The Best Museums To Visit In Iquique Chile

At first glance, you would think that Iquique is a popular tourist destination in Chile simply because of the constant sunshine, sparkling ocean, relaxed town centre, and beautiful beaches that line the whole city. Although those are prominent reasons why people vacation in Iquique, travellers tend to frequent here for the historical aspect and cultural experiences available at the excellent museums.

1. Humberstone Saltpeter Works

Museum

No museum can be more interactive than the preserved town of Humberstone, which visitors can walk around. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, this destination, located just under 50 kilometres (31 miles) inland from Iquique, was one of the ‘nitrate towns’ that grew during the late 1800s, and it feels as if everyone got up and left everything behind, which they essentially did.

2. Regional Museum of Iquique

Museum

A very informative, free museum in the centre of town on Baquedano Street, the Museo Regional de Iquique takes you back in time as far as science can record. Starting at the creation of the universe, visitors can ‘travel’ through the Jurassic era, into the local history of the Chinchorro people, and into the expansion of Iquique through saltpeter mining. There are a lot of visual aspects, including ancient mummified human remains and fossils.

3. Iquique Naval Museum

Museum, Building

The history of Iquique is much more than a fast-growing mining town, and the Iquique Naval Museum explains its pivotal point during the War on the Pacific. The exhibits inside the fortress-style building delve into the maritime past of Iquique, exploring the battles that took place on these shores and the brave sailors who fought them. It’s a great way to get informed of the history of Iquique while on the way to the Corbeta Esmeralda.

5. Municipal Theatre

Building, Museum, Theatre

Iquique at night from the Municipal Theatre

Along with the Torre del Reloj, or clock tower, directly in front, the Municipal Theatre and Museum in the centre of Iquique is possibly the most beautiful building, inside and out, that the city has to offer. The theatre, completed in early 1890, is still immaculate inside and now acts as a museum showcasing the entertainment history of Chile as well as the old-fashioned techniques and procedures used to create special effects during the performances.

6. Military Museum of Tarapaca

Museum

Behind a very unassuming, beige exterior hides more information on the history and independence of Tarapaca, the province that hosts the town of Iquique. The Military Museum of Iquique is another reminder that Chile’s history and independence was a bloody one. Seemingly prehistoric muskets and rifles, as well as cannons and daggers, are on display, allowing visitors to compare the form of war from just over a century ago to what it is today.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.