Mysteries of the UniverseAtacama Desert
17 - 27 Oct 2024
Explore the mysteries of the universe on this adventurous Xpedition in the Atacama Desert, Chile.
Visit one of the best astronomical observing sites in the world, with exclusive access to stay overnight at Paranal – usually reserved for scientists and engineers.
Spend time with world renowned Astro Physicist Prof John Webb, gaining insights into the mysteries of the universe.
OVERVIEW
Atacama Desert
12 People Max.
11 Days
17 - 27 Oct 2024
Prof John Webb
Prof John Webb is an astrophysicist based in Cambridge. His cutting-edge research on varying constants has led him to the front pages of Scientific American, New Scientist and the Economist.
If his tentative discovery that constants of nature are changing is validated, it will have a profound impact on how we view the universe.
Professor Webb was named as one of Sydney’s most influential people in 2012 by the Sydney Morning Herald, received the 2012 Eureka Prize for Scientific Research, and the 2013 NSW Science and Engineering Award for Excellence in mathematics, earth sciences, chemistry and physics.
Trip Highlights
- Stargazing in the Atacama Desert, the clear skies of the driest desert in the world
- Learn how powerful telescopes allow scientists to explore the mysteries of dark energy
- Exclusive overnight stay at La Residencia at Paranal Observatory
- Private, behind-the-scenes tour and meet with resident astronomers in Paranal
- See state-of-the-art technology the VLT (Very Large Telescope)
- Visit Cerra Tolo Observatory used to research the southern hemisphere skies
- Sunset over the lunar landscape of Moon Valley
- Explore the Atacama salt flats, geysers and deep blue lagoons
- Enjoy the pisco vineyards and villages of Elqui Valley
Exclusive overnight stay at La Residencia at Paranal Observatory with a private, behind-the-scenes tour and meet with resident astronomers.
The Booking Details
Atacama Desert
|
& 17 - 27 Oct 2024
A 11 day Xpedition to the Atacama Desert with Xpert Prof John Webb.
From $19,995 AUD
Per Person, Twin Share
+ $4,995 AUD
Per Person, Single
What's Included
- Accommodation, observatories & scheduled activities – as per itinerary
- Flights in Chile – Santiago to Antofagasta, Calama
to La Serena, La Serena to Santiago - All meals – as per itinerary
- Drinks with meals – as per itinerary
- BQX Tour Manager & Tour Xpert
- Gratuities
What's Not Included
- International airfares from Australia
- Travel insurance, visa fees & vaccinations
- Items of a personal nature (such as phone, laundry, room service, minibar, taxis etc)
For questions or booking please call 1800 279 279 (Australia Only) or email bookings@bqx.com.au
Xpedition Itinerary
Atacama Desert
On arrival in Santiago, a transfer is included to the hotel where you will meet the BQX team and fellow Xpeditioners. Start the evening with welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Today fly to the port city Antofagasta. Discover the many hidden stories behind the streets, buildings, and corners of Antofagasta on a walking tour of the city. Dinner is included this evening.
Today fly to the port city Antofagasta. Discover the many hidden stories behind the streets, buildings, and corners of Antofagasta on a walking tour of the city. Dinner is included this evening.
Today travel to Chacabuco, Saltpeter Office, one of the abandoned nitrate towns that once had a grand era and comes with a dark history. Stop for lunch enroute, and continue to San Pedro, Atacama. Remainder of the day is at leisure. After dinner we meet at the telescope platform to gaze at the clear skies.
This morning head to Chaxa Lagoon in the middle of the salt flats and see this beautiful oasis filled with flamingos. Continue to the Altiplano high plateau where the landscape changes colours as we drive towards the lagoons Miscanti and Meñique. These beautiful lagoons sit at the base of the surrounding volcanos and mountains. On the way back we visit the traditional towns of Toconao and Socarie including lunch at a local restaurant.
This afternoon we stop for some photos of the Andean Mountain range, continue to Moon Valley & Mars Valley with strange formations that nature has carved from salt and clay. With its lunar landscape surrounded by a mountain range with rock formations and canyons, we then watch the changing colours of pink hues over the Valley as the sun sets.
Leave early in the morning before dawn breaks for sunrise and breakfast in the Tatio geyser field, the highest in the world at 4,320 meters and boasts spectacular scenery. The powerful geyser blowholes and steaming ponds are encrusted with salt crystals that reflect the metal blue sky. At this altitude warm clothing including a wool beanie and gloves are required.
Transfer from the hotel to the Calama Airport for our flight to La Serena and continue by coach into the mountains to the town of Vicuña for the next 3 nights. The Elqui Valley is crowned the capital for astronomy observation with its ideal climate. This afternoon is
at leisure.
Visit the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO). A large cluster of telescopes at 2200m, the observatory provides a platform for access to the southern hemisphere for US and worldwide scientific research. This afternoon we explore Elqui Valley known for its orchards, pisco vine, wineries and small villages, and enjoy tasting some of the local piscos from this region.
Today enjoy your full day at leisure to further explore Elqui Valley on your own. This evening we meet for our farewell dinner.
After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to La Serena airport for a short flight back to Santiago. Our Xpedition finishes on arrival at Santiago airport.