The mayor of Vicuña, Mario Aros Carvajal, highlighted the impact of the initiative beyond its recreational dimension, underscoring its direct effect on the local economy. In his assessment, the increase in tourist traffic during the event translated into more visitors staying in local accommodations, spending in restaurants, cafés and shops, and generally driving activity in the town. The mayor also emphasized that benefits are shared broadly when the community is involved in high-impact projects that strengthen the destination’s tourism image and foster pride among residents.
One of the most notable aspects of the weekend was the strong presence of families, reinforcing the growing trend of astrotourism as both an educational and recreational intergenerational experience. Julia, a visitor from Santiago who traveled with her children after learning about the initiative on social media, described the excitement of experiencing a different kind of night in a setting that was safe and designed for learning. Her children observed the stars through a telescope for the first time, a milestone that is not likely to be forgotten. Accessibility, close interaction with experts and the constant sense of wonder under the night sky all helped strengthen Vicuña’s image as an ideal destination for family holidays.
The astrotourism operators themselves also expressed their satisfaction with the results. At Alfa Aldea, astronomer Marco Rudolffi described the event as a tremendous success, highlighting the public’s response and the clear confirmation that there is genuine interest in exploring the universe from a privileged place in the world. For him, opening doors and creating equitable access to astronomical knowledge is a fundamental part of the role observatories play within the community. Meanwhile, Alfredo Burgos from observatory Omega noted that demand exceeded expectations to the point that they had to increase their capacity, with most visitors coming from La Serena, Coquimbo and Santiago — a sign that an especially promising summer season lies ahead for tourism in the area.
The success of the initiative is part of Vicuña’s broader strategy to continue expanding its international leadership in scientific tourism. The quality of the Elqui Valley sky, protected by lighting regulations and conservation efforts, attracts thousands of travelers every year, motivated by contemplation and the discovery of the cosmos. At the same time, the local community benefits from an economic model that does not depend solely on the summer season, but finds in astronomy a permanent competitive advantage capable of generating jobs, strengthening small businesses and promoting the cultural identity of the territory.
The weekend in Vicuña confirms that astrotourism is far more than a niche activity: it is a concrete opportunity for sustainable development that inspires new generations, positions the destination on the world map and reinforces the conviction that gazing at the stars from the Elqui Valley is a transformative experience that will continue to captivate visitors from around the globe.
