Argentina’s Astrotourism Guide to Look at the Stars as Never Before

Absolute silence, tearful eyes, and a wonderful film screened on a dark-night canopy. The stars and their constellations are the main figures of this success, forming shapes that dance on the world's clearest skies. If your heart throbbed by only picturing it, let alone experiencing it first-hand.

What is astrotourism? A branch devoted to astronomy and the enjoyment of night observation for experts or curious minds. We already know our land thrills gastronomy lovers, restless travellers looking for adrenaline, and those who want to get immersed in nature and landscapes. The range of possibilities is infinite, and astronomy fans also find a place in Argentina’s star route. The South American country offers a firmament shining in the region's most fascinating places, and discovering them is a unique adventure carefully designed.

Due to the rapid spread of urbanisation and light pollution, it is harder to look up and be surprised. Yet, this magical experience still happens in Argentina, and we’ll tell you where below.

Where Can You See the Country’s Most Starry Skies?

1. El Leoncito National Park, San Juan

Spotless skies and a spectacle can be observed in the first row when the sun sinks below the horizon. The national astrotourism capital delights the 365 days of the year with star shows. In the Calingasta department, the El Leoncito national park is one of the favourite astrotourism stages, besides offering trekking options, waterfalls, and trails. The El Leoncito Astronomy Complex welcomes local and international tourists anxious about embarking on a star adventure and ready to have a unique encounter with the universe. As it is located at 2,552 metres above sea level, distances between the earth and the atmosphere are shorter, allowing us to see the performance perfectly. This location is one of the most important in the country, and it has Argentina’s biggest diameter telescope. 

In addition, the Félix Aguilar (Cesco) Observatory also stands out in the region, representing a San Juan must-visit for observing and taking pictures of the superb panoramic views surrounding it.

2. Malargüe, Mendoza

The wine land is also a star and cosmic ray territory. We are not lying: cosmic rays do exist. Believe it or not, these subatomic particles move through space at nearly the speed of light, packed with energy, constantly bombarding the earth and producing an effect called air shower. A mystery hidden in Mendoza where 500 researchers (many of them from the National Scientific and Technical Research Council or CONICET) from 90 institutions in 16 countries participate. Where the particles come from and how they propagate is still unknown. With such a mystery revolving around it, it is not surprising that detecting those rays is almost impossible. We’ll leave that for the theory, but the energy felt in the Pierre Auger Sur observatory is definitely experienced in practice.

Malargüe was chosen as the base for such an important astrophysical mission. That means the sky is crystal-clear for a ceremony in the dark. Apart from cosmic rays, stars hypnotise, allowing you to get deep inside the dark infinite in the blink of an eye. 

3. Parque Astronómico de La Punta, San Luis

The Universidad de La Punta campus, in San Luis, has a space devoted to scientific dissemination and astro-learning: El Parque Astronómico de La Punta. The cloudless sky remains invariable and improved. 

The alternatives to visit the region’s musts abound. There’s a planetarium; the Solar de las Miradas, a thematic venue with replicas of pre-telescopic tools; the Del Big Bang a las Galaxias wall, where the first minutes of the creation of the universe are displayed in a simple and summarised way; and the 

Buenaventura Suárez observatory, perfect for people to get delighted.

4. Salto Encantado Provincial Park, Misiones

A 64 metres-high waterfall, jungle environment typical of Misiones, and history-packed experience. The Salto Encantado provincial park nests 13,227 hectares full of green and ready for you to explore. During the day, local flora and fauna watching is the popular thing to do, but the night also displays astronomic alternatives. A guide from the Mbya Guaraní nation (a branch of the Guaraní people) explains the local outlook on the cosmos and the legends around the region.

River sounds in the background, and the starlights turn the landscape into the perfect scene to connect with nature in its purest state. The clean air offers us countless lights portrayed among the myths of Argentina’s original towns.

5. Capilla del Monte, Córdoba

A city located at the foot of the Cerro Uritorco hill, at 1,979 metres above sea level. The Córdoba elevation is famous for hiding alien and energetic mysteries, so the link with the cosmos reflected sky-high is direct. As a matter of fact, Capilla del Monte has the first Argentina’s accommodation with certified sky for astrotourism by the Starlight International Foundation, an entity protecting night skies, astronomy dissemination, and local sustainable economic development through this kind of tourism. A great approval to observe Córdoba’s night from another point of view and get immersed in intense darkness, only guided by the twinkling lights above. Star tourism at its peak. 

6. Ampimpa Observatory, Tucumán

The north says hi in the star route. All destinations that make up the North of Argentina throw a light party among shadows, but the Ampimpa city (at 2,500 metres above sea level) has one of the most educational observatories in the country. Eighty percent of the tasks undertaken in the Ampimpa observatory are devoted to teaching about the solar system. 

An outstanding telescope allows us to contemplate the Milky Way closely, which gets reflected in a white screen, establishing a transcendental connection. Mountains and amazing landscapes surround it to crown the experience.

7. Janaxpacha Huasi Municipal Planetarium in Aconquija, Catamarca

Janaxpacha Huasi means sky house in Quechua. That’s the cover letter. Isn’t it enough to know that the Catamarca unmissable is really promising? The planetarium rises at 2,000 metres among green valleys and mountains, making possible a world view among dazzling points perfectly and harmoniously laid out. The building has two floors: the first one with seats to enjoy a sky screening, and the second one with telescopes to take control of the experience and lean out on the vastness surrounding us. 

8. Salinas del Gualicho, Río Negro

Patagonia beholds imposing oases that welcome tourists from all over the globe. The attraction is clear: endlessly white canopy and water mirrors perfectly reflecting the light blue sky. Even though the albino shades from the salt are typical, orange hues dye the landscape when the sun sets gradually, leading to the deep darkness of the night. That is when the stars are the main figures. 

Bonus track

Campo del Cielo, Chaco

Did you know that 4,500 years ago, a fascinating meteor shower spread over Chaco? The Argentinian province witnessed this historical phenomenon that was recorded in the ground and culture. In this case, astrotourism is represented by the crater generated by the collision, which can be seen today. It gives goosebumps even to the most sceptical! The gem of the Pigüen N'onaxá Natural and Cultural Reserve is El Chaco meteor, considered the meteor with the world’s third largest mass. 

Galileo Galilei Planetarium, Buenos Aires

This is the city of Buenos Aires’ turn. Even though it doesn’t have a clear sky as it is Argentina’s capital, it is impossible not to mention it in this note. A walk around Buenos Aires’ seductive places can combine star contemplation with cosmos deep learning. Built in 1960, the planetarium located in the Palermo neighbourhood has screening rooms, exhibitions, a museum, robotic and 4D technology audiovisual exhibitions, and even simulators. The perfect place to take a break from urban tourism.

What’s the Best Time of the Year for Astrotourism?

The Milky Way and its twinkling mates can be observed below skies free from light pollution during the whole year. So, every season fulfils the promise. The question is not when but where. Yet, the Argentinian winter (from June to September) is a good ally for taking night pictures (hot temperatures raise the camera heat) and watching the diverse constellations. Obviously, the only negative point is the cold typical of the season, so we suggest you wear several layers of warm clothes. If you plan your adventure for summer, you won’t be disappointed, either. 

Tip: To watch the Milky Way, organise your journey when the moon is not so shiny; its light is too strong, and it will catch your attention.

Pieces of Advice to Capture the Sky with Your Camera

We won’t lie to you: the equipment is a key factor when taking pictures at night. So, whenever there is a good camera and tripod (essential), everything will turn out great. The indispensable condition is a charged battery and several spare ones. But now, take down the following tips to keep a record of the starry sky on unforgettable postcards:

• Use manual focus. The automatic focus is not useful for these, cases since it is set up in a way it doesn’t allow capturing the night well.
• Keep ISO low so that it doesn’t make so much noise, the diaphragm should be wide open, and the shutter speed at 15 seconds.
• The darker the surroundings, the better. That way, the camera can absorb the skylight!
• Take sample pictures first so that you know what to adjust.
• Search for inspirational references beforehand. For example, browse Pinterest, which works really well for this. Why? So that you get as creative as possible and know what to look for in an open field.
• If you’re planning to stay a long while until you get the picture you want, think of bringing a chair to rest your legs from time to time.
• The edition is everything: try to make peace with specific software, such as Photoshop and Lightroom, to make changes to your picture in post-production until you get what you want. 
• You’ll need a torch to light up the trail, but it can also be an interesting object to play with shadows, lights, and focal points.
• Be very patient!