Location: Iquique
Top Things to do in Iquique
10 Tours in Iquique That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Atacama Fat biking
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Be part of a pioneer experience on the first fat biking tour in Chile during this 7-hour travel-to-trek adventure. Depart on a 3-hour picturesque drive to your amazingly vast departure point while relaxing in your driver-led vehicle. Float over the sand on a unique adventure in a remarkable setting for almost 10 miles (16km). Ride smoothly among gorgeous dunes that fall from the foothills of the Altiplano to the desert. Most of the route is on soft downhill or flat sand, with no climbing on the dunes. Flow down fast as you watch the beautiful desert in front of you. At the finish point your vehicle will be waiting for you with a fresh snack and natural juices from the nearby local town, where organic fruits grow. The maximum number of people per tour is 4 travelers with a minimum booking requirement of 2 travelers.Transportation, water, day backpack and specialized bilingual guide is included with access to your Mongoose Fat Bike and helmet.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Oasis' fresh fruit juice, Local Driver/guide, Professional guide, Use of bicycle and helmet, Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions: Lunch and/or dinner, Tickets to "Cocha resbaladero", Everything not mentioned in the program
Reviewed By 814graziellab
We booked the Wildlife Photo Safari Pacific-Andes tour from Iquique, a unique experience and probably the best way to learn about nature and culture of the Andes region around Iquique in a short time. Billy is extremely knowledgeable about the region and let no question unanswered (and we asked many!). Not only spotting a great variety of wildlife but also the overnight stay with an Aymara family at 4000 masl, listening to the songs and tales of Don Eugenio, and learning about their life and traditions, will remain unforgotten.
2. Pintados Geoglyphs Humberstone and Salar Grande tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Tour visiting the ghost town of Humberstone (UNESCO), Pampa del Tamarugal National Reserve, Cerro Pintados geoglyphs, Salar Grande and a Sea lions colony. Local products picnic lunch included.
Inclusions: Local taxes, Bottled water, Snacks, Professional guide, Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions: Drinks
Reviewed By 814graziellab
We booked the Wildlife Photo Safari Pacific-Andes tour from Iquique, a unique experience and probably the best way to learn about nature and culture of the Andes region around Iquique in a short time. Billy is extremely knowledgeable about the region and let no question unanswered (and we asked many!). Not only spotting a great variety of wildlife but also the overnight stay with an Aymara family at 4000 masl, listening to the songs and tales of Don Eugenio, and learning about their life and traditions, will remain unforgotten.
3. Sandboard activity in Iquique with Transfer
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Iquique city of extreme sport, we have the largest urban dune in the world the Cerro Dragon, its fine sands, variety of tracks and good weather all year round makes it the best place to practice this sport. The breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean during sunset is undoubtedly one of the best experiences in the area.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Sandboard and helmet, Photos and videos, Professional Instructor
Exclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Alcoholic Beverages
Reviewed By Merel96
It is an amazing tour, really recommend it when you want to sandboard or just want to learn it. We got beautiful pictures and videos after from the go pro!
4. Humberstone Saltpeter Tour - Pica Oasis
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
We are known for delivering good service, the best personalized and prepared guides, excellent transport cars and drivers, punctuality, excellent lunch, the tour makes your trip something wonderful.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Lunch
Exclusions: Soda/Pop, Gratuities, Hot springs, Pica, Entrance tickets to the Saltpeter Works
Reviewed By Christian M
This agency is to be avoided ! We booked a tour including the Humberstone visit with this agency. While the guide was much involved and very passionate, the bus was very old and obviously not maintained. It broke down on the verge of the desert 75 km away from Iquique. We were told a replacement bus was supposed to pick us up but it never arrived (it was never sent actually). After 4 hours waiting in the middle of nowhere,we (15 tourists including kids) had no choice but to take a regular bus back to Iquique (at night!)
5. Half day City Tour Iquique and Replica of Esmeralda Corvette
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
Meet the beautiful city of Iquique in this complete tour that will take you to visit the coast, its churches and its beautiful heritage. In addition you can enter the replica of the Esmeralda Corvette, while listening to the history of this emblematic ship.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Entrance included to the corvette
Exclusions: Food
6. Tour Geisers - Isluga
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
We enter the most beautiful places of the Tarapacá region where the fauna and flora is a unique experience, you will know the giant of Atacama the largest geoglyph in the world with 85mts of extension, then we go to the village of Chuzmisa where we will see the lookout the ravines and a panoramic view of the place, we go to the Geisers, where we will see the fumaroles and the geyser explosion, we go to the thermal baths and the national park of Isluga, ending in the border town of Colchane where the Giant Cactus
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Entrance tickets
Exclusions:
Reviewed By forevelyn71
My experience was wonderful because of the beauty of the nature, the colour of the lagoon is impressive, a place worth it to visit. The bad part was the the service delivered by Tarapacá Travel, seems that they only care of taking money and nothing else. I say that because in our way there the van broke down... ok things happen and no blame in that, so despite of that “incident” we decided to enjoy our journey by ourselves because our guide was busy trying to fix the van!! Meanwhile under our excitement we were walking with out knowing over dangerous Phreatic zone, But how we could possibly would know without our tour guide guy. Thanks God nothing bad happened but what about if something could happened? Because we didn’t count with anything that could assist us in these cases, I mean, we were in the middle of nowhere without any gear or equipment in case of an emergency such as oxygen, water, blankets etc!! If wasn’t for a friendly guy who came to help us I don’t know what possibly could happen. The ideal is that a business that call themselves professional should have no only the emergency equipment but a radio system to keep in touch or be able to seek help. No impress at all with Tarapacá Travel Agency... no even a decent apology. If you are interested on visiting the laguna Roja I recommended it ???? % the place but go through another agency that operate professionally considering your comfort and safety.
7. From the Andes to the Pacific Ocean - 6 Days
From the Andes to the Pacific Ocean
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Smashas_M
We booked a return tour from San Pedro Atacama to Uyuni salt flat. Overall the tour was amazing. We were lucky to have Wilson as our guide. He was driving carefully, giving a lot of info about the sights (in Spanish only), and he is also good at taking photos, which was useful at the salt flats. Communication prior to the tour was good too, Gabriel was always available to answer our questions. The slight downside was dealing with addional requests. Another couple from our group didn't get the private bathroom they paid for. The change of the driver in Uyuni, after the main part if the tour was finished, was a bit of unpleasant surprise. If you join this tour pack soap, sanitiser and toilet paper, as hygenic facilities are basic.
8. Full day Salar del Huasco National Park - Iquique
The route to Salar del Huasco stands out from the local routes because of the easy way to access the Altiplano from Iquique. A road in very good condition takes us in some hours to more than 4.000 m, s.n.m. an area of specific biodiversity and very intense colors.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Boxlunch
Exclusions: Other types of food not mentioned
9. Half day Ghost Towns Salitreros - Iquique
We invite you to discover part of the history of saltpeter in Chile with this wonderful excursion to the saltpeter of Humberstone and Santa Laura, observe the architecture and the different establishments that gave life to this, now, ghost town.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Entry ticket to the Salitrera
Exclusions: Food
10. Natural Spa Tour of Mamiña Hot Springs
It is a thermal source that has Radioactive Baths that are applied to the whole body, after a few hours this mud or it comes off with a thermal bath leaving the skin smooth, soft and rejuvenated. They are one of the best known in the Tarapacá Region. A place where you can find everything from natural pools, mud baths and swimming pools, which are complemented by an interesting local gastronomic offer. Hyperthermal waters (above 45 ° C) are recommended for treatments of respiratory, nervous, rheumatic, dermatological, diabetic conditions, mental fatigue, anemias, sciatica, lumbociática, neurological, ulcers and joint diseases.
Inclusions: Typical of the area. with vegetarian, vegan options, etc., Snacks
Exclusions: Breakfast
Reviewed By forevelyn71
My experience was wonderful because of the beauty of the nature, the colour of the lagoon is impressive, a place worth it to visit. The bad part was the the service delivered by Tarapacá Travel, seems that they only care of taking money and nothing else. I say that because in our way there the van broke down... ok things happen and no blame in that, so despite of that “incident” we decided to enjoy our journey by ourselves because our guide was busy trying to fix the van!! Meanwhile under our excitement we were walking with out knowing over dangerous Phreatic zone, But how we could possibly would know without our tour guide guy. Thanks God nothing bad happened but what about if something could happened? Because we didn’t count with anything that could assist us in these cases, I mean, we were in the middle of nowhere without any gear or equipment in case of an emergency such as oxygen, water, blankets etc!! If wasn’t for a friendly guy who came to help us I don’t know what possibly could happen. The ideal is that a business that call themselves professional should have no only the emergency equipment but a radio system to keep in touch or be able to seek help. No impress at all with Tarapacá Travel Agency... no even a decent apology. If you are interested on visiting the laguna Roja I recommended it ???? % the place but go through another agency that operate professionally considering your comfort and safety.
