Alto Hospicio

Alto Hospicio is a city of approximately 110,000 in the Tarapacá Region, situated on the coastal cliff above Iquique at 600 m elevation. It is the fastest-growing city in northern Chile, having expanded from a small settlement to a major residential and industrial suburb of Iquique in the last 20 years.

By Plane

Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ) in Iquique is 25 km west. Buses from Iquique run frequently (30 min, CLP 800).

By Car / Road

From Iquique, take the coastal road that climbs the cliff (15 km, 20 min). The road is paved.

The town centre is compact and walkable. Local taxis and colectivos cover the residential areas.

• Mirador de Alto Hospicio: a viewpoint at the cliff edge with a panoramic view of Iquique and the Pacific.

• Plaza de Armas: the central square.

• Zona Franca (ZOFRI): the duty-free industrial zone, a major employment centre.

• Shopping at ZOFRI: the duty-free zone is the main reason to visit.

• Iquique day trips: the coastal city is a short drive away.

• Restaurante El Mirador (mid-range): Chilean food with views. Mains CLP 6,000–12,000.
• Cocinería La Plaza (budget): empanadas. Mains CLP 3,000–5,000.

Tap water is safe to drink. There are a few simple bars and cafés on the main square.

• Budget: Hostal Hospicio (shared CLP 10,000).
• Mid-range: Hotel ZOFRI (private CLP 35,000–50,000).

• Mercado local: a small market selling fresh produce and basic goods.
• Almacenes de la plaza: grocery stores for daily needs.

• Iquique (15 km west, 20 min): beaches, ZOFRI, and the historic old town.
• Pica (100 km east, 1.5 hr): oasis town with natural swimming pools.
• Pozo Almonte (60 km east, 1 hr): interior town.
• Mamina (120 km east, 2 hr): traditional altiplano village.