Contact us

Para información en español sobre las visitas turisticas a Cerro Tololo, puede enviar un correo electrónico a ctiorecp@noao.edu o llamar a +56-51-2205200.

Public Access

Cerro Tololo is open to the public every Saturday, summer and winter, weather permitting. For safety and security reasons, the number of visitors is limited to two groups of 40 people. One group meets at the gatehouse at 9 AM and the other at 1PM. Because the number of visitors is limited, advance reservations are essential. During the tourist season from mid-December to March, reservations must be made several weeks in advance. To make reservations, call 51 2205 200. Permits must be picked up in La Serena before proceeding to the mountain. Access to the mountain is by private vehicles only. There is no public transportation.

Permits are free and may be obtained from the Reception Desk in La Serena. Tours are conducted at no charge by a professional guide. Total elapsed time from leaving the gatehouse until returning to the highway is approximately three hours.

For more information on public access to CTIO, click here.

Official Visitors and Astronomers

Astronomers and other official visitors planning a trip to Cerro Tololo will find useful information here.