Observatory Tour
Visit the Roque de los Muchachos Astrophysical Observatory, one of the most important in the world, and discover its impressive telescopes at an altitude of 2,426 meters.
✦ Highlights
- Discover the largest optical-infrared telescope in the world
- Prestigious international research center
- Certified Starlight guide
- Spectacular panoramic views
A window to the Universe
The Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, situated at 2,426 meters above sea level in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, is one of the most important astrophysical research centers in the world. This guided tour allows you to step into the world of cutting-edge science.
With more than 20 international telescopes operated by scientific institutes from Spain, the UK, Italy, the Netherlands and other Countries, the Observatory represents global scientific collaboration. Among them stands the famous Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC), with a 10.4-meter diameter mirror — the largest optical-infrared telescope in the world to date.
What does the tour include?
You will visit:
- The interior of the Gran Telescopio Canarias, including access to its dome
- The MAGIC and CTAO gamma-ray telescopes
In addition, your guide will explain:
- How the Observatory’s main telescopes work
- The extraordinary discoveries made from this location
- The importance of the Sky Law and protection against light pollution
Important notice
- Check your email and mobile phone on the same day of the tour before going to the Observatory, in case of last minute notice.
- It is not necessary to print your ticket (you can save it on your mobile phone).
- Punctuality is requested. If you arrive late, you may lose your visit, without the right to any refund. Calculate the time needed for your journey: the LP-4 road is a very tortuous mountain road and you may need to make a few stops along the way in case of dizziness due to altitude and pressure change.
- The visit is divided into two parts: one indoors and one outdoors. Inside the telescope dome, the temperature is quite low (a climate control system is used year-round). Be sure to bring plenty of warm clothing (both in winter and summer). Outside, you may need a hat and sun cream.
- We recommend wearing appropriate footwear: avoid flip-flops and high heels.
- Medical assistance is not available at the ORM. Keep in mind that the level of oxygen decreases with height, so traveling to the Observatory is not recommended for people with anemia, heart disease, respiratory problems, or for people over 70 years of age and babies. In case of appearing symptoms of dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath or headache, please inform your guide immediately. We are not responsible for any health damage as a consequence of altitude or non-observance of our recommendations.
- There are no gasoline pumps at the ORM, so it is recommended to fill the tank before the trip. On mountain roads at an altitude of 2,400 m, fuel consumption can be much higher compared to sea level.
- There are currently no cafes or restaurants at the Observatory. Be sure to bring plenty of water or juice to prevent dehydration due to the low humidity at that altitude.
Tour conditions
- Tour for all audiences.
- Transfer to the Observatory is not included. We do not provide any transfer service. Transportation during the tour is responsibility of the client. You will need to travel in your own vehicle or taxi to the meeting point and then to the telescopes.
- The minimum age to visit the ORM telescopes is 6 years (already turned 6). The Observatory set this rule for security reasons. The guide may request proof of age by ID card or passport. In case of not being able to prove the age, the child must stay outside the telescope accompanied by an adult.
- People under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- If you buy a ticket with the discount for residents of La Palma, you must present your NIE to the guide. In case of not being able to accredit it, you must pay the difference with the standard rate, in cash only. Otherwise, you will not be admitted to the tour. This discount is exclusive for residents on the island of La Palma.
- If the group does not have a common language, the tour can be done in one or two languages simultaneously (habitually Spanish and English).
- No pets allowed inside the telescopes.
- For your own safety, please follow your guide's instructions all the time and never separate from the group.
Cancellation policy
By booking this tour, you confirm that you have read and accepted our cancellation policy.
The Company may cancel or modify the tour due to circumstances beyond its control or force majeure. We are not responsible for errors made during the booking process (incorrect dates, duplicate bookings, etc.).
Cancellations or changes by the Company
The tour may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, road issues, technical maintenance, or if the minimum number of participants is not reached (for group tours). In such cases, we will notify you as soon as possible and you may choose to:
- Reschedule (subject to availability)
- Keep your ticket valid for 1 year at no extra cost
- Receive a full refund
Cancellations or changes by the customer (group tour)
- Cancellation: 50% fee up to 48 hours before the start time. After that, non-refundable.
- Date changes: free up to 48 hours before the start time (subject to availability). After that, not permitted.
- If the Company reschedules the tour, the customer may cancel the new booking up to 48 hours before it starts.
Cancellations or changes by the customer (private tour)
- Cancellation: deposit is non-refundable.
- Date changes: free up to 48 hours before the start time. After that, the deposit is forfeited.
- If the Company reschedules the tour, the customer may cancel the new booking up to 48 hours before it starts.
For any changes or cancellations, please email contacto@adastralapalma.com including the tour date and your full name.
Refunds
Refunds are issued using the original payment method within a maximum of 7 business days.
- * IT Private groups only