San Pedro is roughly 100 km away. Shared shuttles, private transfers and rental cars are all available from the airport, and the drive takes a little over an hour.

Which airlines operate at El Loa Airport in Calama?

Carriers include LATAM, Sky Airline and JetSMART, with Santiago as the main route and La Serena and Concepción also served.

Are there international flights from El Loa Airport?

Current service is domestic. International travellers usually connect through Santiago.

What is the elevation of El Loa Airport?

The airport sits at around 2,300 m (7,631 ft) above sea level. Stay hydrated and ease into activity on arrival.

What are the airport codes for El Loa Airport?

El Loa Airport uses the IATA code CJC and the ICAO code SCCF. It is often simply called Calama Airport.

What facilities does El Loa Airport's terminal offer?

The terminal has jet bridges, shops and cafés, car rental desks and parking.

How can I follow fares for El Loa Airport flights on Traveloka?

Search your route on Traveloka, compare airlines and set a Price Alert to be notified when prices change.

Top Hotels in Calama

LRH Calama, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Ayelen Apart Hotel

Hotel Diego de Almagro Alto el Loa

Cheap Flights from El Loa Airport (CJC)

Welcome to El Loa Airport, Calama

El Loa Airport (CJC) serves Calama in Chile's Antofagasta Region, high in the Atacama Desert. It handles two very different crowds: mining workers heading to the region's copper operations, and travellers bound for the desert landscapes around San Pedro de Atacama. At an elevation of roughly 2,300 m, the air is thin and dry from the moment you step off the plane.

Distance from El Loa Airport to Calama and San Pedro

The airport is about 6 km southeast of central Calama, a quick taxi ride. San Pedro de Atacama is around 100 km away by road, and the drive usually takes a little over an hour.

Terminal and Facilities at Calama Airport

A modern terminal serves the airport, with jet bridges, shops and cafés, and car parking. The runway is long, but the airport currently handles narrow-body aircraft, so flights use the familiar single-aisle jets seen across Chile's domestic network.

Airlines Serving Calama

Three carriers fly here, including LATAM, Sky Airline and JetSMART. Santiago is the main link, with frequent daily departures, and La Serena and Concepción are also served. Check the latest schedule for seasonal changes.

Ground Transport from El Loa Airport

Taxi and transfer vans: available at arrivals for trips into Calama.
Shuttles to San Pedro de Atacama: shared and private transfers run between the airport and San Pedro.
Car rental: rental desks let you drive yourself across the desert on Route 23.

What to See from Calama

Most visitors head straight for San Pedro de Atacama, the base for salt flats, geysers, lagoons and stargazing. Closer to Calama, the vast Chuquicamata open-pit copper mine is a reminder of the industry that built the city.

Tips for Travelling through Calama

Drink plenty of water and take things slowly for a day or so at altitude. Sun protection is essential year-round, and desert nights get cold. If you're continuing to San Pedro, book your transfer in advance so a seat is waiting when you land.

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