Like Icarus, visitors to the city can strap on wings and go soaring above the bay of Iquique. Paragliding, or parapentismo, gives flyers a bird’s eye view of the nitrate flats and geoglyphs decorating the landscape. At Alto Hospicio upon the heights of Iquique, before the road plunges down to the port, is the take-off point for these aerial excursions. Beginners can go in biplaza, or tandem flights piggybacking with a pro, or take courses to learn to leap from the nest into complete freedom.

Location:
Iquique, Chile

Paragliding and Hangliding

Getting There
Several agencies specialize in paragliding: Fly Iquique (Labbé 1518, Tel.: 42-7008 / 43-2373, E-mail: Miguel.flyiquique@gmail.com), Escuela Profesional de Parape

Travel Tips: For information about parapentismo in Iquique, visit www.parapenteiquique.cl.

Relative price: Budget

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: One thing to definitely leave behind is your fear of flying, or heights, for that matter.

Swim, sunbathe or surf at Cavancha and the other beaches in Iquique. Stroll down Paseo Bolognesi, visiting the historic houses and museums. Head out to the arid pampas to visit the old nitrate mining oficinas Humberstone and Santa Laura, or check out Gigante de Atacama and the other geoglyphs decorating the desert hills. Visit historic Pisagua and soak in the hot springs at Pica or Mamiña.

By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began traipsing throughout...

Created: 30 Jun 2009

Updated: 30 Jun 2009

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