Astrotourism in Argentinian Patagonia: 6 places to visit
With clear skies and vast expanses to traverse, the magic of stellar phenomena in this region is observed like nowhere else in the world. On October 2nd, an incredible solar eclipse will be visible.
Argentinian Patagonia has the charm of regions that always captivate those who visit them. Beyond the classic tourist icons and emerging destinations, astronomy finds a special place for travel lovers, especially those who want to contemplate stellar phenomena.
From the remotest corners to national parks, this immense territory in the south of the country is characterized by its dark and clear skies, perfect for watching stars, planets and other celestial bodies. Here are some suggestions to plan your next trip to South America.
Astrotourism in Neuquén: mountains and stars
In Neuquén, Lanín National Park is an excellent place to stargaze. Here, the combination of towering mountains and clear skies creates a unique setting for astronomical observation.
Another option can be found in the north of the province in Los Bolillos, on the coast of the Varvarco River, and in Las Ovejas, a town located in a valley and surrounded by mountains, whose clear skies, scarce rainfall, and absence of light pollution invite you to discover the constellations.
Astrotourism in Río Negro: ranches and galaxies
Rural tourism and astrotourism combine perfectly in this area. And for camping lovers, the area of Bariloche and El Bolsón are special because of the atmospheric conditions, which allow you to see stars and planets with great clarity.
But the impressive southern skies find other natural settings in the province and can be discovered through guided walks and stories. Barely 23 kilometers from San Carlos de Bariloche, in the middle of the steppe, there is an astronomical observatory from where you can contemplate the magic of the cosmos in all its splendor, while on the coast, in Las Grutas, a mobile planetarium offers different experiences, including astrophotography outings, and in Playas Doradas, one enjoys the cosmos under an open sky in a unique environment.
In the area of the Rio Negro Valley, in General Roca you can enjoy a twilight walk until you reach a spectacular panoramic view.
Read more: A guide on Astrotourism in Argentina to see the stars like never before
Astrotourism in Chubut: nature and cosmos
Los Alerces National Park is not only a destination for nature tourism, but it is also an ideal place for astrotourism. With a clean atmosphere and little light pollution, you can have an unforgettable experience under the stars.
A different experience can be found at the Trelew Astronomical Centre, where there is a theme park and two observatories (a nocturnal and a solar one) through which the cosmos can be discovered.
Astrotourism in Santa Cruz: glaciers and starry night skies
Known for its glaciers –especially the Perito Moreno– the province is also a fascinating destination for astrotourism. Los Glaciares National Park, apart from ice and mountain landscapes offers unbeatable conditions for observing constellations and, if you are lucky, you will see the aurora australis.
Astrotourism in Tierra del Fuego: the End of the World, the beginning of the Universe
In the province, Tierra del Fuego National Park is a place where nature in its purest form meets the cosmos. There, at the southern tip of the continent, you can appreciate moonlit, starry nights.
On the other hand, the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, is a more urban alternative, but perfect for contemplating the sky and the snow-covered landscape from the coast. Recently, the magic of this part of Patagonia reached its maximum splendor when a solar storm dyed the sky red and offered a wonderful aurora australis.
Read more: Snow has arrived in Argentina: where to ski in Patagonia
Astrotourism in La Pampa: starry nights and adventures
Located in a privileged environment, away from the light pollution of the cities, La Pampa offers everything from specialized observatories to guided activities under the expansive sky. A visit to Luro Park to discover a sky full of stars in the middle of calden trees is a must on the tour of travelers who choose astronomical tourism.
Astrotourism Argentina: places to fall in love with the skies
Argentinian Patagonia is a place where heaven and earth meet to offer memorable experiences on an astronomical journey. However, the country has many astrotourism proposals for all tourist profiles.
The impressive Sky Route in San Juan runs through sites of unique richness, such as El Leoncito National Park and Ischigualasto Provincial Park, also known as the Valley of the Moon. In addition to this, there are observatories, astronomical viewpoints and different spaces that combine walks, trekking circuits and bicycles, all in the moonlight.
Another classic alternative is the prominent Cerro Uritorco in Cordoba, where UFO stories proliferate. On the eastern slope, you will find the Puesto Pavón Refuge, the first Starlight Lodge in Argentina.
Provinces such as Catamarca, Chaco, Mendoza, Province of Buenos Aires and even the City of Buenos Aires also have natural sites, museums and observatories that captivate the most seasoned astrotourists and are perfect for getting to know not only the cosmos, but also the culture, the gastronomy and the history of each region.
Read more: Astrotourism in San Juan
Photo credits: Chubut, Neuquén, Río Negro, Santa Cruz, Tierra del Fuego y San Juan.