# Scientific and astrotourism development in Chile

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/scientific-and-astrotourism-development-in-chile
> Updated: 2026-08-27T07:40:30.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Educational and scientific tourism initiatives are expanding in Chile, focusing on leveraging the country’s natural and astronomical assets.

In August 2026, the Universidad Católica del Norte launched the nation’s first diploma program in astrotourism in the Antofagasta region. The program seeks to connect scientific research with regional economic opportunities by teaching observational astronomy, ethnography, and business administration.

Concurrently, the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and the Municipality of Caldera introduced the ‘Interpretation Tour of the Flowering Desert: Biodiversity Heritage under Climate Change Conditions’. This project, funded by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation, utilizes interpretive panels and guided tours to promote the protection of biodiversity in the Atacama Region.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: Caldera launches scientific tourism project for Flowering Desert

The Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and Caldera municipality are launching a project to promote scientific knowledge and responsible tourism around the Flowering Desert in the Atacama Region.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/caldera-launches-scientific-tourism-project-for-flowering-desert

### 2026-08-12: Universidad Católica del Norte launches Chile's first astrotourism diploma

The Universidad Católica del Norte has launched Chile's first diploma in astrotourism to capitalize on the Antofagasta region's world-class astronomical skies.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universidad-catlica-del-norte-launches-chiles-first-astrotourism-diploma

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Cite as: Scientific and astrotourism development in Chile. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/scientific-and-astrotourism-development-in-chile