Calama tours

Things to do in Calama

Calama stands as a portal to the stark yet captivating Atacama Desert landscapes, a city pulsing with the rhythm of the mining life that defines it. Amongst the barren beauty, your local guide will introduce you to Calama tours that uncover the city's true essence. Stroll through lively streets adorned with murals that echo stories of endurance and shared community spirit. On a walking tour, you'll stumble upon local secrets—from artisanal markets to the historic Chuquicamata mine. For those with a penchant for gastronomy, a food and wine tour will satisfy with rich Andean tastes and renowned Chilean wines. Private tours in Calama offer a deeper connection to the soul of this remarkable place, crafting experiences that transcend the ordinary. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Calama. Explore Calama your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Calama tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Calama for every interest, including: Layover tours: Land at El Loa Airport and head straight to the 17th‑century Iglesia de San Francisco de Chiu Chiu and the pre‑Inca Pukará de Lasana, with your guide managing timing, luggage, and entry. If you have an extra hour, warm up with calapurca soup or try llama empanadas at a simple comedor before returning to your gate. Day trip tours: Spend a full day around San Pedro de Atacama, walking the dunes and salt caves of Valle de la Luna, then continue to Toconao and Laguna Chaxa to watch Andean flamingos feeding on the salar. Your guide can arrange lunch in an adobe patio in San Pedro with quinoa, pastel de choclo, and a local fruit juice. City highlights tours: Explore Parque El Loa for views of the Loa River and a small museum on Atacameño culture, browse the market for sopaipillas with pebre, and visit the Chuquicamata lookout to learn about one of the world’s largest open‑pit copper mines. You can also stop by Chiu Chiu again for photos of the whitewashed church if light is better in the afternoon. Getting around: Local sights sit far apart and public transit is limited for visitors, so walking isn’t practical beyond the town centre; taxis and colectivos help, but private transportation is easiest. You can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide to include door‑to‑door transport from the airport or your hotel. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Calama inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods In Calama, a private walking tour offers a unique chance to discover the city’s character with a local guide. Here are some neighborhoods worth exploring: - Centro Histórico: Great for cultural tourists, this area is filled with historical landmarks and local markets. It’s the perfect place to learn about Calama’s past and present while enjoying the local vibe. - Villa Ayquina: Known for its annual religious festivals, this neighborhood is a fascinating spot for those interested in cultural events. Walking through its streets offers a glimpse into local traditions and lifestyle. - Peuco: Ideal for families and nature enthusiasts, Peuco offers parks and green spaces for leisurely strolls. It’s a peaceful area where you can enjoy the outdoors and connect with the local environment. Day trip ideas from Calama From Calama, stretch your plans with easy day trips into the Atacama, trading city streets for small villages, salt flats, and wild desert scenery nearby. San Pedro de Atacama and Valle de la Luna: other‑world rock forms, salt caves, and big sunset colours make this a simple first look at the desert; your tour can focus on short walks, photo stops, and quiet viewpoints that suit your pace. Chiu Chiu and Lasana Pukará: see the 17th‑century adobe church at Chiu Chiu and the pre‑Hispanic fortress above the Loa River; if you like history and archaeology, this route gives you close‑up ruins, river‑oasis life, and time to explore at ground level. Geysers del Tatio and Machuca: sunrise steam fields, high‑altitude wetlands, and a small Andean village on the way back; you get geology, wildlife like vicuñas and birds, and cool‑morning light that works well for photos, and your tour can handle the early start. Salar de Atacama and Toconao: wide salt crusts, flamingos at lagoons, and a calm village with a stone bell tower and craft workshops; this suits birding, simple walks, and slow travel time, and it fits neatly into day trips when you want fewer crowds and more space. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Calama most travellers miss.