights within the environmental assessment process when a project threatens their operating conditions. In the case of Environmental Impact Declarations, where citizen participation is not automatic, the law allows it to be opened if at least two organizations formally request it, initiating a 60-day process. “Let us use the tools we have available”, was her direct call to the audience.

The Astrotourism Portal: A Platform for the Ecosystem

The Foundation presented the portal astroturismo.cieloschile.cl at the Summit, a free platform that has been operating for one year and concentrates the astrotourism offer from across the country. With more than 80 active providers between Iquique and Puerto Montt, it allows travelers to find experiences through practical filters: type of activity, language, schedules, accessibility for people with reduced mobility, and pet-friendly options, among others.

Beyond its utility for visitors, the portal is a commitment to the cohesion of a geographically dispersed ecosystem. The Foundation acknowledged that in the Atacama Region there are still operators yet to register, and invited those present to join. Access is completely free for both providers and users, and it is optimized for desktop use.

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In the town of Alcohuaz, at an altitude of over 1,800 meters in the Elqui Valley, there is a small tourist complex that has just achieved an unprecedented recognition in the country: becoming the first Starlight-certified rural guesthouse in Chile. The distinction, awarded by the international organization Fundación Starlight, validates the quality of its night skies and recognizes the active commitment of its hosts to protecting against increasing light pollution.

The history of the project is also a personal story. “I have been coming to the Elqui Valley since I was 13,” recalled Flavio Levine, who, together with his partner Tatiana Seguel, decided to create a refuge in the middle of one of the darkest skies in the world. In 2019, they left Santiago, sold their house, and settled in Alcohuaz. Two years later, they opened the doors of the lodge. “It was an immediate success,” they said.

Reset Elqui was designed for disconnecting. With a capacity for only 11 people, three cabins spread over 8,000 square meters of land, a fire pit specially designed for stargazing, a park, and a swimming pool, the place seeks to preserve silence and the experience of the deep sky. Two of its cabins, called Astrocabañas, have skylights that allow guests to observe the stars directly from their beds. “It’s quite a challenge for astrophotographers to find places where they can work safely without freezing,” Tatiana pointed out.

A collaborative effort for Starlight certification

The idea of applying for certification came about almost by chance, after a visit from astrophotographer Cari Letelier. “She told us, ‘You have to be Starlight. I’ve never seen a sky like this in this area,’” Tatiana said. From that moment on, a process began that lasted more than a year and required not only scientific measurements, but also community work and collaboration.

To obtain certification, it was necessary to coordinate efforts with the Municipality of Paihuano and the astro-tourism company Nómade. In addition, they enlisted the help of light pollution experts Pedro Sanhueza and Cecilia Santander from Ecodilumina, who led a series of measurements with special cameras during different seasons of the year. “Every little source of light could alter the result. In one of the measurements, we asked the mayor if he could turn off the lighting in the town square of Alcohuaz to see the difference between on and off. The difference was tremendous,” Tatiana describes.

But beyond the technical challenges, the founders of Reset Elqui recognize that one of the main obstacles has been misinformation about the value of the dark sky. “In rural areas, there is often resistance to reducing lighting for safety reasons. Turning off lights is perceived as a risk. That’s why we insist that it’s not about turning off, but about lighting better,” said Flavio.

After certification

The founders of Reset Elqui aspire to become a replicable model in the area. “We want Alcohuaz to become a Starlight village,” said Flavio. The idea has already been publicly proposed to the municipality, and they believe that Reset Elqui’s certification could be the first step toward broader protection of the commune’s night sky.

The certification has also opened up new opportunities for local tourism. “The Starlight Foundation estimates that tourism increases by 16% in places that have Starlight Certification. There are travelers who seek out these destinations all over the world,” explained Tatiana. Reset’s visibility has grown, especially in Europe, and the possibility of safe and accessible observation has begun to increase demand from a more specialized audience.

Even so, the central goal of both is clear: to protect the sky that made all this possible. “Seven years ago, we didn’t see the lights we see from here. The sky is being lost, even in the same valley. In Pisco Elqui, you can no longer see the stars as you used to,” warned Flavio.

For now, Alcohuaz retains that privileged darkness. And Reset Elqui wants to continue doing everything possible to maintain it. “There are nights when the sky really takes your breath away. When there is no moon in winter, you can see the entire Milky Way above you, even from inside the cabins. We want to make sure that these privileged skies remain that way forever,” said those responsible for the project.

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The night sky of the Elqui Valley not only amazes those who observe it, but also drives an unprecedented collaboration between the municipalities of Paihuano and Vicuña. As part of National Astro-tourism Day, both municipalities reaffirmed their commitment to this shared vocation, while moving forward with a strategic alliance that seeks to promote the valley as a coordinated destination, recognized nationally and internationally for the quality of its skies and its astro-tourism experiences.

Paihuano: living under the stars

In Paihuano, the relationship with the starry sky is deep and ancient. Even before astro-tourism was a thing, its inhabitants already valued natural darkness as part of their everyday environment. “The skies are so impressive at night, when there is complete darkness, that it is something the locals are used to seeing. They took it for granted,” said Barbara Swett, manager of the Paihuano Tourism Corporation.

Today, that heritage is transforming into economic opportunity, but also into responsibility. From the Liceo de Excelencia Mistraliano, which offers astronomy workshops, to agencies that combine stargazing with pisco tastings or artistic experiences, Paihuano promotes an intimate connection between community, landscape, and science.

“We take it for granted, but for other people who don’t have the opportunity to see this, it’s important,” added Bárbara. Astronomical tourism in the commune accounts for between 20% and 30% of travel motivations, according to local estimates.

Vicuña: neighbor of the observatories

The development of astro-tourism in Vicuña began more than thirty years ago with the Mamalluca Observatory, a municipal initiative that democratized access to the starry sky. “Today, the astro-tourism offering is very broad,” said Leonardo Alfaro, manager of the Vicuña Tourism Corporation. Other astro-tourism centers have joined this offering, such as Alfa Aldea, the Omega Observatory, the Solaris Observatory, hiking with astronomical observation, and guided tours that integrate nature, science, and local culture.

For the community, astro-tourism is one of its main economic drivers, but Leonardo warns that it is not enough to have privileged skies; it is also key to improve the quality of service and advance international outreach strategies. “Eighty percent of the tourists who come to the region are Chilean and come during seasonal dates. We need to attract foreign tourism throughout the year,” he said.

With the recent launch of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, which joins the scientific centers already present in the area, Vicuña is once again positioning itself on the global astronomy radar. “The scientific world is eagerly awaiting the images that this telescope will begin to generate. This puts us back at the forefront, and with it, astronomical tourism as well,” Leonardo added. 

A strategic alliance

This year’s big step forward has been the collaboration agreement between the two municipalities. Although astro-tourism initiatives had been developed separately, this agreement seeks to consolidate efforts under a shared identity between Paihuano and Vicuña: the Elqui Valley. 

“The Elqui Valley is a much better-known brand than Vicuña or Paihuano separately. What we did was sign this agreement to work under that umbrella,” explained Leonardo Alfaro. The agreement includes joint promotion strategies, guide training, tourism product development, and applying for regional funds to improve infrastructure and service quality.

For Bárbara Swett, this agreement marks a turning point. “We are happy today to formalize a political and technical commitment to act together. We want our entrepreneurs to get to know each other, share experiences, and learn from each other. That is also tourism development,” she said. 

Both agree that this alliance is not limited to astro-tourism. Wine production, the legacy of Gabriela Mistral, rural tourism, and nature conservation are also shared pillars that strengthen the valley’s identity. “The sky unites us, but so do culture, pisco, rural life, and families. Tourism in the Elqui Valley is much more than just stargazing,” concluded Leonardo. 

The importance of protecting the skies

In addition to the above, both authorities agree that the promotion of astro-tourism must be accompanied by education and environmental awareness. “We cannot continue to engage in astro-tourism without teaching the importance of protecting the skies. Light pollution is something that is often overlooked, and a simple misdirected spotlight can

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Join the more than 60 registered providers and be part of the first portal that brings together all the astrotourism offerings in Chile.

The astrotourism portal driven by the Cielos de Chile Foundation remains open for more providers to join this pioneering initiative that seeks to promote dark skies and boost astronomical tourism in the country. Currently, more than 60 tourist services, from scientific observatories to themed gastronomic experiences, are already part of this platform designed to centralize and showcase activities related to astrotourism.

Beyond being a practical tool for tourists, the portal aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting dark skies. “Astrotourism fosters astronomical education and environmental conservation through the care of dark skies,” explained Juan Pablo Valenzano, Project Coordinator of the Cielos de Chile Foundation. The initiative also seeks to inspire people to explore the cosmos and enjoy the beauty of the natural environment, promoting sustainable tourism that respects and benefits local communities.

The first astrotourism portal in Chile

This project responds to the need to gather in one website the wide range of astrotourism services in Chile. According to Juan Pablo, the portal aims to “concentrate information in one place, providing relevant data that makes it easier for the public to plan their visits and define experiences based on tastes and preferences.”

Among the highlighted activities on the portal are astronomical observations with telescopes, talks on the worldview of indigenous peoples, and astrophotography. Additionally, visitors can complement these experiences with accommodation, gastronomy, and even activities like trekking and horseback riding.

A project in constant evolution

The portal is designed to be a dynamic platform. “We plan to update the information periodically, not only to add more providers but also to provide accurate data to the public,” explained Juan Pablo.

The coordinator also calls on tour operators, observatories, and organizations related to astrotourism to join this network. “We want to invite all providers who have not yet registered to participate, in order to establish a platform that gathers the largest number of services for the general community, according to their specific tastes and interests,” he added.

How to participate?

If you are a tour operator, an observatory, or part of an organization linked to astrotourism, you still have time to join this platform: you just need to complete your information in the registration form.

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With more than 300 clear nights a year and an outstanding natural environment, Río Hurtado stands out as an ideal candidate for the DarkSky Community certification, which would enhance its recognition as one of the key astrotourism destinations in Chile.

In the Limarí province of the Coquimbo region, Río Hurtado is a commune that stretches over 160 kilometers and is made up of more than 20 small rural localities. It was declared one of the 29 astronomical communes that have special protection under the New Light Norm, as it is located less than 100 km from the observatories at Cerro Pachón and Cerro Tololo.

Characteristics such as low humidity in the air, air transparency and stability, along with more than 300 clear nights a year, make it one of the best dark skies in the world. This has motivated the recent development of astrotourism in the area, which hopes to consolidate with the DarkSky Community certification from the International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) program, which recognizes places for their efforts to preserve and protect dark skies through responsible lighting policies and educational programs.

Elke Schulz, a photographer, author, astronomical guide in the area, and member of the DarkSky and ACHAYA associations, believes that the skies of Río Hurtado are an ideal candidate for certification due to their exceptional natural conditions and long-term tourism potential. “The commune is not yet very developed touristically, so the original life and virgin nature are still preserved. This provides the opportunity to establish sustainable and responsible astrotourism from the beginning,” she stated.

Astrotourism in Río Hurtado: A Decade of Work

In 2015, astrophotographer Daniel Verschatse inaugurated the observatory at Hacienda Los Andes, the first initiative to protect the dark skies of Río Hurtado – this facility is currently closed due to a fire that affected the surrounding installations. There, Elke Schulz worked, who is currently supporting the certification process of the commune alongside astrophotographer Eduardo Latorre, led by the Municipality, the Foundation, and the Office for the Protection of the Sky of Northern Chile (OPCC).

This process also has the support of the observatories Obstech-El Sauce and Deep Sky Chile, as well as the Instituto Milenio de Astrofísica, the AURA-Chile observatories, and Sernatur de la Región Coquimbo.

DarkSky Community: Light Governance and Protection of Dark Skies

The Municipality of Río Hurtado has also played a key role in the process, as due to the characteristics of this locality, it can only apply for certification in the DarkSky Community category. According to Dark Sky International, this designation is granted to cities or towns with quality outdoor lighting ordinances that educate residents about the importance of dark skies. This is why the municipality’s leadership has been essential to advance this initiative.

However, there are still challenges to overcome, including improving education on light pollution. “In Río Hurtado, we have many small towns, and we observe that there are still many people who are unaware of these issues; there is concern about crime, and there is a tendency to use brighter lights. This is related to a lack of awareness and dissemination, so it is necessary to visit these places,” Elke commented.

Impact of Astrotourism on the Local Economy of Río Hurtado

Certification, Elke believes, will allow the commune to increase its visibility and achieve national and international recognition as the first model community with a DarkSky certification in Chile. It would also be the second site in the country certified by this organization after the Santuario Gabriela Mistral. “With this, the commune could take advantage of the global astrotourism market and create more investment opportunities for companies and organizations related to astronomy and/or astrophotography,” she pointed out.

Today, the community of Río Hurtado already benefits from the observatories that exist nearby, and astrotourism has boosted the local economy with the development of restaurants, camping sites, and cabins, which in turn have stimulated the construction market and generated resources for the municipality through permits. Additionally, it has created jobs for people in the commune. “This can be expanded and intensified even further. Studies from other certified places indicate that property values increase with certification,” Elke added.

The Río Hurtado team continues to work on gathering the necessary information to send to DarkSky, and they hope to have updates by mid-2025. “Certification is not the end. We must continue with all the efforts we are making today. It is very relevant because the fight against light pollution is important not only for astronomers but also for the health of people and ecosystems. It is not easy because we grew up with certain myths and beliefs, which is why it is a process,” she concluded.

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