Visit the Observatory in La Palma

Summary of conditions:

1. The Observatory is situated at 2400m in altitude. It is strongly recommended to wear warm clothing & a hat and to take water and suncream. The interior of the telescopes is kept refrigerated even during the day and also in summer.

2. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early at the meeting point. The tour departs on time and it is necessary to identify yourself to the guide before the tour starts and to receive prior instructions. If you arrive late, you may miss your tour, with no right to a refund.

3. Basic level

4. Languages: Spanish and English. On saturdays it is ONLY in Spanish

5. The guide’s instructions will be followed at all times, no littering or smoking will be allowed during the visit. Please note that the visits are made in accordance with the special operating conditions of the International Astrophysical Observatory and its mountain location. For this reason, the Observatory reserves the right to modify the days and times of the visits, as well as the telescope to be visited, depending on availability, or even cancellation due to works carried out at the telescopes, weather alerts or road closures due to ice/snow/landslides.

6. Cancellations. Activity is subject to weather conditions, observatory operating conditions and a minimum number of 10 people apply. There may be cancellations or changes of date and time for these reasons, in which case we will inform you on the mobile phone (whatsapp) contact number/email provided in your booking. Please check your phone/email the night before and even minutes before the activity as in high mountains there can be rapid changes difficult to predict, particularly, but not exclusively, in winter time. Refunds: If we cancel we will refund 100%, but please note that it is a human refunding not a machine. In case of rapid changes and emergencies we are making sure to communicate to everyone before doing refunds. We also have a working schedule.

IMPORTANT NOTE: In the event of a weather alert, visits will be cancelled even if the Visitors Centre is kept open and even if conditions turn out to be apparently favourable or even if the visit has already started but there is an sudden alert. With an official alert/warning in force by the Canarian Government, the Observatory forces us to cancel for safety reasons and insurance cover.

7. Age restrictions. The minimum age for visitors is 6 years old (the Observatory has established this rule for security reasons). The guide may request proof of age by means of ID card or passport. In the event of not being able to prove age, the minor must remain outside the telescope accompanied by an adult, even if the ticket has been paid for and is valid. Minors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

8. Pets are not allowed inside the premises.

9. There are no shops or restaurants at the Astrophysical Observatory. It is recommended to bring water and some food. There are more vending machines available at the Visitor Centre.

10. Please have enough fuel for the trips, at least 1/2 of the tank. There are no fuel pumps at the Observatory.

11. Important: Visitors’ health The Astrophysical Observatory is located at an altitude of 2,400 metres. It should be taken into account that the level of oxygen decreases with altitude, so it is not recommended to visit the Observatory for people with anaemia, heart disease or respiratory problems, people over 70 years of age and babies. During the visit, should you experience symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath or headache, please inform your guide immediately. ORM does not have medical assistance on site. We cannot be held responsible for any deterioration of health that may occur as a result of altitude or non-observance of our recommendations.

12. Cancellations by the client: The client may cancel their reservation with a 50% penalty up to 48 hours before the start time of the visit. Subsequently the cancellation requested by the client will not be refundable. Refunds are made exclusively through the same payment method within a maximum period of 7 working days. For cancellations please email info@lapalmastars.com.

13. Failure to attend the visit due to reasons beyond the company’s control will not entitle the visitor to a refund or rescheduling. This includes, but is not limited to: flight or transportation cancellations or delays, illness, traveler’s planning errors, adverse weather conditions (including fog, rain, or wind), lunar phases, mechanical failures, accidents, or any other circumstance outside our control. By purchasing a ticket, the visitor has accepted these conditions without exception.

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