planetario natural alfa aldea

We had a great time with Hugo and the crew from Alfa Aldea. Straight away they gave us the option of cancelling because it was a rare night with clouds but we went ahead anyways. They gave us the option for an English presentation and we shared the telescope with only one other couple. Some amazing stargazing and delicious soup and local wine to go with.

A fascinating look into infinity, guided by a knowledgeable, passionate young guide (we were taken on our journey into the cosmos by Hugo)

Guided visit to this private astronomical observatory was facilitated by Richard from Hostal Al Yaras. The audience - not crowded like elsewhere where the tours from La Serena converge - was seated in semicircle of "amphitheater" and treated with: cheese, jamon, hot soup plus pisco sour and wine. The entire activity commenced at sunset and lasted about 3 hours. I could not understand much of Spanish commentary, however certain guests were at hand for translation into English and during my turn at the telescopes the staff were happy to address the matters in English. Blankets were also distributed to keep everybody warm and avert the chills of the night. 8000 peso will set you back for this profound universe class, refreshments and return transfers. Highly recommended without a doubt!

This "guided tour of the universe" is worth a visit by itself. It is like looking at the stars in the backyard of the home of friends, who happen to be astronomers with some great telescopes.Wine and cheese and an introductory briefing begin at sunset, and hot soup and blankets are provided at just the right moment. The guides are highly knowledgeable, and they deliver their comments at a level that is just right for the unique background and knowledge of each person in a group.With more than 200 clear nights per year, the Vicuna region is a perfect place for us from the northern hemisphere to be introduced to the dazzling wonders of the southern skies.If you visit Chile and don't make a side trip to Alfa Aldea, you will miss an experience of a lifetime.

People are so kind. They serve food and drinks. Good price and information. Nothing negative. Starts at 11:30pm til 1,30 am. You should go with your own truck.

After attending a different observatory that was farther out of Vicuna and much more expensive, we were very happy to have an alternative experience at Alfa Aldea. The visit opened with a presentation about astronomy, accompanied by delicious wine and cheese/meats. Our English guide, Jamie, was FANTASTIC!!! Very enthusiastic and knowledgeable, with a very high level of English. After the presentation, wrapped up in the blankets they provided, we checked out the stars through telescopes. I loved learning about the constellations, and the warm appetizer and soup they gave us was delicious. Everyone involved in the night was friendly and clearly excited to be there. If you have extra time in the Elqui Valley, check out Plenatario Natural Alfa Aldea!

We went to Alfa Aldea planetarium last night to take the English Tour. Our tour guide Yaime was gerat she was so enthusiastic about everything she showed us. Also our tour only consisted of a total of 4 people which is of course very small and allows you a lot of time with looking and everything. The explanataions very good and very comprehensibel. They offer you something to drink and little snacks as well. The telescope is - obviously huge and the view of the nightsky breathtaking. For 10.000CHP we spent 2 hours being a bit more actively part of the univers as we always are :)

I work in a scientific observatory and I am lucky to have been in many stargazing places around the world. Alfa Aldea is totally different, is much more than stars. It is simple but rich in warmth, it is dedicated to make you feel at home, comfortable and truly unique, they always surprise you with every single detail. Not only they give you the best coffee and pie but also the most friendly environment ever!Claudia and Yaimy provide a very accurate and knowledgable tour (english or spanish) and the owners Marco and Maria Elena provide a great atmosphere that makes you connect with the universe and your soul. Not to speak about their children they are adorable! It is a must in Vicuña! It is a real pride for the region to have a secret gem like this!

We got to this place almost by chance as it's a small family business, they are very professional, they had two big telescope and an amphitheater with a big scream with excellent experts who first give you a theory talk very dynamic and fun about the stars and then the practice part where they show you through the telescope. All this accompany by some wine, cheese and consommé. Excellent service and a wonderful experience and the best part the price only $10.000 per person. Great place to go I recommend it 100%

Since this planetory is about half price of the other one, i had no clue what to expect. But what a great surprise this experience was! We got picked up at the hostel in vicuña, when we arrived i could immeadeatly notice this is a family business that will do anything to make you feel welcome and warm. Directly after arrival we received a scarf as a present. Before and during the short but very clear introduction of stars and planets we received tons of blankets, wine from their vineyard, chicken soup, cheese and other homemade snacks. Our tourguide was a english teacher and speaks it perfectly. Watching the stars and planets was a amazing experience and since we were in a group of 3 we had all space to ask questions. Small groups and a lot of personal attention made this a unique experience I will not forget.

This observatory is truly a magical place. Yeimy, our guide, has a unique ability to make the complex concepts of space seem simple. We went with our children and they loved every moment. Truly the classroom of the real world. The small group environment allowed us to ask questions and gave us all lots of time examining through the telescope. The added touches of wine, cheese and warm blankets made our visit even more special. This family run planetarium is not to be missed. What a truly wonderful experience for all people and all ages. Thank you!

Just a few minutes from Vicuña you can find this amazing place where you will feel overwhelmed by looking at the universe. People is so warm they will make you feel like home. You can sample a glass of wine while you enjoy the tour.

We were really enjoyed the tour in the Alfa Aldea Planetarium, which is very close to Vicuña. Yeimy Vargas made excellent presentation in English. The tour took 1.5 hour. They accept children. During the tour they served wine from Elqui valley, toasts and hot soup to warm us up. They had warm blankets too. After the tour we decided to stay that night in their hotel which has few rooms. On the morning we had a breakfast looking at the vineyards and valley.Recommended!

Una excelente oportunidad de observar de manera guiada el espacio, mis hijos y nosotros aprendimos y disfrutamos la jornada, totalmente recomendable!

Muy maravilloso el lugar, quedé encantada con la hospitalidad y espero volver pronto. Cariños muy afectuoso a sus dueños.