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Astronomical observatory · Vicuña, Coquimbo
Observatorio del Pangue
Private tourist observatory about 17 km from Vicuña, on the road to Río Hurtado, with small groups, astronomer guides and large-aperture telescopes.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Observatorio del Pangue
The Observatorio del Pangue is located in the El Pangue area, about 17 km from Vicuña's center, along the road to Río Hurtado, near the hills where the Cerro Tololo scientific observatory is. It has operated since the early years of astronomical tourism in the valley, with the idea of offering personalized sessions.
Sessions have small groups, five to ten people in the basic visit and fewer in special sessions, always with two bilingual astronomer guides. The equipment includes several large-diameter telescopes, which show nebulae, galaxies and clusters with more detail than a common telescope.
There are also longer sessions focused on astrophotography, for those traveling with a camera. The site is isolated and has little artificial light around.
There are no sessions on full moon nights, and all depend on the weather.
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 of session, plus about an hour for round-trip transport.
Best time
Moonless nights or nights with the moon low. Vans leave Vicuña at the start of the night and again two hours later; choose the time slot when booking.
How to get there
The meeting point is the observatory's office in front of the Plaza de Armas de Vicuña, from where vans depart to the observatory, about 17 km away.
Tip
The basic visit is for ages 16 and up. Wear warm layered clothing and have dinner before or after, since dinner in Chile is usually late.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Observatorio del Pangue
What is the difference between Del Pangue and Mamalluca?
Mamalluca is municipal and has a planetarium. Del Pangue is private, with sessions of five to ten people and large-aperture telescopes.
How to get to the Observatorio del Pangue?
By the tour van, which departs from the office in front of the Plaza de Armas de Vicuña. The observatory is about 17 km away.
Are there sessions on a full moon night?
No. On full moon nights the observatory does not hold sessions, and other nights depend on the weather.