In some places, the sky feels bigger—wider, deeper, and impossibly full of stars. That’s the feeling you get in Oceania and the Americas. From the red heart of Australia to the salt flats of Argentina, these landscapes stretch so far and so silently that when night falls, it’s as if the world itself disappears and only the sky remains.

If you’ve ever thought about taking a break from the noise and going somewhere that offers space to breathe, this is your kind of trip. And if you love the idea of wide horizons by day and star-streaked skies by night, these destinations will stay with you long after you’ve left.

This is a journey through deserts, mountains, and remote valleys—where stargazing is raw, real, and unforgettable. Let’s head south, where the sky comes alive after dark.

Oceania: Southern Skies and Stories in the Stars

Australia – Uluru, Warrumbungle National Park & the Outback

In the heart of Australia’s vast Outback, the night sky unfolds in a way that feels almost sacred. Near Uluru, the air is so dry and the land so flat that stargazing becomes immersive—especially on moonless nights when the Milky Way, Southern Cross, and Magellanic Clouds are vivid and unmistakable. According to Aboriginal tradition, many constellations represent ancestral spirits, animals, or dreamtime stories passed through generations.

One of the best places for astronomy is Warrumbungle National Park in New South Wales, recognized as the first Dark Sky Park in the Southern Hemisphere. Public observatories, night sky festivals, and guided stargazing walks are common here.

Travelers can stay in eco-lodges near Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, such as Longitude 131, or stargazing-friendly accommodations in Coonabarabran, the gateway to Warrumbungle. Even simple camping out in the Outback offers an unforgettable view of the southern sky.

• Best Months: May to September for crisp, clear skies.
• With the Australia JetSet eSIM, you’ll stay connected throughout the country—no roaming charges, no signal drops, even in remote national parks.

New Zealand – Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve & Waitomo Caves

New Zealand is one of the few places where stargazing feels like a national treasure. The Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, located near Lake Tekapo, is internationally recognized for its dark skies and astronomical observatories. On a good night, you can see the Milky Way, Saturn, Crux, and the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis)—though the latter is rare and seasonal.

Even without equipment, the sky is dazzling here. Guided tours at Mount John Observatory help visitors learn the stories behind each star cluster. Local Māori tradition links certain stars, like Matariki (Pleiades), to seasonal change and renewal—a cultural tie now celebrated annually across the country.

For a different kind of night experience, visit the Waitomo Caves, where thousands of glowworms light up underground ceilings like constellations. It’s a magical parallel to the real stars above.

Stay in sky lodges around Lake Tekapo, like SkyScape or Peppers Bluewater Resort, or choose cozy countryside B&Bs in the Waitomo region.

• When to Go: March to October for the clearest skies.
• The New Zealand JetSet eSIM ensures smooth mobile connectivity across both islands, from alpine lakes to glowworm caves—without roaming fees.

The Americas: Mountains, Deserts, and Skies Without End

USA – Utah, Arizona & Big Bend, Texas

The American Southwest is a haven for stargazers. National parks like Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Big Bend are certified Dark Sky Parks, offering some of the most pristine night skies in the world. Here, the Milky Way, meteor showers, planets, and satellite trails appear so clearly that even the most casual observer is moved to silence.

Public astronomy programs are common in Utah's parks, where rangers guide night walks and telescope sessions. In Navajo and Pueblo traditions, constellations are woven into stories of balance, seasons, and spirit animals—reminding visitors that the stars have guided people long before GPS.

Stay at unique accommodations like Under Canvas Moab, Capitol Reef Resort, or Chisos Mountains Lodge in Big Bend for stargazing right outside your door.

• Best Time: Spring and fall for clear skies and comfortable weather.
• The USA JetSet eSIM offers seamless connectivity across states and national parks—no roaming costs, even on long road trips.

Mexico – Sierra de San Pedro Mártir, Baja California

Tucked away in northern Baja, the Sierra de San Pedro Mártir National Park is home to Mexico’s most important astronomical facility—the National Astronomical Observatory. The altitude, dry air, and lack of development make this area ideal for observing the Milky Way, Perseids, Venus, and Mars with the naked eye.

Beyond science, ancient Mexican civilizations like the Maya and Aztec were deeply tied to the sky, using celestial cycles to guide everything from farming to temple construction. In many ways, stargazing here echoes that legacy.

Stay in mountain lodges near Observatorio Astronómico Nacional or eco-camps within the park itself. The road is remote, but the skies make the trip worthwhile.

• Best Months: July to October.
• With the Mexico JetSet eSIM, you’ll enjoy strong signal access from Baja’s rugged peaks to rural towns—no roaming fees, no complications.

Chile – Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert is more than remote—it's otherworldly. With its high elevation, bone-dry air, and total lack of light pollution, it’s considered one of the best places on Earth for stargazing. Observatories like ALMA and Paranal are here for a reason.

From the village of San Pedro de Atacama, travelers can join night tours that reveal the Magellanic Clouds, Southern Cross, Alpha Centauri, and deep-sky objects invisible elsewhere. In the Andean worldview, the dark spaces between stars held powerful meaning, forming shapes of animals and ancestors that connected heaven and earth.

Stay at astronomy lodges like Tierra Atacama, Explora Atacama, or the rustic yet charming Casa Don Tomás.

• Best Season: March to November for optimal clarity.
• The Chile JetSet eSIM keeps you connected even in the most isolated desert landscapes—with no roaming charges.

Peru – Sacred Valley & Colca Canyon

Peru’s Sacred Valley offers more than ancient ruins—it opens up to the cosmos. At altitudes above 2,800 meters, villages like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and even Cusco offer wide, dark skies where the Milky Way, Orion, and Southern constellations are all visible.

In Inca cosmology, stars and constellations were central to agriculture, calendars, and ritual life. But unlike Western astronomy, the Incas also mapped dark constellations—shapes formed by the dark patches in the Milky Way, such as the Llama and Fox.

Stay in locally run eco-lodges or historical estates like El Albergue Ollantaytambo or Colca Lodge near the canyon.

• Travel Tip: Dry season (May to September) offers the best sky conditions.
• Use the Peru JetSet eSIM for smooth mobile access while traveling between archaeological wonders and starlit valleys.

Argentina – El Leoncito National Park & Puna de Atacama

In the shadow of the Andes, El Leoncito National Park in San Juan Province is a stargazer’s dream. With altitudes of over 2,400 meters, low humidity, and clean air, this region hosts two major observatories and countless unaided views of deep-sky constellations, galaxies, and planetary systems.

Farther north, the Puna de Atacama offers high-altitude plains with surreal, Mars-like landscapes—where skies remain untouched by light pollution. Local folklore often references stars as markers for seasonal change and personal destiny.

Base yourself in Barreal, a peaceful village known for its dark skies and charming guesthouses. Many locals offer guided stargazing sessions with traditional Argentine food and local wine.

• When to Visit: April to October.
• The Argentina JetSet eSIM gives you strong, reliable coverage across both cities and remote wilderness—without roaming costs.

In remote national parks, high deserts, and stargazing lodges tucked into the mountains, Wi-Fi isn’t always guaranteed—and when it is, it’s often slow, limited, or shared by too many users. Buying a local SIM may work for short stays in one country, but if your journey spans multiple places, switching cards and managing top-ups becomes a hassle.

That’s where regional JetSet eSIMs make all the difference. With the North America JetSet eSIM, Latin America JetSet eSIM, and Oceania JetSet eSIM, you get one download, one plan—and you're connected across regions. No roaming fees, no changing numbers, no SIM swapping.

Whether you're driving through the Utah desert, hiking in Patagonia, or exploring both islands of New Zealand, your connection stays with you—reliable and ready whenever you need it. So you can focus on the constellations, not connectivity.