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Iquique is the capital city of Región de Tarapaca (Tarapaca province) in northern Chile and lies just south of the Peruvian border. Founded in the sixteenth century and originally a part of Peru, it was ceded to Chile in 1879 during The War of the Pacific.
This city of 227,000 inhabitants gets its name from the Aymara word ‘Ique – ique’, which translates directly into ‘laziness’.
Iquique’s climate ranges from an average winter low of 12.5º C to an average summer high of 24.4º C, which makes it an all-season destination. It is one of Chile’s most visited cities for its mild climate, proximity to the Atacama Desert, archaeological treasures and access to Peru and Bolivia.
The city is a major port on the Pacific coast and exports nitrates and ore from the Atacama Desert. It also has some spectacular beaches and deep-sea fishing.
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