ALMA Tour 2024
Come Explore ALMA
for the journey of a lifetime!
For the first time, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory is providing a small group tour to the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), November 15-22, 2024. Participants will have the rare opportunity to ascend 16,500 feet for a close-up view of the most complex observatory ever built on Earth.
Be awed by the natural wonders of the Atacama Desert
 |
 |
|
As a member of our group, you will journey to the high site where the 54 12-meter and 12 7-meter dishes antennas are located. In addition, before we head up, while we acclimate to the elevation, you will experience the stunning natural wonders the area offers on guided excursions to the flamingo lagoons, geysers and heavenly hot springs. |
As we will be in the best place on the planet for night sky observing, we will also enjoy a guided visual tour of the Southern Hemisphere’s celestial attractions. |
Enjoy World-Class Lodging & Dining
The week includes time in Santiago—touring the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, a visit to La Moneda Cultural Center and Artesanías de Chile flagship store (fine crafts), and dining at a Boragó, one of the World’s Best 50 Restaurants, before flying north and spending three nights in San Pedro de Atacama, where we will stay at Explora Atacama, an award-winning lodge. After two days of excursions, we will ascend to ALMA, followed by terrace dining at the ALMA Operations Support Facility. Upon return to Santiago, we will enjoy wine tasting with a view of the city from W Hotel’s rooftop bar, followed by dinner at Karai restaurant. The tour will finish with a night at VIK Hotel at world-renowned VIK Vineyard and Winery, where guests can also enjoy trekking and horseback riding. For guests seeking to extend their trip on their own, travel can be arranged to Easter Island/Patagonia.
Explora Atacama Lodge.
Capacity for this tour is limited. To reserve your space, email Heather Cochrane before April 15, 2024 at hcochran@nrao.edu. A deposit will be required to secure your reservation.
For detailed information regarding flights, lodging, and excursions, please visit the Itinerary tab.
