The Traditional Ethnoastronomy Experience in San Pedro de Atacama
Have you ever considered adding a dose of cultural heritage to your trip to San Pedro de Atacama? Many locals will tell you that the best experience there is to explore the traditional ethnoastronomy, like the experience offered by El Nacimiento community. If that is something you’d be interested in, keep reading!
What is Ethnoastronomy?
Ethnoastronomy is a science that studies the astronomical traditions, innovations, and relationships between a certain culture’s knowledge, practices, and beliefs and the universe. In other words, it’s the integration of astronomical knowledge into the customs and way of life of a certain society in order to reflect its cosmic worldview. In the case of El Nacimiento community in San Pedro de Atacama, theory and practice combine: the Atacamans utilize astrology to live in harmony with the environment and use its constellations as landmarks to help them navigate and survive in the extreme desert climate.
Experience Traditional Ethnoastronomy at San Pedro de Atacama
If you want to learn about the unique star-bound practices of El Nacimiento, there are experienced astronomic guides who can show you all the secrets of the Atacama desert’s universe. During the tour, you’ll be instructed about the basic constellations and their importance; gain an understanding of how local Andean civilizations used them to predict rain and crops; and hear tales of deities and gods storytelling their relationship with the cosmos. This experience provides participants with an unforgettable night tour under custom-made geodesic cells, with 360° view and clear access to the night sky: without lights or polution interfering with your experience, and with guides providing insightful interpretations of local customs.
What Does The Experience Include?
The tour takes place during two days and one night and is designed not only to teach visitors about astronomic practices, but also to teach them about Andean culture and customs. Below is an outline detailing what to expect during this truly unique experience:
- Day 1
- Equipment assembly
- Traditional lunch at El Nacimiento
- Band music and ancestral dances
- Stargazing Lecture
- Day 2
- Sunrise hike through El Nacimiento
- Visiting the ancient ruins of Cladrones
- Astronomy workshop in La Villa de Putana with a professional astronomer
- Trip back to San Pedro de Atacama
- Night 2
- Astronomical Observation under custom-made geodesic cells
It’s important to mention that all meals and lodging is included during your trip. You’ll get fed during lunch on the first day and breakfast on the second day. Also, El Nacimiento offers comfortable shared tents with mattresses, privative restrooms with hot showers, warm blankets, and all the necessary camping equipment you need to get a good night rest.
The Ancient Astronomical Practices of El Nacimiento
Most of El Nacimiento’s customs revolve around astronomy as natives have developed intricate methods to predict rain in this arid part of Chile called Atacama basin. This has enabled local societies to have a scientific view on time, orienteering, weather, ecology, human nature and other important sites. They’ve used celestial observation to create a very precise calendar that utilizes ever-recurring patterns in the skies above them —like the changing of stars’ positions in different seasons— to determine deep observations about their lives and environment which extend way beyond their habitation area. Ancestral civilizations used these observations mainly for two purposes: as a means to guarantee survival —like finding setting routes across often-dangerous terrains like rail beds or mountain passes— or as an attempt to grasp their landscape using cartography using stars’ positions as reference points on their maps. Ancient cultures did this in order to find safe routes that could connect far-off valley settlements – and offer secure travel between them.
What Can You Expect During The Tour ?
During the two days you spend learning about local ethnoastronomical practices when visiting El Nacimiento with a guide, you’ll follow ancient pathways used by Andean civilizations; learn about battles against Spanish conquerors; visit sites such as a guardian volcanic peak where locals performed ancient rituals for protection and fertility; observe rock paintings tailored for astronomical purposes; talk about local deities related to astronomy —like La Tíita Chomadzcocoa—; and discover unique constellations created by Aymara people that aren’t known anywhere else in the world. Moreover, you’ll get to stargaze from Campel, an Andean observatory located over 4000 meters above sea level on the foothills of some of tallest mountains in the area such as Ojos del Salar and Guayaques.
Benefits of Ethnoastronomical Experience
The impact of experiencing ethnoastronomy firsthand is hard to put into words – all locals can agree that it’s an unforgettable experience usually accompanied by feelings of tranquility and awe. This type of activity enhances your understanding of natural events and their implications in life which (from simple elements like the changing of times or seasons to complex issues such as climate change) while offering a richer spiritual experience with the environment —and ultimately making it easier for travelers to empathize with locals and envision life under different cultural perspectives. Aside from creating a sense of communal security within your group —making sure that everyone feels safe during their activities— participation brings out at least three main benefits for participants:
- Connect with mother earth, understood as Ala Tia (let us be respected)
- Gain more self-awareness on a personal level when connecting with cosmic elements during the experiences.
- Understand that human beings are dependent on external forces (natural resources) and develop respect.
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. All participants need to bear in mind that visiting this natural oasis also implicates responsibility in terms of respecting nature —even if most activities are low-impact activities designed not to disrupt elements while preserving the natural scene—and respecting others’ cultural legacy in order not to taint or adulterate their sacred ancestral pop culture stories. If you’re looking for a truly enriching experience in San Pedro de Atacama that combines traditional practices, customs, culture, religion —and ancient astronomic knowledge— exploring ethnoastronomy through El Nacimiento should be at the top of your list! Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity – visit this link, book your experience and start your journey!
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