Astronomy Tour in El Calafate: Stargazing Experience

Discover the night sky of Southern Patagonia during this astronomy and stargazing experience from El Calafate.

After being picked up from your accommodation, travel approximately 30 km along Provincial Route 11 to Estancia La Catalina, away from the light pollution of the city. Surrounded by the Patagonian landscape, you will meet an experienced astronomer and begin an introduction to the southern night sky.

Learn how to recognize stars and constellations, locate cardinal points using the sky, and discover stories connected with astronomy, mythology and the knowledge of Indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Using telescopes and binoculars, you may observe the Moon, planets, stars, the Milky Way, nebulae and other deep-sky objects. What can be observed varies according to cloud cover, wind conditions, the lunar phase and the time of year, so each night offers a different experience.

The tour operates from September 15 to May 31. In case of cloudy weather, the experience may still operate and observations will be adapted to what conditions allow. Guests may reschedule at no additional cost. If they are unable to reschedule, no refund is provided in this situation. If the excursion is cancelled due to a rain forecast during the scheduled observation period, guests will be offered either a new date or a 100% refund.

Warm ponchos are provided during the experience, and before returning to El Calafate you can enjoy hot drinks and a selection of traditional sweet treats.

A photograph of you or your group with the night sky in the background is also included as a souvenir of the experience.

No previous knowledge of astronomy is required.

Pick-up in El Calafate

Your evening begins with pick-up from your hotel, house, apartment or, if previously arranged, the restaurant where you are having dinner. The exact pick-up time is confirmed the day before the experience.

Departure times vary according to the season:

• September, October and November: departure at approximately 9:00 PM, return at approximately 12:00 AM.
• December and January: departure at approximately 10:00 PM, return at approximately 1:00 AM.
• February, March, April and May: departure at approximately 9:00 PM, return at approximately 12:00 AM.

From El Calafate, travel approximately 30 km along Provincial Route 11 to Estancia La Catalina, a location away from the city’s light pollution and suitable for observing the Patagonian night sky.

Astronomy Introduction & Stargazing at Estancia La Catalina

Upon arrival at the estancia, you will receive a warm poncho and meet the astronomer who will guide the experience.

The activity begins with a short introduction to astronomy and an explanation of what may be visible that night. You will learn how to observe the sky, recognize stars and constellations, locate cardinal points using the stars, and discover stories related to mythology and the knowledge of Indigenous peoples of the Americas.

You will then use telescopes and binoculars to observe the celestial objects visible under the conditions of that particular night. Depending on cloud cover, wind, the lunar phase and the season, these may include the Moon, planets, stars, the Milky Way, nebulae and other deep-sky objects.

If the sky is cloudy, the experience may still take place and the observation portion will be adapted to what weather conditions allow.

At the end of the observation, a photograph of you or your group with the Patagonian night sky in the background will be taken as a souvenir.

Hot Drinks & Return to El Calafate

Before leaving the estancia, enjoy a cafeteria service and sweet table with a selection that may include tea, coffee, mate cocido, alfajores, cakes, muffins and dulce de leche.

The experience at the estancia lasts approximately two hours. Afterwards, begin the return journey to El Calafate, with drop-off at your accommodation.

Total duration: approximately 3 hours.