Historic Quarter Iquique
Iquique's 1877 clock tower in Plaza Prat, a unique landmark reflecting English settler history and a vibrant city center.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great light
Historic Quarter Iquique
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iquique's 1877 clock tower in Plaza Prat, a unique landmark reflecting English settler history and a vibrant city center.
"The clock tower signifies the weight of time to the settlers from England who founded the town."
📸 Quick Photo Op
The clock tower is adorable and worth a quick photo. It's a central meeting spot!
💰 Pedal Car Fun
Rent pedal cars for 1,000 CLP for 15 or 30 minutes. Great for families!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand 1877 Clock Tower
Plaza Prat
An iconic landmark with English settler history, built from Oregon pine. A must-see photo spot!
Plaza Prat's Unique Anchor
Plaza Prat
Unlike traditional plazas, this one is anchored by a theatre, offering a distinct historical narrative.
Pedal Car Rentals
Plaza Prat
Fun for all ages! Rent pedal cars and trikes for a playful way to explore the plaza.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to the Clock Tower
Understanding the Clock Tower's Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Quick Photo Op
The clock tower is adorable and worth a quick photo. It's a central meeting spot!
💰 Pedal Car Fun
Rent pedal cars for 1,000 CLP for 15 or 30 minutes. Great for families!
📍 Central Hub
This plaza is the city's central location, surrounded by restaurants, bars, and historic buildings.
☀️ Summer Vibes
Iquique has the best climate for relaxing in the summer. Enjoy the beach nearby!
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Quick Photo Op
The clock tower is adorable and worth a quick photo. It's a central meeting spot!
💰 Pedal Car Fun
Rent pedal cars for 1,000 CLP for 15 or 30 minutes. Great for families!
📍 Central Hub
This plaza is the city's central location, surrounded by restaurants, bars, and historic buildings.
☀️ Summer Vibes
Iquique has the best climate for relaxing in the summer. Enjoy the beach nearby!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Historic Quarter and its clock tower charming and historically significant, appreciating its role as a central meeting point. While some note it's not as bustling as expected and primarily lined with banks, the unique English influence and the fun pedal car rentals are highlighted positives. It's considered a worthwhile quick stop for photos and a glimpse into Iquique's past.
"Nice plaza, surprised it wasn't busier. They had pedal cars and trikes for rent (1,000 for 15 or 30 minutes) a few restaurants but seemed most of the square was banks.
I think one of the most interesting things was that this plaza is not the traditional Spanish style Plaza, anchored by a grand cathedral. The plaza seems to be anchored instead by a theatre. The clock tower, explained a Chilean we met, signifies the weight of time to the settlers from England who founded the town. Interesting perspective."
An'e Perez
"Most central location of the city: nearby you'll find restaurants, bars, museums, tourist curiosities. Really adorable little clock tower worth the quick photo."
Helder Toste
"A meeting spot in Iquique where you will be able to find food, banks, drinks and also have tour agencies around to plan your next trip, a must if you are a visitor in Iquique!"
Alfredo Rodrigo Marca Solis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Historic Quarter, centered around Plaza Prat and the clock tower, is the heart of Iquique. It's easily accessible by foot if you're staying nearby, or a short taxi or bus ride from other parts of the city. Many visitors find it a convenient starting point for exploring Iquique.
Parking in the immediate vicinity of Plaza Prat can be challenging due to its central location. It's often easier to use public transport, taxis, or walk if you're staying in the city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Historic Quarter and Plaza Prat, including the clock tower, are public spaces and do not have an entrance fee. You can freely wander and admire the architecture.
Plaza Prat is a public square and is generally accessible at all hours. However, individual shops, banks, and restaurants surrounding the plaza will have their own operating hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Historic Quarter is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Admire the 1877 clock tower, explore Plaza Prat, and discover nearby historic buildings. You can also find tour agencies to plan further adventures.
Yes, tour agencies are often located around Plaza Prat, offering various tours of Iquique and its surroundings. It's a great place to start if you're looking to book a guided experience.
The clock tower is best viewed from Plaza Prat. It's a central meeting point and offers great photo opportunities, especially during the golden hour.
You can rent pedal cars and trikes in Plaza Prat for a fun activity, especially for families. The cost is typically around 1,000 CLP for 15 or 30 minutes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Plaza Prat and the surrounding streets are lined with numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes offering a variety of cuisines. You'll find plenty of options to satisfy your appetite.
While there are many restaurants, exploring the side streets off Plaza Prat might reveal more local eateries or smaller cafes that offer more affordable options.
📸 📸 Photography
The 1877 clock tower in Plaza Prat is the primary photo spot. The surrounding historic buildings and the theatre also offer great photographic opportunities.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer people, while late afternoons provide a beautiful golden hour glow for stunning photographs of the clock tower and plaza.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical significance might be more for adults, the general ambiance and the opportunity for a playful activity make it an enjoyable stop. Grabbing a casual bite at one of the many restaurants around the plaza is also easy with kids.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, look for local eateries off the main tourist paths around the plaza for more affordable meal options. The availability of tour agencies in the plaza also allows you to compare prices and find budget-friendly tours for exploring further afield.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Clock Tower: A Symbol of Iquique's Past
Visitors often remark on the tower's charm and its significance as a meeting point. The explanation that the tower symbolizes the 'weight of time' for the English founders provides a deeper appreciation for its presence. It’s a structure that invites contemplation about the layers of history embedded within Iquique's urban landscape.
For photographers, the clock tower is a prime subject. Capturing it during the golden hour in the late afternoon can yield particularly dramatic results, with the warm light casting a beautiful glow on the historic structure. Early mornings offer a more serene setting with fewer crowds, allowing for unobstructed shots and a peaceful experience.
Exploring Plaza Prat: More Than Just a Square
The atmosphere in Plaza Prat can vary throughout the day. While it's a busy commercial center with banks and shops, it also offers a pleasant space to relax and people-watch. The presence of exercise machines and a bike path along the nearby beaches like Playa Cavancha and Playa Brava, mentioned by locals, suggests a city that values outdoor activity and well-being.
When visiting, take a moment to appreciate the plaza's unique character. It’s a dynamic space that blends historical significance with modern amenities, offering a comprehensive Iquique experience right in its center.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit