Nestled in the heart of the magical Elqui Valley, the town of Vicuna is the undisputed capital of astronomy and stargazing. While it might not get as much press as its neighbor, San Pedro de Atacama, Vicuna is every bit as spectacular.
In this guide, we’ll show you why and how to gaze at the stars from what is hands down the best vantage point in the world.
Why is Vicuna the perfect spot for stargazing?
This is the best place in the world for stargazing. We are not exaggerating here: 300 days of sunshine a year and an extremely low humidity level officially make this the clearest sky on the planet, perfect for looking far beyond our atmosphere!
You will find many observatories around the town, including an American observatory that has set up shop outside its own territory, which just goes to show how incredible this spot is for stargazing.
Where and how to stargaze like a pro?
You have a few options here: you can visit a professional observatory, go with a specialized agency that has its own telescopes, or even book with locals who have their own gear at home.
Just a heads-up: if a tour operator offers you a stargazing trip on a full moon night, that’s a red flag. The most reputable agencies and guides won’t run tours when the moon is full because the intense light completely washes out the night sky, making it impossible to get a good view.
Visiting an observatory
Mamalluca Observatory (language: French, English, or Spanish): This is a tourist observatory and the most popular one around. Visits are done in groups with a guide. You can take a shuttle from the town center or drive your own vehicle directly to the observatory. The guide will explain everything there is to know about stargazing in the southern hemisphere, our solar system, the Milky Way… In short, it’s absolutely fascinating! You’ll also get the chance to gaze at the stars through various telescopes.
Keep in mind that because it’s the most popular, it’s also the busiest. During peak season, groups can get quite large and your actual viewing time might feel a bit rushed. Also, we don’t recommend this tour for kids under 7 or 8—it can turn into a long and tiring night for little ones.
You’ll pay for the tour on the evening of the visit at the observatory office where the shuttle departs. There’s no paying in advance; if things get too cloudy and the tour has to be canceled, refunding everyone is a headache—and it’s notoriously hard to predict the weather ahead of time. Paying on the night of the tour ensures that the stargazing is actually a go.
Quick facts:
Duration: around 1.5 hours
Price in 2026: Adults: 15.000 CLP $ pp.
Children (3 to 12 years old): 5.000 CLP $ pp.
Book your tour directly on their website: https://reservas.observatoriomamalluca.cl/
An evening booked through a specialist agency
Elki Magic (language: French, English, or Spanish): To complement our evening at an observatory, we wanted to try stargazing in the heart of the mountains with an agency specializing in astro-tourism (and valley tourism in general). And we absolutely l o v e d it!
A small group, great conversations with the guide, top-quality gear for stargazing, and they even offered us a warm drink! It’s truly a boutique agency with a personal touch, run by a lovely couple who are always ready to listen and make your experience as beautiful as possible.
Departure is also from the agency’s office by shuttle for an extra fee, or you can drive to the observation point in your own vehicle. For us, this made for a more personal and authentic experience.
Also, we don’t recommend this tour for kids under 7 or 8, as it can be a long and tiring night for them.
You pay for the tour on the night of the excursion at the agency’s office where the shuttle departs. Advanced booking payment isn’t possible, because if the sky is cloudy and they have to cancel, refunding everyone is a headache—and it’s hard to predict the weather too far ahead. By paying on the night, you are certain the tour is actually happening.
Informations:
Duration: around 2 hours
2026 Prices: Adults: 22.000 CLP $ pp. / Children (6 to 11): 12.000 CLP $ pp.
Shuttle transport to the stargazing site (round trip): 3.000 CLP $ pp.
Book your spot on their website: https://elkimagic.com/en/stargazing-tour/
The Elqui Valley is just waiting to share the secrets of its star-studded night skies with you!
Chez Patricia et Sergio (languages spoken: French, English, or Spanish): For an even more authentic experience that’s truly off the beaten path, you can head straight to Patricia and Sergio’s place. They are two passionate locals.
They’ll welcome you into their garden to gaze at the stars using their own equipment. Gathering in a small group, they will spend two hours sharing their passion, guiding you through the wonders of the Milky Way, and answering all your questions.
This activity is suitable for children under 8 as it is easily adapted for them.
Info:
Duration: around 2 hours
To book, you can contact them directly:
– Tel: +56 9 9918 7358
– Email: pati_elena@hotmail.cl
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Astroturismodiaguitas/directory_contact_info
