Visits to ESO Sites

This page is available in Spanish on our Chilean web site.

Visits to the Facilities in Chile

ESO is happy to welcome tourists, students, journalists and TV crews at its La Silla and Paranal sites, as well as journalists and TV crews to the ALMA site in Chile. The capacity of the facilities is limited, therefore visits are organized in such a way that they do not disturb the work at the observatories.

Please note that all media visits require authorization in advance by the ESO education and Public Outreach Department. You can find guidelines for media visits here.

ESO Observatories Topographic Route Map. Credit: ESO

Public Visits to Paranal Observatory

Tourist and student visits to Paranal Observatory are scheduled every Saturday at 10:00 or 14:00. Prior registration is always necessary. Please check the Weekend Visits to Paranal page for further information and the registration form.

Public Visits to La Silla Observatory

La Silla Observatory is open for public visits every Saturday at 10:00 or 14:00, except in July and August. Prior registration is always necessary. Please check the Weekend Visits to La Silla page for further information and the registration form.

Public Visits to the ALMA OSF

Tourist and student visits to the ALMA Operations Support Facility (OSF) are scheduled every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 to 13:00. Prior registration is necessary. Please check the Weekend Visits to ALMA page for further information and the registration form. For safety reasons, the Array Operations Site (AOS) on Chajnantor plateau (where antennas are located) is not open to visitors.

Public Visits to ESO Vitacura Offices in Santiago

Unfortunately no public visits to ESO Vitacura Offices are currently possible. Media representatives should contact the ESO education and Public Outreach Department in advance to obtain an appointment.

Visits to ESO Headquarters in Garching, Germany

Unfortunately no public visits to ESO Headquarters in Garching are currently possible. Media representatives should contact the ESO education and Public Outreach Department in advance to obtain an appointment.