First time in Iquique
A resort like city with many top hotels, a casino a nice pesdestrian shopping walkway and good beaches. There is even something of a Chinatown near the market.
But the main attraction in this town is its duty free zone. Known as “Zofri” its a decent place to pick up discounted designer perfumes or a laptop, should you be in the market for them.
Climate in Iquique
Like the rest of the Atacama desert, Iquique has a bone dry climate but suprisingly gets cloudy at times, especially in the morning.
Where to stay in Iquique
Hotels in Iquique
Iquique has a wide range of accomodation ranging from true 5 star hotels to basic pensions. To search for available hotels, visit one of the hotels sites listed below.
Priceline
The expedia network
Decolar.com (em portugués)
Hostels in Iquique
There are a few good hostels in Iquique, including the Backpacker’s Hostel on Amunategui 2075, which we recommend. To check availability of hostels in Iquique click here: Hostels in Iquique
How to get to Iquique
Flights to Iquique
The Cavancha Airport airport (IQQ) is located 41 kms south east from the center See on map. Daily flights to Santiago and other national destinations with LAN, and Sky.
To check on flights to Iquique, fill out the form below.
By Bus
There closest thing to a central bus terminal is the Terminal de Buses on Patricio Lynch. Many bus companies also leave and arrive from the mercado and have ticket offices there as well.
The Sta. Rosa bus terminal is located on Av. Pedro Prado 2360 while Tur Bus’ terminal is located on Esmeralda 594
Company Santa Angela, Barros Arana 971, services Pica. Alternatively take a tour with Mamiña on Latorre 769 or go by shared taxi.
International bus services go all the way to Lima with Ormeño, Sargento Aldea 776, and La Paz, Bolivia,with Cuevas y González , Sargento Aldea 850
Services
Restaurants in Iquique
The area around Mercado Centenario is home to Iquique’s Chinese population. Many restaurants there serve Chifa, the rice dish popular in Peru.
Nightlife in Iquique
Britania Pub, on Arturo Prat 1092, is a good bar. Their website is cool to look at, but a bit slow to load.
The casino can be found at Av Arturo Prat 2755. Roulette, black jack, Caribbean poker, baccarat, craps and live music on weekends. Open 24/7/365.
More info on Iquique
The official internet site of Iquique has very little information that would be of use to a traveler. But another website has good info on shows and other events in the city of Iquique.
Things to do in Iquique
Baquedano Street is a cobblestone street lined with Georgian and Victorian houses. In spite of the obvious impact of tourism on the area, it still retains its “wild west” feel.
The villages of Pica and Matilla, 120 kms south east of the center, are oasises in an otherwise arid region. Nearby dinosaur tracks have been found.
Shopping in Iquique
Zofri, the largest tax free shopping zone in South America, is located in the north of town. The last time we were there we heard a rumor that there is buying limit of 1000 dollars per person. You may want to verify that if you plan on purchasing multiple items. Open until 8pm Mon-Sat.
South America