I never even thought about the "nighttime sky" - I have had so few really clear nights in the southern hemisphere, I've seen very few of the stars.

A question for pumpikin, how did you "get around?" Did you rent cars most of the time? Hire drivers? If you did either, what would your recommend? (ie, companies, etc). I rented cars last year and they are just horrendously expensive down there, but outside of Santiago, I really didn't have any big concerns in driving.

Also, where did you stay in La Serena? Where WOULD you stay in La Serena?

The only "problem" with the norte de Chile is that it is almost impossible to earn hotel points. Que Horror. But it looks like very decent accomodations can be had for very reasonable prices.

Gracias por tu ayuda.