Before you go

Your trip to Calama.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Calama – Antofagasta Destination Deserto do Atacama

How to get there

Aeropuerto El Loa (CJC) 6 km
Terminal de Buses de Calama 3 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

El Loa airport is about 6 km from the center, with taxis and transfers. Confirm before booking. By land, buses link Calama to Antofagasta, San Pedro de Atacama, Iquique and Santiago on a long route.

How many days

Half a day is enough for the center and Parque El Loa. To include the visit to Chuquicamata and the trip to Chiu Chiu, allow a full day, preferably at the beginning or end of your trip to the Atacama.

When to go

Calama is one of the driest cities in the world, with rare rain and sunshine almost every day. Afternoons are mild and the early mornings are cold, especially in winter. In March, the city's anniversary brings parades and events.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

The center is walkable, and shared taxis operate around the city. The visit to Chuquicamata has its own transport. For Chiu Chiu and the Loa Valley, a rental car or an agency makes the trip easier.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Calama

Morning
Guided visit to Chuquicamata
With prior registration, join Codelco's visit to the old camp, the Pala Mundial and the viewpoint over the pit. Wear long sleeves, long pants and closed shoes.
Afternoon
Chiu Chiu and the Loa Valley
Go to Chiu Chiu, about 35 km away, to see the adobe church with a cactus roof. If time permits, continue to the Pukará de Lasana in the same valley.
Late afternoon
Parque El Loa
On the way back, walk through Parque El Loa along the river, and see the replica of the church of Chiu Chiu and the museum, if it's open.
Evening
Center and Plaza 23 de Marzo
Finish at Plaza 23 de Marzo, in front of the copper-domed cathedral, and dine in the center. Try a "completo", the Chilean hot dog with avocado, tomato and mayonnaise.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth staying in Calama?

For most travelers, Calama is a stop on the way to San Pedro. One night or one day is worthwhile for those who want to visit Chuquicamata, Chiu Chiu and Parque El Loa, or who have an early flight.

How far is Calama from San Pedro de Atacama?

About 100 km via Ruta 23, roughly an hour and a half by car or bus.

How can I visit the Chuquicamata mine?

Only through Codelco's guided tour, which requires prior registration and has limited spaces. Wear long sleeves, long pants and closed shoes.

Is Calama at high altitude?

The city sits at about 2,260 meters, slightly lower than San Pedro. Drink water and take it easy on the first day.

Back to Calama