Iquique
Chile · Regi�n de Tarapac�CL
City and Commune in Tarapacá, Chile
Iquique 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 the Atacama Desert. Its name comes from the Aymara Language: "Iki Iki," meaning "land of dreams." It has a population of 191,468 according to the 2017 census. It is also the main commune of Greater Iquique. The city developed during the heyday of the saltpetre mining in the Atacama Desert in the 19th century. Once a Peruvian city with a large Chilean population, it was conquered by Chile in the War of the Pacific (1879–1883). Today it is one of only two free ports of Chile, the other one being Punta Arenas, in the country's far south.
Read more on Wikipedia →- Population
- 188,003
- Coordinates
- -20.213, -70.150
- Timezone
- America/Santiago
- Elevation
- 1 m
Overview of Iquique
Set in Regi�n de Tarapac�, Chile, Iquique is a mid-sized city. Records put its population near 188,003. Which matters when you decide how long to stay. The local offer centres on culture, nature and water sports. Its southern-hemisphere position decides when the high season falls.
Things to do in Iquique
Culture in Iquique
(14)Looking for culture? Iquique has Ancient Ruins, Architectural Buildings, Cathedrals, Churches and Docks. The full list runs to 14 activities. Straight from the activity profile stored for Iquique.
Nature in Iquique
(14)Iquique's nature entries include Beaches, Caves, Countryside, Desert and Forest. All of it is drawn from Iquique's recorded activities. That is 14 tagged options in total, so there is room to pick and choose.
Water Sports in Iquique
(11)Looking for water sports? Iquique has Bodyboard, Diving, Jet Skiing, Kiteboarding and Kitesurfing. In all, 11 activities are recorded in this category. This reflects only what is documented for Iquique.
Nightlife in Iquique
(10)Our data lists Bars, Casinos, Clubs, Disco and Events as nightlife options here. In all, 10 activities are recorded in this category. This reflects only what is documented for Iquique.
Adventure in Iquique
(9)Under adventure, Iquique is tagged with Adventure, Adventure Parks, Amusement Parks, Boat Rides and Off Road Trails. In all, 9 activities are recorded in this category. This reflects only what is documented for Iquique.
Sports in Iquique
(7)Iquique records Biking, Hiking, Hiking Trails, Running and Skateboard under sports. All of it is drawn from Iquique's recorded activities. That is 7 tagged options in total, so there is room to pick and choose.
Wellness in Iquique
(4)Iquique's wellness entries include Spa, Therms, Turkish Baths and Wellness. Everything listed here comes from what Iquique is actually tagged with. Small in number, simple to combine into one outing.
Family in Iquique
(3)Family in Iquique covers Playgrounds, Water Parks and Zoo. Each one is worth building half a day around. Straight from the activity profile stored for Iquique.
Shopping in Iquique
(1)Shopping in Iquique covers Shopping. Plan them together and you have a full day. Straight from the activity profile stored for Iquique.
More to do in Iquique
(2)The other activities shortlist for Iquique: Fishing and Secret. All of it is drawn from Iquique's recorded activities. Small in number, simple to combine into one outing.
Best time to visit Iquique
December to March brings the conditions water activities need. Choose October to November and March to April for hiking without the heat or the crowds. Snow activities belong to June to August. Culture, dining and nightlife hold up in every season.
Getting there & around
Reach Iquique by regional transport from the nearest hub in Regi�n de Tarapac�; the core is compact enough to walk. Time zone: America/Santiago.
Similar destinations
Places near Iquique that share the same kinds of activities.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Iquique known for?
- Iquique, in Regi�n de Tarapac�, Chile, is best known for culture, nature and water sports. Those categories cover most of what visitors record here, in a place of roughly 188,003 residents.
- What can you do in Iquique?
- Recorded activities in Iquique include Ancient Ruins, Architectural Buildings, Cathedrals, Churches and Docks. Combine two or three of them and you have a full day without leaving the area.
- When is the best time to visit Iquique?
- December to March brings the conditions water activities need. Choose October to November and March to April for hiking without the heat or the crowds. Snow activities belong to June to August. Culture, dining and nightlife hold up in every season.
- Where is Iquique located?
- Iquique is located in Regi�n de Tarapac�, Chile. Use the country and region pages to see what else lies nearby and to plan a route between stops.
Personal notes
Loading…