Jujuy Celebrates the Accreditation of the “Route of Jujuy Skies” as a Starlight Trail

The Starlight Foundation and the Government of the Province of Jujuy officially announced that the Route of Jujuy Skies has received international recognition as a Starlight Trail. This certification is awarded to roads, greenways, or trails whose routes allow for the observation of Starlight-quality starry skies, combined with cultural and natural heritage linked to the light of the stars

Under this designation, Starlight Trails are adapted for astrotourism and for enjoying the nocturnal landscape through environmentally respectful infrastructure, such as interpretive panels or stargazing viewpoints designed to avoid light pollution

An Official Starlight Trail

According to the official definition of the Starlight Foundation, Starlight Trails are routes specifically designed to promote astronomical observation while preserving dark skies, integrating landscape, culture, and astronomy into a single, sustainable visitor experience

A New Landmark for the Southern Hemisphere Skies

The accreditation was announced on October 24, 2025, coinciding with the celebration of Astronomy Day. With this distinction, Jujuy reaches a new milestone as an international destination for night sky observation, joining globally renowned territories such as the Atacama Desert (Chile) and the Canary Islands (Spain)

The Route of Jujuy Skies follows National Route 52, stretching from Purmamarca to Jama, crossing landscapes at altitudes exceeding 3,500 meters above sea level. Along this itinerary, the Salinas Grandes stand out as a site of exceptional atmospheric purity, offering one of the most impressive astronomical observation experiences in the Southern Hemisphere

Astrotourism and Local Development

This recognition carries a dual strategic dimension. On the one hand, it acknowledges the quality of Jujuy’s night sky as a scientific and cultural heritage asset; on the other, it reinforces a commitment to a sustainable and inclusive tourism model.

The Starlight Foundation defines astrotourism as “a responsible form of tourism that combines sky observation, scientific outreach, and the conservation of the natural environment.” It represents a powerful driver of development that, in the words of its Director, Antonia Varela Pérez, “empowers rural communities, generates local economies, and helps preserve a shared asset: the starry sky. When we protect the night sky, we are also safeguarding our future.”

From the provincial government, the Secretary of Tourism of Jujuy stated that the accreditation “recognizes years of work in light control, guide training, and environmental awareness,” and that it “represents an opportunity to diversify the tourism offer, attract visitors interested in nature and science, and generate sustainable employment in the Jujuy Puna.”

Argentina Strengthens Its Leadership in Astrotourism

With this new distinction, Argentina continues to expand its network of territories certified by the Starlight Foundation. The country already includes Iberá Park (in Concepción del Yaguareté Corá, Loreto, and Chavarría) as a Starlight Tourist Destination, in addition to several Starlight-certified accommodations, positioning Argentina as a leading reference for astrotourism in Latin America

Looking to the Future

The accreditation establishes that the Route of Jujuy Skies will offer astrotourism experiences that meet international standards, including prepared stargazing viewpoints, guides trained in sky interpretation, and nighttime routes that integrate local culture, landscape, and astronomy.

At the same time, it entails a commitment to maintaining good lighting practices, protecting dark skies, and strengthening ties with local communities—ensuring that tourism under the stars becomes a pathway toward a sustainable future for northern Argentina