Top stargazing spots for your next trip
What's the story
As travelers continue to look for unique experiences under the night sky, astro-tourism is becoming increasingly popular. Combining camping with stargazing, this form of tourism offers an opportunity to witness celestial wonders at some of the world's most incredible locations. With clear skies and minimum light pollution, these campgrounds are perfect for stargazing, planet gazing, or even witnessing meteor showers. Here are some details of international campgrounds that offer amazing stargazing opportunities.
Atacama Insight
Chile's Atacama Desert: A stargazer's paradise
The Atacama Desert in Chile is famous for its clear skies and high altitude, making it one of the best places on Earth for stargazing. The desert's dry climate promises minimal cloud cover year-round. Visitors can enjoy guided tours with powerful telescopes or simply lie back and gaze at the Milky Way. The region boasts several observatories that make it a premier destination for astro-tourists.
Aoraki Mackenzie Insight
New Zealand's Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
New Zealand's Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve features pristine conditions for witnessing celestial phenomena. Spanning over 4,000sqkm, this reserve is the only one of its kind in the world and is known for its efforts to preserve dark skies. You can explore various campsites within the reserve while enjoying unobstructed views of constellations and galaxies. Natural beauty combined with astronomical wonders makes it a must-visit.
Namibrand Insight
Namibia's Namibrand Nature Reserve: Celestial splendor
Namibia's NamibRand Nature Reserve makes for an exceptional astro-tourism destination with its expansive landscapes and low levels of light pollution. As one of the first Dark Sky Reserves in Africa, it presents unique opportunities to spot stars against dramatic desert backdrops. Campers can opt for guided night-walks or simply chill below star-studded skies, learning about southern hemisphere constellations from expert guides.
Canary Islands insight
Spain's Canary Islands: Volcanic views & starry nights
The Canary Islands, off the coast of northwest Africa, provide an unparalleled stargazing experience atop Mount Teide National Park in Tenerife Island. The pleasant weather guarantees clear skies throughout the year, making it an ideal spot to witness the Perseid Meteor Shower in August. The islands are a perfect spot for astronomers and travelers who want to witness celestial spectacles without a telescope.