CALAMA 01/20/2023

The switch from Iquique to Calama has now come. In the original plan, we wanted to make a two-day stopover in Calama on the way to San Pedro de Atacama. Here, one of the largest copper mines in the world, 'Chuquicamata', is located. 20,000 people are said to work here, given the dimensions of eight million square meters and at some places with a depth of 1250 meters, this number is understandable. In addition, there are the huge trucks, where the tires alone are bigger than a person and they have the dimensions of small houses. We wanted to see all of this, but before we started our trip, we found out that the guided tours had been suspended. We could not find a reason for this?! So we rearranged our plans and stayed one extra day in Iquique and shortened our stay in Calama.

We had already bought the bus tickets in advance, so a taxi took us to the bus station on time. There was a lot of hustle and bustle at the station and around it. Stalls selling all kinds of food and drinks for the journey. Quite busy. In between, there were people with their sometimes huge luggage, for example, an unpackaged washing machine that was probably particularly cheap in the duty-free zone. While observing, we became aware that the buses also go to Bolivia or Argentina, so it's an international route. We waited because the buses are usually only made available 10 minutes before departure time, and we watched. Like real television! However, all passengers should be very vigilant about their luggage, especially the smaller carry-on items. Even the Chileans kept reminding us. The secret swapping of backpacks was also new to us.

Then our bus from the company 'Pullmann' arrived. They serve the route to Calama. Loading the baggage (with control ticket and luggage tag), the reserved seats, and the punctual departure went smoothly. However, we did not sit in the front row behind the drivers as we had hoped, but we were seated near the stairs and the toilet. So no looking out of the front! However, the seats were extremely comfortable and could be adjusted to a very reclined position. There was also a kind of footrest at each seat. So take off your shoes, fold up the footrest, and recline the seat. Please fasten your seatbelt, which is mandatory on buses, and off we went. Oh, by the way: Please do not unpack beer or wine, etc. because consuming alcohol in public spaces is prohibited in Chile, including buses and trains! The comfort on the bus, which can be even better, has to be ensured because we were only supposed to travel for six hours. But such intercity buses are sometimes on the road for up to 24 hours, so the service must be right.

We only managed to leave the city around noon and then we had two or three stops along the way. Vendors of drinks and snacks always came into the bus at these stops offering their goods. We didn't understand one of the stops initially! The bus stopped at a control checkpoint and all passengers had to get off with their carry-on luggage. Then all the large luggage was placed on the road. Each passenger now placed their carry-on and large luggage on a conveyor belt and everything was screened. There were also official counters, but they didn't want to see our IDs. Then everything was returned! Why? We hadn't left the country, there was no border nearby? Well, we left the duty-free zone! Hence this control effort! And onwards!

Soon, the view from the window became tiresome because the landscape next to the road did not change, nor did the color of the landscape or the type of movies flickering on a central TV screen (fortunately without sound). The only thing that consciously stood out was the change in the surface structure of the landscape. In the vicinity of Iquique, the surface looked like it had been plowed after a heavy rain and then completely dried out. So, rather cracked and stony, completely unworkable. As we got closer to Calama, the structure became smoother and covered with blown sand. Why is that?

In Calama, I saw the entrance gate to the copper mine, well-known from the internet. And one more thing: on the last evening, I searched the internet again and found a hint that the guided tours might start again at the end of January!? Great, but we were too early for that!

In Calama, we arrived relatively on time and had already discovered our accommodation on the way to our bus station. We could walk to the 'Ibis' hotel, after leaving behind the cluster of taxi drivers offering rides to San Pedro de Atacama or to Calama airport when we got off. At the hotel, we first prepared the rooms, where Franziska had booked affordable prices and a welcome drink with her magic card. But somehow, paying in dollars didn't work! My Maestro card failed. So, due to the exchange rate, the bill became slightly more expensive. In addition, they also wanted to see the entry confirmation (fortunately, Karin had photographed it because we had left it with Fran in the apartment, considering it was important for departure), so that we wouldn't have to pay taxes on our bill. None of this was mentioned when booking!

Anyway, off to the rooms and a short time later, off to the bus station. But a different one now! Namely, the one where the buses to San Pedro depart. This departure terminal is operated by the bus company 'Frontera Del Norte' and they also go there. The tickets cost 10,000 pesos (2 people) and were decidedly cheaper than a taxi that would charge exorbitant prices for the approximately 100 km, 1.5-hour journey. On the way back to the hotel, we had the typical miner's meal at a small corner restaurant. Pieces of beef with french fries, fried onions, and cheese on top, and a fried egg on top to finish. Of course, with mayo and ketchup! Delicious and very filling. The plate for both Franzi and me cost about 13 euros. Unfortunately, they only had one draft beer left, then the keg was probably empty. We ended the evening with the free drink from the hotel, where, contrary to Fran's experience, we could choose whatever we wanted. Karin's whiskey was at least double-sized, and Fran only had a small Pisco Sour, and I settled for a mini bottle of white wine! Off to bed!