Car Rental at Calama El Loa Airport

Airport travel guide

Calama is the gateway to Chile’s remote north and one of the most popular attractions in the country, the Atacama Desert.  The town’s largest tourist attraction is the large copper mine that the city is built around, but predominantly, most travelers will use Calama as a hub for exploring the fascinating nature of the surrounding region. With that in mind, these are three of the most interesting attractions in and around Calama:

• Chuquicamata Mine. Although inhabited since pre-Columbian times, the modern history of Calama is inextricably linked with the mining industry. Visiting the neighboring Chuquicamata mine, at one point the largest copper mine in the world, is an otherworldly experience and something you shouldn’t miss when visiting the area. You can only visit on a guided bus tour — you can book it by either sending an email to visitas@codelco.cl, calling the number +56 552322122, or visiting the tourist information center at El Loa Park in Calama.
• Chiu Chiu. Located just a 30-minute drive northeast of Calama, the oasis village of San Francisco de Chiu Chiu is one of the most popular (and the most accessible) day trips in the area. The area is known for its crater-like lagoons and the nearby Lasana Canyon, as well as the oldest church in Chile which dates back to the early 17th century and was built with an indigenous technique using mud and cactus wood. 
• San Pedro de Atacama. Located about an 80-minute drive southeast of Calama is the town of San Pedro, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chile. From the Moon Valley and the geysers of El Tatio to ancient petroglyphs and some of the best stargazing tours on the planet, the area is absolutely rich in awe-inspiring experiences to have. Keep in mind that while having a rental car is a great help in exploring the region, there are obstacles such as rugged mountain roads, an elevation of up to 4,700 m (15,420 feet), temperatures that get as low as -15 C (5 F), and extremely low population density. Prepare well, plan accordingly, and consider hiring a guide. 

Top international routes

• Santiago
• La Serena
• Concepción

Main airlines

Sky Airline, LATAM Chile, and JetSmart

Terminals

The single airport terminal serves all departures and arrivals.

Location

Calama Airport is about 6 km (3.7 mi) southwest of Calama and 215 km (133 mi) northeast of Antofagasta. Av. Circunvalación / Ruta 25, Av. Balmaceda, and Av. Chorrillos are the main roads connecting the airport to Calama.

Most popular types of rental car

• SUVs - from $77 per day
• Large cars - from $68 per day
• Small cars - from $26 per day
• Medium cars - from $46 per day

Car rental desks

Most are inside the airport terminal. The exact location of your car rental provider's desk will be listed on your Confirmation Voucher.

Services and facilities

Although Calama Airport is really small, you’ll find a few coffee shops and eateries serving both Chilean and international food, as well as a jewelry shop, a local handicrafts shop, and a newsstand. There are also ATMs, a lounge, a first aid station, and two nearby hotels. The airport offers assistance to travelers with reduced mobility, but be sure to contact your airline in advance if you’d like this service.

Nearest gas station

A shell gas station at Av Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 234 can be reached in about six minutes. There are many other gas stations in and around Calama.

Popular one-way rentals

• Antofagasta (215 km / 133 miles)
• Arica (605 km / 376 miles)
• La Serena (1,062 km / 660 miles)
• Santiago (1,533 km / 953 miles)