Las Campanas Observatory, Astronomical observatory near La Serena, Chile
The Observatoire de Las Campanas is an astronomical observatory in the Atacama Desert, near La Serena in northern Chile, sitting at around 8,200 feet (2,500 meters) above sea level. It houses several telescopes, including two Magellan telescopes each with a 6.5-meter mirror, operated by the Carnegie Institution of Washington.
The observatory was established by the Carnegie Institution of Washington in the 1960s and officially opened in 1971. Over the following decades, new instruments were added, and the site grew into one of the leading locations for astronomical research in the Southern Hemisphere.
The observatory takes its name from the bell-shaped rocks found nearby, which the Spanish word "campanas" refers to. Visitors today can see how the entire rhythm of the site revolves around nightfall, with daytime activity kept low so that instruments can work without interference after dark.
The site is located in a remote, dry mountain area well outside the city, so having your own transport makes the visit much easier. Access is typically through organized guided tours, which may include daytime visits as well as evening sessions under the night sky.
The site is already home to part of the construction work for the Giant Magellan Telescope, a future instrument that will use seven mirror segments working together as a single surface over 80 feet (24 meters) across. When complete, it is expected to be one of the largest optical telescopes ever built.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
