2026 Calama Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in March)

Real traveler experiences and travel guides for Calama in March, 2026

In the past 7 days, 0 travel guides for Calama have been added, helping 11 travelers with their trips

In the past 30 days, 1 travel guides for Calama have been added, helping 16 travelers with their trips

The Tatio Geysers are a geothermal field of volcanic origin where water and steam erupt violently from the depths of the earth. They are more than 4 thousand meters above sea level, making them the highest geysers in the world. They are located 90 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama and have their peak time between 05:30 and 07:00 in the morning, when the height of the steam jets reaches 10 meters in height. In the early hours of the morning the temperatures are very low, even reaching -20°. On the way back, you can take advantage of the Puritama Hot Springs, which are natural water pools. You can also visit the Machuca town that has only 20 houses and a church. The families dedicate themselves to grazing llamas and making handicrafts that they sell to tourists. #tripblazers #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #newyearadventure #beachlife #campingglamping #foodie #awesomepic #summervacation #nationalpark #2023travelwish #passionpassport

To get from Chile to Bolivia, I decided to fly to Calama and then take a bus to Uyuni. This was cheaper than flying to La Paz and then on to Uyuni, and it also kept the journey linear. The flight was excellent, with views of the snow-white peaks of the Andes. Upon arrival, I was able to easily order an Uber. The ride to the hotel cost me 6,000 Chilean pesos. The car is the red one in the photo. I stayed at the Modular Express Calama Hotel, which I booked on trip.com, along with my flights. The room cost about $40 USD. It was clean and had a shower. Breakfast was also included. A good value for the money. I had no plans to sightsee in the city. I went out to eat, and the dish in the photo and tea cost me 15,000 Chilean pesos. I was also considering getting a haircut—it costs 5,000 pesos—but by the time I finished dinner, which was around 9 PM, everything was already closed. After buying supplies for the trip at the nearest store, I went to bed. Keep in mind that it gets quite cold at night. While it might be 19-20 degrees Celsius during the day, it was around 2 degrees Celsius at night. My bus departed at 6 AM. Breakfast started at 5:30 AM. I ate in 10 minutes and had no problem calling a taxi to my departure point. By bus. The journey to Uyuni took a total of 10 and a half hours. The road is a desert with mountains and volcanoes, some of which even emitted smoke. For some unknown reason, we spent three hours at the border. After it opened, everything went smoothly. On the Bolivian side, there's no paved road up to Uyuni, but on the Chilean side, there's a decent paved road to the border crossing. That's how I got to Uyuni🚌✈️ #Calama #Chile #Bolivia #Santiago #Uyuni

If you're planning on going from Calama to Uyuni, it's quicker to go straight overland across the Chile-Bolivia border than to take the long detour by air. The most popular way to travel this distance is not to take a bus from Calama to Uyuni, but to take a three-day, two-night tour from San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni. Naturally, this is more expensive than the bus, but you'll be treated to some spectacular scenery. However, we'll provide bus information for those who want to keep costs down and still get to Uyuni directly. After some research, we found that there are three bus companies that will take you from Calama to Uyuni by bus. ・Trans Salvador → 6:00 AM departure, CLP 30,000 ・Cruz del Norte → 6:00 AM departure, CLP 25,000 ・Trans Ricardo → 6:00 AM/7:00 AM/9:00 AM departure, CLP 30,000 *All fares are as of January 2026

#holidayitinerary Calama in Antofagasta is a small city that serves as a practical and welcoming base for exploring Chile’s Atacama Desert. The city itself has a relaxed and casual vibe, with wide streets, local markets, and cafés that offer a glimpse into everyday life in the region. While it is not as tourist focused as nearby towns, Calama has its own charm, especially in its plazas and historical landmarks that reflect its mining history. The nearby Chuquicamata copper mine is one of the largest in the world and provides insight into the area’s economic significance. From Calama, travelers can easily reach spectacular desert attractions, including salt flats, geysers, and unique rock formations. The city’s calm atmosphere, combined with its convenient location, makes it a comfortable and practical stop for those exploring northern Chile.

#cityplaybook #stunningview Rising over 4,300 meters (14,000 feet) above sea level, the El Tatio Geysers are one of the highest and most awe-inspiring geothermal fields in the world. Located in the heart of northern Chile’s Atacama Desert, this natural wonder is at its most breathtaking at sunrise, when plumes of steam rise from the frozen earth, glowing gold in the early light. A pre-dawn journey from San Pedro de Atacama brings you to this otherworldly site just in time to witness dozens of geysers, boiling mud pools, and steaming fumaroles come alive. The contrast of cold desert air and hot geothermal activity creates a mystical atmosphere unlike any other. Besides the spectacular geothermal display, the area is also rich in Andean wildlife, including vicuñas, foxes, and flamingos. For the brave, there’s even a hot spring pool to take a quick dip—perfect for warming up in the crisp morning air. 📍 El Tatio Geysers, near San Pedro de Atacama, Chile 🕘 Best time to visit: Sunrise (tour departs around 4:30 AM) 🎟️ Entrance fee required #ElTatioGeysers #AtacamaAdventure #GeothermalWonder #ChileTravel #SunriseEscape #CityPlaybook #HighAltitudeMagic

#aprilblooms #chile San Pedro de Atacama is a charming adobe town nestled in Chile's high desert, serving as a gateway to the Atacama's surreal landscapes. During my visit, I explored the Valle de la Luna at sunset, marveled at the steaming El Tatio geysers at dawn, and floated effortlessly in the salty Laguna Cejar. Stargazing under the crystal-clear skies was a highlight, revealing constellations with stunning clarity. Tour options abound, from multi-day adventure packages to specialized excursions like astronomy tours and visits to altiplanic lagoons. San Pedro's unique blend of natural wonders and cultural richness made my trip truly unforgettable.