Tourist Guide Iquique
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.
