Iquique is a port city on the Pacific coast of northern Chile, in the Tarapacá Region. It sits in the Atacama Desert, where dry hills meet the ocean, and the city's setting gives many of its views a striking contrast of sea and sand.
What the city offers
- Duty-free shopping, which the city is known for and which draws many visitors to its shops.
- Saltpeter heritage, a reminder of the nitrate industry that shaped the region's economy and its historic buildings.
- A working port, where the rhythm of the harbour gives the city much of its character.
Planning a visit
Iquique suits travellers who want a coastal city with a distinct desert landscape close at hand. It works well as a base for a few days, combining time by the sea with an introduction to the region's history. Visitors interested in the saltpeter past will find it a useful starting point, while those looking for shopping will find the duty-free trade a central part of city life.
The city is also known as Ique, a name you may see in some sources. Whatever name you use, the combination of Pacific shoreline, desert backdrop and industrial heritage is what makes Iquique distinct within northern Chile.
