This northern Chilean port town sits between the Pacific Ocean and snow-capped Andes. Its sandy beaches and proximity to the Atacama Desert make it a natural starting point for desert tours.
Iquique sits at the edge of northern Chile's Atacama Desert, where sand dunes meet the Pacific Ocean. You can watch surfers catch waves at Playa Cavancha, walk past wooden mansions on Baquedano Street, or explore abandoned mining equipment at Humberstone ghost town. The city's duty-free Zofri shopping zone and year-round warm weather make it popular with both Chilean and international visitors.
Getting Around Iquique
Diego Aracena International Airport connects Iquique with Santiago and other Chilean cities from its location 48 kilometers south of the center. Public buses run every 10-15 minutes along main streets and connect the center with the Zofri shopping zone. You'll find both shared taxis (colectivos) and private taxis throughout the city.
Beaches and Water Sports
Playa Cavancha's two-kilometer stretch includes separate zones for swimming and surfing. Head to the northern section for the best waves, or stay in the central area to use the volleyball courts and walking paths. The water stays between 15-18°C (59-64°F) year-round, so bring a wetsuit for water activities.
Adventure Activities
You can slide down 100-meter sand dunes at Cerro Dragon while looking out over the Pacific Ocean. Local operators at the base rent boards and protective gear. For a bird's eye view, take off from the coastal cliffs on a paragliding flight lasting 15-20 minutes. First-time flyers can book tandem rides with certified pilots.
Historic District
Walk down Baquedano Street to see 1800s wooden buildings from the nitrate mining period, including the restored Astoreca Palace and Zagreb Hotel. The buildings combine Georgian and Victorian styles with practical adaptations for desert weather, like wooden balconies and tall windows. Inside the former customs building, the Naval Museum displays ship models, weapons, and personal items from the 1879 Battle of Iquique.
Humberstone Mining Town
Located 45 kilometers east of Iquique, this UNESCO World Heritage site preserves a complete saltpeter mining community. You can walk through workers' homes, the town square, theater, school, and company store. The industrial area contains the original machinery used to extract nitrate from desert soil until operations ended in 1960.
Local Food Scene
The central market area has many Chilean-Chinese restaurants, where local seafood meets traditional Asian cooking methods. Visit the fishing port's morning markets to see the day's catch arrive. Try a mango sour, made with fruit from the nearby Pica oasis.
Shopping at Zofri
The 2.4-square-kilometer duty-free zone contains over 500 shops selling electronics, clothing, and imported goods. The main mall opens Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00, while wholesale warehouses keep different hours. Remember to bring your passport for tax-free purchases.
