THE ENDLESS SUMMER
3 days in Iquique: The quick guide
Plan your 3 days in Iquique with our quick guide, where you will find tips on where to sleep, eat and what to do in the perfect surf town.
Iquique is the textbook surf town. Consistently perfect waves bless the coastline, it never rains and good, healthy food is spread all over the city.
It’s also the perfect place to stop when travelling north towards Arica or Peru. We spent few lazy, perfect days in Iquique to recharge and relax.
Where to sleep in Iquique
Splash out at Pampa Hotel
Born from the remodelling of an original 1900s house, reusing historical elements such as the Oregon Pinewood, imported by ships during nitrate mining era. Modern and stylish, with ten comfortable rooms and welcoming commons areas, Pampa Hotel is your dream design house.
Take it easy at El Faro Hostal
A lovely, newly built B&B with the perfect location right on the main beach and close to all the most delicious restaurants. This family-run B&B has four rooms and an inside courtyard, where breakfast is beautifully served in the morning. The hosts are the kindest and most accommodating we’ve encountered during our trip and made our stay extra comfortable.
Where to eat in Iquique
Lunch at Ebisu Sushi
Sushi that comes with a very appetizing lunch special. The rolls were packed with almost more fish than rice, and everything is deliciously fresh. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual and they also have vegetarian options!
Lunch at Espacio Bhanga
For all vegans and vegetarians, Iquique offers many options but Espacio Bhanga must be the nicest and most delicious one. A beautifully decorated space where you can have lunch, do yoga and take part in several other cultural activities. We chose the set lunch menu, for 3000 pesos you get two courses of tasty vegan dishes and a juice.
Dinner at La Traviata
My Italian heart rejoiced at the sight of a proper Italian restaurant and I was not disappointed. The pizza was just perfect, with crunchy base an authentic toppings. Just off the main beach, La Traviata has great food and perfect location.
Where to have a drink in Iquique
Keep it local on the beach
The best thing to do in Iquique when the sun starts to set, besides having a sunset surf, is for you to have a drink and a snack on the beach. Go to the Unimarc supermarket, buy yourselves a couple of beers and snacks then head down to Playa Cavancha to enjoy the sun setting over the Pacific ocean while enjoying a cold brew.
Consistently perfect waves bless the coastline
Top 5 things to do in Iquique
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Go for a wave. Iquique has many great surf spots both in and outside of town. You can rent a surfboard and wetsuit at the surf shop next to Mahalo Good Food cafe for 15,000 CLP.
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Have a walk in the city centre along the main road called Baquedano if you feel like being transported to a Wild West village. Short colourful houses next to wooden ones made of original Oregon pine, line up on the road.
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Take a day trip to Humberstone and Santa Laura saltpetre works. Two former saltpetre refineries which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2005.
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Make a day-trip to Pica where you can enjoy the famous Pica Lime which is found in many a Pisco Sour. There is also a fresh-water oasis where you can spend a lazy afternoon!
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Go paragliding. Iquique is famous for paragliding as there is a gigantic mountain right behind the city. You can go for lessons or do a tandem glide with prices starting around 40,000 CLP.
