Huara

Huara is a town of approximately 2,500 in the Tarapacá Region, 75 km east of Iquique on the road to the altiplano. It is a historic railway town on the former Iquique–La Paz line and is surrounded by the nitrate ghost towns of Humberstone and Santa Laura. The name comes from the Aymara language.

By Plane

Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ) in Iquique is 75 km west. Buses from Iquique run 3–4 times daily (1 hr, CLP 2,500).

By Car / Road

From Iquique, take Route 16 east for 75 km (1 hr). Paved road.

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

• Humberstone and Santa Laura Nitrate Offices: 5 km south — UNESCO World Heritage sites, the best-preserved nitrate mining ghost towns.

• Plaza de Armas: the central square.

• Nitrate ghost town tour: walk through the abandoned Humberstone and Santa Laura offices.

• Stargazing: excellent clear desert skies.

• Cocinería Huara (budget): empanadas and sandwiches. 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 Huara (shared CLP 10,000).

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

• Iquique (75 km west, 1 hr): regional capital and beaches.
• Pozo Almonte (25 km south, 20 min): provincial capital.
• Pica (60 km south, 1 hr): oasis town.
• Camiña (70 km east, 1.5 hr): altiplano valley.