Location: Iquique
Top Things to do in Iquique
Countries
Top 10 Things to do in Iquique, Chile
Iquique (Spanish pronunciation: [iˈkike]) is a port city and commune in northern Chile, capital of both the Iquique Province and Tarapacá Region. It lies on the Pacific coast, west of the Pampa del Tamarugal which is part of Atacama Desert. It had a population of 180,601 according to the 2012 census. It is also the main commune of the Greater Iquique. The city developed during the heyday of the saltpetre mining in Atacama Desert in the 19th century. Originally a Peruvian city with a large Chilean population, it was ceded to Chile as result of War of the Pacific (1879–1883). Today it is one of only two free ports of Chile.
Restaurants in Iquique
1. Oficina Salitrera Santiago Humberstone
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Lucas J - San Diego, California
Probably the most well preserved ghost town of the original nitrate processing locations in northern Chile , Territory which triggered wars between Chile Peru and Bolivia for the rich Nitrate Fields in the area. It is very encouraging to see that local authorities have taken a great interest in preserving this location in its original form and promoting tourism to appreciate and learn from it
2. Museo Corbeta Esmeralda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Warren P - Boston, Massachusetts
I believe good museums become excellent museums when they realize they should cater to as many different languages as they can. FRANKLY speaking I do not think the whole story is told about the Esmeralda and much more should be said about the equally famous ironclad Huascar that sunk the Esmeralda,
Cheers
3. Regional Museum of Archaeology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 186 reviews
Reviewed By Neatham - UK
At first sight, this seems a strange museum with a jumble of ancient mummies, stuffed animals, and odd bits, but the most interesting areas are the rooms explaining the history of the nitrate industry. Not only are there explanations of important events, the people who set up the mines, and technical information about the processes, there are also lots of artefacts from the nitrate processing and the workers who lived in the mining villages.
If you are planning to go to Humberstone, it is worth coming to this museum first to set the context and learn about the life of the workers.
4. Paseo Peatonal Cavancha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By Warren P - Boston, Massachusetts
I think a lack of water keeps this area from being as green as one might like however you can see a renewed effort is being made to up-grade this walk. It is still well off say the ocean walk-way in the Miraflores area of Lima Peru.
5. Playa Cavancha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By rapha_y_nici - Canton of Zurich, Switzerland
Very nice relaxing beach to hang out and enjoy the sound of the ocean. Been here end of april and it was very comfortable, weather still good and beach not too crowded. The waves were very beautiful and there were many body boarders and surfers. The beachwalk is nice and invites you for a chilly stroll. For the sunset atmosphere turns romantic. Definitly a good place to relax if you're in this beautiful city.
6. Salitrera Santa Laura
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
Reviewed By 16jamesdoc - London, United Kingdom
This, together with Humberstone, is unmissable. Santa Laura shows how the nitrates were processed and Humberstone is a graphic display of how the workers lived, were educated, entertained and spiritually enriched. Somehow in this desolate place they seemed to have managed a community spirit.
The tour which I went on included visits to the churches of La Tirana and Tica followed by a swim at Pica. I didn't really need all of these in such detail but at CL$ 20,000 (about £20 or US$30) for 11 hours, you couldn't argue about the value.
7. Baquedano Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 845 reviews
Reviewed By Kristjan97 - Santiago, Chile
Free, nice and relaxing place, patrimonially protected and beautiful, all the houses and architecture shows an example of the care about pieces of history that represented the society centuries ago. Many restaurants for the visitors waiting for a nice afternoon.
8. Boya Esmeralda de Iquique
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By ChrisJS51 - Sevenoaks, United Kingdom
We were lucky enough to see a pod of dolphins showing off for us - the guide said he had never seen them before off Iquique. Many pelicans, sea lions and cormorants, but the penguins are more elusive. Good view of the town, and of the desert up on the Mountains behind.
9. Plaza Prat
Overall Ratings
4 based on 442 reviews
Reviewed By Jnanayog - St. John's, Canada
that had it a dozen or so trees it would be Superb. Albeit the centrepiece here is a Clock Tower, which I suppose we might assume to remind us of Time, just as do the Cathedrals we see on other Plaza sides. The Fountain of showers that rim one wooden ramp to the Tower base is a lovely touch. Nice to see the street cars are still in operation.
10. Playa Brava
Overall Ratings
4 based on 229 reviews
Reviewed By SanDiegoGuy1 - San Diego, California
This is one of two Beaches, along with the high rise apartment buildings along the coast that give Chileans the notion that this is their "Miami Beach" (USA). And, indeed, it does give a glimpse of what Miami Beach evokes visually.
Restaurants and bars are nearby.
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