Travel to ESO Vitacura Office, Santiago & ALMA Santiago Central Office
Please note that visitors are received by appointment only.
No public visits are offered to ESO Vitacura Office.
The ESO offices in Chile are located in Alonso de Córdova 3107, by the Mapocho River in the heart of Vitacura, a district extending over an area of 28.3 km2 in the north-eastern part of the city. ESO Vitacura hosts astronomers, students, technicians and administrative staff who contribute to the successful operations of ESO sites. ESO/Chile astronomers and students perform most of their research here, using the data collected at La Silla, Paranal and elsewhere. Regular talks, colloquia and seminars, and an attractive scientific visitor programme have turned ESO Vitacura into a very active scientific node, acting as a bridge between researchers in Europe and Chile.
How to reach Vitacura Office, Santiago & ALMA Santiago Central Office
Arriving by plane
Please note that airfares to and from Chile can get quite expensive when booking less than 3 months in advance. The Arturo Merino Benitez Airport is located 17 km north-west of Santiago.
The fastest way to get to the ESO Vitacura office from the airport is by taxi. ESO guests normally use the Transvip service, a private company located in the baggage claim area and also on the first floor of the airport.
The average cost from the airport to the ESO Vitacura office by taxi is CLP 25 000 (EUR 25) and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
A cheaper, but slower way to get to the Vitacura Office is to take a transfer bus to the Metro network. The larger transfer companies are Tur-Bus or Centro Puerto, both connecting with Line 1 of the Metro network. The estimated cost is CLP 1900 (~2 EUR).
Public transport
- The Metro (subway) network in Santiago has seven lines. The closest station to the Vitacura office is Tobalaba (Line 1), located in a neighboring district called Providencia. The estimated cost is ~CLP 750 (~1 EUR). From Tobalaba station you can either take a taxi (approximate cost CLP 2500 – 5000 / 2,5 –5 EUR) or Red Metropolitana de Movilidad (Red)— public bus network — number 405 (~CLP 750 /~1 EUR, or use your metro ticket), from the corner of Vitacura/Encomenderos to Vitacura/Alonso de Córdova. On Alonso de Cordova, walk west four blocks to the main entrance of ESO's Vitacura premises on the right. Payments are made with a special card called “Bip!” (see below)
- Red (public buses). This is a system of buses with regular routes interconnected with Metro stations. Each trip costs CLP 750 (1 EUR) and allows up to three combinations of buses and Metro within 120 minutes. Payments are made with the "Bip!" card.
- BIP! card. This is a payment card for both public buses and Metro, available at all Metro stations. The cost of the card is CLP 1500 (1,51 EUR) and one ticket for off-peak time cost CLP 750 (1 EUR).
Accommodation in Vitacura
There are many hotels in Vitacura. ESO guests normally stay at one of the following:
- Director, located at Av. Vitacura 3600, Vitacura
- Bidasoa, located at Av Vitacura 4873, Vitacura
- Holiday Inn Santiago Las Condes, located at Avenida Vitacura 2929, Vitacura
Further information on accommodation in Vitacura and other districts in Santiago is available on external pages:
Food at Vitacura
There are many restaurants just a few blocks away from the ESO premises at Vitacura, including an extensive choice of restaurants 5–10 minutes walking distance away in Av. Vitacura, Av. Alonso de Córdova and Av. Nueva Costanera. Further information on restaurants in this area and the rest of Santiago is available via external pages (welcomechile, tripadvisor).
Health & Safety
Weather and Clothing
There are not any special health and safety considerations in Vitacura. Follow the links for climatic information and weather forecasts.
Virtual tour
Experience the ESO Premises in Vitacura with ESO's Virtual Tours.