Despite the origin of its name which means, “town in the middle of the water”, Calama is considered as the driest city in the world. It is situated in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile and is the capital of El Loa Province.

Calama has had its share of colonization which had influence its peoples’ lifestyle and culture. The Spanish and Bolivians made their mark on the city after the Incan Empire spread its influence.

The city also offers tourists a chance to witness natural and manmade wonders. At an elevation of 2,400 meters, it is the gateway to geographical and archaeological wonders of Chile’s high central desert. Other significant places to see include the town of Chuquicamata, Valley of the Moon, Lincancabur Volcano, Tuyajto Lagoon, El Tatio Geysers, R.P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum, and Los Flamencos National Reserve. Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calama,_Chile