Nestled in a golden crescent of coastline in northern Chile, Iquique is one of Chile's premier beach resorts. Once a nitrate boom town, the city is better known for its gorgeous beaches, lively nightlife, and duty-free shopping. From sandboarding down a giant dune and catching some of the best surfbreaks in Chile to dining on freshly caught seafood and living it up in the city’s glitzy casino, there is no shortage of things to do in Iquique.
Thanks to its mild climate, which ranges from an average winter low of 54.5ºF (12.5ºC) to an average summer high of 76ºF (24ºC), Iquique is a great place to visit any time of year—and provides an attractive escape from much of the rest of the country’s chilly winter weather. For the warmest weather and best beach conditions, visit in summer, from December to March.
Iquique is small enough that you can easily get around the main attractions and beaches on foot. For trips farther afield, such as the duty-free mall, you can jump on one of the micros (public buses) that run along the major streets in the center or, if you’re in a hurry, grab a taxi.
If you’re planning to shop in Chile, Iquique is a money-saving bet as it's home to the largest duty-free zone in South America. ZOFRI (Zona Franca de Iquique) is in the city's north and has hundreds of stores selling duty-free goods, from electronics and alcohol to designer clothes and perfumes.
