Astrotourism refers to a type of tourism that focuses mainly on making trips for the development of activities related to astronomy. In astronomical tourism, the plan is to observe the sky, the stars, the planets, either through telescopes or with the naked eye.
In addition, astrotourism also includes activities such as camping, visiting astronomical and planetary museums, attending different events related to stars and planets, and much more.
Astrotourism is directly related to sustainable and scientific tourism. The practice of this type of tourism has promoted the protection of spaces free of light pollution. In this way, the night sky will be perfect to be able to freely observe the stars.
Additionally, astronomical tourism is emerging as one of the most important activities to mitigate climate change and make people aware of the importance of caring for the planet, showing them the beauty and natural wealth we have.
Throughout the world, there are several places where you can do astrotourism, an opportunity to disconnect from everyday life and enjoy a unique and educational experience.
These are the top 5 destinations in the world that have all the perfect environmental characteristics to achieve a unique vision.
San Juan - Argentina:
Argentina has become one of the places that has invested the most in astronomical tourism. Being San Juan Province recognized as the capital of astrotourism worldwide. The reason? The San Juan sky during most of the year remains completely clear. To be more exact, there are 300 nights without clouds and with a very light wind. And precisely for this reason, night visibility is absolutely wonderful.
This Argentine city has the great El Leoncito Astronomical Complex, the Félix Aguilar Observatory, the Reinaldo Carestia Astronomical Museum and the Carlos U. Cesco High Station. Each of these observatories offers tourists the chance to enjoy an extraordinary view. In addition, you can take guided tours with astronomy professionals to enjoy astrotourism in the most spectacular way. The nights of San Juan are ideal for stargazing since each of these sites has little light pollution and is easily accessible. They are ideal places for observing with the naked eye, with binoculars and telescopes, or for practicing astrophotography.
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Atacama Desert - Chile:
The Atacama Desert is known as the driest place on the planet and, for this reason, its characteristics are so particular. Its rock formations are amazing. Also, watching the sunrise in this place is an amazing experience. Being able to appreciate different colors in the sky is pure magic.
Hawaii Volcanoes:
Here is the Mauna Kea volcano that houses one of the most important astronomical observatories on the entire planet. Its location is more than 4,200 meters above sea level and with that, there is not much more to say. Tourists are amazed by its sunsets and starry skies.
La Palma, Canary Islands:
In La Palma you can see the open and clear sky, due to the conditions of the place that are perfect for observing the stars more clearly. Another increasingly popular destination for the practice of astrotourism.
Aoraki National Park - New Zealand:
Mount Cook is the highest mountain in the country, and right there is one of the main International Dark Sky Reserves. Its attractiveness? Nothing less than the possibility of observing the Aurora Australis, in addition to the South Star, or, also, the famous Magellanic Clouds.
Astrotourism is a relatively new phenomenon and is exploring all its possibilities; and although it is still little known to many, this trend has been gaining more and more followers. It's a chance to see the universe in a whole new way and learn about space science in an exciting way.
