Iquique

Written by David Garcia, Keith Roberts, Maria Gaulto
05/08/2025
A serene view of Iquique from a sand dune overlooking the cityscape at sunset.
luis garces, Pexels

Iquique is a vibrant coastal city in northern Chile, recognized for its golden sand beaches and a unique blend of historical charm. It serves as a hub for both relaxation and adventure, offering activities ranging from water sports to desert excursions.

Opportunities for socializing are found in areas near the beach, where bars and clubs contribute to a lively nightlife. Playa Cavancha often buzzes with a festive atmosphere, and the pedestrianized Calle Baquedano provides an appealing setting for evening strolls with various dining establishments. Some accommodations, particularly hostels, offer common areas that facilitate interaction among travelers.

Top 5 Things to do in Iquique

Iquique offers a diverse range of experiences, from exhilarating desert adventures and aerial escapades to immersive historical explorations and relaxing coastal pursuits.

1. Paragliding over Cerro Dragón

Experience the incredible sensation of soaring high above Iquique, gliding over the city, the dramatic coastal landscape, and the vast Atacama Desert. The views of the Pacific Ocean meeting the desert dunes from this vantage point are truly unforgettable. Tandem flights are readily available with certified instructors, making it accessible even for first-time flyers. Flights typically launch from Alto Hospicio and conclude with a gentle landing on one of the city's beaches, often Playa Cavancha, depending on wind conditions.

Cost: A tandem paragliding flight typically costs around CLP $50,000 per person .

Transport: Most paragliding tours include pick-up from your accommodation in the urban area, transporting you to the launch site in Alto Hospicio .

2. Explore the Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works

Step back in time at these UNESCO World Heritage sites, two abandoned saltpeter mining towns that tell the story of a bygone era. Humberstone is particularly well-preserved, with numerous buildings open to explore, offering a vivid glimpse into the daily lives of the 'Pampinos' workers. Santa Laura showcases the impressive industrial machinery. Wandering through these ghost towns provides a poignant understanding of Chile's industrial heritage and the distinctive culture that flourished in this remote desert environment.

Cost: The entrance fee for both sites is approximately CLP $6,000 (valid for both Humberstone and Santa Laura, which are 2 km apart) . Guided tours from Iquique are available, with half-day options starting around CLP $35,000 or full-day tours including other desert oases for around USD $90 (excluding entrance tickets to the saltpeter works) . Visiting independently by public transport is a more economical option .

Transport: The sites are located about 45 km east of Iquique. You can take a local minivan (Pulman Santa Angela) from opposite Mercado Centenario in Iquique for about CLP $3,000, which takes roughly an hour to reach Humberstone . From the highway, a footbridge leads to the site . Tours typically include transport .

3. Stroll along Paseo Baquedano and the Historic Center

Immerse yourself in Iquique's rich history by walking along Paseo Baquedano, the city's main historical street. Admire the distinctive Georgian-style wooden mansions, built between 1880 and 1920, which reflect the wealth of the nitrate boom era. This vibrant promenade is home to essential landmarks such as Plaza Arturo Prat with its iconic Clock Tower (dating back to 1877) and the Municipal Theatre. You can also visit the Regional Museum, which houses artifacts including Chinchorro mummies, and the Esmeralda Corvette Museum, a replica of a significant Chilean warship. The street is lined with various restaurants and cafes, perfect for enjoying local cuisine or a leisurely break. A charming, free wooden tram also runs along the street.

Cost: Exploring the street and main plaza is free. Guided walking tours, often including museum entrance fees, can cost around CLP $44,000 (USD $64) per person for a 3-hour experience with an English-speaking guide . Individual museum entry fees apply if not part of a tour.

Transport: The Historic Center is centrally located and easily walkable from most accommodations in downtown Iquique.

4. Sandboarding at Cerro Dragón

For an active adventure, try sandboarding down Cerro Dragón, a colossal urban sand dune that dominates the Iquique skyline. This unique natural formation offers exhilarating descents and provides sweeping panoramic views of the city, coastline, and the expansive Atacama Desert. It is an exciting way to engage with the desert landscape directly adjacent to the city.

Cost: Organized sandboarding tours are available, with prices ranging from CLP $34,000 to CLP $45,000 (approximately USD $37-$49) . Equipment rental and transport are usually included in tour packages.

Transport: Cerro Dragón is situated in the southern part of Iquique. Tours typically provide transport to the dune. For independent visitors, a taxi would be the most convenient way to reach the base of the dune.

5. Relax and Enjoy Playa Cavancha

Playa Cavancha is Iquique’s premier beach and a vibrant hub for both relaxation and activity. Its golden sands and often calm, warm waters make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports like surfing, windsurfing, and kayaking. The beach area buzzes with life, featuring a pleasant boardwalk for strolls, public showers, and numerous vendors offering snacks and refreshments. As evening approaches, the area transforms with a lively atmosphere, supported by nearby restaurants and cafes.

Cost: Access to Playa Cavancha is free. Costs would apply for renting water sports equipment (specific prices not found in recent articles).

Transport: Playa Cavancha is centrally located within Iquique and is easily accessible by foot from many hotels or via the Avenida Costanera and Arturo Prat .

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