cerro tololo tour

Later in the evening, you will enjoy stargazing with a local guide, who will also lead you through photographing the sky through telescopes whilst sharing a selection of Chilean wine and cheese with you. 

DAY 5: THE ALMA OBSERVATORY, MOON AND DEATH VALLEYS, AND DESERT STARGAZING

After breakfast, you will journey through the desert to the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA), an astronomical interferometer made up of 66 high-precision radio telescopes.

You will explore the Operations Support Facility at 3,000 meters above sea level and enjoy a full briefing. You will see their control facilities that manage 66 antenna, laboratories, the gigantic antennas under maintenance and their antenna transporter. As this is international land, you will need to bring your passport. (The visit to ALMA can only be booked 70 days in advance, therefore, it is subject to confirmation. In the unlikely event, you cannot visit ALMA, an alternative excursion in the desert will be arranged*).

Head back to your hotel for dinner. 

DAY 6: EXPLORE THE MARS-LIKE DESERT OF ATACAMA, INCLUDING THE SALT FLATS

Due to its extreme dryness, the Atacama Desert in Chile is one of the most important environments on Earth for researchers who need to approximate the conditions of Mars. Recently, the NASA Mars Rover was tested here.

You will head out to the Altiplano high plateau and its amazing landscapes which include geyser fields, petroglyphs, intensely coloured lagoons and giant salt flats. Accompanied by a very knowledgeable local guide. This includes the scenic lagoons of Miscanti and Meñique, the traditional towns of Toconao and Socarie and the amazing Atacama Salt Flats where flamingos and other birds nest.

Enjoy and early dinner as you will have another busy day tomorrow. 

After relaxing back at the hotel, you will enjoy a second evening stargazing in the desert.

DAY 7: THE TATIO GESYERS AND THE PUTANA

Today is another early start as you head towards the Tatio geysers located to the north of San Pedro. They are the largest geyser field in the southern hemisphere and the highest in the world at 4,320 meters. The geysers and fumaroles are at their most active in the early morning and watching the sunrise over the geyser field is a memorable experience. Breakfast will be served whilst you are there.

On your way back, to you will stop at Putana wetland to see the active volcano of Putana. Our last stop will be at Machucha wetland to visit the flamingos before return to San Pedro.

DAY 8: FLY TO LA SERENA AND VISIT EL PANGUE OBSERVATORY

After a short flight south to La Serena, you will travel east back into the mountains to the town of Vicuña. 

After checking in to the Hotel Terral for two nights you will visit the El Pangue Observatory. It has several large telescopes and has been designed for small astronomy groups to take advantage of the exceptionally clear skies. Martin and local experts will ensure you gain the most out of their facilities.

Enjoy dinner with the group.

DAY 9: ELQUI VALLEY, INCLUDING LOS NICHOS DISTILLERY AND OMEGA ASTRONOMY CENTRE STARGAZING

This morning head towards the Andes Mountains to reach the viewpoints where we Will observe the most beautiful landscapes, a mixture of semi-arid desert and a green mantle that will make you love this place.

Continue to Horcón, a small town to learn how Chilean pisco is made and taste this ancestral liqueur in Los Nichos Distillery. Once the tasting is over, you will go to Montegrande, birthplace of Gabriela Mistral, where the schoolhouse museum is located to learn about the life and work of this great poetess.

Afterwards, continue to Villaseca, known for its solar cookers to have lunch at a restaurant in the area. Return to hotel in Vicuña. 

DAY 10: VERA C. RUBIN OBSERVATORY FOLLOWED BY EVENING VISIT TO OMEGA ASTRONOMY CENTRE

After breakfast travel from Vicuña to the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. This is a very unique opportunity to visit a cutting-edge astronomical project that will change the way professional observation is running. The New Scientist Chile astronomy 2023 group tour was the first ever group to visit before it was opened.  

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is a groundbreaking astronomical facility located on Cerro Pachón in the Coquimbo Region of northern Chile. Named in honour of the astronomer Vera Rubin, renowned for her work on galaxy rotation rates that provided evidence for dark matter, the observatory is designed to conduct a 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). This survey will create a detailed, multi-color, time-lapse digital movie of the entire visible southern sky.

The Rubin Observatory features an 8.4-metre primary mirror and a 3.2-gigapixel camera, one of the largest digital cameras ever constructed for ground-based astronomy. Its mission is to capture wide-field astronomical images, enabling research across a broad range of topics, including dark matter and dark energy, the formation of galaxies, the detection of potentially hazardous asteroids, and the exploration of the transient and variable universe. 

In the evening, visit the Omega Astronomy Centre, an enthusiastic endeavor by a group of astronomy enthusiasts located in Vicuña, Chile. The centre is renowned as the astronomy capital due to its optimal sky quality and favorable climate for stargazing. Situated just 15 minutes from the city, on the slopes of Cerro Mamalluca in the Casablanca sector, the observatory offers a unique astronomical observation experience. Its observation terrace boasts some of the world's clearest skies, providing exceptional views of the Elqui Valley and nearby major scientific astronomical complexes, including Cerro Tololo, SOAR, Gemini South, and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. Omega serves as an ideal spot for both local and visiting astronomy buffs to immerse themselves in the wonders of the cosmos. 

DAY 11: SANTIAGO

In the morning, you will drive towards the Pacific Ocean for a short flight back to Santiago where you will spend the next three days.

Santiago nestles within Andes mountains and encompasses ancient traditions, European influence, the natural world and a modern city. Founded in 1541 by Spanish conquistadors, the city is a mix of architectural styles and a rich vivid culture. 

This afternoon you will enjoy a tour of the city that includes ascending the Sky Costanera, the tallest viewing platform in Chile that affords stunning views over Santiago and towards the Andes.

Enjoy dinner with the group this evening.

DAY 12: THE PLANETARIUM, THE UNIVERSITY OF CHILE ASTRONOMY DEPARTMENT AND THE CERRO CALÁN OBSERVATORY

You will start the day with a visit to the Planetarium situated in the University of Santiago, which presents an informative show on its 22-metre dome.

Afterwards, you will travel to the University of Chile, to visit its astronomy department and the National Astronomical Observatory at Cerro Calán Observatory. 

The department runs a post-graduate course for students who wish to complete their professional training in astrophysics. The observatory was established in 1956 and contains several exceptional telescopes, one of them 160 years old. The visit will include a guided tour of all the historic telescopes and then using some of them for a final evening of stargazing with students of the university and Martin.

Tonight you will have a farewell dinner with the group and Martin to look back at the previous 12 days, and the incredible places you have visited.

DAY 13: SANTIAGO DEPARTURE

After breakfast, depart Santiago for your onward journey home.

Please note this itinerary is subject to change. A number of the observatories can only be booked 70 days prior to visiting. The confirmed itinerary will be able around 2 months prior to departure.

Alternative itinerary options:

*DAY 5: PURITAMA HOT SPRINGS AND MOON VALLEY

If the group is unable to visit ALMA, you will spend the morning at the Puritama Hot Springs. Situated in a picturesque canyon at an altitude of approximately 3,500 meters, the springs consist of eight geothermal pools with temperatures averaging around 33°C (91°F). In the afternoon, travel to the Moon Valley. This remarkable landscape captivates with its unique terrain, reminiscent of lunar surfaces. Visit the majestic "Duna Mayor," offering sweeping views of undulating sands. You will also explore the natural amphitheater, an awe-inspiring formation carved by the elements over millennia. As the sun begins to set over the Andes Mountain Range, savour this moment with a delightful cocktail. 

• Visit several world leading observatories including Vera C. Rubin and Paranal.
• Stargazing in the Atacama Desert and at three observatories.
• Talks and walking seminars from Martin Griffiths and local expert astronomers.
• Traverse the amazing landscapes of the Atacama Desert.
• Vibrant and historic towns and cities including the capital Santiago.
• Maximum group size of 17 guests.

Meet the expert

Martin Griffiths

Martin is a senior lecturer in space science at the University of South Wales. He has been an astronomer for over 40 years and is a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. Martin previously worked for NASA’s Astrobiology Institute, which looked at the origins, evolution, distribution and future of life in the universe. He is currently the director of the Brecon Beacons Observatory and has written six books and published more than 100 papers.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Twelve nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis.
• Talks, walking seminars and stargazing with Martin.
• Entry to all observatories with access to appropriate telescopes for stargazing.
• Services of a dedicated local tour leader astronomist throughout.
• 11 evening dinners and 10 lunches (including 5 packed lunches).
• All coach transport
• Internal flights during the tour
• Arrival/departure group airport transfers for those on the suggested group flights.
• 24-hour support.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• Travel insurance.
• International flights.
• Private airport transfers.
• Single supplement - £1,125

HOW TO GET THERE

This tour begins and ends in Santiago. Please speak to Intrepid Travel, who can offer flight advice and book flights for those travelling from the UK. 

PACE AND PHYSICALITY

There will be some walking in deserts and in the mountains at up to 4,000 metres above sea-level, so a basic level of cardio fitness, respiratory fitness and manual dexterity is required. As well as stout shoes or boots suitable for walking on uneven and loose surfaces. None of the walking will be more than for a few hours.

You will be spending a lot of time outdoors. Due to altitude and lack of air pollution, the sun is particularly strong. You will need good quality sunglasses, high protection factor suntan lotion, protective clothing and a hat. As with all deserts, the temperature can fluctuate between day and night, so you also need to bring warm clothing for the evenings.

No activity or visit is mandatory and you are welcome to remain by the coach or stay at your hotel should you wish.

SOLO TRAVELLERS

All of our tours, cruises, expeditions and weekenders are perfect for solo travellers. If you want your own room, you will need to pay a solo supplement. However, if you are happy to share a room with a fellow guest of the same sex, we will do all we can to match you with another guest so you do not have to pay the solo room supplement.

Due to internal flights that are included in the itinerary that require advance booking, the deposit for this tour is £600. 

Accommodation

Almasur Providencia Hotel, Santiago

A four-star hotel close to the city centre but in a quiet oasis near the Plaza a la Aviacion. The outdoor plunge pool is particularly welcoming late afternoon.

NH Hotel Antofagasta, Antofagasta

The beautiful NH Hotel Antofagasta is located on the coast, just 15 minutes from the centre. The pool offers an excellent sunset view and the surround area has some beautiful historic buildings.

La Casa de Don Tomás Hotel , Atacama

Located near the heart of the small town of San Pedro de Atacama, in the beautiful arid landscape of the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Hotel La Casa de Don Tomas is a 3-star property that offers a great value stay in relaxed, comfortable accommodation.

Hotel Terral, Vicuña

The only four-star hotel in town, the centrally located Terral has a lovely roof top bar from which to enjoy the sunset.

See all the tours

Science of astronomy and ice: Sweden

Kepler's Prague: music of the spheres

The science of deep time: Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), Wales

Astronomy and volcanoes in the Canary Islands: Spain

Mysteries of the universe: Cheshire, England

Cerro Tololo

Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory is home to many NOAO telescopes. Las Cumbres Observatory deployed a full node of three 1-meter telescopes at Cerro Tololo during October 2012 . We also have two 0.4-meter telescopes at this site.

For more information about the site, check out the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory website.

• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

Moscow Bike TOur

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Description

Highlights:.

• Find adventure at every turn
• Take pride in covering Moscow in record time
• Enjoy the icons in style
• Explore off the beaten path routes of Moscow
• Expert commentary as you travel around the city
• Test your nerve, driving on crazy Russian roads
• Get an Endorphin Rush
• Savour delicacies from different regions of Russia in a traditional restaurant

Only in Moscow for a short time and want to get the most out of the city and have fun? Then a 3-hour bike tour in Moscow is what you need! You won’t hear much about Russian history or become an expert on Russian art, but you will experience all the rest of Russian culture! This tour gives you a unique perspective of a little bit of everything in 3 or 5 hours: must-see tourist sights, local hangouts, Russian food, a glimpse of the modern Moscow life, amazing photo opportunities, a bit of Russian history, and a lot of fun!

This is a great opportunity to cut the usual all day tour down to only 3 or 5 hours and get the most out of the city while having fun and being fit in the greatest locations around Moscow!

A bike trip is sure to capture your heart. It enables you to see the heart of Moscow within the Boulevard Ring and to explore some non-touristic areas of the city, to get an image of the city centre and to work out at the same time.

Our tours differ and depend on whether you are interested in city scenery or nature-like landscape. A variety of places in Moscow are great for riding a bike: these are large parks, yards with old mansions, and historical streets in the centre.

Let’s see what’s waiting for you!

Here are 4 suggested itineraries for a 3-hour tour:.

Moscow Bike Route #1

St. Basil's Cathedral, GUM, Kazan Cathedral, State Historical Museum and Lenin's Mausoleum

Revolution Square and Theatrical Square

Bolshoy Theatre, Metropol Hotel, Chinese Wall, State Duma of Moscow

Alexander Garden

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, fountains, the Grotto, Central Exhibition center, Kutafya tower, Kremlin wall and towers

Historic City Center

Tverskaya street with its beautiful historical architecture, China town (Kitai-gorod), an old historical area of Moscow

Beautiful  City bridge  leading to  Gorky Park  with scenic views of  Christ the Savior  cathedral and the Moscow River. Explore all the beauties riding a bike along the riverside pathways.

Sculpture Park

Peaceful  Crimean embankment  is one of the quietest area of Moscow city with painters' works at the  Vernisage , close proximity to new  Tretyakov Gallery  and good views of  Christ the Savior Cathedral ,  Peter the Great  monument and the Crimean bridge.

Delicious lunch at a café/restaurant

Arbat street + Stalin Skyscraper

The  Arbat  has existed since at least the 15th century and is proud of being the oldest surviving street of the Russian capital. Nowadays, it is now an entertainment and event mecca for Muscovites and tourists alike.

Victory park

Get thrilled with 142 metres  Obelisk  and  Victory Park museum , which is an open-air museum dedicated to the Russian victory of 1945, built in 1995 to celebrate 50 years of victory

Moscow Bike Route #2

Pyatnitskaya street - the Tretyakov Gallery - Luzhkov Bridge - the Cathedral of Christ the Savior - the Gogolevsky Boulevard - the Nikitsky Boulevard - the Tverskoy boulevard - Teatralnaya street - the Bolshoi Theatre – the Kitai - Gorod - Red Square and GUM store - the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky Bridge

This route is the best one if you want to see the heart of Moscow. It goes right through the major places of interest and touches upon the most exciting and vibrant areas of Moscow such as part of the Boulevard Ring, which is absolutely loved by everyone.

Cozy streets of Zamoskvorechye will never leave you indifferent. This district has a long and vivid history and is full of old baroque houses along with Stalinist buildings. It includes three theatres, three museums and sixteen churches.

Back in the 18 th century Zamoskvorechye was known as a quiet, country-like land of single-storey houses and conservative businessmen. It remained country-like and is much more filled with business than before, as this area is just right in the city centre.

You’ll learn:

• what was previously on the site of the Novokuznetskaya metro-station;
• names of four abandoned metro stations and how to find these stations;
• what is the oldest bridge among all the bridges in Moscow;
• how old was Pavel Tretyakov when he decided to collect paintings, that are now exhibited in the Tretyakov gallery;
• what does the real form of the Boulevard Ring in Moscow look like;
• what tricks did the Russian government used to save the houses and buildings from bombing during the World War II;
• what unofficial name the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky bridge has

Moscow Bike Route #3

View over the Kremlin - The Luzhkov Bridge –  The Strelka Institute –  The Muzeon Park –  The Gorky Park –  Neskuchny Garden –  Sparrow Hills –  The Luzhniki Stadium -  Novodevichy Convent – The Arbat Street – The Gogolevsky boulevard - The Cathedral of Christ the Savior –  The Bolotnaya Square

This route includes the most popular city-sights and goes along the Moskva-River. It starts with an observation point, from which you may enjoy the view over the Kremlin, and covers all the most beautiful green areas of Moscow. Historical sites are included into the route so you can feel the historical vibes of ancient Moscow.

• where is hidden an island Moscow;
• where in Moscow you can get printed music of the most sweet masterpieces like “Chocolate waltz” and “Cake-gallop” along with a box of chocolates of the 18 th century;
• why the Luzhkov bridge is also called “the bridge of kisses”;
• the place where the famous Olympic symbol – the Olympic Bear of the Olympics-1980 was flown from;
• the stage where Rolling Stones and Madonna performed when they came to Moscow;
• why the Krymsky bridge was Stalin’s favourite bridge and what musical instrument it represents;
• where living statues in Moscow could be found in 1740s;
• myths and legends about inhabitants of the main building of Moscow State University;
• story about why Sparrow Hills were called that way;
• how Napoleon was cheated when he was going to burn down the Novodevichy convent;
• what was supposed to be on the site where the Cathedral of Christ the Savior is now;
• why Moscow was nearly burnt down in the 15 th century and which role the Arbat street played in it.

Moscow Bike Route #4

Starting with wide area of the VDNKh, you are to learn interesting and fun facts about this spectacular part of Moscow.

• where is a hidden the secret bunker under Moscow (and no, it’s not a famous Bunker 42 everybody knows about;
• why the number of golden statues at the fountain is more than the number of Soviet republics, although it is said to correspond them;
• why one of the Stalin statues was called “matryoshka” (Russian doll);
• what was Picasso’s favourite statue at the exhibition in Paris in 1937.

You’ll see:

• the world’s first light-music fountain that was built in 1950-1954;
• pavilions that symbolize Soviet republics;
• the Botanic garden which is twice as big as the Principality of Monaco;
• the largest green-house in Europe (for the opening day in 1945);
• English garden at the Ostankino mansion;
• Ostankino Tower, one of the tallest structures in Europe;
• the most beautiful flowers in hidden places of the parks.

Biking through VDNKh, Botanic garden and the territory of the Ostankino park will definitely be appreciated by nature-lovers and all those who are keen on speed, who knows no limits and want to explore off the beaten path of Moscow.

We can customize your bike adventure to meet your individual interests.

Our bicycle tour in Moscow gives you a chance to have a s pectacular ride  with  wonderful photo opportunities  and an  unforgettable cultural experience!

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow
• + Private & customized tour
• + An exciting tour, not just boring history lessons
• + An authentic experience of local life
• + Flexibility during the tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri)
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow

*This tour can be modified to meet your preferences

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