Calama is one of the few areas in the world where a wealth of archaeological sites of interest converge with abundant natural attractions. The region is comprised of the Loa River Basin and is surrounded by multiple villages of pre-Hispanic origin.
The city of Calama itself is also a logical point of access into the Bolivian Altiplano, as it is near the Pampa del Tamarugal, Salar de Atacama and San Pedro de Atacama.
Chuquicamata minings
Located only 16 km from the Hotel, Chuquicamata is a modern mining town where one can observe the operations of the largest open-pit copper mine in the world.
The mine is located 2870 meters a.s.l. and began operating in 1910, although its mineral resources had been discovered centuries before by pre-Hispanic cultures.
Pre – Columbian Villages
Chiu-Chiu, located 40 km from the Hotel, is a village of mostly native inhabitants that houses the Church of San Francisco, one of the most beautiful churches in the region.
Pukara de Lasana is a fortress village recognized as one of the best-preserved ruins of the ancient Atacama culture. Pukara de Turi is the largest fortress village in the Atacama Mountains Caspana, a village located in a fertile valley 2,900 meters a.s.l., is famous for its liparita rock and clay roof builings.
San Pedro de Atacama
The route to this town (located 105 km from the Hotel) is a spectacular journey through the desert landscape, including the Cordillera de Domeyko, the Llano de la Paciencia, and the Cordillera de la Sal.
San Pedro de Atacama is known as the archaeological capital of Chile, as it contains the area’s largest collection of pre-Columbian artifacts.
Excursions
Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon): a depression of saline soil measuring 500 meters in diameter dotted with impressive, sharp-edged peaks. The valley displays intense transformations of the earth’s surface and makes a beautiful geological sight.
Salar de Atacama: a 3000-square-km basin located 2000 meters above sea level.
Geisers del Tatio: a field of geysers that spout steam and water at dawn.
