Attractions around Calama
Aiquina
Located 74 km east of Calama, this is considered the most beautiful town in the region. It is built completely of stone, with mud and straw roofs.
In Aiquina you can visit the church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. It is filled with life every year on September 7th and 8th, for the celebration in honor of the Virgin. Of particular interest are the colorful, extravagant costumes worn by the dancers.
Amincha
This village lies 9 km from Ollagüe, the municipality in which it lies, and 215 km from Calama. It was the collection point for sulfur extracted from the highest mine in the world, located on Aucanquilcha volcano at an altitude of 5,580 meters above sea level.
Caracoles
This zone with its silver-bearing outcrop was discovered as a Bolivian town in 1870. Its population was comprised mainly of farmers who accumulated large fortunes.
Cosca
The town dates back to the beginning of twentieth century and is known for its sanctuary, the site where the festival of Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Andacollo de Cosca is held. The festival celebrates the finding by a shepherd of an image of the Virgin, which then gave rise to the construction of the sanctuary church and the town.
San Pedro de Atacama
A 98 km paved road leads to the biggest salt flat in Chile and the important oasis of San Pedro de Atacama. In the town is the magnificent Museo Arqueológico Padre Le Paige, and in the mountains to the north the Tatio geysers.
Río Grande
This small but charming village, built of stone, is located in the fertile valley of the Río Grande, 51 km from Calama. There is an attractive church. Nearby is San Bartolo, a copper mine worked by the Incas. In 1835 the industrialist and explorer Diego de Almeyda set up a mining operation here, which operated until 1920.
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