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Magellan Project: What to Expect

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This exclusive expedition is designed for MIT alumni and friends who are interested in learning about the astronomy of the Southern Hemisphere and some of northern Chile's major observatories as well as the history, culture, and natural landscapes and wildlife of the region.

Walks are approximately one mile long (sometimes over uneven terrain) and can be longer at the participant's discretion. The altitude in San Pedro de Atacama, where we spend three nights, is 8,000 feet. On the day we visit the geysers of El Tatio we reach an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet for a few hours and some altitudes on the roads to our destinations can reach approximately 14,000 feet. All the hotels are located at comfortable altitudes. Since some of the travel will be in remote areas, flexibility is required concerning time schedules, food, dirt roads, weather, and dust.

To enjoy your MIT travel experience, participants must be in good physical and mental health, and be able to keep up with the pace of the group. Program participants requiring extraordinary assistance must be accompanied by someone who can and will provide all required assistance. To help you choose the trip best suited for you and to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of our tour, we describe this trip as an active (level 2) program. Travel is by regular scheduled jet aircraft and bus.

Weather in Chile during July and August
During this program the group will travel north (from Santiago) and will stay in the desert and along the coast where the weather is much more temperate than one would expect for winter in northern Chile. While at the Atacama you'll find temperatures to be warm during the day and cool at night. You may need a light jacket or sweater.

• Santiago: Normally will be between 32ºF and 64ºF with cloudy nights and few rainy days in between.

• Calama/San Pedro: Minimum Temp: 26ºF (6:00 A.M.) Maximum Temp: 77ºF (1:30P.M.)

• Antofagasta: Minimum Temp: 44ºF (5:30 A.M.) Maximum Temp: 59ºF (2:30 P.M.). Visibility in Antofagasta averages 90%.

• La Serena: The average temp is 52ºF, with a minimum of 45ºF and a maximum of 59ºF. Cloudy on the coast with humidity of 81.5% and clear in the interior.

To reserve your space on this program, please call the MIT Alumni Travel Program at 800-992-6749 or email the Travel Program at compass@mit.edu.