La Silla Observatory

La Silla Observatory is ESO’s historic Chilean observing site in the Atacama Desert, home to productive optical telescopes including the 3.6-metre and New Technology telescopes. Public tours start at the exhibition Visitor Centre and continue by tour bus to the telescopes; guided visits are free but require compulsory online registration. Tour dates, arrival instructions and telescope itineraries can change. ESO warns of high-altitude and safety restrictions, ID/QR and release-form requirements, and weather-related cancellations, so check the current visitor page before travel. Detailed accessibility provisions are not published; contact ESO ahead if support is needed. Visitor address: La Silla Observatory, Acceso Observatorio La Silla, La Higuera, Provincia de Elqui, Región de Coquimbo, Chile.