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Summer by the Sea, All Year Round

Iquique is a city where people really know how to live. It's not unusual to spot a convertible sports car zipping along the esplanade, which is framed by tall white buildings and runs along the beach.

The Duty Free Area created in 1975 transformed this city into a center of commercial exchange, especially with the countries of Mercosur and Asia Pacific. In the Zofri Mall, which is part of this area, you can find electronics, fine perfumes and liquors as well as all sorts of high-tech gadgets and vehicles.

If you're not looking to shop, you can spend your days by the sea. The average annual temperature is 18ºC, and the area known as "The Peninsula" is home to great restaurants that serve authentic mango sours made with the creamy tropical fruit that is one of the region's treasures.

Southeast of Iquique you'll find the oases Pica and Matilla and plantations producing mangos, guavas, oranges, grapefruits and lemons.

The Mamiña Circuit is one of the best ways to explore the foothills of the Andes and their hot springs and interesting archeological sites.

Towards the pampa, abandoned saltpeter mining towns like Humberstone offer a look into the area's mining past. There's also Pisagua, a saltpeter port that still features the buildings from the golden age of this mineral.

Iquique has restored its old quarter to show off its valuable architecture and refurbished museums. This is no doubt the the perfect place to enjoy your dream vacation.

Featured Destinations of Iquique

Pica		Pisagua

Tours you can do

Getting There By Plane There are daily flights from Santiago to Diego Aracena Airport (2.5 h). There are also flights from Arica (45 min). By Bus From Santiago, the ride takes 26 hours. The buses depart from: - Terminal Los Héroes: Located on Tucapel Jiménez and Alameda near the Los Héroes metro station. A number of bus lines offer trips to the northern part of the country. Telephone: (562) 420-0099 - Terminal San Borja (formerly Terminal Norte): At the intersection of San Borja and Alameda near the Estación Central train station. Bus companies provide service to northern Chile and within the Metropolitan Region. Telephone: (562) 776-0645 You can also make the 4 hour (307 km) trip from the northern city of Arica. By Car From Santiago, take Route 5 north, crossing through the Atacama Desert (1,790 km). From Antofagasta, take Route 1 (431 km). This highway leads past the outcropping of cliffs that run along the coast. It's part of the Cordillera de la Costa (Coastal Mountain Range), which reaches altitudes of over 1,700 meters and whose foothills literally reach out over the sea. It's quite a sight.