Stargazing is an activity that has captivated humans for centuries. It’s a way to connect with the infinite universe, pondering our place within it and marveling at its vastness and beauty. For those who love stargazing, there are several destinations around the world that offer the best experiences.

First on our list is Atacama Desert in Chile, one of the driest places on Earth. Its high altitude, almost non-existent cloud cover, and far distance from artificial light make it an ideal location for stargazing. Home to ALMA Observatory, which houses some of the most powerful telescopes in the world; visitors can take guided tours during daytime.

Next is Mauna Kea in Hawaii. Standing over 13,000 feet above sea level, this dormant volcano offers clear skies for more than 300 days a year. The summit hosts the world’s largest astronomical observatory, with telescopes operated by astronomers from eleven different countries.

The third destination takes us to Africa – NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia. Designated as Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve by The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), it offers exceptionally starry nights. With minimal light pollution and a desert climate conducive to clear skies – it’s a dream come true for avid stargazers.

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in New Zealand also makes it into our list of top spots for stargazing. Covering over 4300 square kilometers, this reserve includes Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo offering stunning views of constellations only visible from Southern Hemisphere.

In Europe we recommend Canary Islands off Spain’s northwestern coast as your go-to spot for celestial observation; home to one of three best Starlight Reserves on earth certified by UNESCO & World Tourism Organization due to their exceptional sky quality & astro-tourism efforts.

Finally North America boasts several excellent destinations for stargazing, but none quite as impressive as Death Valley National Park in California. It is a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park – the highest level of designation from IDA. Here, on a clear night, visitors can see the Milky Way with their naked eye.

These destinations offer some of the best opportunities to truly connect with the cosmos and marvel at its beauty. They remind us that despite our daily preoccupations and struggles, we are part of something much larger and infinitely more beautiful. So pack your telescopes or binoculars along with your sense of wonder and set off on an unforgettable journey across these celestial hotspots around the world.