Astronomical Photography in Atacama's Dark Skies with Nico

duration
6 days · 5 nights
travel date
May 13 – 18, 2026
activity level
Light/Moderate
group size
7
transportation
Van
Your TourHero
tourhero
Nico Carver
bio

Hi, I'm Nico, and I point my camera up towards the heavens to freeze light in time. You'll find my astrophotography work on my Instagram page. I love to share my passion with like-minded people, and that's why I've organized this astrophotography trip to Chile. I can't wait to see what we'll capture there

Chile > Astronomical Photography in Atacama's Dark Skies with Nico

Beneath the darkest skies on Earth, we’ll chase the unseen, capturing galaxies, nebulae, and the raw beauty of the Atacama Desert at night. This astrophotography trip to Chile is more than just a journey — it’s an immersive experience in deep space imaging, long-exposure mastery, and pushing the boundaries of what a camera can see. With hands-on workshops, night-long shooting sessions, and surreal landscapes as our backdrop, every moment is a chance to create something extraordinary. Let's go share the passion and hone our craft together.

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · May 13, 2026 · San Pedro de Atacama
Arrive at Calama Airport
Group transfer from airport to accommodation
Check-in at Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama (or similar according to availability)
Free time
Welcome dinner
Sunset to sunrise astrophotography session
Day 2 · May 14, 2026 · San Pedro de Atacama
Breakfast
Half-day Atacama salt flat and Chaxa Lagoon visit (optional, see add-ons)
Lunch at hotel (with starter, main course, desert, and a glass of wine or drink)
Astrophotography workshop
Dinner at hotel (with starter, main course, desert, and a glass of wine or drink)
Sunset to sunrise astrophotography session
Day 3 · May 15, 2026 · San Pedro de Atacama
Breakfast
Free time
Half-day Tatio Geysers tour (optional, see add-ons)
Lunch at hotel
Astrophotography workshop
Dinner at hotel
Night time photography excursion in the desert (4 hours)
Return to hotel
Sunset to sunrise astrophotography session
Day 4 · May 16, 2026 · San Pedro de Atacama
Breakfast
Half-day Rainbow Valley visit (optional, see add-ons)
Lunch at hotel
Astrophotography workshop
Dinner at hotel
Sunset to sunrise astrophotography session
Day 5 · May 17, 2026 · San Pedro de Atacama
Breakfast
Half-day Puritama Hot Springs (optional, see add-ons)
Lunch at hotel
Astrophotography workshop
Dinner at hotel
Sunset to sunrise astrophotography session
Day 6 · May 18, 2026 · Departure
Breakfast
Check out of accommodation
Private transfer from accommodation to Calama Airport
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · May 13, 2026
Touchdown in the darkest skies

-Welcome to Chile! After arriving at Calama Airport, we’ll transfer as a group to our base in San Pedro de Atacama, one of the world’s best stargazing destinations.

-Settle into the stunning Hotel Cumbres and take some time to soak in the high-altitude desert vibes.

-In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner — great food, great company, and an intro to what lies ahead.

-The real magic begins after dark: our first sunset-to-sunrise astrophotography session beneath the pristine Atacama skies. This is where the adventure truly begins.

Day 2 · May 14, 2026
Mastering the night

-After a relaxed breakfast, the day is yours to explore. Opt for an optional visit to the otherworldly Atacama Salt Flats and Chaxa Lagoon, where flamingos wade through mirrored landscapes.

-Following a delicious hotel lunch, we’ll dive into an astrophotography workshop, sharpening our skills before another all-night session in the field.

-With minimal light pollution and some of the clearest skies on Earth, every click of the shutter is a chance to capture something extraordinary.

Day 3 · May 15, 2026
Refining our craft

-Fuel up with breakfast, then enjoy free time to explore San Pedro or rest up before another night under the cosmos.

-After lunch, we continue honing our craft in an in-depth astrophotography workshop.

-Tonight, we push deeper into the desert for a special night excursion, capturing long exposures of surreal landscapes and celestial light. When we return, the stars will still be calling. Keep shooting for as long as you want until sunrise.

Day 4 · May 16, 2026
Capturing the colors of heaven and Earth

-This morning, you have the option to explore Rainbow Valley, a geological wonder of vibrant mineral-rich rock formations.

-Back at the hotel, we refuel with lunch before another workshop, where we refine our techniques and learn post-processing tricks.

-As darkness falls, we embark on yet another sunset-to-sunrise astrophotography session, each night offering something new. Will we see a meteor streaking across the Milky Way?

Day 5 · May 17, 2026
One last night hunting the stars

-After breakfast, those who want to unwind can take an optional trip to the Puritama Hot Springs, a hidden oasis in the desert.

-The afternoon is dedicated to one last workshop, perfecting our shots before our final astrophotography session.

-As the sun sets and the stars come out to play, we get one last chance to capture the breathtaking dark skies of the Atacama. Let’s make every shot count.

Day 6 · May 18, 2026
Farewell to the Cosmos

-After one final desert sunrise, we’ll gather for breakfast and say our goodbyes.

-With memory cards full of celestial wonders and hearts full of inspiration, we check out and transfer to Calama Airport.

-The journey may end here, but the images and the experience will last forever. I can't wait to see everyone's works of art!

Tour Price
From USD 3,634
per person
Flexible payment plans available
11 people are interested
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Your fellow explorers
Age range
21+
Travel interest
Photography, astronomy, nature, outdoors
Fellow Travelers
1 total travelers
Jan
Your local guide
Explorers at heart, the team at Say Hueque have been making travel dreams come true since 1999. Based in Argentina and bolstered with ample experience in creating sustainable and immersive experiences focused on destinations in South America, the company is passionate about combining local knowledge with the highest international industry standards to deliver intimate, authentic, and unforgettable experiences for every guest. Say Hueque works closely with a network of more than 50 small and family-run operators. The team is also embraces a carbon negative stance, offsetting carbon emissions from all trips — no single-use plastics are used on their excursions, and the company also plants a tree for every traveler, in effect reforesting the lands that you traverse. Every guide is equipped with the valuable training and expert knowledge needed to run tours safely and efficiently. Let them take care of the nitty gritty details for you — all you have to do is let the adventure unfold!
Highly recommended, especially for individual travellers who don´t want to spend weeks on planning their perfect trip. Say Hueque customized a perfect itinerary according to my wishes and I just had an amazing time! High quality of accommodations, transfers and tours. Always very responsive and helpful. There were minor "issues" but Say Hueque made an effort to compensate. All in all I would definitely travel again with Say Hueque!
Martha Vogl-Bader
19 day Bespoke Agrentina Trip in February/March 2020 – Based upon our suggested itinerary, Laura at Say Hueque put together a great trip which included visiting Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Salta, Cachi and Cafayate. All arrangements made were superb. Guillermo treated us to a fantastic walking trip in the north side of central BA. Such a charming and helpful guide. Enjoyed wine tasting in Mendoza. Loved Salta, such a wonderful laid back city. Experienced a great road trip from Salta to Cachi and then on to Cafayate with more great wine testing. Sadly due to Covid 19 we had to abandon our trip and missed out on our itinerary travelling north of Salta and then missing Iguazu Falls. Amendment of our arrangements were handled very well by Laura enabling us to avoid being stranded in Argentina before flights were suspended. Say Hueque are highly recommended.
Lucy
Best trip of my life! We were supposed to go on a trip to Bolivia but had to cancel it last minute due to the unrest in Bolivia. We managed to find this amazing tour 2 days before we were scheduled to fly out and Karen was supportive throughout the whole process. Our last minute tour was a blessing in disguise because the highlight of the trip was trekking to Perito Moreno Glacier. This experience was the best thing I've ever done in my life! Our guide on this experience Jorge was so friendly! Also, our guide in Buenos Aires Marines was amazing as well, so funny and helpful. I would definitely want to book with them next time I go to Argentina! Thanks for these experiences of a lifetime Say Hueque!
Sandravlinh
Accommodation
Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama (or similar according to availability)

Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama offers guests a luxurious retreat in the heart of the Atacama Desert, just 2 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama. Each of the 60 spacious rooms, measuring 52 square meters, features a private terrace, indoor and outdoor showers, air conditioning, heating, and cable TV, blending modern comfort with rustic charm. The hotel boasts three outdoor swimming pools, two heated open-air pools, a fully equipped fitness center, and a spa offering massages and beauty treatments inspired by the desert's mystical landscapes. Guests can savor local cuisine at the on-site Kunza Restaurant and enjoy drinks at the bar. Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi in common areas, complimentary shuttle service to the town center, and an exploration center for organizing excursions, ensuring a comfortable and enriching stay. Room type: Single occupancy.

Included
  • 5 nights in Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama (or similar)

  • Single occupancy in accommodation

  • All meals

  • Astrophotography workshops

  • Nightly sunset to sunrise astrophotography session in private stargazing and photography area (AC power available for gear)

  • Night photography excursion in the desert

  • One group airport arrival transfer

  • One group airport departure transfer

Not included
  • Photography gear

  • Flights

  • All food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions

  • Optional add-ons

  • Travel insurance

  • Gratuities

FAQ
Cancellation policy

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Mar 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -3), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.

If you cancel your trip from Mar 10, 2026 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT -3) onwards, no refunds will be issued.

You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.

Trip disclaimer
To offer the best group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers. If that number isn't met—or if unexpected events occur (such as force majeure)—TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may need to cancel or reschedule.


If changes happen: You'll be notified by Mar 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -3), and if the trip is canceled or rescheduled beyond your control, you'll get a full refund. We'll always update you at least 7 days in advance if this date changes.


Book smart: We recommend refundable flights and accommodations to protect your plans from any last-minute changes.

Available add-ons
Day 2 · May 14 · San Pedro de Atacama
Half-Day Atacama Salt Flat & Chaxa Lagoon visit
USD 89.50
13 spots left
Day 5 · May 17 · San Pedro de Atacama
Half-Day Puritama Hot Springs
USD 121
13 spots left
Day 3 · May 15 · San Pedro de Atacama
Half-Day Tatio Geysers
USD 168.50
13 spots left
Day 4 · May 16 · San Pedro de Atacama
Half-Day Rainbow Valley tour
USD 73.75
13 spots left