Calama is a bustling city in northern Chile, known for its rich culture, scenic spots, and tangible traces of history. Expect a unique mix of landscapes, from desert vistas to archaeological sites, all waiting to be uncovered in your hire car!
Climate and Currency
Calama enjoys a desert climate with little to no rainfall. While it's sunny all year round, summer temperatures can reach 30°C. Unlike the UK's mild weather, be ready for dry, hot days, and cool nights. Chile's official currency is the Chilean Peso (p$), so do remember to get your pounds converted.
Car Hire in Calama
Hiring the Perfect Car
Given Calama's diverse terrain, a sturdy SUV is an ideal choice for comfortable and efficient travel. From navigating the city, dashing through the desert, to exploring the outskirts - an SUV offers flexibility and convenience.
Traffic Rules and Speed Limits
An essential part of manoeuvering the city is being aware of traffic rules. Just like the UK, speed limits exist. However, unlike the UK's measurements in miles per hour, in Chile, they're in kilometers per hour! Typical speed limits in urban areas are 60 km/h, and outside built-up areas are 100 km/h.
Exploring Calama
Main Attractions
Start your journey with the impressive Chuquicamata, the largest open-cast copper mine in the world. Discover traces of early civilisation at Pukara de Lasana, a pre-Columbian Atacameño settlement, or take a leisurely drive to the spectacularly verdant, La Granja Park.
The Neighbourhoods and Beaches of Calama
Though known for its rugged desert landscapes, Calama also offers some attractive neighbourhoods. Villa Ayquina is famous for its local festival, while Solcalama neighbourhood promises great local food. While Calama doesn't boast any beaches, a quick car ride allows you to explore adjacent coastal cities like Tocopilla.
Your Mobility in Calama
The City and Driving Routes
Calama is laid out in a grid, making navigation easy. The city doesn’t have rush hour congestion typical of larger cities, ensuring an enjoyable drive. Calama is also the gateway to the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world, and a scenic drive to the lofty altitudes of El Loa Province.
Parking
There’s ample parking in Calama, available in supermarkets, malls, or along public streets. Paid parking is also common, so keep those coins handy!
Traveling Beyond Calama
Your rental car can take you to cities and towns close to Calama including San Pedro de Atacama, Chiu Chiu, and the port city of Antofagasta, immensely enriching your Chilean journey.
Finishing note
With a world of exploration ahead of you in your rental car, get set to experience the wonder of Calama. Let the adventure begin!
