Things To Do
in Calama
Calama is a city located in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile known for its mining industry, particularly copper mining. The city has a dry and arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Calama is home to the Chuquicamata mine, one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world.
Despite its industrial focus, Calama also offers visitors a chance to explore the nearby landscapes of the Atacama Desert.
- "Hola" - Hello
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Adiós" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Valle de la Luna, where you can marvel at the unique rock formations. Enjoy the stunning desert landscape as the sun rises over the horizon.
Head to the Atacama Salt Flats for an unforgettable experience. You can take photos of the beautiful white landscape and possibly see some flamingos.
End your day with stargazing at one of the observatories nearby. The night sky in the Atacama is one of the clearest in the world, making it perfect for astronomy enthusiasts.
Begin your morning by hiking to Coyote Rock, known for its amazing vistas. Make sure to bring plenty of water and enjoy the scenic views of the desert.
After the hike, relax at a local café and taste some traditional Chilean pastries. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as you interact with locals.
Wrap up your day by visiting the town center for some shopping. Experience the local culture and pick up some unique souvenirs.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural landscapes, including the nearby Atacama Desert and coastal views.
- Rich in cultural heritage with influences from indigenous communities.
- Growing tourist destination with opportunities for adventure sports and eco-tourism.
- Access to unique geological formations and astronomical observation sites.
- Mild climate with low humidity, making it comfortable year-round.
- Limited infrastructure and services compared to larger cities in Chile.
- High cost of living relative to local incomes, especially in tourism areas.
- Isolated location that requires significant travel to reach larger urban centers.
- Potential challenges with water availability due to desert environment.
- Less vibrant nightlife and fewer entertainment options compared to major cities.
Best Activities in Calama
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the otherworldly landscapes, salt formations, and unique rock formations in this breathtaking natural area.
Visit the stunning salt lagoons and enjoy floating in the buoyant waters, surrounded by scenic desert views.
Take a trip to the nearby town of San Pedro de Atacama to experience diverse outdoor activities, including stargazing, desert treks, and hot springs.
Tours
Uncover the best of Calama with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Calama
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the world's largest open-pit copper mine. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the mining process and its impact on the region.
Known for its otherworldly lunar-like landscape, this area provides excellent photo opportunities during sunset for capturing the unique rock formations and changing colors of the desert landscape.
A popular lookout point offering panoramic views of the city of Calama and surrounding landscapes. It's a great spot for capturing cityscapes and sunset views.
Food in Calama
Calama Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Chilean corn pie filled with ground beef, onions, chicken, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, baked to perfection. It's a must-try dish that represents the fusion of indigenous and European flavors. Visit La Casa Vieja or La Tablita for authentic Pastel de Choclo.
Must-Try!
These savory turnovers are a staple of Chilean cuisine. Look for empanadas filled with pino (a mixture of ground beef, onions, raisins, black olives, and hard-boiled eggs). Try Empanadas El Chavo for a delectable selection.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Calama better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit the Feria Libre de Calama, a bustling market offering fresh produce, local snacks, and traditional street food. Don't miss the anticuchos (grilled skewered meat) and choripanes (Chilean sausage sandwiches).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Calama, it is important to greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek, depending on the level of familiarity. It is essential to greet people upon entering a room or gathering.
Respect for elders is highly valued in Calama. It is customary to show deference and listen attentively when elders are speaking. Avoid speaking over them or contradicting their opinions.
When dining in Calama, it is polite to wait until the host indicates where to sit. It is customary to keep your hands on the table, and it is considerate to leave a small amount of food on your plate to indicate that you have had enough.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Calama with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Calama
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Calama, Chile, but it is appreciated for good service. A standard practice is to round up the bill or leave a small amount as a tip, typically 5-10% of the total bill.
In Calama, Chile, cash is widely accepted for payments, especially in smaller establishments. Credit and debit cards are also commonly used in larger stores and restaurants. It's always best to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller purchases and in more remote areas.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Calama.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is a great time to visit Calama as the weather is mild and the landscapes are blooming with wildflowers. It's perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and sightseeing.
Summer is a popular time to visit Calama as the weather is warm and perfect for exploring the desert landscapes. It's also the peak tourist season, so expect more crowds and higher prices.
Autumn is a pleasant time to visit Calama as the temperatures begin to cool down. It's a good time for outdoor activities and there are fewer tourists, making it a quieter and more relaxing experience.
Winter in Calama can be cold, especially at night, but it's a great time for stargazing and experiencing the unique beauty of the desert under a clear night sky. Some outdoor activities may be limited during this season.
Calama at Night
Hiking in Calama
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking spot offering stunning panoramic views of Calama and the surrounding desert landscape. The hike is moderate and provides a good opportunity for photography.
An archaeological site located near San Pedro de Atacama, this area features hiking routes that explore ancient ruins and beautiful rock formations, rich in history and stunning desert vistas.
A mountain located to the northeast of Calama that offers a challenging hike with rewarding views of the Andes mountains and the Atacama Desert. Ideal for more experienced hikers.
While not a traditional hiking spot, exploring the salt flats provides unique walking opportunities amidst breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and the chance to observe flamingos.
This national park features various trails that allow visitors to see stunning lagoons, geysers, and unique flora and fauna, including various species of flamingos.
Aiports
How to reach Calama by plane.
Located in Antofagasta, approximately 100 km from Calama, this international airport serves the northern region of Chile.
The primary airport serving Calama, it handles domestic flights and some international flights.
Located in Antofagasta, about 100 km from Calama, it serves both domestic and international flights.
Located in Copiapó, approximately 220 km from Calama, it provides access to regional destinations and international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of Calama's population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, primarily due to the city's historical and cultural ties to the broader Chilean demographic.
Includes groups such as the Atacameño (Lickan-antay) people, who have a significant presence in the region, contributing to the cultural diversity of Calama.
This group consists of residents of European ancestry, primarily descendants of Spanish and other European immigrants.
A considerable population of migrant workers, mostly from other regions of Chile and Latin America, contribute to the workforce, particularly in mining and related industries.
Comprising a small number of residents, this group includes people of Asian descent, primarily from countries like China and Japan.
This includes various other minority groups and immigrants who contribute to the social fabric of the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Calama, with local clubs participating in regional leagues and attracting significant community support.
Basketball has a growing fan base in Calama, with many schools and local clubs promoting the sport and organizing competitions.
Volleyball is popular, especially among women, with various amateur teams and local tournaments held throughout the year.
Athletics is promoted through schools and local sports clubs, with events like track and field competitions attracting participants.
Cycling is both a recreational activity and a competitive sport in Calama, with scenic routes that appeal to cycling enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Calama.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat-centric dishes dominate the local cuisine, many restaurants in Calama offer vegetarian and vegan versions of traditional dishes. Look for restaurants like Green's Vegetariano for plant-based options.
Those with gluten restrictions can find gluten-free alternatives in some eateries, particularly in international cuisine restaurants in the city.