La Serena Sights

  1. Museo Arqueológico

    This crescent-shaped archaeological museum makes an ambitious attempt to corral Chile's Pre-Columbian past. Its highlights include Atacameña mummies, a hefty moai (large anthropomorphic statue) from Easter Island and interesting Diaguita artifacts such as a dinghy made from sea-lion hide.

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  2. Observatorio Turístico Collowara

    This shiny new observatory is built for tourists; no serious interstellar research is conducted here, but the facility boasts a 40cm (16in) telescope for stargazing. Book at the ticket office in nearby Andacollo, and inquire there about transport to the hilltop observatory. Since the sessions are late, you can either stay overnight in Andacollo, or take an organized tour from La Serena.

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