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Calama
From Wikitravel
Calama is in the region of Antofagasta in northern Chile.
[edit] Get in
[edit] By Bus
There are frequent bus connections to Antofagasta (2 hours).
[edit] By Train
If the nearby salt plains appeal, take the 3 or 4 day train ride to Bolivia (bring warm clothes!). The amazing train is essentially a cargo train that carries a handful of Bolivian peasants between the coast and the altiplano, but it provides an incredible vista.
The train to Bolivia runs 2 times a week. Visit FCA's (Ferro Carril Andino) web site for information on schedules and fees.
As of June 2009, the train service no longer runs to Ollague. However, there there are bus services to Ollague (the Chilean-Bolivian border) for around 4,000 Pesos. Try the bus service 'Frontera Norte'
Edited info: This train service has stpped. There are no trains from Bolivia to Calama Chile. The FCA website takes you to train service from Lima to Huamcayo in Peru.
[edit] Get around
Calama is not large, but there is not so much to do, so one is likely to take buses or collectivos (shared taxis, that run specific routes) both fairly cheap.
[edit][add listing] See
Get a taxi in the city centre to Chuquicamata. It is an enormous mine open to the sky. There is a free tour to the mine, its worth visiting.
To see the mine you should first sign up at the local municipal tourism office. It's located a few blocks from the main plaza on Calle La Torre between Calle Vicuna Mckenna and Pedro Leon Gallo (more towards Mckenna and on your left hand side as you walk from the plaza). It's in a small building on a market-lined street so pay close attention or you'll walk right by it. They'll take your name and information and direct you to the taxi/collectivo stand that can take you to the mine as of 12:30 PM. The cost of the collectivo is 1500 CLP each way. The tour starts when a bus picks you up near the fire station and ends about 60-90 minutes later. The collectivo is waiting for you at Chuqui when the tour ends. The tour itself is free but you will be asked for a voluntary donation for the children's fund.
[edit][add listing] Do
There's a small amusement park for children off the main square in town.
And you can go to the mall. There's a movie theater there, but be warned, all the movies are in Spanish.
Rent a 4x4 truck and go see Chiu-Chiu, Lasana, and the geysers de Tatio. For around 40,000 pesos, you can rent a 4x4 truck. Chiu-Chiu is about 35km North-East of Calama. There are intresting ruins, a lagoon, and some old churches. Lasana is a beautiful canyon winding through the desert. It's green and really different. Then, a several hour drive across the salt flats and through some VERY rugged roads brings you to the Geysers of Tatio. If you camp on the NORTH side of the geysers, and come down in the morning, you can get in for free (otherwise around 16,000 for a truck and four people). The geysers are at about 4,200 meters, and you hit abou 4,700 meters coming in from the north. In May it was VERY cold (our water bottles froze that night solid). A very cool experience.
[edit][add listing] Buy
[edit][add listing] Eat
[edit][add listing] Drink
[edit][add listing] Sleep
- Hotel Aymara, Abapoa 2120 A. Nice hotel near the city centre. Big room, clean shower and toilet, tv, wifi. Price includes breakfast. 30,000. edit
[edit] Get out
San Pedro de Atacama is two hours away by bus.
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