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Atacama Desert: The World's Premier Stargazing Paradise

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, December 20th 2025 at 8:51 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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A Complete Guide to the World’s Best Stargazing Hot‑Spots

Travel & Leisure’s recent roundup, “Top 5 Destinations for Stargazing,” takes readers on a celestial tour of the planet’s most spectacular dark‑sky locales. The article not only lists five sites that rank at the top of the stargazing world, but also dives into why each destination is ideal for night‑time astronomy, how to get there, and what local experiences help bring the cosmos to life. Below is a full‑length summary of every destination highlighted, along with the extra context the piece gives through its embedded links.

1. Atacama Desert, Chile

The Atacama Desert is widely regarded as the “world’s best place for stargazing.” The article stresses its combination of ultra‑dry air, high altitude, and negligible light pollution, which creates some of the clearest skies on the planet. The author points out that the desert sits above 7,000 ft (2,100 m) in many areas, reducing atmospheric distortion that can blur stars.

What you’ll find

• Professional observatories – The Paranal Observatory (home to the Very Large Telescope) and the European Southern Observatory’s La Silla Observatory sit just a few miles away. Visitors can book a guided tour of the facilities, offering a behind‑the‑scenes look at the world’s most advanced telescopes.
• Stargazing tours – Local operators such as “Atacama Stargazing Tours” provide night‑time trips that include a portable telescope, a local guide, and a brief talk on the constellations visible in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Celestial events – The article notes the desert’s clear skies make it a prime spot for viewing meteor showers (such as the Eta Aquariids in May), the Leonids in November, and planetary alignments.

Practical tips (from linked subpages)

• Best time to visit – Late August to early October and late February to early March offer the clearest nights, with minimal cloud cover.
• Accommodations – The “Oasis Atacama” and “Pampa Grande Lodge” cater to stargazers, featuring large windows and telescopes on site.
• Travel logistics – Travelers should fly into Calama (CLM) and then take a 3‑hour drive to San Pedro de Atacama. The town is the best base for night‑time excursions.

2. Maui, Hawaii

Maui’s appeal as a stargazing destination comes from its location on the Pacific Ocean and its volcanic landscapes that create a naturally dark environment. The Travel & Leisure piece highlights two key spots: Haleakala National Park and the Mauna Kea summit.

Haleakala National Park

• Day‑night experience – While Haleakala’s sunrise is famous for its colors, its night sky offers equally stunning views. The park’s visitor center provides a “Stargazing 101” guide that includes a brief overview of the constellations visible from the island.
• Accessibility – The article notes that the park’s 10,000‑foot ridge is accessible to visitors of all ages, and the park’s “Starlight Stroll” is a free, self‑guided walk at night.

Mauna Kea

• Scientific importance – Mauna Kea hosts world‑class observatories, including the W. M. Keck Observatory and the James C. Henderson Telescope. The article links to an internal “Mauna Kea Observatory Tours” page, which explains how guided tours are available to the public, subject to strict environmental and cultural regulations.
• Travel considerations – The peak is only accessible by a private tour (or a 4‑wheel‑drive vehicle) and requires visitors to acclimate to altitude. The article emphasizes the need for proper permits and respecting the local Mauna Kea Cultural Center.

Tips for stargazers

• Best months – Mid‑April to mid‑November see the clearest skies; the article’s “Maui Stargazing Calendar” details peak meteor shower dates.
• Accommodation – Upscale resorts such as “Four Seasons Maui” or boutique lodges like “The Ritz‑Carlton, Kapalua” offer “Stargazing Nights” packages.

3. Big Bend National Park, Texas

A remote slice of the Chihuahuan Desert, Big Bend National Park is lauded for being the “most astronomically dark” area in the contiguous United States. The article’s link to the “Big Bend Astronomy Festival” provides deeper insight into the park’s night‑time offerings.

What the festival covers

• Stargazing parties – Monthly events hosted by the park’s visitor center featuring large telescopes and guest speakers.
• Night hikes – Guided night hikes that explain the local flora, fauna, and the sky’s constellations.
• Astronomy lectures – A lecture series that dives into the science behind eclipses, comets, and the Milky Way.

Practical advice

• Location – The park is a three‑hour drive from El Paso; the article recommends staying at the “Chisos Mountains Lodge” or nearby “Cactus Ranch” for easier access to the night sky.
• Best time – September to November offers the coolest temperatures and the clearest skies.
• Safety – Travelers should bring flashlights, blankets, and adequate water, as the park’s remote location means few resources at night.

4. Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is famed for its red‑rock scenery, but the article notes that it’s also an International Dark‑Sky Preserve—one of only a handful of U.S. locations to receive that designation. The linked “Sedona Stargazing Events” page lists several recurring night‑time activities.

Highlights

• Star parties – Hosted at the “Sedona Astronomical Society” on the first Thursday of each month, with telescopes ranging from 8‑inch to 14‑inch.
• Planetarium shows – The “Sedona Observatory” hosts a monthly show that focuses on the Southern sky.
• Cultural astronomy – Indigenous Navajo interpretations of the constellations are presented during the “Red Rocks Stargazing” event.

Additional context

• Optimal viewing – The article underscores that the best nights are from late October to early March, when the sky is at its darkest.
• Accommodations – The “Enchantment Resort” offers “Stargazing Evenings” where guests can view the sky from the resort’s “Stargazing Deck.” Budget travelers can stay at “Larkspur Lodge” and still enjoy a clear night sky.

5. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Lake Tahoe, though often associated with winter sports, becomes a stellar playground during the summer months. The article’s link to “Lake Tahoe Dark Sky Nights” explains how the basin’s high elevation and minimal light pollution create a favorable environment.

Key points

• Clear skies – The Tahoe Basin sits at an elevation of 6,225 ft (1,897 m), and its lakeside location provides a “flat horizon” that’s ideal for deep‑sky observation.
• Community events – The “Tahoe Astronomical Society” holds monthly “Night Sky” gatherings at the “Tahoe Dome.” These events feature amateur astronomers with telescopes ranging from 4‑inch to 12‑inch.
• Unique features – Tourists can enjoy the “Moonlit Lake Cruise,” a nighttime boat ride that offers a panoramic view of the Milky Way reflected on the water.

Travel guidance

• When to go – The summer months (June–August) offer long, clear nights. Early fall (September) still has good visibility but with cooler temperatures.
• Where to stay – “Northstar Resort” and “The Ritz‑Carlton, Lake Tahoe” both have “Stargazing Packages,” while “Sierra Vista Lodge” provides a more intimate, budget‑friendly experience.
• Access – The article notes that the “South Lake Tahoe” side has a well‑lit drive that still preserves dark skies. However, visitors should stay within the “Dark Sky Zones” designated by the Sierra Nevada County Parks.

Putting It All Together

Travel & Leisure’s piece not only lists these five top destinations but also supplies actionable details for each:

Final Takeaway

Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a curious traveler, the article makes it clear that the world’s best stargazing spots are accessible with a little planning. The destinations highlighted span the globe—from the high‑altitude deserts of Chile to the volcanic vistas of Maui—and each offers unique opportunities to witness the night sky in its most unfiltered form. By following the embedded links, you can dive deeper into observatory tours, local star parties, and the practicalities of visiting each location—turning a simple night out into an unforgettable cosmic adventure.