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Calama

On a high northeast plateau northeast of Atofagasta, Calama is more of a business center than a tourist destination. Still, it is a popular stopover for Calama countryside

visitors headed to the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama and the geysers at El Tatio.
Colonial villages like Chiu Chiu and archaeological monuments like the Pukara de Lasana, a pre-Columbian fortress, are within easy driving distance of Calama. The improved highway to San Pedro has made it possible to visit El Tatio and return via villages like Caspana, Ayquina and Chiu Chiu in one long day. For some, the world's largest open-pit mine in neigboring Chuquicamata is also an attraction. Codelco, the state-run copper mining enterprise, offers tours of its facilities, including the awesome open-pit, every weekday morning.

Hotels


		Park Hotel Calama

	General Info Calama's best luxury hotel located 5 minutes from the airport and downtown. The hotel provides transportation to the airport and downtown at not extra cost.

	Accomodation Service Conference room, pool, restaurant, bar, laundry, TV, money exchange, tours, gym, sauna, games room, parking.

	Prices Standard: Single US$110, Double US$120 Superior: Single US$140, Double US$150 Master Suite US$210 Rates valid until February 28, 2005.


		Hotel Alfa

	General Info A nice and comfortable hotel.

	Accomodation Service Conference room, restaurant, bar, laundry, TV, money exchange, tours, parking.

	Prices Single US$42, Double US$50, Triple US$63 Rates valid until April 30, 2005.


		Hotel El Mirador

	General Info Hotel in an architecturally unique building with antique furniture and large, airy rooms with private bath.

	Accomodation Service Bar, laundry, TV, tours, parking, minibar in rooms.

	Prices Single US$45, Double US$55, Triple US$72 Rates valid until February 2005


		Hotel Quitor

	General Info Located in the center of the city opposite the Plaza de Armas. Three story hotel that combines modern comfort and traditional architecture of the zone.

	Accomodation Service Restaurant, bar, laundry, TV, parking.

	Prices Single US$41, Double US$59, Triple US$73, Quadruple US$70 Rates valid until December 31, 2004.


		Hotel Olimpo

	General Info A boxy, modern hotel.

	Accomodation Service Cafe, restaurant, laundry, fax service, parking.

	Prices Single US$63, Double US$69, Triple US$81, Suite US$81 Rates valid until March 31, 2005.


		Hosteria Calama

	General Info Luxury and well located place.

	Accomodation Conference room, restaurant, bar, cafe, pool, laundry, money exchange, tours, gym, parking, free airport service.

	Prices Single US$60 Double US$72 Triple US$ 86 Rates valid until 2005 Rates valid until June 30, 2005.

Activities


		Sightseeing, Tour

	Chuquicamata: This is a company town and mine located 16 kms north of Calama. However, this is no ordinary mine. It is the largest open pit copper mine in the world (500meters deep) and provides 25% of Chile´s entire export income! These qualities have made the mine a popular attraction for people passing through the region. To tour the mine, contact the Public Relations office in Calama (Relaciones Públicas), they offer several hour tours of the mine Monday through Friday. Or, for a surcharge, tour agencies in Calama arrange tours. Public transport can be found to travel to the company town via bus or collective taxis. The best option is to ask around, especially the drivers of CODELCO pickup trucks, as they might be heading back to the mine and offer you a ride.


		National Park

	Parque El Loa: This recently built park is a wonderful sanctuary for those who need a change from the harshness of life in the desert. This lush little oasis of a park offers a riverside swimming pool for a break from the oftentimes oppressive heat. There are the usual playground games for the kids as well as refreshing shade to help their parents relax. The Museum of Archeology and Ethnicity is located within the park and features exhibits devoted to the native peoples of the Atacama region.


		Trekking, Climbing

	The mountains around Calama are the same magnificent 5500 meter plus volcanoes that surround San Pedro. There are few tour agencies that offer trekking and climbing excursions in the area. They can also easily arrange to pick you up at the airport. I will soon be adding info on these agencies (one is called Acemet). Look in the San Pedro de Atacama attractions for a more complete guide to outdoor recreation in the area.