Since North America’s 2017 solar eclipse, interest in the wonders of the sky has skyrocketed. While it’s hard to quantify how many travelers are stargazing in dark sky spots and traveling to see eclipses, “astrotourism” (traveling for astronomical experiences) is one of the top travel trends for 2019.
Among such attractions as meteor showers or the northern lights, solar eclipses hold their own: Here, the moon fully blocks the sun and casts an eerie shadow (or umbra) across our planet. Earth’s next total solar eclipse will sweep across the South Pacific and South America on July 2, 2019, and destinations in the path of totality are gearing up for crowds of “umbraphiles.”
Check out these five great spots to see this summer’s eclipse—but act quickly, as many tours and hotels are filling up. International eclipse-chasing is not a spur-of-the-moment kind of trip, but it certainly is an unforgettable one.
Elqui Valley, Chile
Why go: Chile’s Elqui Valley has leaped onto the global stage as a world-class stargazing destination—and it’s a prime spot to experience totality during the July 2 eclipse. The valley, known for its pisco production and astronomical observatories, is expecting over a quarter-million visitors for the days surrounding the eclipse.
Plan your visit: While you won’t need a tour to experience totality here, it’s best to book all travel and accommodation in advance. After the one-hour flight from Santiago to La Serena (also in the path of totality), drive another hour to Vicuña, the epicenter of eclipse mania. Don’t forget to book an observatory tour when you’re in the area: Mamalluca Observatory offers tours in Spanish and English. (These National Geographic Lodges are top choices for nature’s most amazing natural light shows.)
San Juan, Argentina
Why go: As one of the largest cities in the path of totality, San Juan, Argentina, is one of the most popular eclipse destinations. Its population of 112,000 is expected to quintuple on the days surrounding the eclipse.
Plan your visit: Reach San Juan from Buenos Aires by a 14-hour drive or a 90-minute flight. To avoid overbooked flights, get creative on your timing: Consider spending a few days in the area, which is a great base for wine-tasting or history tours. On the day of the eclipse, head to one of the city’s main parks to view totality; Parque de Mayo or Plaza 25 de Mayo are both good options.