10 Best Things To Do In Iquique, Chile

1. Visit Corbeta Esmeralda Museum

Corbeta Esmeralda Museum is a very significant part of Chile’s history. During the War of the Pacific, Corbeta Esmeralda was sunk by the Peruvians in 1879. Now there is a life-size replica of Corbeta Esmeralda. There is a 40-minute tour to see the quarters of the ship while learning about the battle as the Esmeralda succumbed to a superior Peruvian Ship. Learn about the stories of the making of a country and its heritage. It is a must-visit in Iquique.

Corbeta Esmeralda Museum

Address: Av. Arturo Prat Chacón, Iquique, Tarapacá, Chile

Website: Corbeta Esmeralda Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9:30am - 12:30pm, 2pm - 5:15pm; Sat: 9:30am - 12:30pm, 2pm - 4:45pm; Sun: 9:30am - 12:30pm, 2:30pm - 4:45pm (closed on Mon)

2. Spend some time at Playa Cavancha

Iquique is known for its wonderful beaches, Playa Cavancha is one of the most popular in all of them. It is a bustling, dynamic, and beautiful part of the city. It is along the Pacific Ocean and it is a great place to go if you want to relax and enjoy it at the same time. During the day, it is a very lively sports place where people can join in on a game of paddle ball, volleyball, and even beach soccer. There are gyms around for those people who are looking to be fit. Take a dip at the ocean or just walk along the boardwalk and binge around some business establishments beside the beach.

Playa Cavancha

Address: Playa Cavancha, Iquique, Tarapaca, Iquique Chile

3. Delve in the stories told by Museo Regional de Iquique

One of the most diverse and informative museums one can find in South America is Museo Regional de Iquique. There is no excuse not to visit the museum because it is free for anyone who wants to explore and discover. Here, the history exhibited dates back to 1935 when the museum was established. This happened right after the nitrate depression when the Agricultural and Mining Development Institute worked hard to boost the economy of the region.

Museo Regional de Iquique

Address: Baquedano 951, Ex Huancavelica 47, Iquique, Tarapacá, Chile

Website: Museo Regional de Iquique

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 6pm; Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

4. Put Teatro Municipal de Iquique on your itinerary

Visiting the Clock Tower? Teatro Municipal de Iquique is just across the Clock Tower, so if one wants to visit the other, it comes with a package deal. It has a gorgeous facade that is dwarfed by its spacious and even grand indoor space. Visitors can witness the pulley system that is used to lift actors and even rafters to the spotlight and the stage. The theater was built in 1889 with wood that was shipped from Chile.

Teatro Municipal de Iquique

Address: Teatro Municipal de Iquique, Iquique, Tarapacá, Chile

5. Experience combing or surfing Cerro Dragon

Aside from the beautiful and relaxing beaches, there is also a gigantic mountain of sand known as Cerro Dragon where people can go and surf the steep hills of sand. It is a daring location with a journey that’s worth it. The view from up top is just beautiful and worth a hike. It is also known that the sunset from the top is one of the most special there. Enjoy the sport and the sunset at Cerro Dragon and its sandy attraction.

Cerro Dragon

Address: Cerro Dragon, Iquique, Tarapacá, Chile

6. Check out Plaza Prat

Plaza in Iquique is a 19th-century beautiful piece of art that is hard to miss. Located in Iquique’s central square it leads to the 1977 Torre Reloj clock tower. The architectural piece seems to look more like a cake with sugar frosting. It looks like a wonderful piece of infrastructure surrounded by jumping fountains that are lined by the walkway south of Teatro Municipal. The neoclassical building has been hosting opera and theaters since 1890. It is handsomely restored to continue serving the arts and culture of the city.

Plaza Prat

Address: Iquique, Tarapacá, Chile

7. Take a walk down Calle Baquedano

This wide street leading to the center of the town is a pedestrian-only street where locals and tourists can walk and get to see Calle Baquedano in detail. Calle Baquedano is where culture, traditions, arts, and good cuisine are. There are also train tracks running down the street serving as proof that old streetcars were used to navigate through the streets. The facade of faded, wooden, and saloon-style architecture seems to mirror the Wild West. The street shows pieces of Chile’s mining history.

Calle Baquedano

Address: Calle Baquedano, Iquique, Tarapacá, Chile

8. Take a day out to shop at Mall ZOFRI

For shopping enthusiasts and addicts, Mall ZOFRI is the perfect destination in Iquique, Chile. It is a free-trade zone and has a numerous variety of products and brands that are highly attractive to retailers and buyers. Consumers, investors, and residents visit every day just to find anything they would be needing for their businesses or daily needs. The place is full of action at all times.

Mall ZOFRI

Address: EDIFICIO CONVENCIONES S/N RECINTO AMURALLADO, Iquique, Chile

Website: Mall ZOFRI

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 6pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

9. Marvel at the relics at Iquique Naval Museum

Iquique Naval Museum, locally known as Museo Naval de Iquique, is situated right beside Corbeta Esmeralda, an ancient ship that offers a profound insight into the history of the War of the Pacific. In addition to that, the museum also tells the story of the Chilean seas and the battles fought. There are a number of tours inside for travelers to check out. Inaugurated on May 20, 1983, the museum houses historical relics saved from the wreck of Corbeta Esmeralda.

Iquique Naval Museum (Museo Naval de Iquique)

Address: Baquedano 1396, Iquique, Tarapacá, Chile

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 2pm, 3pm - 5:30pm; Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed on Sun)

10. Relish the delish spread at Santorini Restobar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Upholding the essence of gastronomic cultures and traditions, Santorini Restobar is proud to still serve carefully curated gastronomic gourmet food or as they call it “slow food.” The restaurant serves Greek concept food. It is a popular restaurant known for its finesse in the kitchen making it feel like a high-end restaurant worth spending your money on. Try their hamburger and beer, moussaka, or caliente de cinco carnes.

Santorini Restobar

Address: Aeropuerto 2808, Iquique, Tarapacá, Chile

Website: Santorini Restobar

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 1pm - 4pm, 7pm - 11:45pm; Fri: 1pm - 4pm, 7pm - 1am; Sat: 1pm - 4:30pm, 7pm - 1am; Sun: 1pm - 5pm, 7pm - 11pm

Have the unforgettable Iquique experience in Chile

Iquique, Chile, is a melting pot of historical wonders, great culinary scene, and natural beauty. It is definitely a place to go for a relaxing vacation away from work and daily stresses. There are activities that you can try and if time permits, visit the attractions mentioned above.