Calama Postal Codes: 1390000 | El Loa, Antofagasta

Key Facts

Calama is a city and commune located in the El Loa Province of the Antofagasta Region in northern Chile. Situated in the heart of the Atacama Desert, Calama serves as the provincial capital and is positioned approximately 215 kilometers northeast of the regional capital Antofagasta. The city lies at an elevation of about 2,260 meters above sea level in the Loa River basin, making it a crucial oasis settlement in one of the world's driest regions. With an estimated population of around 165,000 people, Calama has grown significantly due to its strategic importance as the primary service center for the massive Chuquicamata copper mine, one of the largest open-pit copper mines globally. The commune covers an extensive area of approximately 15,597 square kilometers, characterized by desert landscapes, salt flats, and the vital Loa River that provides essential water resources to the region. Calama is administratively divided into several urban sectors and rural areas, serving as the commercial and transportation hub for the surrounding mining operations and smaller settlements. The city's economy is predominantly driven by copper mining, with supporting industries including transportation, commerce, and services catering to the mining sector workforce. As the administrative center of El Loa Province, Calama provides access to essential government services and infrastructure for the entire provincial territory, including postal code information for its various urban zones and surrounding communities.

Neighboring Regions

• San Pedro de Atacama
• Ollagüe
• María Elena
• Tocopilla