Desierto de Atacama Airport (CPO)

Desierto de Atacama Airport (CPO/SCAT) is the primary aviation hub serving the city of Copiapó and the Atacama Region of northern Chile. Located in the heart of the Atacama Desert, approximately 50 kilometers west of the city, the airport is a critical gateway for the region's massive mining industry and its growing tourism sector, particularly for those visiting the Ojos del Salado volcano and the coastal areas of Caldera. It primarily facilitates regular scheduled domestic flights to Santiago, operated by major carriers such as LATAM Chile and Sky Airline. The terminal building is a modern and efficient facility designed to handle the regional passenger volume with a focus on comfort in the desert environment. Inside, travelers will find a unified departures and arrivals hall, featuring multiple check-in counters, a streamlined security checkpoint, and a spacious air-conditioned waiting room. Amenities at CPO include several cafes offering regional snacks and beverages, a selection of local retail stalls featuring Atacama-themed souvenirs and mineral specimens, and clean restroom facilities. The terminal design provides a professional and welcoming atmosphere, reflecting its role as a key piece of infrastructure for northern Chile. Operational capacity at Desierto de Atacama Airport is supported by a single paved runway measuring approximately 2,200 meters in length, which is capable of handling narrow-body commercial jets such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. Navigation through the terminal is exceptionally easy due to its compact and logical layout. For ground transportation, the airport is located about 50 kilometers from Copiapó and near the coastal town of Caldera, with official taxi services and several car rental agencies readily available to transport visitors to their local destinations or regional hotels.