Travel requirements and recommendations
Make sure that you are in possession of a valid passport for the duration of your trip.
Observers of some nationalities require a visitor's visa (China and India, among others). In most cases these can be obtained at the closest Chilean consulate, but an invitation letter from the Observatory is required. Write to Dr. Leopoldo Infante, LCO Director (linfante@carnegiescience.edu);with a copy to Assistants (LCO_assistants@carnegiescience.edu) indicating: Full name, Nationality, Passport number, dates of travel, consulate where the visa will be requested (please provide fax number of this consulate and your own fax number). Please allow at least 30 days for the process of requesting and receiving the visa. it seems that the procedures have changed for some nationalities and different consulates have different procedures.
This site specifies visa requirements.
The Observatory does not provide winter clothing nor flashlights so make sure to bring your own. Typical nighttime temperatures in winter are between 3 and 10 °C and a parka is recommended.
Most power plugs on Las Campanas are US-standard, 110 volts. Bring an adaptor if you need one.
Any special dietary requirements should be specified in your travel form.
Arriving in La Serena
Assistants (LCO_assistants@carnegiescience.edu) is the contact person regarding transportation, flights, confirmations, etc.
If at any time during your visit you plan to stay in La Serena, make sure that a room has been reserved for you. A reservation at a La Serena hotel can also be made for you, if preferred.
Arriving on the Mountain
Room and vehicle assignments will be indicated on the Lodge Information Panel at the entrance.
In each room you will find a binder of printed materials detailing site safety, operations and communications protocols.
Telephone system
A list of the mountain extensions and instructions for the use of the telephone system is placed by every telephone or check here. Dial "0" or "9" to get an outside line.
There are Vonage phones in every control room. Calls within the U.S. and Canada are free; simply dial AREA CODE + NUMBER.