Playa Cavancha

The big beach scene in Iquique is Playa Cavancha. Everyone heads out to these several kilometers of pale grey sand – and not only to bathe in the warm sun or to surf in the brisk water. This perfect, crescent-shaped beach has much more to offer.

From Avenida Prat to the sea is a long wooden walkway lined with food and souvenir stalls. To the south is Casino Iquique and to the north of the boardwalk, Aventura Yacaré, an aquarium and mini-zoo featuring the yacaré (Caiman latirostris) (Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Entry: free). A short walk up the grassy park between the avenue and beach is Parque Temático Cavancha, where sea lions give free shows in the El Colegio de los Lobos (Friday 11:30 a.m., Saturday 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tel.: 54-4857 / 08-929-4160, E-mail: p.villegas.f@gmail.com). In the parks’ corrals are alpacas and llamas. Also along this promenade are pools with waterfalls cascading off man-made rock tors.

Location:
Avenida Arturo Prat
Iquique, Chile

Beach Types:
Zoo, casino

Getting There
Playa Cavancha is about a 15-minute walk from Iquique’s town center. Micro (city bus) No. 10 leaves from Tarapacá and Martínez downtown, to go to Playas Brava, Cavancha and Huaquique ($0.80).

Travel Tips: Playa Cavancha is classified as a beginner surfer’s beach, though do beware of the rocks. On Península Cavancha are many up-scale hotels and restaurants, and the small Santuario de Lourdes whose altar screen is a replica of the Lourdes caves.

Price Description: Free.

Relative price: Budget

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: Bring along your swimwear and towel, water and a picnic lunch, sun screen, glasses and hat. If you’re a surfer, don’t forget the board and wetsuit. Leave valuables behind at the safe deposit of your hotel.

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. Soak in the hot springs at Pica or Mamiña.

Currencies accepted
Chilean Peso

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: 29 Jun 2009

Updated: 30 Jun 2009

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