Location: Iquique
Top Things to do in Iquique
Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in Iquique, Tarapaca Region
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. Costanera
2. Ruta Patrimonial
3. Oficina Salitrera Santiago Humberstone
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,649 reviews
Reviewed By KatrienS955 - Ghent, Belgium
The village and factory were build to subtract and treat salpeter, and is thus located near the place where the stone containing saltpeter was found, in the middle of the desert. Once the natural saltpeter industry collapsed, due to synthetic fertilisers, the town was deserted, as its only reason for existence stopped. Since then the town has slowly decayed, although more recently the decay has been stopped, and some parts are partially renovated. It is thus a mining town preserved, although the housing for the miners themselves have collapsed and disappeared. But the other housing, the hotel, theatre, grocery store where they had to pay with fichas, as they weren't paid in money, but fiches that could only be spent in the town stores owned by the mine company. Also the factory buildings largely remain. Very well worth a few hours strolling through, in the part near the entrance typical objects used in the town are on display, and there is a decent amount of information also in English.
4. Baquedano Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 980 reviews
Reviewed By KatrienS955 - Ghent, Belgium
This is the street were during the saltpeter boom, the rich build their houses. All of wood, with porches and balconies, in a style that reminds one a bit of Charleston. In the middle of the street there are palm trees, and there are plenty of benches. Most of the houses are in decent condition, some are very nicely renovated. Sadly, due to the protests, some have tags and are partially boarded up. But still a lovely and very safe street to slowly walk through and enjoy the architecture. There are quite a few hostals, and pubs, as well as a few restaurants with terraces outside.
5. Boya Esmeralda de Iquique
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By CarolinaSotoS - Las Condes, Chile
We took the Milenko 1 boat at the caleta, we had to wait about 15 minutes till the tour started. The captain explains everything you are watching, and after 30 minutes, you arrive to the place where the “combate naval de Iquique” took place. The captain tells you the whole story about this Chilean heroes and when you arrive to the Boya, the place where the Esmeralda sunk, the chicken enthem starts and it’s really overwhelming. You take a trip to the past. A really nice and educating trip, you will enjoy it.
