Please note that visitors are received by appointment only.
Antofagasta Harbour, Chile
The ESO Office in Antofagasta is an administrative centre that supports the operation of Paranal Observatory and serves as connection between Paranal and the rest of the ESO sites in Chile. It serves as a contact point for postal mail to the Observatory, transportation to/from the site and deals with enquiries from the general public concerning tourist visits to Paranal.
How to reach ESO Antofagasta
Antofagasta is an important harbour located in the Atacama Desert, about 1130 kilometres north of Santiago. It is one of the most important cities in the northern part of Chile and it is possible to get there by air or overland. ESO's office in Antofagasta is located downtown, in Avenida Balmaceda 2536, oficina 504, as shown in this map.
Arriving by plane
Flights to Antofagasta land at the Cerro Moreno Airport, located 25 kilometres north of Antofagasta. The easiest way to reach the ESO's office in Antofagasta from there is by taxi. The journey takes 30 minutes and the cost is around CLP 15 000 (EUR 21).
It is also possible to rent a car with one of the official companies at the airport such as Econorent, Alamo, Budget and Hertz.
For driving directions, please check this map.
Arriving by car
If you arrive in Antofagasta by car from the south or the north you can reach the city from the Panamerican highway via the La Negra exit.
For driving directions, please check the separate map.
Accommodation in Antofagasta
The main hotels in Antofagasta are located downtown, just a few blocks from the ESO office. ESO guests normally stay at the following hotels:
Restaurants in Antofagasta
Antofagasta has several restaurants with different cuisines and prices. ESO staff and guests normally use the restaurants of the hotels listed above and the restaurant of Club de Yates.
Further information on restaurants in Antofagasta is available on external pages.
Public transport
Public transport in Antofagasta consists of buses, taxis and "colectivos" — taxis for four people that follow a specific route. As this is not an interconnected system and since distances within the city are fairly short, the easiest way to move through the city is by taxi.
ESO facilities in Antofagasta
The ESO Office in Antofagasta is an administrative point — the last before reaching Paranal — and serves as liaison between Paranal and the rest of the sites in Chile. It is also an important contact point for the authorities and the people of the neighbouring communities such as Taltal, Calama and San Pedro de Atacama.