Astrotourism in Argentine Patagonia: 6 places worth visiting

Argentine Patagonia has the charm of a region that steals the hearts of all those who visit it. In addition to classic tourist symbols and new destinations, astronomy finds a special place for travel enthusiasts, especially those who want to contemplate stellar phenomena.

From the most remote corners to national parks, this vast territory in the south of the country characterized by dark and clear skies, ideal for observing stars, planets and other celestial bodies. Here are some tips for planning your next trip to South America.

Lanin National Park in Neuquén is a great place for stargazing. Here, the combination of high mountains and clear skies creates unique conditions for astronomical observations.

Another option can be found in the north of the province in Los Bolillos, on the coast of the Varvarco River, and in Las Ovejas, a city located in a valley and surrounded by mountains, whose clear skies, scanty rainfall and lack of light pollution invite you to discover the constellations.

Rural tourism and astrotourism are perfectly combined in this area. And for camping enthusiasts, the areas of Bariloche and El Bolson are special due to atmospheric conditions that allow you to see the stars and planets with great clarity.

But the spectacular southern sky finds in the province and other natural conditions, and can be discovered during guided walks and stories. Just 23 kilometers from San Carlos de Bariloche, in the middle of the steppe, there is an astronomical observatory where you can contemplate the magic of the cosmos in all its splendor, while on the coast, in Las Grutas, a mobile planetarium offers a variety of experiences, including guided tours astrophotography, and in Playas Doradas you can enjoy open-air space in a unique environment.

In the Rio Negro Valley, in General Roca, you can enjoy a walk at dusk until it opens breathtaking panoramic view.

Los Alerces National Park is not only a destination for nature tourism, but also an ideal destination for astrotourism. With a clean atmosphere and little light pollution, you can have an unforgettable experience under the stars.

A different experience can be had at the Trelew Astronomy Centre, which has a theme park and two observatories (at night and solar), with the help of which you can open space.

The province, famous for its glaciers, especially Perito Moreno, is also an excellent destination for astrotourism. Los Glaciares National Park, in addition to icy and mountainous landscapes, offers unrivaled conditions for observing the constellations and, if you are lucky, you will see the aurora.

The province is home to Tierra del Fuego National Park, a place where nature in its purest form meets the cosmos. There, at the southern tip of the continent, you can enjoy moonlit and starry nights.

On the other hand, the world's southernmost city, Ushuaia, is a more urban alternative, but ideal for contemplating the sky and snow-covered landscape from the coast. Recently, the magic of this part of Patagonia reached its maximum splendor when a solar storm turned the sky red and produced a wonderful southern lights.

Located in a privileged location, away from urban light pollution, La Pampa offers everything from specialized observatories to guided activities under the expansive sky. A visit to Luro Park, where you can see a sky full of stars amidst green trees, is a must on the tour for travelers choosing astronomical tourism.

Argentine Patagonia is where heaven and earth meet to create an unforgettable astronomical experience. However, the country has plenty of astrotourism offerings for all travel profiles.

San Juan's spectacular Sky Route passes through unique places such as El National Park -Leoncito and Ischigualasto Provincial Park, also known as the Valley of the Moon. In addition to this, there are observatories, astronomical viewing platforms and various spaces that combine walking, trekking and cycling, all by moonlight.

Another classic alternative is the famous Cerro -Uritorco in Cordoba, where UFO stories proliferate. On the eastern slope you will find the Puesto Pavon shelter, the first Starlight Lodge in Argentina.

Provinces such as Catamarca, Chaco, Mendoza, Buenos Aires Province and even Buenos Aires City are also have natural sites, museums and observatories that fascinate the most experienced astrotourists and are ideal for discovering not only space, but also the culture, gastronomy and history of each region.