Brazil
Argentina
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Astronomical observatory · Vicuña, Coquimbo
Observatorio Cerro Mamalluca
A tourist observatory run by the municipality of Vicuña, opened in 1994 on Cerro Mamalluca, about 9 km from town. Night sessions, by reservation, combine naked-eye sky viewing, telescopes and a planetarium.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Observatorio Cerro Mamalluca
The Observatorio Cerro Mamalluca was, in 1994, Chile's first amateur observatory created for tourism. It belongs to the Municipalidad de Vicuña and is located on a hill about 9 km northeast of town, away from urban lights.
Visits take place only at night, by reservation, in small guided groups. The session lasts about two hours, between indoor rooms and the outdoor area. Guides point out southern-hemisphere constellations, such as the Southern Cross, and the Magellanic Clouds, and groups look through manual and motorized telescopes at planets, star clusters and the Moon, depending on what is visible.
Explanations are given in Spanish and, in some sessions, in English. The observatory also has a planetarium and visitor facilities.
Observation depends on the weather and the phase of the Moon, and a clear sky is never guaranteed. The observatory itself notes March to November as the driest-sky season.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About two hours per session, not counting travel time there and back.
Best time
On nights near the new moon, when the sky is darker. Sessions start after sunset, later in summer; confirm the time when booking.
How to get there
It is about 9 km from the center of Vicuña, via a road that climbs the hill. You get there by private car or by tourist van departing from town; groups arrive before dark.
Tip
Book in advance, especially from December to February and on Chilean holidays. Bring a coat, hat and gloves, because nights get cold on the hill even in summer, and do not turn on a white flashlight during observation.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Observatorio Cerro Mamalluca
Do you need to reserve the Observatorio Mamalluca?
Yes. Visits are only at night and by reservation, and groups are small. In high season, book in advance.
And if the sky is cloudy?
Observation depends on the weather. The observatory has a planetarium and indoor rooms; ask when booking what happens on a cloudy night.
What can you see at the Observatorio Mamalluca?
Southern hemisphere constellations visible to the naked eye and, through the telescopes, planets, star clusters and the Moon, depending on the night.