Astronomy and stars observation

Day 01 La Serena / Coquimbo
Transfer from airport to the hotel The tour departs from the city centre by way of the main square, the Plaza de Armas. La Serena is the second oldest city in Chile after Santiago and it maintains a Spanish neo-colonial style according to the "Plan Serena" which was implemented by legislation unique in Chile, which allowed the city to grow yet keep its own style. The heritage of the city includes 30 churches, a romantic avenue of replica classical Italian statues and townhouses dating from the last century together with public buildings according to the Plan Serena.
The first stop is the Archaeological Museum which gives insight into the early history of the El Molle, Animas and Diaguita cultures and their impact on the settlement of this region with examples of their craftsmanship in their remaining artefacts. An original Moai statue from Easter Island is also impressively on display. The tour visits the picturesque "artesania" market of La Recova, full of typical crafts, papaya products cultivated from the Elqui Valley, jumpers knitted from alpaca wool, ceramics with Diaguita designs, crafts in combarbalita stone and jewellery specially crafted from the lapis lazuli semi precious stone which is only found in this region of Chile and the Americas. Back to hotel in La Serena. Back to hotel in La Serena. Lodging.
Day 02 Elqui Valley and Mamalluca Observatory visit
The tour of this vibrant valley last all day but leaves the tourist feeling more energized that when he left in the morning. The valley is tinged with an esoteric air and many insist that it is the "energy centre" of the world .This place is a geographic configuration which is unique in the world. It is a narrow, but fertile strip of land where vegetables, papayas, lucuma, chirimoya trees (custard apple), and grapes grow alongside the hillsides, covered with cacti, of the semi arid desert. The tour departs from the city of La Serena along Route 41 towards Vicuna going alongside the banks of the river Elqui which provides irrigation for this fertile valley Mamalluca amateur observatory visit : By the afternoon will take the road to the village of San Isidro following up the unpaved road to the open aspect where the observatory buildings are located. Upon arrival the staff give an explanation and with assistance of a multi media presentation an introduction to the stars, planets and galaxies to the whole group. Dividing into smaller groups allows visitors access to use the 12 inch diameter telescope which is installed in the small dome or to use the portable telescopes outside in order to observe the stars in one of the clearest atmospheres in the world. Back to hotel in La Serena. Lodging.
Day 03 Pueblo minero de Andacollo y observatorio de Collowara
By the afternoon we’ll begin the tour to the town of Andacollo. A magical astronomical adventure. The trip to Andacollo is 1 hour aprox. Following the route we’ll stop at Andacollo main plaza. The trip continue towards El churqui hill, at 1.300 mts. above sea level. Upon arrival the staff give an explanation and with assistance of a multi media presentation an introduction to the stars, planets and galaxies to the whole group. The passengers will be able to use the telescopes that has a high technology level according to this century and appreciate one the stars in one of the most clear sky in the world. Transfer back to the hotel in La Serena.
Day 04
Transfer to the airport.