WHERE TO STAY IN IQUIQUE

Where is the best place to stay in Iquique?

By Carles Barcelo. Updated October 27, 2023

Iquique is a popular tourist destination due to its warm climate (it rains just 15 days a year), beaches, shopping (it´s duty-free) and its beautiful natural surroundings which are teeming with national parks. It has all of the necessary elements to become Chile´s version of Las Vegas, although that idea never really took off.

The best place to stay in Iquique is the area closest to the Cavancha beach. Cavancha beach is Iquique´s best beach and has a great atmosphere as well being a great spot for swimming. The beaches’ central area is home to the Yacares theme park, among other amenities, meaning there isn´t anywhere to stay round here. However, the southern area is where most of Iquique´s best hotels are concentrated. Nearby, and with great nightlife, it’s the best area to stay when on holiday. To the north, the hotels tend to be older, although they are still close to the beach and offer a good selection of nearby restaurants. The hotels in this area are usually tall buildings with great sea views.

The picturesque and nearby city centre is lined with timber houses and is well worth a visit. For shopping Iquique has two large shopping centres: El Zofri, which is more technology orientated, and the Playa de las Américas for clothes shopping.