Iquique was originally a small village of Chango Indians who subsisted on fishing and trade. The town grew in importance following the Spanish invasion due to the wealth of minerals and nitrate in the area. Iquique eventually became one of the country's main nitrate ports and a strong infrastructure was developed.
Today Iquique has a population of approximately 140,000 and fishing is once again the primary industry. The city is also well known for it's shopping and duty free zone which attracts Chileans from all over the country.
The colonial-style customhouse, Edificio de la Aduana, was built in 1871. It is a unique structure with meter-think walls and an octagonal tower. The building was used by Peru to hold prisoners during the War of the Pacific. Today it houses the naval museum.
The Zona Franca is a major duty free zone and huge shopping district. The area is well known throughout the country and Chilean's come from all over to shop here. Christmas is a particularly busy time in Iquique.
This 1904 Georgian-style mansion belonged to a nitrate tycoon. The interior features elaborate woodwork and stained glass windows, and houses a collection of works by local artists.
Playa Brava is a scenic area with a beautiful beach and the nearby dunes of Cerro Drágons. However, large waves and rip currents can make swimming here dangerous.
The Museo Regional contains a small size recreated altiplano village, as well as a pre-Columbian collection with fishing equipment, and traditional Indian ceramics and crafts.
Hours:
9:30am-1pm, 3pm-6:30pm; Sat:10am-1pm, 3pm-6:30pm; Closed: Sun
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Iquique
