Iquique Itinerary: Saltpeter, naval history and beaches
Updated on 26 de November, 2025
2 days in the heart of the pampa and the Pacific
2 DAYS
This itinerary immerses you in the rich history of northern Chile. Travel back in time touring the
TEMPORADA RECOMENDADA
ATRACTIVOS
Inicio del itinerario
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
The Humberstone and Santa Laura saltpeter offices
Your trip to the past begins in the Pampa del Tamarugal, 47 km from Iquique, where the Humberstone and Santa Laura saltpeter offices are located. These ghost towns, declared a World Heritage Site, are a silent testimony to the golden age of saltpeter.
In Humberstone, walk through its streets and enter emblematic buildings such as the theater, the grocery store, and the workers’ homes. The exhibitions will transport you to the daily life of thousands of people who forged Chile’s wealth in the middle of the most arid desert in the world.
A few minutes away, in Santa Laura, the landscape becomes industrial. Here, the imposing ruins of the saltpeter processing plants and their rusted machinery offer a unique photographic setting. After this historical immersion, return to Iquique to enjoy its local marine cuisine.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 1
The Humberstone and Santa Laura saltpeter offices
Your trip to the past begins in the Pampa del Tamarugal, 47 km from Iquique, where the Humberstone and Santa Laura saltpeter offices are located. These ghost towns, declared a World Heritage Site, are a silent testimony to the golden age of saltpeter.
In Humberstone, walk through its streets and enter emblematic buildings such as the theater, the grocery store, and the workers’ homes. The exhibitions will transport you to the daily life of thousands of people who forged Chile’s wealth in the middle of the most arid desert in the world.
A few minutes away, in Santa Laura, the landscape becomes industrial. Here, the imposing ruins of the saltpeter processing plants and their rusted machinery offer a unique photographic setting. After this historical immersion, return to Iquique to enjoy its local marine cuisine.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
History and coast of Iquique
Dedicate the morning to the history of Iquique, starting with a walk along the Paseo Baquedano. Admire its Georgian-style houses, built during the saltpeter boom, and visit architectural gems such as the Municipal Theater and the Astoreca Palace.
Then, head to the coast for an unforgettable experience at the Corbeta Esmeralda Museum. This is a real-scale replica of the Chilean ship that was heroically sunk during the War of the Pacific. Touring its decks is reliving one of the most important episodes in the country’s naval history.
In the afternoon, visit the famous Zona Franca (ZOFRI) for lunch and shopping. End your day at the iconic Cavancha Beach, the perfect place to rest on the sand, enjoy the sun, and relax with the sound of the waves of the Pacific Ocean.
Atractivos incluidos en este día
Day 2
History and coast of Iquique
Dedicate the morning to the history of Iquique, starting with a walk along the Paseo Baquedano. Admire its Georgian-style houses, built during the saltpeter boom, and visit architectural gems such as the Municipal Theater and the Astoreca Palace.
Then, head to the coast for an unforgettable experience at the Corbeta Esmeralda Museum. This is a real-scale replica of the Chilean ship that was heroically sunk during the War of the Pacific. Touring its decks is reliving one of the most important episodes in the country’s naval history.
In the afternoon, visit the famous Zona Franca (ZOFRI) for lunch and shopping. End your day at the iconic Cavancha Beach, the perfect place to rest on the sand, enjoy the sun, and relax with the sound of the waves of the Pacific Ocean.
What you should know
How to get there by air
To begin your trip, you must take a flight from Santiago Airport directly to Diego Aracena International Airport in Iquique. The airport is located 45 minutes south of the city; you can reach the center by transfer or taxi.
How to get there by land
From Iquique, it is 47 km to the saltpeter works. For this itinerary, the most convenient way is to hire a tour to visit the pampa. Within the city, you can easily get around by taxis, shared taxis, or local buses to reach the historic center, ZOFRI, and the beaches.
Climate and clothing
Iquique enjoys a coastal desert climate with pleasant temperatures all year round. In the pampa, the sun is intense and the air very dry. Wear light clothing, but always bring a windbreaker or a light coat for the evenings.
Must-Know Tips
The sun in the desert is very strong. Always use sunscreen, a hat, and glasses, especially in the saltpeter works. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. To go to Humberstone and Santa Laura, it is recommended to go on a guided tour for a better historical experience.
