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Explore the Past and Present in the Atacama Desert

The port town of Antofagasta, (1,377 km from Santiago) and the city of Calama (1,574 km) are at the heart of the Chilean mining industry. Though this part of the northern region is home to the country's most important copper mines, visitors will find other treasures here as well.

Situated just 215 km northeast of Antofagasta, Calama calls itself "the land of sun and copper." Its vibrant economy and entertainment scene revolve around mining, and it is home to the miners who work at the Chuquicamata copper deposit just 15 km away. Tours of this giant open-pit mine, which can be seen from any part of the city but is definitely worth a visit, are offered year-round. The site measures more than four kilometers in diameter and reaches depths of nearly 1,000 meters.

In terms of services, Calama is the point of departure for expeditions to inland towns like San Pedro de Atacama, Chiu-Chiu and Caspana.
Both cities also offer access to the Paranal Astronomy Center, one of the most important in the world.

Deserts, beaches, enormous mining deposits, altiplano towns and stargazing are all within reach.

Featured Destinations

Historic District		Chuquicamata
Gateway of Antofagasta		Salitre Route

Getting There By Plane From Santiago, there are direct flights to Cerro Moreno Airport in Antofagasta and El Loa in Calama (2 h). By Bus Buses from Santiago stop in Antofagasta before continuing to Calama. The ride takes a total of about 23 hours, so it's a good idea to take a sleeper line. Buses depart from: - Terminal Los Héroes: Located on Tucapel Jiménez and Alameda near the Los Héroes Metro Station. A number of bus lines offer service to the northern part of the country. Telephone: (562) 420-0099 - Terminal San Borja (formerly Terminal Norte): Located at San Borja and Alameda near the Estación Central train station. Bus companies offer service to northern Chile and within the Metropolitan Region. Telephone: (562) 776-0645 By Car From Santiago to Antofagasta, take Route 5 north and then Route 26 or Route 28 west (1,377 km). To Calama, continue along Route 5 north until its forks at Carmen Alto. From there, take Route 25 northeast (215 km). Coming from the north via Route 5, take Route 24 (Calama-Tocopilla) east.