Iquique
Iquique is in the North of Chile. City home to the duty free zone called "Zofri" and a growing number of high rise resort hotels along its beaches. Slightly more expensive and polluted than neighboring population centers, such as Arica, but closer to Santiago and a convenient place to stock up on duty free perfumes and laptop computers.
Travel to Iquique, visa requirements
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.
Get around
Micros run along the major streets in the center and takes you from the center to the Zofri in no time. Walking is the most convenient mode of transport for getting to and from the beaches.
Iquique attractions and sightseeing
City tours
Shopping, Iquique souvenirs
The duty-free zone, Zofri, is located in the north of town. The shopping experience is somewhat set back by the fog of aerosol perfumes being sniffed and tested by snazzy dressed Chileans, but electronics are slightly cheaper than outside its fences. Memory cards are good deals. There is a maximum amount for tax free purchases, check this beforehand with police at the site.
Good restaurants and cheap meals
The area around the central mercado is Iquique's Chinatown, with overpriced unauthentic Chinese restaurants in every corner. The local restaurants between them with sandwiches and burgers for Ch$800 and up, is much better quality. Competition is fierce, do future travelers a favor and don't eat at the places with the most persistent touts.
- Pizzeria Al filo D'Oro, O`Higgins 964, +56 57 42 04 18. Thick crust pizzas for Ch$ 5000 and up. Pleasant spot with outdoor seating.
Iquique nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
Hostal Li-Ming, Barros Arana 705, +56 (0)57 421912. Convenient for buses arriving in the city center, just across the road from the terminal. Free use of kitchen, try to get breakfast included in the price before deciding. Twins without bath for Ch$8000.
Get out
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