Travel Program

124 mounT auburn STreeT

Cambridge, ma 02138

(617) 495-2463 Phone

(617) 496-4011 FaX

Travel.hmSC.harvard.edu

Chile: earth & SkyOctober 15–26, 2017

With study leader David aguilar,

author, astronomer, and naturalist

“A nature photographer’s paradise and an astronomer’s dream . . . every stargazer knows all the good things to see are in the Southern Hemisphere!”

About the Museums The Harvard Museums of Science & Culture (HMSC) partnership was established in 2012 to develop a strong, coordinated public face for the six museums that are within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard. Its mission is to foster curiosity and a spirit of discovery in visitors of all ages, enhancing public understanding of and appreciation for the natural world, science, and human cultures.

HMSC works with Harvard faculty, museum curators, students, and members of the extended Harvard community to provide interdisciplinary exhibitions, events, and lectures, as well as educational programs for students, teachers, and the general public. HMSC draws primarily upon the extensive collections of the member museums and upon the research of their faculty and curators.

About the trAvel ProgrAmHarvard Alumni Travels is the umbrella organization for all Harvard alumni and museum travel programs. Harvard Alumni Travels and HMSC have formed a partnership to offer superior trips with expert planning, custom- designed itineraries, and Harvard lecturers. Journey in the spirit of expeditions gone by, with small groups of like-minded travelers. Travel with HMSC and discover the world.

Join popular study leader DaviD aguilar for an

exclusive experience of Chile’s richly diverse landscapes,

lush vineyards and renowned wines, vibrant cities, and—

most spectacularly—its Southern Hemisphere skies as

viewed from world-class astronomical observatories.

See the acclaimed Casablanca Valley wine-producing

region; the seaport of Valparaiso; the Elqui Valley’s

picturesque villages and bountiful plantations; and the

astonishingly beautiful Atacama Desert, home to two

state-of-the-art observatories, Las Campanas and

Paranal, where you enjoy special access provided

through Harvard University.

MuseuM spotlight

ColleCtioN oF histoRiCAl

sCieNtiFiC iNstRuMeNtsHarvard University has been acquiring scientific instruments on a continuous basis for teaching and research since 1672. The Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, which was estab- lished in 1948 as a resource for teaching and research in the history of science and technology, has become one of the three largest university collections of its kind in the world. Originally associated with the Harvard library system, the collection was placed under the steward- ship of the Department of History of Science in 1987.

Since its inception, various Harvard departments and private benefactors have added material to the original nucleus of the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments (CHSI), which now contains over 20,000 objects dating from about 1400 to the present.

A broad range of scientific disciplines are represented, including astronomy, navigation, horology, surveying, geology, calculating, physics, biology, medicine, psychology, electricity, and communica-tion. Significant instruments, made obsolete by new technologies, continue to be incorporated. Many of the docu- ments detailing the purchase and use of the instruments have been preserved, and are available for research in the Collection’s adjunct library.

The Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, located in the Science Center on the Cambridge campus, is open to the public free of charge Monday through Friday.

cover: ESo’S VEry LArgE tELESCoPE; SALAr DE AtACAMA. Back cover: AtACAMA DESErt.

triP itinerary

DAyS 1 & 2SUnDAy, oCtobEr 15 & MonDAy, oCtobEr 16HoME / SAntiAgo, CHiLE Depart home on an overnight flight to Santiago and transfer to the fashionable Hotel Cumbres Lastarria, nestled in a historic neighborhood surrounded by Santiago’s finest shops, restaurants, and museums. Gather this evening for a festive welcome dinner at the hotel. Hotel Cumbres Lastarria (D)

DAy 3tUESDAy, oCtobEr 17SAntiAgoTravel to the Casablanca Valley, one of Chile’s premium wine regions. Enjoy a tour of Emiliana Organic Vineyards, the world’s largest organic and biodynamic vineyard. Continue to the Casas del Bosque Winery for lunch at its famed Restaurant Tanino, included among the 20 best winery restaurants in the world by Wine Access magazine. Then travel to the bohemian harbor town of Valparaiso, a metropolis of 40-plus hills (cerros) covered with faded mansions, 19th-century funiculars, and cobblestone streets. On Cerro Bellavista, visit La Sebastiana Museum, one of Nobel Prize–winning poet Pablo Neruda’s three highly individualized homes. Choose from one of Santiago’s many fine restaurants for dinner on your own this evening. Hotel Cumbres Lastarria (B,L)

DAy 4WEDnESDAy, oCtobEr 18LA SErEnA / ELqUi VALLEyDepart Santiago on a flight to La Serena, Chile’s second oldest city, founded in 1544. Travel by motorcoach through the scenic desert mountains to the lush and green Elqui Valley, stopping at a mountain papaya plantation (different from the more well-known tropical papaya), the Mamalluca Observatory in Vicuña, and a pisco distillery for a tour and tasting of Chile’s signature liqueur. After dinner in Vicuña, enjoy stargazing at El Pangue Observatory. Hotel Costa Real (B,L,D)

DAy 5tHUrSDAy, oCtobEr 19LA SErEnAThrough special connections with Harvard University, visit Las Campanas Observatory, owned and operated by the Carnegie Institution for Science (CIS) and closed to the general public. Established in 1969 at an altitude of 7,900 feet, it is the future site of the Giant Magellan Telescope. Currently under construction and scheduled to begin its operations in 2022, it will see more than any other telescope ever built. Today, Las Campanas Obeservatory has five optical reflecting telescopes, the two largest collectively named Magellan. This evening marvel once again at Chile’s spectacular night skies at the new Collowara Observatory. Hotel Costa Real (B,L,D)

DAy 6friDAy, oCtobEr 20LA SErEnA / AntofAgAStAExplore La Serena, known for beautiful beaches and multitudes of belfries, independently this morning. Then take an early-afternoon flight to Antofagasta, a port city in northern Chile. Located in the Atacama Desert, Antofagasta is a center for the mining of copper and nonmetallic minerals. After a city tour, check in to the hotel. Hotel Terrado Suites (B,L)

DAy 7SAtUrDAy, oCtobEr 21AntofAgAStAEnjoy a behind-the-scenes visit to the Paranal Observatory (courtesy of Harvard University), home of the VLT (Very Large Telescope) operated by ESO (European Southern Observatory). Paranal is the largest optic-infrared observatory in the Southern Hemisphere; worldwide, it is second only to the Mauna Kea Observatory on the island of Hawaii. Hotel Terrado Suites (B,L)

DAy 8SUnDAy, oCtobEr 22AntofAgAStA / SAn PEDro DE AtACAMAThis morning travel by motor coach through the unique Atacama landscape to San Pedro de Atacama, the primary oasis settlement of the Atacameños, an indigenous culture whose origins can be traced back to 500 A.D. At an elevation

ELqUi VALLEy VinEyArD

PArAnAL obSErVAtory

ViCUñACHUrCH of SAn PEDro DE AtACAMA

Pacif icOcean

AtlanticOcean

AIRLAND

•San Pedro de Atacama

CHILE

ARGENTINA

PARAGUAY

URUGUAY

BOLIVIA

•SantiagoValparaiso•

La Serena•

Antofagasta•

for MorE inforMAtion PLEASE ViSit travel.hmsc.harvarD.eDu

LA SEbAStiAnA

SAntiAgo

of 7,500 feet, the Atacama Desert is the driest place on earth and surreally beautiful, with fiery red canyons, grassy gorges, turquoise thermal lakes, cerulean lagoons, and steaming geysers. Along the way, visit the ghost town of Baquedano, which flourished in the nitrate-mining boom of the 1860s and early 1900s and faded away after the development of synthetic nitrates in the 1930s. After check-in at the hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure. Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama (B,L)

DAy 9MonDAy, oCtobEr 23SAn PEDro DE AtACAMASpend a full day exploring the amazing sights of the High Andes, beginning with Salar de Atacama, the largest salt flat in Chile. In the middle of the Atacama Desert, the salt flat’s surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanoes, including Lascar, one of the most active in Chile. Laguna Chaxa, an altaplanic lagoon in Los Flamencos National Reserve, sustains a wide variety of birdlife, including Chilean, Andean, and James flamingos. Also visit the scenic villages of Toconao and Socaire; and the colorful and windswept saltpans, volcanoes, and archaeological sites at the salt flats of Aguas Calientes and Tuyaito. Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama (B,L)

DAy 10tUESDAy, oCtobEr 24SAn PEDro DE AtACAMAEarly risers travel to El Tatio Geysers to witness a spectacular sunrise. El Tatio is

ringed by volcanoes and fed by more than eighty gurgling geysers and one hundred gassy fumeroles. Enjoy a picnic breakfast as the sun rises over the Andes, the geysers erupt, and the cold high- altitude air creates a mystical landscape of steam. There is ample free time during the day to explore San Pedro de Atacama, perhaps visiting the Church of San Pedro de Atacama, constructed during the Spanish colonial period of indigenous adobe. Depart this afternoon for the Valle de la Luna, a geologic wonderland of stone and sand formations, dry lakes and caverns, and a spectacular range of colors and textures. Celebrate your adventure with sundowners as the Valle de la Luna changes colors with the setting sun, followed by a festive farewell dinner under the Atacama night skies. Hotel Cumbres San Pedro de Atacama (B,D)

DAyS 11 & 12WEDnESDAy, oCtobEr 25 & tHUrSDAy, oCtobEr 26 SAn PEDro DE AtACAMA / SAntiAgoAfter a leisurely morning, fly to Santiago to connect with overnight flights to the U.S. (B)

photo CRedits (From Dreamstime.com): elqui VAlley ViNeyARd

©Longtaildog; ChuRCh oF sAN pedRo de AtACAMA ©Tifonimages; ViCuNA ©Jeremy Richards; AtACAMA deseRt ©Christopher Howey. (From Wikipedia): pARANAl telesCopes ©B. Tafreshi/ESO.; sAlAR de

AtACAMA ©Francesco Mocellin; MooN At pARANAl obseRVAtoRy ©Gordon Gillet/EDO; lA sebAstiANA ©Pecksique; sANtiAgo ©Maciej Bledowski. Museum images courtesy of Harvard Museums of Science & Culture.

DaviD a. aguilar,

former director of public affairs and science information at the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, is an internationally recognized author,

lecturer, astronomy expert, naturalist, and space artist whose expertise lies in explaining the fascinating connections between the uni-verse and ourselves. He is a Random House/Smithsonian and National Geographic author and illustrator, and the television host of the Science Channel’s NASA’s Unexplained Files and the History Channel’s The Universe series. He has been featured on the BBC, ABC News, CNN, and NPR, and in Time magazine, the New York Times, USA Today, National Geographic, Sky & Telescope, and Scientific American. He is also past director of special media for NASA’s historic New Horizons mission to Pluto. Asteroid 1990A was named to honor his outstanding achievements in science education, and he has the added distinction of being a Grammy-nominated musician.

stuDy leaDer

upcoming HmSc tripSugANdA sAFARi & goRillA tReKKiNg JUN 1–13, 2017 ELIZABETH ROSS & ZARIN MACHANDA

FAMily iRelANd: uNCoVeR the eMeRAld isle JUN 25–JUL 3, 2017 JEFFREY QUILTER

FAMily gAlápAgos AdVeNtuRe oN lA piNtA JUL 3–11, 2017 JANET BROWNE

tuVA & lAKe bAiKAl JUL 10–22, 2017 NINA TUMARKIN

yelloWstoNe, the gRANd tetoNs & the totAl solAR eClipse AUG 19–26, 2017 MARK VAN BAALEN

iNside iRAN: AN iN-depth eXploRAtioN SEP 9–29, 2017 DAVID ROXBURGH

disCoVeR ethiopiA OCT 4–21, 2017

ultiMAte tANZANiA sAFARi: eXploRiNg the CRAdle oF huMANKiNd NOV 4–18, 2017

Pricing, Per Person Double occupancy: $7,990Single occupancy: $9,190

Air ArrAngEMEntS: U.S. domestic and international airfare is not included in the program rates. on-tour airfare is included. information about making flight arrangements will be sent to all participants.

TermS and CondiTionS

tour cost inclusions: All accommodations and meals as specified in the itinerary; on-tour flights (Santiago/La Serena, La Serena/Antofa- gasta, San Pedro de Atacama (Calama)/Santiago); Wine, beer, and soft drinks with all lunches and dinner; Welcome and farewell receptions; All sightseeing as specified in the itinerary; Professional tour manager; bottled water on coaches; full program of briefings, lectures, and pre-sentations; Arrival and departure transfers by motor coach; baggage handling; gratuities to porters, wait staff, guides, and drivers for all group activities; Entrance fees; $200,000 Emergency Medical Evacuation insurance.

Tour CoST eXCluSionS: U.S. domestic and international airfare; Passport or visa expenses; Medical expenses and immunizations; Air-port transfers except as noted above; travel and trip cancellation insurance; optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour; Excess baggage charges; Meals not specified in the itinerary; Dishes and beverages not part of the included meals; Liquor; Personal items such as e-mail, telephone and fax calls, laundry, and gratuities for non-group services.

reServaTionS, dePoSiTS & Final PaymenT: to reserve a space on this program, a $1,000 deposit is required per person. Please either call us at (617) 495-2463 or fill out and mail or fax the registration form found in this brochure. reservations are acknowledged in order of receipt until the maximum enrollment has been reached. final payment deadline is June 17, 2017, 120 days prior to departure.

CanCellaTionS & reFundS: notification of cancellation must be received in writing by Harvard Alumni travels from the participant. Cancellations within 14 days of booking: full refund. Cancellations received up to 120 days prior to departure will be assessed a cancellation fee of $1,000 per person. Cancellations received within 120 days prior to departure are subject to 100% penalty of all deposits and payments.

WhaT To eXPeCT: this is a relatively active trip. Daily excursions involve one to two miles of walking, often in the full sun in the dry arid climate, and walking tours can last several hours. temperatures range from the mid-60s to the mid-70s f with very little rain, particularly in the Atacama Desert. if you are susceptible to altitude sickness, please be aware that considerable time is spent between 7,500 to 8,500 feet. Participants with medical issues and/or dietary restrictions must make them known to us well before departure, and impairments regarding mobility must be disclosed prior to booking. if you have any questions about the level of activity of this program or your ability to participate, please call Harvard Alumni travels at (617) 495-2463.

iTinerary ChangeS: the itinerary contained in this brochure is accurate at the time of printing. We reserve the right to change the program or accommodations as conditions warrant.

inSuranCe: We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. An application for insurance will be provided by Harvard Alumni travels upon confirmation.

reSPonSibiliTy: Certain other provisions apply regarding limitations of liability and rights of Harvard Alumni travels and the tour operator. the statement of responsibility is available at http://alumni.harvard.edu/travel/trips/chile-astronomy-2017. if you are not able to access the internet, please call Harvard Alumni travels at (617) 495-2463.

diSClaimer: Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented in this publication. neither Harvard Alumni travels nor the tour operator is responsible for errors in or damages resulting from use of the information contained herein. infor-mation contained in this brochure is subject to change.

QueSTionS: Please call Harvard Alumni travels at (617) 495-2463 or email hmsctravel@hmsc.harvard.edu.

California Seller of travel Program CSt #2088800-40

Chile: earth & Sky Sunday, October 15–Thursday, October 26, 2017

reServaTion Form

NAME (TRAVELER 1) DATE OF BIRTH

ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP

PHONE: (HOME) (CELL) (OFFICE)

E-MAIL

NAME (TRAVELER 2) DATE OF BIRTH

ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP

PHONE: (HOME) (CELL) (OFFICE)

E-MAIL

To register, fill out this form and return with your deposit of $1,000 per person. Method of deposit: Check Mastcard/Visa Amex

CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE CVV

NAME AS IT APPEARS ON THE CARD

Accommodations:  Double room  Single room at an additional charge of $1,200

 Share room with

I/we confirm that I/we have carefully read the information on refunds, general conditions, and the responsibility clause specified in the tour conditions.

SIGNATURE DATE

SIGNATURE DATE

Please return this form with deposit to the address at the top right of this page or fax it to (617) 496-4011.

questioNs? Please call us at (617) 495-2463 or e-mail hmsctravel@hmsc.harvard.edu.

hmSC memberShiP

One membership in the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture opens the doors to four unique museums. As a member, enjoy access to the museums through free admission, behind-the-scenes tours, exclusive member events, and opportunities to interact personally with celebrated scientists, archaeologists, artists, and experts from Harvard and around the world. Additionally, membership supports the museums’ ability to bring dynamic exhibitions and engaging public programs to a broad and diverse audience.

I/we would like to become a member at the following level:

$35 Senior/Student $50 Individual $85 Household $125 Supporting $250 Sustaining $500 Patron

Please enclose a separate check made out to Harvard University/HMSC for membership. thank you.

pl

ea

Se

tr

im H

er

e a

nd

re

tu

rn

re

Se

rv

at

ion

fo

rm

124 mounT auburn STreeTCambridge, ma 02138

Phone: (617) 495-2463FaX: (617) 496-4011

Travel Program

124 mounT auburn STreeT Cambridge, ma 02138

Phone: (617) 495-2463

FaX: (617) 496-4011

Travel.hmSC.harvard.edu

for MorE inforMAtion PLEASE ViSit travel.hmsc.harvarD.eDu

chile: earth & Skyoctober 15–26, 2017

With study leader David aguilar,

author, astronomer, and naturalist

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 604Sacramento, CA