ATACAMA

The next Atacama expedition is scheduled for August 28 – September 11, 2027 (15 days). Pricing for this small-group edition is available on request — contact info@alexwides.com and we will send you the full details, inclusions and booking terms.

The Atacama is regarded as one of the best places on Earth for stargazing and astrophotography. Its extreme dryness, high altitude and lack of light pollution give it Bortle 1 skies — the reason major observatories such as ALMA, VLT and ESO are built here. Expect clear views of the Milky Way core, the Magellanic Clouds and pristine star trails.

San Pedro de Atacama, our base, sits at about 2,400m (7,900ft), while some shooting locations such as El Tatio and the altiplano lagoons reach 4,200–4,300m (13,800–14,100ft). We structure the itinerary to acclimatize gradually, keep hydration high and schedule the highest sites after a few days at base. If you have any medical concerns, consult your doctor before travel.

The Atacama is dry and shootable year-round, but late winter and spring (roughly August to October) offer stable weather, comfortable daytime temperatures and excellent night skies. Days are typically mild and sunny; nights and high-altitude sunrises can be cold, so warm layers are essential.

A full-frame DSLR or mirrorless body, a fast wide-angle lens (14–24mm f/2.8 is ideal for astro), a standard zoom (24–70mm), a sturdy tripod, remote shutter release, plenty of batteries and cards, and lens-cleaning kits for fine dust. A headlamp with a red light is very useful for night sessions, and a star tracker is optional but rewarding for deep Milky Way work.

Moderate. Most locations are reached by vehicle with short walks on uneven ground, but the altitude makes even easy walks more tiring than at sea level. No technical hiking or climbing is required — good general health and a willingness to be out for sunrise and after dark are what matter most.

Fly into Calama Airport (CJC), usually via Santiago de Chile (SCL). From Calama it is roughly a 1.5-hour transfer to San Pedro de Atacama, where the expedition is based. We will share detailed arrival guidance once you book.