Making the most of Iquique
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships are docked close to the center of town.
Iquique, with a population of over 200,000,, is the capital of Chile’s northern most region. The name is derived from the native Aymara language, Iqui-ique meaning “peaceful place of rest”. It is sometimes called “The Miami of Chile” for its high front beach hotels and condominiums. As a holiday destination people come from all over South American attracted particularly by its duty free status..
Paseo Costanera The waterfront promenade is 4 km long, stretching from Playa Bellavista to the neighborhood of Playa Huantajaya, to the south of Playa Brava. It is made up of a wide-open strip, lined with gardens, children's games, fountains and beaches, including Playa Cavancha. Puntilla del Marinero This little point is in the northern sector of the costanera. Here, sited on a rocky promontory where the waves break thunderously, stands a massive bronze statue in honor of the Navy. From here you can see the buoy which marks the site of the sinking of the Esmeralda. There is also an extensive view of the city. Boya de la Esmeralda The…
Getting around
Walking is the most convenient mode of transport for getting to and from the beaches. You can share a taxi for 500 pesos and or get a private one for 2000 pesos. Faster than taking the bus.
Nearby places
Visiting beaches is a must. Iquique is known for its good weather and beaches (playas) with "Playa Cavancha" being the largest. Be careful not all them are apt for swimming, submarine tides are dangerous in some places. There is also good surfing in town.
Food and shopping
The duty-free zone, Zofri, is located in the north of town. A convenient place to stock up on duty free perfumes and laptop computers.
Baquedano Street is a cobbled, old-Western style street with plentiful tourist and artisan activities.
Money
Credit Card acceptance is considerably reduced in small towns and communities, for which reason when visiting these it is recommended you take with you cash in local currency: the Chilean peso. 1 USD = 712 CLP. This will prevent any unpleasant surprises.
Staying connected
Spanish is Chile's official language
Chile has so-called cyber-cafes, stores offering Internet access. The cost of accessing the world info network varies from town to town. In Santiago, an hour online costs 4 dollars, while in Calama it costs 6 dollars, approximately. On the other hand, the main hotels and lodging places frequently offer Internet access to their guests, in many instances at no extra charge.
Ambulance service: 131 Fire Brigade: 132 Carabineros (Chilean police): 133 Drug Enforcement: 135 Andean Mountain Rescue Squad: 136 Sea Rescue: 137
Opening Hours and
Business and trade establishments in Chile are generally open to the public from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a 60 minute lunch break at 1 p.m. Saturday timetable is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. In malls, the timetable is Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.