City of Iquique, that in local ancient language means "where sea wolves and birds sleep," belonged to Peru before Pacific War. It was in November 23, 1879 when Chilean army conquered it and from that moment this city, that began to beautify by nitrate exploitation and commercial fishing success, didn't stop growing.

Political decision to turn Iquique in Free Trade Zone (now there works the renowned "Zofri") granted it economic growth that drove the creation of industries according to the new needs of city.

In Iquique highlight its beautiful beaches. Cavancha is the most popular of all for its warm waters and palm trees, and Playa Brava, one of the most popular in Iquique.

To start down Iquique there is no better begining point than Arturo Prat square, at Iquique downtown. With its Clock Tower, an icon of Iquique, this beautiful square is displayed next to municipal theater and Baquedano street, with the oldest and most beautiful architecture in the city. As you walk down this street is the Anker Nielsen Regional Museum , which tells nitrate history throughout the region.

The port is known for its roof dock and tourist trips  to the spot where it sank the Esmeralda, a chilean ship, during the Pacific War (1879-1883). A few meters away are the Naval Museum, the former Customs building and the cathedral, as well as port market, where you can enjoy the freshest seafood.

The Dragon hill, a several kilometers long dune, is in charge of guarding from above the beauty of Iquique, where paragliding is practiced.

Nightlife proposal in Iquique is extensive. On waterfront, its casino offers gambling and shows that are repeated in pubs and restaurants of this beautiful and thriving city that has it all.

How to get there

By Plane.Daily flights from Santiago to Diego Aracena Airport (2 hours, 30 min).

Flights also depart from Arica (45 min).

By Bus. From Santiago (26 hours). Buses leave from Los Heroes and San Borja terminals.

From Arica also depart buses that in 4 hours complete 307 km that separates both cities.

By Car. From Santiago, on 5 norte route through the Atacama Desert (1790 km).

From Antofagasta, on route 1 (431 km). This road is on headland coast, which corresponds to the Cordillera de la Costa, which reaches heights of 1,700 meters and its slopes literally sinks on the beach. Quite a show.

Activities and attractions

The Free Trade Zone is operating since 1975, transformed Iquique into a center of trade between Mercosur countries and the Asia Pacific region, mainly. However, for adventurous tourist is Zofri Mall (Free Trade Zone) where you can buy electronics, fine perfumes and liqueurs. And also all kinds of vehicles.

For those that are not interested in shoppings, you can spend the day by the sea. The  annual average temperature is 18 ° C, and at area called "La Peninsula", amid Cavancha and Brava beaches, are great restaurants where they prepare the authentic mango sour.

In honor of its history, Iquique has also rescued its old town, of high architectural value, and refurbished museums.

Pica and Matilla oasis are two towns who are united by a particular history; they compete imitating themselves. One of them put on a "The Last Supper" altarpiece on its church with child size puppets, the other did it too, if one makes alfajores with fruit, so does the other, and nobody give a recipe. They also have pools of groundwater.

La Tirana feast. The reason that Iquique is filled of people between 12 and 18 July is La Tirana feast, one of the most important religious celebrations in Chile that for nearly a week join in the same village dozens of congregations with their colorful costumes dance to Virgen del Carmen. The 16 july is the most important day of this ceremony.

Mamina circuit is also one of the most recommended to meet the foothills. Includes hotsprings and archaeological sites.

Towards la pampa, abandoned nitrate deposits, such as Humberstone, tell the mining past of the area, with its sacrifices and pleasures. Also Pisagua, a nitrate port that still retains buildings of this mineral explotation golden age.