Things to do in Coquimbo Region, Chile: The Best Observatories & Planetariums

November 3, 2021 Mollie Coke

The Coquimbo Region (Spanish: IV Región de Coquimbo, pronounced [koˈkimbo]) is one of Chile's 15 first order administrative divisions. It is some 400 km north of the capital, Santiago.
Restaurants in Coquimbo Region

1. Observatorio Galileo

Arturo Prat S/N A un costado de Refugios Misterios del Elqui, Pisco Elqui Chile +56 9 4400 4032 [email protected]
Excellent
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Observatorio Galileo

This astronomical observatory was conceived to give its visitors an exclusive and high level service, with very powerful and last generation equipment guided by highly qualified personnel and with the necessary comforts to achieve an unforgettable experience.

2. Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory

Colina El Pino s/n Casilla 603, La Serena Chile (011)-56-51-2205200 http://www.ctio.noao.edu/
Excellent
76%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 95 reviews

Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory

Reviewed By judythr

This was a remarkably informative experience. I was lucky to be on a Spanish/English tour because I got to hear everything twice. So much to take in! Kadur has worked at Tololo since he was 23 (maybe in his 50's now). He beams with enthusiasm when sharing in depth about the telescope, the recent developments in astronomy....all of it. Though it was a day-time experience, I learned far more than at the Pangue Observatory. Tololo may become outdated because of the soon-to-be-completed observatory near Antofagasta. But I found the tour to be fascinating!

3. Gemini Observatory

c/o AURA, Casilla 603, La Serena, Vicuna Chile 56-51-205-600 http://www.gemini.edu
Excellent
60%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 5 reviews

Gemini Observatory

4. Observatorio Cruz del Sur

Cerro el Peralito S/N, Combarbala Chile +56 53 274 1854 [email protected] http://www.observatoriocruzdelsur.cl
Excellent
76%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
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4.5 based on 58 reviews

Observatorio Cruz del Sur

5. Observatorio del Pangue

San Martin, 233, Vicuna Chile +56 51 241 2584 http://observatoriodelpangue.blogspot.com
Excellent
79%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
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4.5 based on 154 reviews

Observatorio del Pangue

Astronomical Observatory offering guided Tours, as well as telescope renting programmes for advanced astronomers. Several large telescopes offered, ranging from 16 inches to 28 inches of aperture, and away from city lights. Groups strictly limited to 10 people per night, so booking in advance is requested. Transfert to the observatory (17km) included. Open every night except around Full Moon dates, all year long. Programmes performed in english, french, and spanish.

Reviewed By stork90 - Mount Juliet, United States

We greatly enjoyed our 2 hour tour of the night sky, and had all our questions answered completely by the two astronomers. There was a group of 4 French speaking tourists, and the 2 of us for English. We were picked up promptly at 2045 by the minivan, and driven 30 minutes into the mountains outside town. We saw a binary star, nebulae, "space gas" (forgive my ignorance of correct terms), a dying star and other gorgeous sights and constellations.The sky was clear and we had nearly 2 hours of great viewing of the Milky Way before the sky started to lighten with the rising moon behind the mountains. Fantastic tour and definitely worth every CLP!

6. Cielo Sur Observatory

Alcohuaz Valle de Elqui, Paihuano Chile +(56)92545554 http://www.observatoriocielosur.cl/english.html
Excellent
55%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
5%
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4.5 based on 20 reviews

Cielo Sur Observatory

7. Observatorio Andino Chakana

Centenario s/n 107 kms From La Serena, Pisco Elqui 1770000 Chile +56 9 7661 8133 [email protected] http://www.observatoriochakana.cl
Excellent
68%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 41 reviews

Observatorio Andino Chakana

Andean Touristic Observatory in the heart of Pisco Elqui village, with the widest panoramic view between giant mountains. Two telescopes: a Schmidt-Cassegrain of 11" & a Refractor of 6" (the jewel for demanding ones) to observ this beautifull starry sky. Astro Tour, Astrophotography & Night Picture.

8. Mamalluca Observatory

San Martin 275, Vicuna 1760000 Chile +56 51 267 0330 [email protected] http://mamallucavicuna.cl/
Excellent
44%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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Terrible
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4.0 based on 664 reviews

Mamalluca Observatory

The Mamalluca Observatory ("mother who shelters" according to Quechua) is located 9 kms northwest of Vicuña, at 1,100 m.s.n.m. Is a must see in the region of Coquimbo, is the first tourist observatory in Chile, has a 12-inch telescope donated by AURA that has CCD detectors for electronic photography, as well as a computer for data transfer This observatory offers one of the most important attractions of the area, the cleanest skies in the world, perfect for watching the night sky and be amazed. Within the Mamalluca Observatory, there is a tour with a duration of approximately 2 hours, where guides specialized in the matter explain in details about the universe and answer the concerns giving a sample of quality and truthfulness to the visitors. There it is possible to observe the stars, the Moon, the planets like Saturn and its rings or Jupiter and its 16 moons, and the different constellations.

Reviewed By Courty1886 - London, United Kingdom

This place is amazing. I did the English version of the tour and the guide was brilliant, so enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I really recommend this. The starscape is awesome. They also make a good coffee.

9. Observatorio Cancana

Cochiguaz Camino unico a Cochiguaz, Km 11, Vicuna Chile +56 9 9047 3859 [email protected] http://www.cancana.cl
Excellent
42%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
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Terrible
19%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 26 reviews

Observatorio Cancana

10. Observatorio Astronomico Collowara

Avenida La Serena 02, Andacollo Chile +56 9 7645 2970 [email protected] http://www.collowara.cl
Excellent
39%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
8%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 38 reviews

Observatorio Astronomico Collowara

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