San Pedro de Atacama is not only a land of lunar landscapes and endless deserts, but also one of the best stargazing destinations in the world. Thanks to its high altitude, minimal light pollution, and incredibly dry air, the sky above the Atacama Desert offers an astronomical spectacle like no other.
During my journey through Chile, I couldn’t miss the chance to experience this unique phenomenon, so I booked an astronomy tour with “Una Noche con Las Estrellas” ( you find him on instagram) a night excursion dedicated to the observation of the starry sky.
Our expert guide taught us how to recognize stars and planets, distinguish their colors, and navigate using the sky—both with and without clouds. We also learned some fun little tricks to help with orientation. As I listened, my mind wandered to the ancient sailors of the 1400s, who bravely ventured into the treacherous waters of the ocean and discovered unknown lands—all by navigating with the stars!
Seeing planets up close was an emotional and surreal moment, a chance to feel incredibly small before the vastness of the universe, yet deeply connected to something much greater.
Under the Stars of San Pedro de Atacama: A Journey Through the Universe
San Pedro de Atacama is not only a land of lunar landscapes and endless deserts, but also one of the best stargazing destinations in the world. Thanks to its high altitude, minimal light pollution, and incredibly dry air, the sky above the Atacama Desert offers an astronomical spectacle like no other.
During my journey through Chile, I couldn’t miss the chance to experience this unique phenomenon, so I booked an astronomy tour with “Una Noche con Las Estrellas”, a night excursion dedicated to the observation of the starry sky.
An Unforgettable Experience Under the Atacama Sky
After sunset, we drove far from any artificial lights, into the absolute darkness of the desert. As soon as we arrived, the sky lit up with thousands of stars, and the Milky Way stretched across the horizon, so clear it looked almost tangible.
Our expert guide introduced us to the secrets of astronomy, sharing Andean legends related to the constellations and explaining how the ancient Atacama people used the sky as a compass and calendar. Through the telescope, we observed Saturn and its rings, Jupiter and its moons, the Orion Nebula, and even distant galaxies.
Seeing planets up close was an emotional and surreal moment, a chance to feel incredibly small before the vastness of the universe, yet deeply connected to something much greater.
Why Take an Astronomy Tour in San Pedro de Atacama?
✔ One of the clearest skies in the world
✔ Guided observation with professional telescopes
✔ An immersive experience combining science, mythology, and Andean culture
✔ A journey within, making you feel part of the universe
If you love nature, adventure, and the mystery of the cosmos, this experience is a must!
Discover More Adventures in the Atacama Desert
If this story fascinated you, you’ll find many more tales and reflections on my incredible experiences in Chile and Bolivia in my book “Sotto il Cielo di Atacama”. From trekking among volcanoes to nights in salt hotels and encounters with Andean culture, it’s a journey into some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth.
📖 Get your copy here 👉 https://www.letraslavadas.pt/sotto-il-cielo-di-atacama/
Happy reading, and may your next journey take you under the starry skies of Atacama!
P.S. From the original photo that Danil took of me that night—under a sky filled with thousands of stars and the Magellanic Cloud visible above—I created the cover of my book.
That night was so magical that I will always remember it as one of the most emotional moments of my journey!
