Routes · Americas

Singapore to Chile: Santiago and the Atacama Desert for stargazing

Singapore → Santiago → Atacama (San Pedro)

Desert & stargazing Best season (general guide): Year-round (stargazing best May–Aug; Jan–Feb storms possible)

The Atacama is one of the driest places on earth, and its clear, dark skies have made northern Chile a centre for astronomy. This route pairs the desert with Santiago. From Singapore you'll connect, often via Australia, the Gulf or Europe, which makes for a long but worthwhile journey. A domestic flight goes from Santiago to Calama, an hour and a half's drive from San Pedro de Atacama.

In Santiago, the old centre around the Plaza de Armas, the market and the hills of the city are easy to explore, and a day trip to the hillside port of Valparaíso, whose historic quarter is listed by UNESCO, is popular. Wine valleys are close by. San Pedro de Atacama is a small adobe town surrounded by volcanoes. Valle de la Luna is best at sunset, when the ridges turn red, and early tours go up to the El Tatio geysers. Salt lakes with flamingos and high-altitude lagoons are other day trips. After dark, local operators run stargazing tours with telescopes.

The desert can be visited all year. From about May to August, skies are often at their clearest, but nights are very cold. In January and February, the so-called altiplanic winter can bring afternoon storms and occasionally close roads.

Spend a quiet first day in San Pedro to adjust to the altitude before going higher. Bring warm clothes for early tours and night sessions.

Pacing note: if you plan to visit El Tatio, schedule it for your third or fourth day in San Pedro, after you've adjusted to the altitude.

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