Very Large Telescope — Attraction in Antofagasta

Once in a lifetime experience. Great tour by enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. Our family group of four really enjoyed the whole visit. Points to note; you must book in advance even though it's free. Book Spanish or English tour. You can do this through the ESO website. As of November 2018 the public tours are only available on Saturdays. One at 10:00 and one at 14:00. We took a private hire taxi from Antofagasta. Journey time approx two hours each way. The VLT is at 2300m above sea level. Expect bright sunshine but take warm coat as well as sunglasses. No food or water supplied there, no shops etc. Take everything...

I was pleasantly surprised by the tour. It was well organized, informative, and free. The guide was very knowledgeable and it was available in english and Spanish. You do need a car as you drive yourself between different points of interest. The tour visits a welcome center, the control room, one of the telescopes, and the residence area. I would recommend it to someone visiting...

Only open to visitors on Saturdays (booking with good anticipation required as spots are limited). The tour includes a short introductory video, a visit to the amazing residence and the hill on which the huge telescopes sit. Also a quick glimpse of the offices and inside one of the telescopes. Well organized and the guides are...