good travel iquique

The Ultimate Guide to Travel in Iquique Chile

The capital of Chile’s northernmost region, Region I, comprising the provinces of Arica, Parinacota and Iquique, the city of Iquique is one of the country’s most visited cities. The attractions are a mild climate, commerce, the Atacama desert, natural and archaeological treasures, access to Peru and Bolivia and a great many recreational and sporting activities. Orient yourself with this interactive map from Expedia.

Iquique’s history dates back to pre-Columbian times when the native tribes lived by the sea and collected guano or settled in the interior regions where hot springs and Andean snow runoff provided water for agriculture. They left behind their ruins and their petroglyphs for modern study, but not much is known of their way of life.

The Spanish explorers came through on their way south , and for many years, this was territory belonging to Bolivia. This was the way to the sea to export the silver mined in Bolivia to the world, primarily to Spain .

Nitrate and Money

Nitrate, a natural fertilizer although it is mined in barren desert, changed the region. From the 1830’s foreign investors thronged to the area, and Iquique bloomed into a cultural and financial center. The city installed electric service to homes and businesses. The Municipal Theater showcased the best in music and plays. The English “King of Nitrate”, John Thomas North, oversaw the building of the railway station and other civic and commercial buildings. Champagne flowed.

Earthquakes almost leveled the town in the latter part of the 1800’s, but the city rebuilt itself. Great wealth brought amenities, lavish mansions, water, and the port became active and famous. When Bolivia began to clamp down on the mining and fabulous wealth of the nitrate mines, called salitreras , demanding a rise in taxes, these investors and the government of Chile protested.

Thus began the difficulties leading to the War of the Pacific, in which Peru sided with Bolivia against Chile, culminating in the Battle of Iquique on May 21, 1879, which is commemorated in the Glorias Navales. With Chile winning the war, Peru and Bolivia lost and ceded to Chile what is now the provinces of Tarapacá, Tacna, Arica, and Antofagasta. Bolivia is still seeking redress and access to the sea in an ongoing political discussion with Chile, who is disinclined to return any territory.

The days of great wealth from nitrate lasted until Germany developed a synthetic nitrate to free itself from Chile’s monopoly of natural nitrate. The history of Oficina Santa Laura is typical of the rise and decline of the salitreras, called Oficinas . Oficina Humberstone is easily visited from Iquique and is on many of the desert tours.

With the fading of Region I’s source of wealth, Iquique and other communities turned to the sea and built up the port facilities to export copper. Today Iquique is one of Chile’s largest ports and has the largest duty-free zone in South America, called ZOFRI of Zona Franca de Iquique, where a shopping mall has hundreds of shops selling duty-free goods.

Things to Do and See in Iquique Chile

Iquique has re-invented itself as a commercial center and a tourist base for explorations into the desert, sports and recreation, deep sea fishing, beaches, and archaeological tours. The hot springs and thermal baths attract visitors for the mud baths and healing properties to these oases.

The great Andes and the national parks bring climbers, trekkers, and photographers. The inland orchards and farms provide produce to complement the seafood found offshore.

In the city, the small historic center is surrounded by modern growth, including new housing sectors, development of the beaches and hotels, including the Casino Iquique, all to accommodate the visitors who make Iquique the most visited city in Chile. Where to go in Iquique describes some of the city’s attractions. The city grows as visitors come for vacations, for shopping and to tour the desert, fall in love with the region and make Iquique there home. Browse views of Iquique for a better idea of the aesthetics.

Getting There and When to Go

By land, access by the Pan American highway going north or south. Arica, on the border with Peru, is 307 km north. Calama is 389 km southeast and Santiago is 1843 km south. By air, to Diego Aracena International Airport . Compare and select flights from your area. You can also browse for hotels and car rentals. By sea, Iquique is a port of call for a number of cruise lines, whose passengers enjoy the duty-free shopping, local restaurants, and short tours.

Iquique's annual climate is mild, ranging from an average winter low of 12.5º C to an average summer high of 24.4º C. Check today's weather and forecast. The climate makes Iquique an all-season destination.

Enjoy your trip...Buen viaje!

Arica, Chile: City of Eternal Spring

The Best Time to Visit Chile

The Weather in Greece: Climate, Seasons, and Average Temperature by Month

Top 10 National Parks in Chile

Top 15 Destinations in Chile

Your Trip to Lima: The Complete Guide

The 8 Most Popular Cities in Chile

17 Best Things to Do in Caracas, Venezuela

Top Mexico Destinations

18 Inspiring Aerial Images of Peru

A Travel Guide for How to Visit Seattle on a Budget

Where to Go in 2023: The Most Exciting Destinations to Explore This Year

Top 10 Historical Sites in Canada

Your Trip to Chile: The Complete Guide

20 Top Things to Do in Mexico

The 20 Best Hot Springs Destinations in the World

Good travel Chile

Similar experiences.

Good travel Chile (Iquique): Address, Phone Number - Tripadvisor

Good travel Chile

Similar experiences.

Good travel Chile - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Join my Adventure: There's Room in My Backpack

Packing up the Pieces

Iquique, beach, sunset, person, sky, clouds

10 Awesome Things to Do in Iquique Chile

With a long and lovely desert coast line, delicious fresh seafood, and its laid back beach-vibes, there are many diverse things to do in Iquique, Chile . In fact, this chilled out city has oftentimes been called the “Miami of South America.”

While most tourists skip the north of Chile altogether, the beaches and desert provide a fun playground, at least for a few days. There are more things to do in Iquique than soak up the sun on its many beaches; however, the coastline provides awesome sunsets, a plethora of fresh seafood options to indulge in, and an old war ship museum.

The “Miamiesque” city has a lovely plaza and some beautiful streets to stroll, like Calle Baquedano, and a bustling Central Market. Keep your eyes peeled for politically fueled street art and graffiti. One of the more adventurous things to do in Iquique is to paraglide above the city. There are a few interesting day trips like the ghost town of Humberstone. The region has such a huge history with mining that port cities like Iquique were formed.

So, let’s discover all the awesome and overlooked things to do in Iquique, Chile.

Quick facts about iquique, explore all of the beaches, walk the boardwalk at sunset, eat at the fish market, stop by the corbeta esmeralda museum, relax in the plaza arturo prat, stroll along calle baquedano, visit the central market, look for street art, catch some wind, go paragliding, take a day trip from iquique, 10 awesome things to do in iquique.

Iquique is located in the North of Chile in the heart of the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the World. Arica, Chile’s border city to Peru, is 200 miles to the north, while Chile’s larger port city of Antofagasta is over 300 miles to the South. Yes, sometimes it’s easy to forget how long Chile really is.

Iquique makes an excellent place to chill out, especially for those overland travelers moving slowly south from Peru by bus. While the border city of Arica is also known for its beaches, I personally preferred the whole overall feel of Iquique.

Hang out in this port city for a few days and make sure to not miss the desert oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama . San Pedro de Atacama is probably most famous for its incredible star gazing; however, the region is the gateway to some “out of this world” landscapes.

In short, Iquique is a great place to help break up the long distances of the north and still provides a lot of fun things to do!

Safety Precaution

Although most of Iquique is safe, it should be noted that when the sun goes down, the area around the main bus terminal should not be walked, especially for solo travelers. Also, some of the streets further from the main areas can also become a little dodgy at night. Make sure to verify with your hostel or a local of which streets to avoid.

Psst… I loved the sleeping at Aotea Hostel Iquique . The staff was incredibly helpful and showed me interesting things to do in Iquique and what to avoid. The shared rooms are super clean with lots of plugins in the beds, and the kitchen was impressive with a small terrace and pool!

Playa Bellavista, Things to do in Iquique, buildings, mountains, clouds, sky, rocks, ocean

Iquique is nestled in the arid Atacama desert, making the many beaches THE place to be in the city. The most popular beach is Playa Cavancha . Here, find a sprawling beach with places to lay out a towel and soak up the sun. What’s nice about this stretch of beach is there are lots of vendors selling street food and public showers to rinse off at.

If looking for something a little more “rustic,” Bellavista Beach is a tranquil favorite. Walk north from Playa Cavancha, around 20 minutes or so. Behind the local government building of Tarapacá are a few secluded and quiet beaches. These small beaches are rockier, but offer some great views of Iquique in the backdrop. There is less beach space to lay out and relax, but you may just be the only person at this beach.

South of Playa Cavancha is the sprawling Playa Brava .

One of the best things to do in Iquique is to walk the wooden boardwalk at sunset. The most beautiful section is around Playa Cavancha, where there are places to sit and watch the sun disappear into the Pacific Ocean. Nearby on the side streets, find a few ice cream shops. Treat yourself with a cone during your sunset stroll.

Paila marina, Seafood soup, mussels, crab, bread, bowl, Iquique Fish Market, Caleta Riquelme

Due to its close proximity to the ocean, a visit to the fish market IS a MUST . Locals and tourists alike flock to Caleta Riquelme , Iquique’s most popular fish market. In the morning hours, the first floor is filled with people eyeing up the day’s fresh catch. Find everything from crab, fish, shrimp, and sea urchins. The first floor also has some snacks to munch on while shopping, like seafood empanadas or a small cup of ceviche.

At lunch time, the second floor is packed with locals eating from a variety of small restaurants serving up daily lunch menus for around $5. Do you hear something quite noisy? Don’t miss heading out the back door of the market to watch lazy sea lions fight over scraps.

There are so many places to grab fresh fish, but Caleta Riquelme has the ambiance, the bustle, and the views to make it one of the top places to eat and one of the best things to do in Iquique.

A short walk away from Caleta Riquelme is the Corbeta Esmeralda Museo (Corvette Esmeralda Museum). This museum is all about the Esmeralda ship that was actually sunk in Iquique in 1879. Yes, the museum is housed in a replica of the wartime vessel. You don’t have to pay for an entrance ticket to walk up and get a closer look of this impressive ship. Out front are some info plaques in Spanish and English; however, all the tours are in Spanish only.

Logistics | Entrance Ticket for Non-residents: $3,500 CLP ($4.50 USD) | Tour Duration: 50 minutes | Hours: Monday to Friday 9:30 – 12:30 & 14:00 – 17:15 | official website & online reservations

Plaza Arturo Prat, clock tower, Torre del reloj, flag, fountains, people, trees, grass, sky, plaza, things to do in Iquique

The Plaza Arturo Prat is Iquique’s main plaza and is lined with restaurants, cafes, and inviting places to relax in the grass or on a shaded bench. The plaza’s center piece is the Torre del Reloj , the clock tower made of Oregon Pine Wood. Street performers are often playing music and dancing, creating a lively atmosphere. At night, the plaza is filled with families enjoying the cooler temperatures.

In the Plaza Arturo Prat are important buildings like the Performing Arts Theater and the beautiful Spanish Casino . The Spanish Casino has a private membership that allows access to the “club.” Non-members can enjoy the lobby and beautiful restaurant, or attend a free cultural event.

Right off of Plaza Arturo Prat is the beautiful street of Baquedano . Cutting through the center of the street is the old railroad tracks, a reminder of the mining history in this region. Now, along this street are trendy restaurants and rooftop bars. The streets are often times filled with local artisans selling jewelry, old coins, used books, souvenirs, and street food.

Baquedano is one of Iquique’s most picturesque streets, and it’s pedestrian friendly!

Although not as visually appealing as many markets throughout South America, the Central Market still makes for an interesting pit-stop. There are many women selling produce and veggies, but again, the most interesting section of this market is the fresh seafood market. On display, find fresh seafood that was brought into the market at wee hours of the morning. The central market also offers up a few restaurants with seafood focused menus. Many of these can be found on the 2nd floor of the central market.

Chile has been struggling for years with the current government administration. The people have been vocally protesting and opposing the constitution in place. Chile has been no stranger in the news recently for the torching of the public transportation system in Santiago. The people are not afraid to have their voices heard. One of the most interesting things to do in Iquique is to seek out the political street art.

Many times the street art is simply a powerful saying that has been spray painted onto a wall. Other times, it’s beautiful murals and paintings. One of the most moving and powerful things to see in Iquique is the government buildings. A majority of these buildings have been “paint bombed” by locals to show their distaste and current feelings towards the Chilean government.

Looking for something a little more daring? One of the most adventurous things to do in Iquique is to go paragliding. The city of Iquique is surrounded by coastal mountains and since it is located in the driest desert, the flying conditions are almost always on-point. Iquique loves to boast that they have no less than 10 “non-flying days” for eager paraglider’s through the whole year. Almost every single day, it’s possible to see adventure-seekers flying above the city.

Tandem flights are available, but many people come to Iquique to become certified to fly on their own.

Although there are a wide range of things to do in Iquique, some of the most memorable experiences are actually day trips from the city. Here are two great day trip options to take from Iquique.

The Mining Ghost Town of Humberstone

wood school, swing set, sand, sky, Humberstone, ghost town Chile

Less than 45 minutes away from Iquique is the mining ghost town of Humberstone . In northern Chile, there were over 200 mining communities and these two may be the best preserved and most interesting. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is fascinating and the entrance ticket allows access to both Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works.

At one time, there were over 3,500 inhabitants in this make-shift mining community. It was abandoned abruptly in 1960, but what is left behind is fascinating. Walk next to abandoned mining equipment, old railroad cars on tracks that lead to nowhere, a school, community pool, and housing units that show the harsh living conditions for these workers and their families.

With public buses passing frequently departing from Iquique, a tour of Humberstone makes an excellent and worthwhile full day trip.

Pica Hot Springs

Cocha Resbaladero, Thermal Pool in Pica Chile, pool, people, oasis, sky, clouds, day trips from Iquique, Pica

Iquique’s salty beaches are a great place to relax, but looking for a more natural oasis? Two hours from Iquique is the small village of Pica. In this hamlet find the rustic thermal pools of Cocha Resbaladero . The natural spring is nice, but it’s quite small. What is fun is there are little caves you can swim in to escape the hot desert sun. This natural pool has become quite popular, so if you don’t arrive early or stay later, the bath can be overcrowded.

Don’t expect a high-end luxury pool, but there are basic showers, lockers, and changing rooms onsite. Pica is a great (but long) day trip for those spending an extended amount of time in Iquique.

Logistics | Bus Fare (Round Trip) : $7,000 CLP ($9 USD) | Entrance Ticket: $3,000 ($3.75 USD) | Full Day Trip from Iquique

Another bonus of Pica is that they are known for their citrus fruits. All along the road leading to Cocha Resbaladero are multiple food stalls selling fresh squeezed juices and bags of citrus for cheap. A fresh squeezed glass of lemonade will set you back $1,000 CLP ($1.25 USD). Some vendors even sell fresh fruit ice cream; I highly suggest the mango! Another foodie treat of Pica is the traditional plate of Pastel de Chocolo.

While most tourists skip the north section of Chile, Iquique is a wonderful port town to visit. The sizzling city offers a wide range of activities for any type of traveler. Some of the best things to do in Iquique are free, like enjoying one of the many beaches, strolling through the Plaza Arturo Prat, or seeking out the political street art. With its close proximity to the sea, don’t miss a chance to sample as much local seafood dishes as possible. Some of the most interesting highlights of the city are actually day trips, like the ghost town of Humberstone.

Overall, there are lots of amusing and fun things to do in Iquique. Don’t make the mistake of missing the north coast of Chile!

Have you visited the beach city of Iquique? Did you visit any of the sites from my above list of things to do in Iquique? Do you have something to add to this list of things to do in Iquique? Let me know in the comments below!

Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.

Hey, my name is Megs! I'm an adventure-seeking, wanna-be storyteller, with a wandering soul who is smitten with the diversity of this beautiful world. You can find me hiking in the mountains, eating delicious food, and seeking out the most authentic travel experiences possible. Experiences and memories are my most prized possessions. I love to slow travel and have been nomadic for over 12 years.