Things to do in Calama
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
Parque el Loa
At the south end of Av O’Higgins, Parque el Loa has a riverside swimming hole and a replica of Chiu Chiu’s celebrated church. It’s the best picnicking spot in town and a nice break from the bustle. Also here is the diminutive Museo Arqueológico y Etnológico (316-400; adult/child CH$200/100; 10am-1pm & 2-6pm Tue-Fri, 2-6pm Sat & Sun), with decent exhibits on the highland culture of the Atacama. Also in the park, across the river, is the Museo de Historia Natural y Cultural del Desierto (349-103; adult/child CH$500/200; 10am-1pm & 3-7pm). This small, well-presented museum explores the region’s ecology, culture and paleontology.
reviewed
-
Atacama Adventure
4 days (Calama)
Explore the deserts and mountains from San Pedro de Atacama.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$990 -
Fogata Bar
A welcome taste of San Pedro smack dap in the middle of rough-and-tumble Calama, this bar and restaurant serves up everything from pizzas to tacos in two storeys of hard-hewn earthy goodness. There’s a fogata (outdoor fireplace) in the corner and occasional live music.
reviewed
-
B
Club Croata
Decorated with the Croatian coat of arms and dog-eared posters of the country’s distant coastline, this restaurant serves some wonderful Chilean favorites, including pastel de choclo (maize casserole). It’s one of the best traditionally styled eateries in town.
reviewed
-
C
Bon Apetit
Caffeine addicts rejoice! Forget the ubiquitous Nescafe for a moment and indulge in a decent cappuccino with sticky pastries at this twee little coffee shop. It also serves a tempting choice of set menus.
reviewed
-
D
Iglesia Catedral San Juan Bautista
At the end of Calle Ramírez, shady Plaza 23 de Marzo bristles with market stalls and disorientated pigeons. You'll find the sizable pink-and-copper Iglesia Catedral San Juan Bautista here.
reviewed
-
E
Barlovento
With frequent peña (live folkloric performances), this little restaurant is a nice place to go for dancing or just dinner. The meaty menu tempered by a few vegetarian choices.
reviewed
-
F
Mercado Central
For quick, belly-filling eats, while rubbing shoulders with local workers, take advantage of the cocinerías in this busy little market between Ramírez and Vargas.
reviewed
-
G
Café Viena
A down-home diner with a wide choice of unpretentious salads and sandwiches, as well as decent java and fresh juices. Plates are piled generously high.
reviewed
-
H
Bavaria
A civilized national-chain restaurant with plastic-topped tables, mouthwatering grills, substantial snacks menu, attentive service and juicy schnitzel.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
I
Pollo Scout
If you can’t wait to be fed, there is always spit-roasted chicken and steaming cazuela (stew) at the ready in this down-to-business cheapie.
reviewed
-
J
Tour Aventura Valle de la Luna
This travel agency arranges excursions to remote parts of the desert, although trips are cheaper and more easily arranged from San Pedro de Atacama.
reviewed
-
K
Museo Arqueológico y Etnológico
On Av O'Higgins is the diminutive Museo Arqueológico y Etnológico, with decent exhibits on highland culture of the Atacama.
reviewed
-
L
Cine Mundo
Cine Mundo shows big-name movies; catch northbound colectivos signed ‘Mall.’
reviewed
-
M
Museo de Historia Natural
Museo de Historia Natural explores the region's ecology and paleontology.
reviewed
-
N
