“Anytime a “world’s best stargazing” list is created, you can be sure Chile’s Atacama Desert ranks at the top. It’s the driest non-polar place on Earth, and the lack of rain makes for a barren landscape — two things that provide optimal stargazing.”

If stargazing is on your mind, the Atacama Desert is the place to be, writes Travel + Leisure’s Evie Carrick.

“In fact”, she goes on, “the skies above the Atacama Desert are so clear and open that it was selected as the site for some of the world’s biggest and most advanced observatories and telescopes, including the world’s largest radio telescope, ALMA, and the world’s most advanced visible-light astronomical observatory, Very Large Telescope.”

As a result of the dry conditions, high altitude, and consistently clear and sunny weather, meaning minimal cloud coverage at night for large spells of the year, Evie explains how the Atacama Desert has long been a “popular astro-tourism site, drawing travelers who yearn to see the hallmarks of the Southern Hemisphere sky — perhaps the Tarantula Nebula or even the Large Magellanic Cloud.”

At Awasi Atacama, our 12 room Relais & Chateaux lodge in the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama in the heart of the Atacama Desert, guests can enjoy special stargazing excursions from the property to make the most of this extraordinary destination.

Inspired by pre-Inca ruins, local historians and architects were engaged to help create a lodge that stayed true to its sense of place, using local materials and building techniques, including adobe bricks that were cast by hand.

“The property is…unique because it is made of stone, wood, and mud and is set under a thatched roof — a traditional way of building in the desert” expands Evie in her piece.

Each of the 12 suites are designed to be large, spacious and self-contained havens.

“The highlight of the… well-appointed guest rooms is the private patios with solariums and outdoor showers” enthuses Evie; guests are able to relax, unwind and recharge at their leisure.

With a private guide and 4×4 vehicle allocated to each suite, Awasi offers entirely exclusive and tailor-made trips, with a host of opportunities to explore San Pedro and the remarkable landscapes of the Atacama Desert.

Salt water pools, geysers, epic rock formations, salt flats, ancient petroglyphs and cactus-strewn canyons are just a few of the sites waiting to be explored.

“There are… a series of excursions guests can choose from, including horseback riding, biking, and tours to the salt flats, highland lagoons, and local archaeological sites. In the evening, guests can book an astronomical tour with a local guide.”

The best months for stargazing in the Atacama are between the months of April and December, when long spells of clear, dry weather is all but guaranteed.

In the first few months of the year, January to March, what is known as the “Altiplanic Winter” descends, which is characterised by more cloudy weather and (very) occasional rainfall; not so good for stargazers hoping to catch glimpses of the heavens.

Following a transfer to a local observatory in the evening after dinner, an opening talk within a geodesic dome will introduce guests to the region, explain why the Atacama has for so long been considered the foremost stargazing and astronomy destination in the world, and outline which stars, planets and other items of interest are visible during that particular stage in the lunar and solar calendar.

The tour will then continue to an open-sky platform, from which guests can observe the night sky in the company of a trained astronomer.

Spectacular views of stars, planets and the Milky Way itself – all depending on the time of year – are sure to take the breath away, whilst the guide will talk guests through the various constellations in view.

Guests are able to participate in night photography and the use of a high-powered telescope, before the tour moves on to an astronomical dome capable of 360° rotation and equipped with a second high-powered telescope for further stargazing opportunities in this unique spot.

Bear in mind that stargazing tours are most spectacular at particular times of the lunar calendar when the moon is not too bright.

Do get in touch with the team and we would be happy to discuss optimal dates for a stargazing visit.