Overview
Iquique is a free port and duty-free shopping destination in Northern Chile, best known for the Zofri zone and high-rise beach hotels. The city grew during the 19th-century saltpetre mining boom, leaving behind a historic center with Victorian and Georgian architecture grouped by national colonies (Spanish, Croatian, Chinese).
Architecture · Beach · Day Trips · History · Surfing
Before you go
Beaches
Playa Cavancha is the main swimming beach. Avoid swimming at Playa Brava and Playa Huayquique due to dangerous submarine tides.
Duty free
ZOFRI duty-free zone offers electronics, perfumes, and alcohol at lower prices. Check current purchase limits before making large buys.
Money
Chile uses Chilean pesos (CLP). ATMs and credit cards are widely accepted in the city. The ZOFRI duty-free zone accepts USD but has purchase limits.
Transport
Micros (local buses) are cheap for getting around. Shared taxis at 500 pesos and private taxis at 2,000 pesos supplement bus routes. The airport is 48 km south.