Modern glass terminal of Desierto de Atacama Airport in Chile, framed by arid desert hills and clear sky at golden hour

Airport

Desierto de Atacama Airport (CPO)

Desierto de Atacama Airport is the main gateway to Copiapó, the capital of Chile's Atacama Region, and the nearby coastal towns of Caldera and Bahía Inglesa. Compare transfer options to Copiapó, Caldera, Bahía Inglesa and other destinations in the Atacama Desert, and plan your onward journey with ease.

Passengers

Luggage

About Desierto de Atacama Airport

Desierto de Atacama Airport is the main air gateway to Copiapó and the wider Atacama Region in northern Chile. It opened in early 2005, replacing the smaller Chamonate airfield, and has since handled regular passenger services between Copiapó and Santiago.

Located about 50 km northwest of central Copiapó along Route 5, the airport sits within the Caldera commune, roughly 20 km from Caldera and the coastal resort of Bahía Inglesa. Its single passenger terminal covers about 3,100 m² and serves domestic flights operated mainly by LATAM, Sky Airline and JetSMART.

The airport is reached by road via Route 5, with taxis, private transfers, rental cars and bus services linking it to Copiapó, Caldera and Bahía Inglesa. The drive to Copiapó typically takes around 45 to 50 minutes, while Caldera is about 20 to 25 minutes away.

With a compact terminal, parking and essential passenger facilities, Desierto de Atacama Airport provides a practical entry point for travelers visiting the Atacama Desert, the coast around Caldera and the business centers of Copiapó.

Bright terminal interior at Desierto de Atacama Airport CPO near Copiapó, with desert views through large windows and waiting passengers

Terminal Overview

Travelers walking beneath terminal signs inside an airport

Terminals

Desierto de Atacama Airport operates passenger services through a single one-level terminal building of approximately 3,100 m². Domestic flights connect Copiapó with Santiago and other Chilean destinations, with check-in and airline operations concentrated in this one passenger terminal.

Ground Transportation Services to and from Desierto de Atacama Airport

Transfers

Book private transfers from Desierto de Atacama Airport to hotels, city destinations and business areas in Copiapó, Caldera and Bahía Inglesa.

Hourly Chauffeur

Arrange a professional chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel from the airport, business meetings or journeys around the Atacama Region.

Car Rental

Rent a car from Desierto de Atacama Airport for independent travel between Copiapó, Caldera, Bahía Inglesa and other destinations in northern Chile.

Bus & Group Transfers

Organize minibuses or charter buses for groups travelling between Desierto de Atacama Airport, hotels, event venues and other locations in the Copiapó and Caldera area.