Calama, Chile

Capital City

This desert town in northern Chile is not for the faint of heart. With just 5 mm of annual rainfall, Calama is one of the driest cities in the world. Its population of 157,575 endures a harsh climate, with average daily highs over 20°C and plunging below freezing in winter. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the town has undergone numerous administrative changes, first as part of Bolivia and then Chile. But Calama's strategic location has long made it an important stop on trade routes, and the nearby Chuquicamata mine has fueled its recent growth. If you can handle the arid climate and red tape, Calama offers opportunity for those drawn to its remote, desert setting.