Iquique is the Capital of the far northern Tarapacá region. In this amazing city the sun shines practically all year round. As well as its fine historical architecture, the city has a wealth of culture. It is also a place where adventure and good mood is in the air.

Among the attractions and things to do are surfing, body boarding, paragliding, biking, rally, sand boarding, scuba diving and shopping at the biggest “tax free” area in South America (ZOFRI). There are also many beautiful places and interesting scenery not far away from the city like oases, thermal baths, geysers, volcanoes, geoglyphs like the Atacama Giant, which is the world’s largest rock art, salt flats, almost unexplored highland lagoons full of flora and fauna, and ancestral Aymara villages. Another gorgeous place to visit are the ruins of the saltpeter mines at Humberstone and Santa Laura. The industry once gave life and wealth to the whole country, but since the mines were closed, they have become complete ghost towns and named World Heritage Sites. Walking down calle Baquedano, an attractive pedestrian boulevard in the centre of Iquique, is a journey that takes you back into the golden age of the nitrate mines.

If you`re here in July, make sure you see the “Fiesta de La Tirana”, the most important religious festival in Chile, with traditional dances, food and party for almost 2 weeks! As soon as you arrive in Iquique, you’ll realize that heading up or down the coast of the country, the city is a logical and unforgettable stopping point. We’re sure you won’t be disappointed.

Once you have had enough of sun in one of the most attractive beaches in the northern Chile, there are direct transport to the rest of the country as well to Peru, Argentina and Bolivia.