Calama Airport to San Pedro de Atacama Private Transfer

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Private transfer minibus on the desert road between Calama and San Pedro de Atacama
Straight desert road across the Atacama on the way to San Pedro de Atacama
Desert valley and red hills near San Pedro de Atacama
Road through the Atacama highlands with snow-capped volcanoes

Calama Airport - San Pedro de Atacama Private Transfer

Calama & San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

  • Duration

    ~1.5 hours

  • Type

    All Ages

  • From US$

    160 per vehicle

From Calama Airport (CJC)

Transfer Overview

El Loa Airport (CJC) in Calama is the main airport for San Pedro de Atacama and the Atacama Desert. Most travelers coming from Santiago or other parts of Chile fly to Calama and continue to San Pedro by road.

The drive takes you across the open desert, with views of the Domeyko Range, Licancabur Volcano and the Cordillera de la Sal as you get closer to San Pedro de Atacama.

We arrange private transfers from Calama Airport directly to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. The same service can also be arranged in reverse, from San Pedro de Atacama to El Loa Airport in Calama.

If you are traveling during the day and have some extra time, we can include short photo stops along the way. Longer stops can also be arranged in advance, including Moon Valley and the Cordillera de la Sal near San Pedro de Atacama, or Chuquicamata near Calama.

Price Details:

From

US$ 160per vehicle

The exact rate depends on the vehicle type, the pickup and drop-off locations, your schedule and the travel date.

Transfer Includes

  • ● Private transfer vehicle
  • ● Driver service

Transfer Excludes

  • ● Guide services
    • Book Now

    Frequently Asked Questions about the Calama Airport - San Pedro de Atacama Private Transfer

    When is a direct transfer the best option?
    A direct transfer is usually the best choice after an evening flight, if you are traveling with children or a lot of luggage, or if you simply prefer an easy arrival without adding anything else to the day.
    San Pedro de Atacama sits at around 2,400 metres above sea level, so it is often a good idea to keep your first day light, check into your hotel and give yourself some time to adjust to the altitude.
    Can we stop for photos along the way?
    Yes. If you are traveling during daylight hours and there is enough time, we can include a few short photo stops at safe viewpoints along the route.
    These are brief stops rather than a guided excursion, and they work well if you would like to enjoy the desert scenery without adding a full tour to your arrival or departure day.
    We do not have much time. Which excursion would you recommend adding to the transfer?
    Moon Valley and the Cordillera de la Sal are the easiest options to combine with the transfer, as they are located close to San Pedro de Atacama.
    Depending on your schedule, the visit can include a short walk, photo stops or, if arranged in advance, a sunset picnic.
    If you only have a limited amount of time, this is usually the most practical way to turn the transfer into a first introduction to the Atacama Desert.
    Can we do the excursion with our luggage in the vehicle?
    Yes. As this is a private transfer, your luggage can remain in the vehicle while you visit nearby sites.
    For sightseeing stops such as Moon Valley, the driver stays with the vehicle and your guide accompanies you during the visit.
    What is interesting about Chuquicamata, and can it be visited at any time?
    Chuquicamata is one of the best-known places connected with Chile's copper-mining history.
    Alongside the mine, there was once a complete mining town built around the lives of workers and their families, with its own theatre, church, clubs, shops and community facilities. Today, the former town and mining area are no longer open as an ordinary residential area and access is controlled.
    Visits need to be arranged in advance, and we book the required places for you beforehand.
    Will our visit to Chuquicamata be private?
    No. The transfer itself is private, but the official visit to Chuquicamata is normally operated as a shared organised tour.
    The group may include up to around 35 participants.
    How high is the route from Calama to San Pedro de Atacama?
    Calama and El Loa Airport are already located well above sea level, while San Pedro de Atacama sits at approximately 2,400 metres.
    This is not the high-altitude Altiplano, but some travelers may still notice the altitude after a flight, especially on the first day.
    For that reason, we normally recommend keeping arrival day relatively easy if you are not used to altitude.
    Can we stop anywhere in the desert?
    No. Even when the scenery is beautiful, we only stop in places where it is safe and permitted to do so.
    Vehicles should not stop where they could interfere with traffic, and travelers should avoid leaving designated roads and viewpoints. The desert environment is very fragile, so it is important not to disturb the terrain unnecessarily.
    Can we use a drone during the transfer or at the viewpoints?
    Drone use in Chile is subject to local aviation rules and may also be restricted in protected or managed areas.
    If you plan to bring a drone, please let us know in advance so we can check whether it can be used at the places included in your route.
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    From Calama Airport (CJC)

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