Iquique, Chile

Iquique is a city in northern Chile, capital of Tarapacá Region, on the Pacific coast, west of the Atacama Desert and the Pampa del Tamarugal. It is located on a rocky peninsula in the rainless Atacama Desert, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Iquique is a relatively new city, however its 19th century architecture is worth viewing. Calle Baquedano is an avenue with palm trees growing down the middle. The houses along the avenue are in the North American Georgian style, and were all built between 1880 and 1920. Important buildings on the street include the Museo Regional and the Palacio Astoreca.

The beaches at Iquique are also popular and there is a waterfront promenade stretching 4km's from Playa Bellavista to Playa Huantajaya. It is made up of a wide-open strip, lined with gardens, children's games, fountains and beaches, including Playa Cavancha.

Things to see and do

* Walk Baquedano
* Iquique center
* Municial Theater of Iquique
* Historic Sites
* Iquique's 19th century architecture

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - Peso (CLP)
Language - Spanish
Population - 220,000 approx
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style
Time - GMT minus five hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 56

Port Location - The port of Iquique is located approximately .5km from the town centre.

Transport Links - Many flights from Iquique's Diego Aracena Intrnational Airport (IATA: IQQ) connect daily with Santiago and other main cities in the country. International flights are offered to Bolivia and Argentina.

Buses pull in on different locations. The 'main terminal' north of the centre serves most destinations, but quite a few buses from Arica pull in close to the central mercado in the cross between Calle Barros Arana and Thomson. 'Tur-bus' have their own terminal on Calle Esmeralda. Several daily arrivals from Arica, Antofagasta and Santiago. Also buses from La Paz, Oruro and Cochabamba in Bolivia.