Imagine staring up at a sky so full of stars that it feels like the universe is right at your fingertips. That’s exactly what we experienced deep in the heart of the Chilean desert. Welcome to San Pedro de Atacama, where the sky is impossibly clear, and the stars put on a show unlike any you’ve ever seen.
But first, let us backtrack a bit.
We flew 12 hours across continents, landing in Calama, the gateway to the Atacama Desert. The journey was long, but this wasn’t just any trip—it was a life-changing one. Or at least, we hoped it would be. But like all great adventures, things didn’t go exactly as planned.
Our driver? Nowhere to be found. So there we were, stranded at the airport in the middle of the night, freezing in the Chilean winter. Yes, winter. You forget when you’re on the other side of the planet, in the southern hemisphere, that the seasons flip. We were bundled up in coats, and despite being cold and tired, the anticipation kept us warm. Would we really get to experience the wonders of the Atacama’s night sky?
After what felt like forever, our driver finally arrived, wearing a green jacket and speaking no English. But no worries, we communicated the universal language of “let’s get to the desert as fast as possible,” and off we went. An hour and a half of driving through the desert later, we arrived at our hotel in San Pedro de Atacama, a rustic and remote spot that truly felt like the edge of the world. We have more on other sites here.
Rustic Charm in the Desert
Let’s just say, if you’re looking for luxury, the Atacama might not be your first choice. Our accommodations were simple, but that’s part of the charm. Portable heaters and a stack of blankets kept us warm through the night, and while the place wasn’t fancy, it was enough. Sure, we skipped the shower for two days because the idea of ice-cold water was not appealing, but that’s all part of the experience, right?
We were here for one thing: the stars.
The Main Event: Stargazing in the Atacama
Finally, the moment arrived. As the sun disappeared, our guide picked us up in a 16-passenger van and drove us to a remote spot just outside of town. There, we were greeted with warm blankets, a cozy setup with snacks and wine, and a guide who clearly knew his way around the cosmos.
We stared up at a sky so crisp and clear it felt like you could reach out and touch it. Constellations, shooting stars, and the Milky Way stretched out above us in all their glory. It’s no wonder the Atacama is world-famous for its stargazing. Thanks to the high altitude (8,000 feet above sea level), the dry air, and almost zero light pollution, this is one of the best places on Earth for astro tourism.
Our guide even had a powerful telescope set up. Through it, we saw the moon up close, and we swear we’ve never seen anything so detailed in my life. Jeremy even took a picture with his iPhone through the telescope—definitely a bucket-list moment. We spent hours gazing up at the heavens, and honestly, it was humbling. It makes you realize how small we are in the grand scheme of things.
Otherworldly Explorations
Did you know that NASA tests Mars rovers in the Atacama Desert? The landscape is so similar to the surface of Mars that scientists come here to prepare for space missions. It makes sense; standing in the middle of this vast, barren desert feels like being on another planet. Add that to the mind-blowing night sky, and you start to feel like you’ve left Earth altogether.
Pro Tips for Stargazing in the Atacama
If you’re thinking about making this trip (and you definitely should), here are a few tips:
- Check the lunar calendar: The best stargazing happens during a new moon when the sky is darkest.
- Pack warm clothes: Even though it’s a desert, it gets cold at night, especially during winter.
- Book in advance: Stargazing tours are popular, and the best ones fill up fast.
All in all, our night under the Atacama sky was nothing short of magical. If you’ve never experienced the night sky like this, add it to your travel bucket list. Trust us, it’s worth every minute of the journey.
Have you been to the Atacama Desert? Let us know your experience in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out the link to the stargazing tour we booked if you’re planning a similar trip. Until next time, happy travels!
