DESERT STARGAZING: COLOMBIA’S TATACOA IS A STELLAR EXPERIENCE
Stargazing is a timeless joy, a simple pleasure enjoyed by humans for millennia. Just by turning our eyes upwards, away from the city's glow, the night sky's light show can stir a profound sense of wonder.
For digital nomads, the lure of big cities is strong, with their vibrant communities, comfort foods, convenient workspaces, and plentiful amenities. But for a truly memorable journey, sometimes you need to step off the beaten path.
It's the unique experiences carved out during your travels that will stay with you long after the trip ends. Not the WiFi speed or the distance to the supermarket, but the moments of awe and connection with the world. And that's where stargazing comes in.
Heading to Colombia? Make sure to venture into the Tatacoa Desert. As the South American country's second-largest arid zone, it offers a vast canvas where the night sky reveals its full glory. Let’s explore further why a stargazing adventure in this enigmatic desert is an experience you'll never forget.
Plan Your Visit During a New Moon
The Tatacoa Desert is renowned for astronomy, and many who visit will have a similar goal of taking in the stunning views of the night sky. Although it will look spectacular any time of year, seasoned stargazers will advise you to plan your visit during a new moon. Stargazing is best when the moon isn’t really visible, and the stars are the main attraction. If you’re going all the way to the Tatacoa Desert to look at the stars, it’ll be worth taking some time to consult a lunar calendar first. That way, you can be confident that you’ll get the best possible view of the night sky.
Bring the Right Gear
Whether or not you’re a serious stargazer, there’s some equipment that will be really helpful to you out there.
Start by tracking down a portable telescope or a pair of binoculars. Plain and simple, these are going to significantly enhance your view of the sky.
With smartphones in our lives, there are also a lot of great new apps and websites that can help you get the most out of your stargazing trip. Try out Night Sky, StarWalk, SkySafari, or Stellarium. All of these apps are highly rated and extremely helpful for studying up plus real-time examination of constellations.
You’ll also want to bring along a red light. It turns out that if you use a red flashlight when you’re reading maps or checking your equipment, the light won’t ruin your night vision.
Keep this gear close, and you’ll be prepared for the night ahead!
Find Your Spot
Obviously, the best places to see the stars are going to be as far away from any lights as possible. Tatacoa has been arranged to help you! A lot of accommodations nearby have their own stargazing platforms, and the people there can direct you to great viewing locations. There is also an observatory area where visitors can view 88 different constellations, tour the various celestial objects, and admire rarer occurrences like meteor showers.
There really isn’t a bad spot to settle for once you’ve reached the desert. Tatacoa is located in the perfect place for seeing the night sky - quite close to the equator, with no light pollution. Get out there and see what you can see!
Join Stargazing Tours
If you want to see the stars with a bit more structure, you could try out a stargazing tour. A quick internet search brings up plenty of options for guided experiences like this one.
Often, travel to and through the desert will be arranged for you, and there is a fairly clear idea of what to expect. Each tour will be a little bit different, so make sure to spend some time figuring out which one is right for you.
A lot of these tour companies offer daytime options, too, which could be a great opportunity to really connect with the desert through a view of its still, serene landscapes.
Learn About Constellations
Most of all, stargazing in Tatacoa is a great opportunity for you to learn something new. Before you go, take some time to study the major stars and constellations that are visible in the southern hemisphere. Having this knowledge in advance will give your trip more context and most likely will make the journey feel much more rewarding.
Set Up a Comfortable Spot & Stay Patient
Make sure to bring a comfortable chair and a warm blanket. It’s the desert (actually technically a dried-out tropical forest), but it still gets pretty cold at night, so dressing in layers is a good idea. It’s hard to fully take in the majesty of the stars if you’re cold or uncomfortable. And besides, stargazing is a patient person’s game. You’re going to get the most out of it if you can stay still and appreciate what you’re seeing.
The sky is constantly in motion, and it’s anyone’s guess what will appear up there on your chosen stargazing night. Be patient, get comfortable, and enjoy yourself out there no matter what. You’re bound to get something from your experience in the Tatacoa Desert, no matter what happens up in the sky.
Final Word
The freedom of working remotely is a beautiful thing, but only if we actually use it. You’ll be so glad you got away from your work to take in the world around you, even if just for a couple of days.
Tatacoa is one of these opportunities. Stargazing is a simple activity, but your experience in Colombia will be raised to the next level just by taking in the view of the wondrous night sky over the valley. And it’s only a half-hour flight from Bogotá! There’s really no excuse to miss a visit to Tatacoa.
So, remember, while your work might be stellar, the stars above Tatacoa are truly out of this world!