Chile (Big North Region)
Iquique
Once the center of the mining of nitrates ( used in explosives and fertilizer), Iquique still maintains the nostalgic mood of that bygone era in many of the older buildings that have been preserved. It was also the site of one of the largest naval battles in history.  wpe16.jpg (9038 bytes)
It features a duty free shopping area and beautiful white sand beaches for those who just want to relax. Just off the coast the sportsman will find excellent salt water fishing.

Iquique, home of large fortunes during the 19th C., is now an active port which still preserves its neo-classical buildings and its unique surroundings of old, abandoned mine works, ghost towns, oases, geoglyphs, hot springs and good beaches. The settlements of Huara, Chusmiza, Colchane, Canquima, Enquelga and Isluga lie towards the altiplano.  Iquique is located about 350 km. south of Arica.