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Celebrate the Year of Astronomy

9th March 2009 Print
The International Year of Astronomy (2009) is now underway and to celebrate, specialist tour operator Journey Latin America has announced its top stargazing destinations across Latin America.

Budding astronomers are urged to consider exploring the night skies in Chile, Antarctica and Mexico, all renowned destinations for both professional and amateur stargazers. For those who catch the bug in 2009, Journey Latin America is also offering packages for the total solar eclipse, which can be viewed from Easter Island in 2010.

Further details on all of the packages below can be found by visiting: journeylatinamerica.com

The Atacama Desert, Chile
Extending from the Pacific Ocean to the Andes, the Atacama desert lies in a high plateau in Northern Chile which is one of the hottest, driest places on earth. Sparsely populated and virtually rainless, the Atacama is known as one of the world’s best stargazing locations. Spend a peaceful seven nights in Chile, horse riding over sand dunes or mountain biking across desert salt flats, before soaking in Atacama’s natural hot springs. The observation tower next to the luxury hotel is the perfect spot for nights spent staring at the stars.

A 10-night holiday in Chile staying 8 nights at the explora hotel en Atacama and 2 nights in the capital, Santiago, starts from £3,376 per person. The price includes 10 nights’ accommodation in first class hotels, full board and alcoholic drinks in San Pedro, all excursions in the Atacama desert and transport. Flights start from £855 per person with Lan from London Heathrow via Madrid.

Antarctica
Antarctica’s high plateau and calm atmospheric air patterns offers unparalleled visibility for the keen stargazer. Regarded as the world’s last untouched wilderness, a 10-day cruise through Antarctica gives an overview of the continent’s most appealing features from penguin rockeries to historic landing sites and landscapes including Drake Passage and the Antarctic Peninsula. In the evenings, relax on the top deck whilst staring at the stars.

Save £606 pp on a 10-night cruise to Antarctica. A 12-night holiday including international flights, 1 night in Buenos Aires, 1 night in Ushuaia and a 10-night cruise aboard the Professor Molchanov starts from £5,485 per person.

Yucatán Coast, Mexico
The Yucatán coast of Mexico, home of the ancient Mayan culture, has strong historical links with astrology and celestial bodies, since its people are known as the world’s ancient astronomers. The modern Mexican skies still offer exceptional conditions for the keen astrologers with clear skies set against ancient Mayan ruins. Take in the ceremonial centre of Edzna and the ruins of Chichén Itza before visiting Kohunlich to see the three metre-high stucco masks of the Sun God.

Journey Latin America’s ‘Mysteries of the Maya’ package includes 8 days and 7 nights exploring the lesser-known Mayan sites on Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula. Prices start from £1,124 per person, excluding international flights. International flights with Continental from Gatwick via Houston start from £545 including taxes.

Total solar eclipse on Easter Island – 11th July 2010
For those who catch the stargazing bug in 2009, on Sunday 11th July 2010 a total eclipse of the Sun will be visible from the southern hemisphere, with Easter Island said to benefit from the best views and the longest ‘totality’ of up to five minutes. Many hotels are already booked up for this event but Journey Latin America has limited availability left for those who wish to see the natural wonder for themselves.

A three-night stay at the explora en Rapa Nui Hotel currently starts from £1,550 per person. The price includes all meals, alcoholic drinks, excursions and transfers but excludes international flights. Prices for 2010 are available upon request. Flights to Easter Island with LAN from London Heathrow, via Madrid and Santiago, start from £1,100 per person.

For more information, visit Journeylatinamerica.co.uk.