Decided on a Car Rental in Calama? Here’s All You Need to Know:
Calama, a bustling city in northern Chile, serves as a gateway to the stunning Atacama Desert and its otherworldly landscapes. If you've decided to rent a car in Calama, you're making a smart choice that will allow you to explore this unique region at your own pace. Here's everything you need to know to make your car rental experience smooth and enjoyable.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
When selecting a car in Calama, consider the following factors:
Terrain: If you plan to venture into the desert, opt for a 4x4 or SUV
Size: Ensure the vehicle can comfortably accommodate your group and luggage
Fuel efficiency: Long drives are common, so choose a fuel-efficient model
Air conditioning: Essential for the hot, dry climate
At Bookingautos, we compare offers from all major car rental companies in Calama, ensuring you get the best deal for your needs.
Driving in Calama and Beyond
Driving in Calama and the surrounding areas requires some preparation:
Carry a valid driver's license and passport
Familiarize yourself with Chilean traffic laws
Be prepared for long stretches of desert roads
Carry extra water and snacks
Check your vehicle thoroughly before departing
One of the most popular destinations from Calama is San Pedro de Atacama, about 100 km southeast. This charming town serves as a base for exploring the Atacama Desert's wonders.
Tips for a Smooth Rental Experience
Book in advance: Especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and better rates.
Check insurance coverage: Understand what's included and consider additional coverage if needed.
Inspect the vehicle: Before driving off, thoroughly check for any existing damage and report it immediately.
Plan your route: While GPS is helpful, having a physical map as backup is wise in remote areas.
With these tips in mind, you're ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the Atacama region. Don't miss the chance to visit the El Tatio Geysers, one of the world's highest geyser fields, easily accessible with your rental car. Happy travels!
Video Guide to Must-Visit Locations
Where to Park Your Rental Car in Calama
When visiting Calama, Chile, finding a safe place to park your rental car is essential. Here are some options to consider:
Secure Parking Areas:
Hotel Parking: Many hotels in Calama offer secure parking for guests, often included in the room rate.
Mall del Centro: This shopping center provides paid parking with security surveillance.
Estacionamiento Municipal: The city-operated parking lot located near the central plaza offers affordable rates.
Street Parking:
While available, street parking in Calama should be approached with caution. Always lock your vehicle and avoid leaving valuables visible. Opt for well-lit areas and busier streets when possible.
Airport Parking:
If you're planning day trips, consider leaving your rental car at El Loa Airport's long-term parking. Although slightly more expensive, it provides a secure option with 24/7 surveillance.
Good to know
Most Popular Agency
Avis
Most popular car class
Standard
Average price
33 € / Day
Best price
24 € / Day
How the price changes depending on the month
January
€224
February
€202
March
€186
April
€283
May
€315
June
€280
July
€277
August
€650
September
€548
October
€692
November
€524
December
€833
* The average cost of renting a car in Calama for seven days. The data is calculated based on car bookings for the previous 365 days.
The best month to rent a car in Calama is November. There are fewer tourists and a lot of available cars. You can book a compact class model at a price from €23. This is 31% cheaper than the average during the year.
The best time to rent a car in Calama is November. During this period the cost of renting a car of a compact category starts from €23, which is approximately 32% lower compared to the average price during a year.
Convertible cars in Calama are in high demand during the summer. This is not surprising. After all, a trip on such a car gives a feeling of freedom and independence, allows you to relax and forget about the problems of the world around you. Although you should be prepared for an increase in rental prices and possible problems with the range of available cars. If we talk about the price Audi A5 Cabrio - it will be from €80 per 1 day.
In Calama you can choose from over 40 models of different car classes and for any budget. We provide only new cars with low mileage. You can easily choose a familiar car, and we guarantee its safety and perfect technical condition.
The cost of car rental per day directly depends on the season, car class and rental period. The more days, the cheaper average daily cost. A modest economy car will cost at least €19 per day. In the middle segment, the offer range is €40-€41 per day. Business class car prices start at €72. In the high season, absolutely all rental cars become more expensive, especially rare models and convertibles. So, in summer in Calama popular with tourists Audi A5 Cabrio costs at least €80 per day.
Recently, in Calama has seen a rise in demand for electric car rentals. They do not pollute nature and save money. The city has free parking and cheap charging stations. To rent an electric car in Calama, select the appropriate filter in the car search and fill in the dates you need. The best option could be Hyundai Ioniq.
Documents required for car rental
Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!
A valid international driver's license is required!
10 Smart Tips to Make the Most of Your Car Rental
Download Google maps for offline access
Download the map in the Google Maps mobile app in advance. Select the desired area, type "OK MAPS" in the search box and start the search. Then wait for the map to save. Ready! Navigation will work even without an internet connection - thanks to the GPS function. It is present in all modern smartphones. You can not only find the desired address, but also build a route. And all this is free.
Book a car in advance
Calama is now in ever-increasing demand, which affects the high demand for car rental. By booking online, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises after you arrive at your destination. Both with the car itself and with its rent.
It is better to book a car at least one and a half months before the trip. As the required date approaches, the number of available offers is reduced, and the cost of the remaining models increases. If plans change and the trip is postponed, then you can cancel the rental without any sanctions 2 days before it starts.
Which car to choose for rent
Choose a car according to the purpose of your trip. You can drive around the city and its surroundings in a compact car Toyota Aygo or Opel Corsa. These models are the most popular with our customers in Calama.
In the mountains, more powerful transport will be required. Pay attention to the volume of the engine - it must be more than 1.6 liters. An all-wheel drive crossover would be ideal. Opel Insignia Estate will cost €44 per day. By the way, before leaving, do not forget to refuel with a margin. On the rises, the fuel goes one and a half to two times more. Gas stations in mountain villages are rare.
What you need to pay attention to when receiving a car
Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.
The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.
Insurance advice
Rental companies in Calama may offer different insurance options. They differ in price and set of options. Here are the basic types:
Third Party Liability (TPL)/Third Liability Protection (TLP). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Insurance (TI)/Theft Protection (TP)/Theft Waiver (TW). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Super Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW)/Theft Protection+Collision Damage Waiver (TP+CDW). Full protection against theft and damage, even if you are the culprit of the accident.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.
If you want to save money and choose the cheapest insurance, carefully inspect the car upon receipt. Make sure the machine is not damaged.
Fuel prepayment terms
When renting a car, you should pay attention to the fuel policy of rental companies. Often, when renting, tourists have to pay the cost of a full tank of fuel. This option is suitable for long-term rentals and long trips. But if you're only renting Calama for a day or two, or if you're only planning short trips, such as to a small island, then you probably won't need a full tank. You can get acquainted with the fuel policy in the "Important information" section of the car you have chosen.
Unlimited mileage
According to the rental conditions, the mileage can be limited or unlimited. Travel lovers should choose the option without a limit. It will cost more, but in the end it will save. Check the appropriate box to filter offers with unlimited mileage.
Compare conditions of different rental companies
When choosing a rental car in Calama, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.
Which rental company to choose
When renting a car in Calama, you should carefully read all the conditions offered by the rental company. Depending on the specific company, they may differ in mileage, insurance coverage, deposit amount, accompanying services and their cost. You should choose proven and reliable companies that offer new cars and stand out due to the well-thought-out organization of work with customers. Additionally, you can study the rating of distributors, which is also available on our website.
If we talk about the best companies in Calama, then it is worth highlighting sixt with a rating 9.8 and budget, the average rating of which is 9.7 points.
Getting a car at a rental office
Getting a rented car in Calama is as follows: You show the manager a voucher, as well as the necessary documents - a passport and an international driver's license. The manager draws up a lease agreement, after which the agreed amount of the security deposit will be blocked on your bank card. Before receiving the car, it is necessary to inspect it, fix the existing damage and inform the manager about them.
Our advantages
24/7 support in all popular languages
Change or cancel within 48 hours for free!
No additional fees
Car rental reviews: Calama
Based on 8255 reviews
Rate 4,8/5
Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.
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