A hotspot for water sports enthusiasts, Iquique’s golden coastline and beachfront boardwalk attracts surfers and windsurfers. Admire its historic centre with Georgian-style architecture or explore its beautiful beaches, excellent museums and a life-size replica of a historic ship.

Things to do

Soak up the sunshine at Playa Cavancha, Iquique’s premier beach. The picturesque coastline hugs the Pacific Ocean and is a great place to enjoy swimming, beach soccer and volleyball. Stroll along the boardwalk to admire the surfers catching waves.

Visit Museo Regional de Iquique, which highlights the beginning of recorded time and explains the progression of the Earth from its creation 4.6 billion years ago. Its exhibits span from the existence of dinosaurs to the history of the Chinchorro people and foundation of the city.

Corbeta Esmeralda features a life-size replica of the ship that was sunk by the Peruvians in 1879 during the War of the Pacific. Tour its interior to see the quarters of the ship and hear stories about the events that took place. Visit the Iquique Naval Museum nearby to learn more about the War of the Pacific and other battles fought on Chilean seas.

Take a day trip to explore the ghost town of Humberstone, located 40 minutes away. Explore the well-preserved, UNESCO-listed town that was developed during the saltpetre rush in the late-1800s and was responsible for the founding of Iquique.

Getting around

Iquique can be accessed by flying into Diego Aracena International Airport, located 38 kilometres away. You can reach the beaches on foot, while buses and taxis let you travel further afield.