Calama, Chile: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Calama, Chile? If you're planning to go to Calama, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Calama, Chile

Based on the climate and weather in Calama, Chile, the best time to go is May. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Calama, Chile

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Calama, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Calama, Chile by month

January

If you go to Calama in January, you will notice that it is cool. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 40s F (single digits C). There is frost about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Chile has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Calama. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and L. Ensure that you get the correct kind. Many adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

February for Calama is chilly. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost about a third of the time. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Chile has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Calama. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and L. Be careful to get the necessary type. Many adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

March

If you are traveling to Calama in March, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 40s F (single digits C). There is frost 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Chile has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Calama. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and L. Make sure to pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

If you are traveling to Calama in April, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to rain occasionally. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 40s F (single digits C). There is frost about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Chile has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Calama. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and L. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

May

May in this region is cold. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Chile has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Calama. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and L. Take care to get the correct type. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

Traveling to Calama in June, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 30s F (single digits C). There is frost most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Chile has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Calama. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and L. Take care to choose the correct type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

July

If you go to Calama in July, you will notice that it is brisk. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 30s F (single digits C). There is frost most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Chile has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Calama. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and L. Check that you pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

If you go to Calama in August, you will notice that it can be brisk. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 30s F (single digits C). There is frost most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Chile has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Calama. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and L. It's important that you get the necessary type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

September

Traveling to Calama in September, you will notice that it is cold. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 40s F (single digits C). There is frost about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Chile has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Calama. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and L. It's important that you get the correct type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

October here is brisk. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost about half of the time. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Chile has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Calama. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and L. It's important that you get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

November

November here is cool. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost 5-10 days this month. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Chile has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Calama. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and L. It's important that you choose the right type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

December

December here is cool. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost 5-10 days this month. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Chile has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Calama. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and L. Take care to pick the correct type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

What to do in Calama, Chile

Calama, located in the Atacama Desert, is a city in northern Chile that is a popular tourist destination. Known for its natural wonders, mining history, and cultural heritage, there are a variety of top tourist attractions to see when visiting Calama.

1. Chuquicamata Mine: The world's largest open-pit copper mine, Chuquicamata Mine, is an impressive sight to see. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the mining process and the history of the mine, which has been in operation for over a century.

2. Los Flamencos National Reserve: Spanning over 740 square miles, Los Flamencos National Reserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including flamingos, vicuñas, and foxes. Visitors can hike along scenic trails, stop by the various lagoons, and witness stunning sunsets.

3. San Pedro de Atacama: An ancient town dating back over 11,000 years, San Pedro de Atacama is an essential stop when visiting Calama. The town is home to numerous historical landmarks and has a lively cultural scene, with markets, art galleries, and festivals.

4. Geysers del Tatio: Just over an hour's drive from Calama, visitors can witness a breathtaking display of volcanic activity at the Geysers del Tatio. The geysers erupt at dawn, creating an ethereal steam that rises into the air, making it a must-visit destination for those looking for stunning landscape views.

5. Valle de la Luna: Another stunning natural wonder, the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), is located only a couple of kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama. Its unique moon-like landscape is a must-see attraction where visitors can explore the ancient cliffs and sand dunes that make for a striking backdrop in photographs.

6. Pukará de Lasana: Located 60 kilometers from Calama, the Pukará de Lasana is a pre-Columbian fortress that dates back to the 12th century. Visitors can wander through the ruins and see the impressive stone structures that were used for defensive purposes in ancient times.

Calama is a destination that offers a wide range of experiences for visitors of all interests. Whether you are interested in exploring the natural wonders of the Atacama Desert, learning about the mining history of Chile, or immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region, Calama is a must-visit destination.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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