Getting Here and Around

By Air. There are no international airports in El Norte Grande, but from Santiago you can transfer to a flight headed to Antofagasta, Calama, Iquique, or Arica. Round-trip flights can run up to 300,000 pesos or more. The cities within El Norte Grande are far apart, so flying between them can save you time and provide more comfort. Principal Airlines, Sky Airline, and LAN offer services with prices ranging from 28,000 to 105,000 pesos.

By Bus. Travel between the larger towns and cities in El Norte Grande is easy, but there may be no bus service to some smaller villages or the more remote national parks. No bus company has a monopoly, so shop around for the best price and note there are often several bus stations in each city.

By Car. A car is definitely the best way to see El Norte Grande. Driving in the cities can be a little hectic, but highway travel is usually smooth sailing and the roads are generally well maintained. Ruta 5, more familiarly known as the Pan-American Highway, bisects all of northern Chile. Ruta 1, Chile's answer to California's Highway 101, is a beautiful coastal highway running between Antofagasta and Iquique.