About Us: AstroLaPalma, Astronomy and Astrotourism Specialists in La Palma
In La Palma, looking up at the night sky is more than an experience: it is part of our identity.
At AstroLaPalma, the company behind LaPalmaStars.com, we have been offering astrotourism experiences and astronomy outreach activities since 2012, combining astronomy, environmental education and ecotourism beneath one of the world’s most renowned skies for astronomical observation.
Our mission is both simple and ambitious: to bring the universe closer to people, through scientific accuracy, a passion for astronomy and respect for the natural environment.
We believe astronomy should not be reserved for specialists or enthusiasts with advanced knowledge. Anyone can learn to recognise constellations, understand what they see through a telescope and experience the wonder of discovering the universe.
Astrotourism in La Palma: Experience, Science and Protected Night Skies
Since 2012, we have organised astronomy experiences in La Palma, Canary Islands, for the general public, families, astronomy enthusiasts and lovers of night photography.
Since 2013, we have also organised and personally conducted guided visits to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, one of the world’s major international astrophysics research centres, located high in the mountains of La Palma.
What Defines Us
- Guided stargazing experiences for all audiences, with accessible scientific explanations.
- Visits to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, bringing astronomical research closer to visitors.
- Educational activities and astronomy outreach, encouraging active participation and learning.
- Night photography and astrophotography, including specialist workshops and experiences.
- Private astronomy tours and small-group experiences, designed to offer more personalised attention.
- Sustainable tourism and environmental education, promoting respect for nature and the protection of the night sky.
Every activity is designed not only to help you enjoy the night sky, but also to understand what you are observing.
Because an astronomy experience may last just a few hours, but the knowledge and curiosity it inspires can stay with you for a lifetime.
An Experienced Team with Astronomy at Its Heart
Behind every AstroLaPalma experience is a team of trained, experienced professionals with a long-standing background in astronomy outreach.
Our activities follow the scientific and educational approach of Ana García, who holds PhD, an sstrophycist and is a science communicator and certified environmental educator.
This approach combines scientific knowledge, practical experience, communication skills and genuine personal attention.
Qualifications, Experience and Certifications
- Astrophysics and scientific research.
- Experience with astronomical instruments and observations.
- Science communication and education.
- Environmental education.
- Amateur and professional astronomy.
- Starlight-certified guides experienced in astronomy activities.
Our knowledge does not come from books alone. It has been built through years of working in Spain and other countries, using astronomical equipment and sharing the night sky with thousands of people.
At AstroLaPalma, we believe in working with experienced professionals because we know that the quality of an astronomy experience depends not only on a guide’s knowledge, but also on their ability to communicate it.
A Track Record Recognised in La Palma and Internationally
Quality and a commitment to astronomy outreach have been central to AstroLaPalma since the beginning.
Throughout our history, we have received recognition for tourism, the quality of our experiences and our contribution to the development of astrotourism in La Palma.
International Recognition in Astrotourism
AstroLaPalma is featured among the international companies highlighted in the Stargazing Tourism Market Research Report 2033, produced by Growth Market Reports and published in 2025.
The report examines the global stargazing tourism market and identifies relevant companies operating in the sector, including AstroLaPalma.
This international recognition is particularly meaningful for a specialist company operating from the island of La Palma, and reflects the growing importance of astronomy as an educational, scientific and tourism resource.
Read more about AstroLaPalma’s inclusion in this international astrotourism report.
Awards and Recognition
- Tripadvisor Certificates of Excellence, received throughout our history.
- Tripadvisor Hall of Fame, recognising consistently positive visitor reviews.
- Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2020.
- Tourism Merit Plaque for Emerging Destinations (2014), a shared recognition.
- FITUR 2018 Award for Best National Active Leisure Experience, a shared recognition.
- Member of the La Palma World Biosphere Reserve Tourism Product Club since 2019. La Palma World Biosphere Reserve.
These recognitions form part of a journey built on consistent work, science outreach and our commitment to quality and sustainability.
Adapting, Persevering and Continuing to Look at the Stars
The volcanic eruption of 2021 affected us deeply, as it did the entire island. We had to adapt, reorganise and persevere.
But it also reinforced something we have always believed: La Palma and its night sky deserve to be shared.
Since 2022, we have looked towards the future with renewed enthusiasm, learning from what we experienced and more determined than ever to continue offering authentic experiences.
Ana García: Astrophysicist, Science Communicator and Environmental Educator
Founder and Director of AstroLaPalma
Ana García is an Astrophysics, a science communicator and a certified environmental educator, as well as the founder and director of AstroLaPalma.
Her professional background combines scientific research, teaching, astronomy outreach and the development of projects related to scientific and sustainable tourism.
Through AstroLaPalma, Ana promotes an approach to astronomy that combines scientific accuracy, learning, participation and a sense of wonder.
Her philosophy is based on one fundamental idea: you do not need any previous knowledge to enjoy the universe. Astronomy can be explained simply without compromising scientific accuracy.
Her Professional Experience Includes
- Astrophysics research and science communication.
- Certified environmental education and raising awareness about protecting the natural environment.
- Organising and managing visits to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory.
- Designing educational astronomy experiences for audiences with different levels of knowledge.
- Creating the advanced night photography courses AstroMaster La Palma.
- Organising scientific and educational events, including AstroFest La Palma.
In 2017, she received the “Mujeres con Estrella” recognition and has contributed to specialist media and science communication programmes.
“I look up at the sky every night, even when it is cloudy. My goal is that, after sharing an experience with us, you will do the same.”
Candy Bethencourt: Sharing the Universe with People
Candy Bethencourt, a Starlight-certified guide and astronomer, has been part of the AstroLaPalma team since 2015.
Her experience and ability to communicate astronomy are an essential part of the educational and personal approach that characterises our activities.
“Besides the stars, what I love most about this work is seeing how knowledge of the universe transforms people. It is a unique experience.”
Committed to La Palma and the Protection of Its Night Sky
We operate in La Palma, a Starlight Reserve and UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, where the quality of the night sky is a natural, scientific and cultural heritage worth protecting.
For AstroLaPalma, astrotourism is not simply about enjoying this valuable resource. It also means educating, raising awareness and contributing to its conservation.
That is why we promote environmentally responsible activities, environmental education, awareness of the importance of natural darkness and the protection of the night sky from light pollution.
We also participate in La Palma’s Astrotourism Working Group, contributing to discussions about the development and quality of the sector on the island.
AstroLaPalma: A Real Team and a Local Business in La Palma
AstroLaPalma is much more than an online booking website. We are a company with a professional team and a physical office and specialist astronomy shop in Los Cancajos, Breña Baja.
You can visit us at Travesía de Los Cancajos 2, Local B1, Los Cancajos, Breña Baja, La Palma, where we provide information about our activities and personalised assistance.
We organise our astronomy experiences directly and support our customers before, during and after their activities.
We are here in La Palma, and we know first-hand the night sky we share with our visitors.
Much More Than Stargazing
At AstroLaPalma, we believe a great astronomy experience is measured not only by what you see through a telescope, but also by what you learn, understand and take away with you.
If you are looking for stargazing in La Palma, visits to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, night photography or private astronomy experiences, we want to offer you more than an excursion: an opportunity to discover the universe with professionals who know and love what they do.
Because the universe is immense.
And understanding just a little more about it can also change the way you see the world.
Explore Our Experiences:
Guided Stargazing Tours |
Roque de los Muchachos Observatory Visits |
Private Astronomy Tours |
Night Photography
Team photos before 2020…
