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Chile Southern Skies Itinerary
Page 1 |
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DAY 1
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Lunch/Dinner
Arrive Santiago, Chilé – Antofagasta |
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Upon arrival at Santiago International Airport (SCL) from our
overnight flight, we’ll connect to a flight to Antofagasta in Chilé’s
Atacama Desert. Upon arrival there, we’ll take a brief sightseeing tour
of the area including La Portada, the geological symbol of Antofagasta
dating back 3.5 million years.
After lunch, we’ll drive to
the European Southern Observatory atop Cerro Paranal. Located about 120
kilometers (75 miles) south of Antofagasta and 12 km inland from
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the Pacific Coast, Paranal stands
2,635 meters (8,775 feet) high. The mountain was chosen as the
site forESO’s Very Large Telescope, a
quartet of 8.2-meter (27-foot) reflectors, because of its remoteness
from the dust and lights of civilization and its excellent atmospheric
conditions. During our visit we’ll learn how astronomers plan to link
the VLT’s four reflectors together to act as a single
16.4-meter-diameter telescope, by far the world’s largest. Returning to
the hotel in the early evening, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and a
well-deserved night’s rest. |
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Overnight:
Antofagasta Hotel
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DAY 2
Mon,
May 30 B/L/D
Antofagasta –
Calama |
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After breakfast we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight
north to Calama. At an elevation of 7,900 feet, Calama is the gateway to
the geological and archaeological wonders of Chile’s high central
desert. Upon arrival we’ll tour Chuquicamata, the largest open-pit
copper mine in the world. After lunch we’ll visit the village of
Chiu-Chiu, featuring a beautiful 17th-century church. Later, we’ll tour
the 12th-century Inca ruins of Lasana, featuring impressive rock art.
After dinner this evening, we’ll travel out of town for our first look
at Chilé’s magnificent southern skies.
Overnight: Park
Hotel, Calama
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Day
3
Tue,
May 31
B/L/D
San Pedro de Atacama |
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After breakfast and check-out we’ll travel to the charming
village of San Pedro de Atacama. San Pedro is known for its charm,
relaxed atmosphere, and picturesque streets lined with colorful adobe
buildings featuring excellent shops, restaurants, and cantinas. With
only 9,000 inhabitants and hardly any nighttime lighting, San Pedro is
the ideal base for stargazing and for exploring the Atacama Desert. This
morning we’ll start with the Le Paige Archaeological Museum and the
nearby market featuring crafts from artisans throughout the Altiplano
region. After lunch we’ll head to nearby Death Valley and the Valley of
the Moon. The red, wind-sculpted scenery is almost lunar and offers
great photo opportunities. After dinner join us for dark, desert
stargazing right outside our rooms!
Overnight: Star Lodge
(4 nights)
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Back to Top |
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Copyright 2004 TravelQuest
International. All rights
reserved. 800-830-1998
Revised:
October 25, 2005.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective companies or trademark holders. |
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