Travel to the ESO Guesthouse, Santiago

Please note that visitors are received by appointment only.

The ESO Guesthouse, located in “Las Condes” district in Santiago de Chile, is the official lodge for visiting astronomers and ESO staff travelling between Europe and ESO sites. It was bought in 1964 and, in the early years, housed the administrative offices of ESO Chile and lodged visitors from Europe.

How to reach ESO Guesthouse, Santiago

The ESO Guesthouse is located in Rey Gustavo Adolfo 4634, a little street near to the Escuela Militar Metro station, in a residential district called “Las Condes”. Currently it is used as a guesthouse for visiting astronomers and ESO staff travelling between Europe and ESO sites.

Arriving by plane

Please note that airfares to and from Chile can get quite expensive when booking less than three months in advance. If you come from the airport, the fastest way to reach the Guesthouse is by taxi. The journey takes about 30 minutes and the cost is about CLP 25 000 (EUR 35).

Please check the map.

A cheaper but slower way to get to the Guesthouse 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. Price ~ CLP 1300 (~2 EUR).

Arriving from ESO Vitacura Office

The easiest way to reach the Guesthouse from the ESO Vitacura Office is by taxi. The route is indicated on this map and the average cost is CLP 2500 (EUR 4).

Public transport

• The Metro (subway) network in Santiago has four lines. The closest station to the Vitacura office is Tobalaba (Line 1), located in a neighboring district called Providencia. The estimated cost is CLP 700 (~1 EUR). From Tobalaba station you can either take a taxi (approximate cost CLP 2500 / EUR 4) or Transantiago — public bus network — number 405 (CLP 700 /~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).
• Transantiago (public buses). This is a system of buses with regular routes interconnected with Metro stations. Each trip costs CLP 700 (EUR 1) 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 for a minimum fare of CLP 2500 (EUR 4).

Accommodation in ESO Guesthouse, Santiago

The ESO Guesthouse provides accommodation for ESO staff and official visitors only. If the Guesthouse is fully booked, you can make a reservation in one of the hotels that ESO normally uses for its guests.

Food at ESO Guesthouse, Santiago

For restaurants near the Guesthouse area, please check the following list with prices and addresses.

Virtual tour

Experience the ESO Guesthouse in Santiago with ESO's Virtual Tours and photos in the Image archive.

Health & Safety

Weather and Clothing

There are not any special health and safety considerations in Santiago. Follow the links for climatic information and weather forecasts.